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Thursday, February 9th 2012

Credit card rates: interactive graphic on APR changes

Interest rates no longer track the prime rate

By Tyler Metzger

Credit card rates used to closely track the prime rate, but they don't any more. Card issuers, for a variety of reasons, hang on to more of the spread between the rate they pay for funds and the rates they charge. It's one of many ways card issuers have raised costs for consumers in the face of declining revenues largely due to the recession and increased regulation.

Other interactives: A guide to the Credit CARD Act of 2009, Credit card reform legislation time line, The life cycle of a delinquent credit card account, Bankruptcy filings, state by state, 2005-2009

See related: Credit card reform and you, New era of credit cards begins, DIY, credit card style: Issuers roll out 'do it yourself' credit cards, Creative new fees escape CARD Act, surprise customers

Updated: April 21, 2011

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Credit Card Rate Report

Updated: 02-09-2012

National Average 14.91%
Low Interest 10.40%
Balance Transfer 12.60%
Business 13.13%
Student 13.77%
Cash Back 14.45%
Airline 14.54%
Reward 14.73%
Instant Approval 15.49%
Bad Credit 23.41%

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