Which credit cards have the lowest interest rates (APR)?

Low-APR credit cards typically offer rates noticeably below the national average — which stood at approximately 21.00% for all accounts and 21.52% for accounts carrying a balance as of April 2026, per the Federal Reserve. Cards marketed as 'low rate' generally target well-qualified borrowers and carry fewer rewards perks in exchange for the lower rate.

The interest rate you pay for carrying a credit card balance is the APR — annual percentage rate. The Federal Reserve's G.19 Consumer Credit report for April 2026 shows the average APR across all credit card accounts at 21.00%, and the average rate for accounts that were actually assessed interest at 21.52%. A card with an APR materially below these benchmarks is considered a low-rate card.

What types of cards tend to have the lowest APRs

Credit union cards — credit unions are member-owned nonprofits; the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) caps most credit union credit card APRs at 18%. Cards from federal credit unions can offer some of the lowest APRs available.
Bank 'low rate' or 'simplicity' cards — some banks offer cards explicitly positioned as low-interest products with minimal rewards and no-frills features in exchange for a lower purchase APR.
Cards with 0% introductory APR — these aren't permanently low-rate, but during the promo period (typically 12–21 months on purchases) the effective rate is 0%. After the promo ends, the standard APR applies.
Secured cards for rebuilding credit — some secured cards charge lower APRs than unsecured cards in the same credit tier, though the deposit requirement is a trade-off.

Why rewards cards tend to have higher APRs

The CFPB notes that rewards cards typically carry higher APRs than non-rewards cards because the issuer funds rewards through a combination of interchange fees, annual fees, and interest income from cardholders who carry balances. Choosing a low-APR card usually means accepting fewer or no rewards — the trade-off is explicit.

Your approved APR depends on your credit profile

Most low-APR cards advertise a rate range — for example, 'APR: 13.99%–23.99% variable.' The rate you receive at approval is set by the issuer based on your credit score, income, and existing debt. Only applicants with strong credit profiles typically qualify for the lower end of the range. The Schumer Box on any card application must disclose the full APR range before you apply — required by Regulation Z.

When a low APR actually matters

A lower APR only saves you money if you carry a balance. If you pay your statement balance in full every month before the due date, the APR is irrelevant — you never pay interest. Low-APR cards make the most sense if you anticipate occasionally carrying a balance month to month, or if you're working to pay down existing debt without a balance transfer.

What the data shows

The Federal Reserve's G.19 Consumer Credit report (April 2026 release) shows the average APR on all credit card accounts at 21.00%, and the average rate on accounts actually assessed interest at 21.52%. — Federal Reserve — G.19 Consumer Credit (June 2026 release)
The CFPB explains that rewards cards typically carry higher APRs than non-rewards cards, because issuer costs for the rewards program are offset partly by interest income. — CFPB — What Is a Credit Card Interest Rate / What Does APR Mean?
Regulation Z requires that the full APR range be disclosed in the Schumer Box on any credit card application — including the range from the lowest to the highest rate available depending on creditworthiness. — CFPB — Regulation Z §1026.60

Key takeaways

The national average credit card APR was approximately 21.00% (all accounts) as of April 2026 — Federal Reserve G.19. Low-APR cards aim well below this.
Credit union cards and no-frills bank 'simplicity' cards typically offer the lowest ongoing APRs; federal credit union cards are often capped at 18% by the NCUA.
Rewards cards trade higher APRs for earning potential — if you carry a balance, a low-APR non-rewards card may cost less overall.
Your actual approved APR depends on your credit profile — apply for the low end of the range only if your credit score is strong.
If you pay in full each month, APR is irrelevant; focus on rewards and fees instead.

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