United States · Consumer credit · Credit card rates
Credit card interest rate history.
The Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit release reports the average interest rate commercial banks charge on credit card plans every quarter. This page lists every quarter since the series began in late 1994, the annual averages, and what a balance costs at any of those rates.
Short answer: In the third quarter of 2026 the average rate on credit card accounts that were assessed interest was 22.36%, and the average stated rate across all accounts was 21.19% (G.19, released November 6, 2026). Annual averages were 22.32% and 21.22% for 2025, 22.89% and 21.58% for 2024, and 22.15% and 20.90% for 2023. The lowest full-year averages in the series were 12.73% on accounts assessed interest in 2003 and 11.87% across all accounts in 2014.
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Result
Press Show rate to see both G.19 rates for the period and the yearly interest on your balance.
Average credit card interest rate by year, 1995 to 2026
| Year | All accounts | Accounts assessed interest | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Q1 to Q3) | 21.04% | 22.01% | Mean of the 3 quarters published (derived) |
| 2025 | 21.22% | 22.32% | G.19 release, November 6, 2026 |
| 2024 | 21.58% | 22.89% | G.19 release, November 6, 2026 |
| 2023 | 20.90% | 22.15% | G.19 release, November 6, 2026 |
| 2022 | 16.26% | 17.91% | G.19 release, November 6, 2026 |
| 2021 | 14.60% | 16.45% | G.19 release, November 6, 2026 |
| 2020 | 14.71% | 16.28% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2019 | 15.05% | 16.98% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2018 | 14.22% | 16.05% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2017 | 12.89% | 14.44% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2016 | 12.35% | 13.56% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2015 | 12.09% | 13.66% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2014 | 11.87% | 13.19% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2013 | 11.91% | 12.95% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2012 | 12.06% | 12.96% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2011 | 12.74% | 13.09% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2010 | 13.78% | 14.26% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2009 | 13.40% | 14.31% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2008 | 12.08% | 13.57% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2007 | 13.30% | 14.68% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2006 | 13.21% | 14.73% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2005 | 12.51% | 14.55% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2004 | 12.72% | 13.22% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2003 | 12.30% | 12.73% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2002 | 13.41% | 13.11% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2001 | 14.87% | 14.46% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 2000 | 15.78% | 14.92% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1999 | 15.19% | 14.81% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1998 | 15.71% | 15.65% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1997 | 15.80% | 15.60% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1996 | 15.63% | 15.48% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1995 | 15.99% | 15.80% | Mean of the four quarters (derived) |
| 1994 (Q1 to Q3) | 15.69% | 15.77% | Mean of the 1 quarters published (derived) |
The G.19 release prints annual figures for the most recent five years; those are shown as published. Earlier years are the mean of the four quarterly rates, which reproduces the published 2021 to 2025 annual figures to within a hundredth of a point. 1994 has one quarter (Q4) and 2026 has three, so neither is a full-year average.
Quarterly rates since the fourth quarter of 1994
| Quarter | All accounts | Accounts assessed interest |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Q3 | 21.19% | 22.36% |
