According to the Federal Reserve's G.19 consumer credit release (October 7, 2026), the average credit card interest rate at commercial banks in Q3 2026 was 22.36% on accounts that were charged interest and 21.19% across all accounts. Your own rate depends on your credit profile, the card, and benchmark rates.
Rates last checked October 25, 2026. We re-check this page after every monthly G.19 release; the Fed's Q4 2026 card rates are expected in the January 2027 G.19 release.
"Is my interest rate normal?" is one of the most common questions people ask after opening a statement. Here's how to read the average, and more importantly, how to figure out where you actually stand. To see what your own rate costs in dollars, plug it into our credit card interest calculator.
Credit card interest rate tracker: the latest numbers
The Federal Reserve publishes two credit card rate averages each quarter, based on data from commercial banks:
| Period | All accounts | Accounts assessed interest |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20.90% | 22.15% |
| 2024 | 21.58% | 22.89% |
| 2025 | 21.22% | 22.32% |
| Q4 2025 | 20.97% | 22.30% |
| Q1 2026 | 21.00% | 21.52% |
| Q2 2026 | 20.94% | 22.15% |
| Q3 2026 | 21.19% | 22.36% |
We update this table when the Fed publishes a new quarter.
What "average APR" actually measures
The two Fed figures measure different things. "All accounts" is the stated APR averaged across every credit card account at reporting banks. "Accounts assessed interest" is total finance charges divided by the average daily balances they were charged on, and it leaves out accounts that paid no interest — which is why it usually runs higher. Advertised rates on new card offers are a third, separate measure and vary widely by card and credit tier. None of these tells you what you should be paying — only what a broad population is paying.
How the Fed's average compares with other sources
You'll see lower "average APR" figures quoted elsewhere, often around 19% to 20%. They aren't wrong; they measure something else. Most private trackers (Bankrate, Experian) show about 19–20%; WalletHub's offer average is higher. These trackers average the advertised APRs on card offers, while the Fed's 22.36% figure is what accounts that actually carried a balance were charged.
| Source | Average APR | As of | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Reserve G.19 | 22.36% | Q3 2026 | Interest actually charged on bank card accounts that paid interest |
| Federal Reserve G.19 | 21.19% | Q3 2026 | Stated APR across all bank card accounts |
| WalletHub | 22.37% | October 2026 | APRs on new card offers |
| Bankrate | 19.67% | October 14, 2026 | Weekly average of the midpoint of APR ranges on popular cards from large issuers |
| Experian (Curinos data) | 19.25% | September 2026 | Average APR on credit card offers across card types |
Why they differ: advertised averages use the middle of each card's APR range, but many people with a balance are charged near the top of their range, and penalty or cash-advance rates can push the Fed's "assessed interest" figure higher still. Each tracker also uses its own list of cards. For judging your own rate, compare it with offers for your credit tier; for what card debt really costs the average borrower, the Fed's figure is the better guide.
Why rates have climbed over the past several years
Credit card APRs are usually structured as a benchmark rate (commonly the prime rate) plus a margin set by the issuer. When benchmark rates rise, most variable-rate credit cards reprice upward automatically, without any change to your individual creditworthiness. This is the main driver behind broad, industry-wide APR increases. To see what a Fed hike or cut does to your own card, use the Fed Rate Change Calculator.
How to tell if your specific rate is good, average, or high
Compare your card's purchase APR to current published averages for your general credit tier (see what counts as a good credit card interest rate) (excellent, good, fair, limited). A rate meaningfully above the average for your tier is worth challenging — either by calling your issuer to ask for a reduction, or by shopping for a new card or balance transfer offer better suited to your current credit profile.
What actually determines your individual rate
Card issuers price risk based on your credit score, income, existing debt levels, and the specific card product's target market (rewards cards, secured cards, and store cards often carry different baseline rates). Two people can qualify for the exact same card and receive different APRs within that card's advertised range.
See what your rate is really costing you
A rate only matters in the context of your actual balance. Use the Credit Card APR Calculator to convert your specific rate into real monthly and annual dollar figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will paying off my card lower my APR?
Not automatically — your APR is set by your account terms, not your current balance. However, a strong payment history over time can make you a better candidate for a rate-reduction request or a better balance transfer offer.
Do all my cards have the same APR?
No. Each card (and often each transaction type on the same card — purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances) can carry a different APR, even from the same issuer.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not financial advice. Rates and figures cited reflect industry data available at the time of writing and can change.
Sources
- Consumer Credit – G.19 (credit card interest rates, Q3 2026) — Federal Reserve Board. Checked October 25, 2026.