A good APR for a credit card in 2026 is anything below 20%. The current national average credit card APR is approximately 21.5%. Cards with ongoing APRs of 10–15% are considered excellent — these typically require a credit score of 740 or higher. For most cardholders with good credit (690–739 FICO), an APR of 16–19% is achievable.
These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Actual rate depends on the issuer's risk model and your full credit profile, not just your score. Source: Federal Reserve, April 2026.
Issuers advertise a range because different applicants qualify for different rates within it. Your specific rate is determined at the time of application based on:
Important reality check: Most applicants land in the middle-to-upper portion of the advertised range, not at the low end. A card advertising "19.24%–29.24%" is most likely to give the majority of approved applicants a rate between 23–27%, not 19%. The advertised low rate is achievable primarily with excellent credit (740+).
Most credit card APRs are set as: Prime Rate + a margin set by the issuer.
When the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, the prime rate follows within weeks — and your card APR adjusts accordingly. This is why average credit card APRs have risen significantly in recent years. If the Fed cuts rates, your APR should decrease too.
See current rates from credit unions and major banks.
A good APR for a credit card in 2026 is anything below 20%. The national average is approximately 21.5%. Cards with ongoing APRs of 10–15% are considered excellent. For most cardholders with good credit (690–739 FICO), 16–19% is achievable.
Issuers advertise a range (e.g., 19.24%–29.24%) because different applicants qualify for different rates based on their credit score, income, and history. Most applicants land in the middle to upper portion of the range, not at the advertised low end.
Most credit card APRs are set as Prime Rate + a margin. When the Federal Reserve changes rates, the prime rate follows within weeks. In 2026, the prime rate is 8.5%. When the Fed raises rates, your card APR rises too.
Source: Federal Reserve