| 2026 Q2 | 20.94% | 22.15% |
| 2026 Q1 | 21.00% | 21.52% |
| 2025 Q4 | 20.97% | 22.30% |
| 2025 Q3 | 21.39% | 22.83% |
| 2025 Q2 | 21.16% | 22.25% |
| 2025 Q1 | 21.37% | 21.91% |
| 2024 Q4 | 21.47% | 22.80% |
| 2024 Q3 | 21.76% | 23.37% |
| 2024 Q2 | 21.51% | 22.78% |
| 2024 Q1 | 21.59% | 22.63% |
| 2023 Q4 | 21.47% | 22.75% |
| 2023 Q3 | 21.19% | 22.77% |
| 2023 Q2 | 20.84% | 22.16% |
| 2023 Q1 | 20.09% | 20.92% |
| 2022 Q4 | 19.07% | 20.40% |
| 2022 Q3 | 16.27% | 18.43% |
| 2022 Q2 | 15.13% | 16.65% |
| 2022 Q1 | 14.56% | 16.17% |
| 2021 Q4 | 14.51% | 16.44% |
| 2021 Q3 | 14.54% | 17.13% |
| 2021 Q2 | 14.61% | 16.30% |
| 2021 Q1 | 14.75% | 15.91% |
| 2020 Q4 | 14.65% | 16.28% |
| 2020 Q3 | 14.58% | 16.43% |
| 2020 Q2 | 14.52% | 15.78% |
| 2020 Q1 | 15.09% | 16.61% |
| 2019 Q4 | 14.87% | 16.88% |
| 2019 Q3 | 15.10% | 16.97% |
| 2019 Q2 | 15.13% | 17.14% |
| 2019 Q1 | 15.09% | 16.91% |
| 2018 Q4 | 14.73% | 16.86% |
| 2018 Q3 | 14.38% | 16.46% |
| 2018 Q2 | 14.14% | 15.54% |
| 2018 Q1 | 13.63% | 15.32% |
| 2017 Q4 | 13.16% | 14.99% |
| 2017 Q3 | 13.08% | 14.89% |
| 2017 Q2 | 12.77% | 14.00% |
| 2017 Q1 | 12.54% | 13.86% |
| 2016 Q4 | 12.41% | 13.61% |
| 2016 Q3 | 12.51% | 13.76% |
| 2016 Q2 | 12.16% | 13.35% |
| 2016 Q1 | 12.31% | 13.51% |
| 2015 Q4 | 12.22% | 13.70% |
| 2015 Q3 | 12.10% | 13.93% |
| 2015 Q2 | 12.04% | 13.49% |
| 2015 Q1 | 11.98% | 13.53% |
| 2014 Q4 | 11.99% | 13.68% |
| 2014 Q3 | 11.82% | 13.18% |
| 2014 Q2 | 11.83% | 12.74% |
| 2014 Q1 | 11.83% | 13.14% |
| 2013 Q4 | 11.85% | 12.89% |
| 2013 Q3 | 11.88% | 13.11% |
| 2013 Q2 | 11.95% | 12.76% |
| 2013 Q1 | 11.94% | 13.02% |
| 2012 Q4 | 11.88% | 12.81% |
| 2012 Q3 | 11.95% | 13.21% |
| 2012 Q2 | 12.06% | 12.76% |
| 2012 Q1 | 12.34% | 13.04% |
| 2011 Q4 | 12.36% | 12.78% |
| 2011 Q3 | 12.28% | 13.08% |
| 2011 Q2 | 12.89% | 13.06% |
| 2011 Q1 | 13.44% | 13.44% |
| 2010 Q4 | 13.44% | 13.67% |
| 2010 Q3 | 13.59% | 14.22% |
| 2010 Q2 | 13.84% | 14.48% |
| 2010 Q1 | 14.26% | 14.67% |
| 2009 Q4 | 13.60% | 14.37% |
| 2009 Q3 | 13.71% | 14.90% |
| 2009 Q2 | 13.32% | 14.43% |
| 2009 Q1 | 12.97% | 13.54% |
| 2008 Q4 | 12.03% | 13.36% |
| 2008 Q3 | 11.94% | 13.64% |
| 2008 Q2 | 11.88% | 13.51% |
| 2008 Q1 | 12.47% | 13.77% |
| 2007 Q4 | 12.75% | 14.38% |
| 2007 Q3 | 13.59% | 15.24% |
| 2007 Q2 | 13.46% | 14.47% |
| 2007 Q1 | 13.41% | 14.64% |
| 2006 Q4 | 13.31% | 15.09% |
| 2006 Q3 | 13.06% | 14.67% |
| 2006 Q2 | 13.16% | 14.77% |
| 2006 Q1 | 13.30% | 14.38% |
| 2005 Q4 | 12.58% | 14.49% |
| 2005 Q3 | 12.48% | 14.75% |
| 2005 Q2 | 12.77% | 14.81% |
| 2005 Q1 | 12.21% | 14.13% |
| 2004 Q4 | 12.51% | 13.92% |
| 2004 Q3 | 13.02% | 13.60% |
| 2004 Q2 | 12.69% | 12.93% |
| 2004 Q1 | 12.67% | 12.42% |
| 2003 Q4 | 12.35% | 12.93% |
| 2003 Q3 | 12.47% | 13.13% |
| 2003 Q2 | 12.12% | 12.89% |
| 2003 Q1 | 12.26% | 11.96% |
| 2002 Q4 | 13.11% | 12.78% |
| 2002 Q3 | 13.36% | 13.29% |
| 2002 Q2 | 13.53% | 13.36% |
| 2002 Q1 | 13.62% | 13.00% |
| 2001 Q4 | 14.21% | 13.90% |
| 2001 Q3 | 14.59% | 14.67% |
| 2001 Q2 | 15.06% | 14.65% |
| 2001 Q1 | 15.63% | 14.63% |
| 2000 Q4 | 15.99% | 15.26% |
| 2000 Q3 | 15.98% | 15.37% |
| 2000 Q2 | 15.60% | 14.76% |
| 2000 Q1 | 15.55% | 14.30% |
| 1999 Q4 | 15.12% | 14.78% |
| 1999 Q3 | 15.07% | 14.80% |
| 1999 Q2 | 15.19% | 14.94% |
| 1999 Q1 | 15.39% | 14.73% |
| 1998 Q4 | 15.67% | 15.73% |
| 1998 Q3 | 15.82% | 15.84% |
| 1998 Q2 | 15.65% | 15.70% |
| 1998 Q1 | 15.68% | 15.34% |
| 1997 Q4 | 15.76% | 15.74% |
| 1997 Q3 | 15.80% | 15.79% |
| 1997 Q2 | 15.74% | 15.72% |
| 1997 Q1 | 15.88% | 15.15% |
| 1996 Q4 | 15.62% | 15.52% |
| 1996 Q3 | 15.66% | 15.66% |
| 1996 Q2 | 15.44% | 15.33% |
| 1996 Q1 | 15.80% | 15.42% |
| 1995 Q4 | 15.81% | 15.74% |
| 1995 Q3 | 15.92% | 15.90% |
| 1995 Q2 | 16.14% | 16.26% |
| 1995 Q1 | 16.10% | 15.28% |
| 1994 Q4 | 15.69% | 15.77% |
The Federal Reserve notes a break in the all-accounts series in November 1994 because the panel of reporting banks changed, which is why the table starts there.
