How rewards programs for the rich could push credit-card costs higher — even though interest rates are falling

United States News News

How rewards programs for the rich could push credit-card costs higher — even though interest rates are falling
United States Latest News,United States Headlines
  • 📰 BusinessInsider
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 23 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 13%
  • Publisher: 51%

Perks like free travel have helped push the APR on credit cards up to nearly 17% in August, its highest level in at least 25 years.

While interest rates plateaued and then moved steadily lower this year, credit card costs have headed in the opposite direction. Banks have increased credit card interest rates to mark up for profit losses from increasingly generous rewards programs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Perks like free travel have helped push the average annual percentage rate on credit cards up to nearly 17% in August, its highest level in at least 25 years.

While interest rates plateaued and then moved steadily lower this year, credit card costs have headed in the opposite direction. Banks have increased credit card interest rates to mark up for profit losses from increasingly generous rewards programs, according to the Wall Street Journal. Perks like free travel have helped push the average annual percentage rate on credit cards up to nearly 17% in August, its highest level in at least 25 years.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

BusinessInsider /  🏆 729. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Interest Rates Are Falling—but Your Credit-Card Rate Could Be Going UpInterest Rates Are Falling—but Your Credit-Card Rate Could Be Going UpLenders are shelling out for generous rewards programs for affluent cardholders, and they are charging higher interest rates to make up for it.
Read more »

Credit cards with the lowest interest rates in 2019 - Business InsiderCredit cards with the lowest interest rates in 2019 - Business InsiderCredit card interest rates are at a historic high, but there are still some options that offer low APRs, both with 0% introductory offers and after.
Read more »

Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold: Which rewards credit card is better for you?Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold: Which rewards credit card is better for you?The Platinum Card offers more luxury travel benefits, like airport lounge access and monthly statement credits for Uber, while the Amex Gold's perks and bonus categories are more geared toward dining
Read more »

How to pick the right credit card to maximize rewards where you spend the mostHow to pick the right credit card to maximize rewards where you spend the mostIf you want to maximize your spending, these are the best rewards credit cards to get for popular bonus categories like dining, travel, groceries, and gas stations
Read more »

Bank earnings preview: The good times are coming to an endBank earnings preview: The good times are coming to an endBanks’ earnings are expected to have held up well despite low interest rates. Still, the Fed’s policy change means difficult times ahead for most banks.
Read more »

Katie Price leaving the country again despite facing bankruptcyKatie Price leaving the country again despite facing bankruptcyThe former glamour model is set to jet off on Thursday even though she faces bankruptcy
Read more »



Render Time: 2025-03-01 06:53:49