Typical credit card APR by card type — from low-interest and rewards cards to store and student cards. ✓ Editorial averages
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| Card type ▲ | Average APR |
|---|---|
| Low-interest / credit-union | 18.0% |
| Business cards | 20.0% |
| Balance-transfer cards | 21.0% |
| Rewards / cash-back cards | 22.0% |
| Travel cards | 22.5% |
| All cards (accounts assessed interest) | 22.8% |
| Airline cards | 23.5% |
| Student cards | 24.5% |
| Secured cards | 25.5% |
| Store / retail cards | 29.0% |
Credit cards carry some of the highest interest rates of any consumer borrowing — averaging around 21–23% for accounts that carry a balance. Because cards are unsecured (no collateral), issuers price in higher default risk, plus the cost of rewards, fraud protection and servicing. Rates vary widely by type: store and retail cards are typically the most expensive at nearly 30%, while low-interest and credit-union cards can be several points cheaper.
Most card APRs are variable and tied to the prime rate, so they rise and fall with Federal Reserve decisions. The best way to beat card interest is to pay the full statement balance each month (owing $0 in interest), or use a 0% balance-transfer offer to pause it. See how fast you can clear a balance with our credit card payoff calculator and debt avalanche calculator.
For credit cards, the APR is effectively the yearly interest rate. These are US editorial averages; card rates in the UK, Canada and Australia differ, but the same principle applies — carrying a balance is expensive, so paying in full each month is the cheapest way to use a card.