Average Credit Card APRs (2026)

The average credit card APR was 20.9% in the second quarter of 2026 per the Federal Reserve, down slightly from 21.0% in Q1 but still near record highs. Averages across all cards on the market run higher (Forbes Advisor's database averages close to 25%). Subprime cards run 26-29%; secured cards average around 23%; rewards cards around 22%. Carrying a $5,000 balance at the average APR costs about $1,045/year in interest alone.