The two series
The G.19 defines the rate for all accounts as the stated APR averaged across all credit card accounts at reporting banks, including accounts that pay no interest because the balance is paid in full. The rate for accounts assessed interest is the annualized ratio of total finance charges to the balances on which they were charged, so it reflects what people who carry a balance actually pay. The second figure is normally higher: 22.36% against 21.19% in the third quarter of 2026.
Rates climbed from 14.56% (all accounts) in the first quarter of 2022 to 19.07% in the fourth quarter of that year, then held above 20% from the first quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2026.
Worked example
A $5,000 balance carried for a full year at the third-quarter 2026 rate on accounts assessed interest, 22.36%, costs about $5,000 × 0.2236 = $1,118.00 in interest, or $93.17 a month before compounding. The same balance at the 2003 average of 12.73% would cost $636.50. These are simple-interest estimates; card issuers compound daily and charge on the average daily balance.
Method
The quarterly rates were typed from the G.19 historical table of terms of credit (last updated November 6, 2026) and the current release. Annual means for years without a published figure are derived by averaging the four quarters. The cost estimate multiplies your balance by the selected rate; it does not model payments, compounding, grace periods or promotional rates.
What this does not cover
- Rates at credit unions and finance companies, and penalty, cash-advance or promotional APRs.
- Your own card’s rate, which is set by the issuer from the prime rate plus a margin.
- Fees, minimum-payment rules and payoff timing. The minimum-payment payoff calculator covers those.
Figures read from the sources below on November 11, 2026. Last updated November 11, 2026.
Sources
- Federal Reserve G.19 historical data: terms of credit at commercial banks, credit card plans (quarterly, 1994 Q4 to 2026 Q3; last updated November 6, 2026) (retrieved November 11, 2026)
- Federal Reserve G.19 Consumer Credit, current release of November 6, 2026 (annual figures 2021 to 2025 and series definitions) (retrieved November 11, 2026)
Common mix-ups
-
Often assumedThe G.19 credit card rate is what every cardholder pays.
What the source saysThe release defines the all-accounts rate as the stated APR averaged across every account, including accounts paid in full, and the assessed-interest rate as finance charges divided by the balances charged; neither is any one card’s APR. [2]
-
Often assumedCredit card rates in the G.19 go back to the 1970s.
What the source saysThe historical table starts with the fourth quarter of 1994 and carries a footnote on a break in the series in November 1994 when the respondent panel changed. [1]
-
Often assumedThe Federal Reserve publishes a monthly credit card rate.
What the source saysThe terms-of-credit table lists credit card rates by quarter; the November 6, 2026 release carries the third-quarter 2026 figures of 21.19% and 22.36%. [2]
-
Often assumedCredit card rates peaked in the early 2000s.
What the source saysThe quarterly table shows rates below 16% through 2021 and above 20% from the first quarter of 2023 onward, with a high of 23.37% on accounts assessed interest in the third quarter of 2024. [1]
- Federal Reserve G.19 historical table: terms of credit, credit card plans
- Federal Reserve G.19 Consumer Credit release, November 6, 2026
Checked against these sources on .
Frequently asked questions
What is the average credit card interest rate in 2026?
For the third quarter of 2026 the G.19 shows 22.36% on accounts assessed interest and 21.19% across all accounts. The three-quarter 2026 average is 22.01% and 21.04%.
What was the average credit card rate in 2025?
The G.19 annual figures for 2025 are 22.32% on accounts assessed interest and 21.22% across all accounts.
When were credit card rates highest?
The highest annual averages in the series are 2024: 22.89% on accounts assessed interest and 21.58% across all accounts. The highest single quarter was the third quarter of 2024 at 23.37%.
When were credit card rates lowest?
The lowest full-year average on accounts assessed interest is 12.73% in 2003; across all accounts it is 11.87% in 2014.
What is the difference between the two rates?
All accounts averages the stated APR of every account, including those paid in full each month. Accounts assessed interest divides finance charges actually billed by the balances they were charged on, so it reflects cardholders who carry a balance.
How often does the Federal Reserve publish credit card rates?
Quarterly, inside the monthly G.19 Consumer Credit release. The November 6, 2026 release carries the third-quarter 2026 figures.
Why does the table start in late 1994?
The Federal Reserve notes a break in the series in November 1994 when its panel of reporting banks changed, so comparable figures begin with the fourth quarter of 1994.
How much interest does a $5,000 balance cost at today’s rate?
About $1,118.00 a year at 22.36%, before compounding and assuming the balance is carried all year.
Not financial advice
This page is general information from an unofficial guide, not financial or legal advice. Rates are averages published by the Federal Reserve on the date shown; your card’s rate is set by its issuer. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. It runs in your browser.