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

	Three most recent Research, statistics stories: Rate survey: Credit card rates hold steady for 2nd week – The average interest rate on a new credit card offer remained unchanged this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report, though issuers are still tweaking APRs ... Consumer credit card balances keep rising, Fed says – Consumer credit card balances moved higher in December, as more Americans pulled out their cards for the holidays. But experts say that a return to holiday shopping may not be the only reason why consumers saw their balances swell ... Rate survey: Credit card rates hit lowest levels in 5 months – Interest rates on new credit card fell to their lowest levels since August 2011 this week, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report ...

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