Instances of both defaulted and delinquent accounts improved for nearly every credit card lender in the U.S. during the month of April. All of the nation’s top credit card lenders reported fewer instances of accounts that fell 30 days or more behind in payments, and charge off rates on those accounts that are so late they’re considered uncollectable dropped for five of the six institutions, according to a report from Reuters.

Only Bank of America, the lender with the highest rate of charge offs, saw the action increase, from 8.18% of accounts to 8.25%. However, its delinquency rate dropped significantly, to 4.52% from 4.8%.

One way for consumers to avoid falling behind in their credit card payments is to seek out cards with lower rates [insert link to rate tables]. Doing so will help them to avoid higher costs if they have to carry a balance from one month to another.

Once again, American Express, which tends to have a more affluent cardholder base, saw the fewest instances of delinquency and default in April, at 1.7% and 3.5%, respectively, the report said. That was down from 1.8% and 3.7% in March.

Average credit cards are unchanged this week over last except for the average rate on reward credit cards. The average rewards credit card rate is averaging 12.26 percent, down from the previous week’s average of 12.28 percent.

If you’re looking for the lowest credit card rates you can search our list of cards by category to find the best rate and card for your needs. We also offer free credit card rates widgets you can use on your website to keep track of rates.

Low balance transfer credit cards rates are averaging 7.88 percent, unchanged from the previous week’s average. Of course you can find rates lower than the averages. Right now on our list of low balance transfer rates, several credit card companies are offering introductory rates at 0.00 percent for 6 months, 12 months or 18 months.

February 14, Average Credit Card Rates

• Low Introductory Rate Cards 0.622%
• Low Balance Transfer Rate Cards 7.88%
• Reward Credit Cards 12.26%
• No Annual Fee Cards 12.36%
• Small Business Cards 12.42%
• Platinum Cards 12.64%
• Cash Back Cards 12.47%
• Frequent-Flyer Cards 13.89%
• Student Credit Cards 12.94%
• Credit-Builder Credit Cards 15.26%
• Secured Credit Cards 15.87%

The current average no annual fee credit card rate is 12.36 percent as reported by MonitorBankRates. Of course you can find no annual fee card rates lower than the national average. Right now on our credit card rate list the Applied Platinum Secure Visa Card has an interest rate of 0.00 percent on purchases.  The annual percentage rate on cash advances is 9.99 percent. Since the Platinum Secure Visa Card from Applied Bank is secured you will have to open a deposit account at Applied Bank.

Two credit cards are tied with the second lowest rate on our no annual fee list. The Simmons First Visa Platinum Card and the IberiaBank Visa Classic Card both have an interest rate of 7.25 percent.

Coming in third place on our list of rates are three different cards. The Simmons First Visa Platinum Rewards Card, the IberiaBank Visa Gold Cash Back Rewards Card and the IberiaBank Visa Platinum Rewards Card all have a current rate of 9.25 percent.

Here is a list of current no annual fee credit cards. Some of the cards listed also have zero percent introductory rates.

Average rates on credit cards are mixed this week over last week. The only category that saw the average rate increase is on our reward credit card list. The current average rewards credit card rate is at 12.26 percent, up from the previous week’s average of 12.24 percent. 

Searching for the best credit card rates? Compare rates by category by searching our credit card rate lists.  

The current average rate on low balance transfer cards is at 7.81 percent, down from last week’s average of 7.82 percent. Small business credit card rates are averaging 12.42 percent, down from last week’s average of 12.43 percent.

Secured card rates are still the highest average rates on our lists. Secured card rates are averaging 15.87 percent, unchanged from last week’s average. Secured cards are designed for people who are just starting out building their credit and for people who are rebuilding their credit history.

 Average Credit Card Rates This Week

• Low Introductory Rate Cards 0.622%
• Low Balance Transfer Rate Cards 7.81%
• Reward Credit Cards 12.26%
• No Annual Fee Cards 12.36%
• Small Business Cards 12.42%
• Platinum Cards 12.64%
• Cash Back Cards 12.47%
• Frequent-Flyer Cards 13.89%
• Student Credit Cards 12.94%
• Credit-Builder Credit Cards 15.26%
• Secured Credit Cards 15.87%

Wesite owners, use our free credit card rate widgets to display average rates on your site.

Credit card rate averages are mostly lower this week over last week. None of our average credit card categories increased for the week ending February 2, 2011. The lowest average credit card rate is still on Low Introductory Rate Cards. The current average low intro rate credit card is 0.622 percent, down from the previous week’s average rate of 0.684 percent.  

American Express Open is offering their SimplyCash Business Credit Card. It gives 5 percent cash back on wireless services and office supplies. The SimplyCash Business Card also offers 3 percent cash back on gasoline purchases and 1 percent cash back on everything else. There is no limit on the cash back you can earn. Another great point is the cash back you earn on purchases is automatically credited to your account monthly.

With the Open Savings program on this business credit card you also automatically save 3 percent to 10 percent on business expenses. The companies you purchase from must be in the American Express Open Savings program. Companies listed include airlines and hotels which can quickly save you a good deal of money.  Companies include FedEx, AirTran, Hertz and Barnes and Noble.

The SimplyCash Business Credit Card also has a 0.00% introductory period for 6 months, 9 months or 12 months on purchases based on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee for this credit card.

For more information about the American Express Business Credit Card go to: SimplyCash Business Credit Card.