Your APR is printed on your monthly statement and in your online account

The easiest place to find your APR is your most recent credit card statement — look for a section labeled "Interest Rates and Fees" or "APR." The number will be listed there as a percentage. If you have online access to your account, log in and look for a tab called "Account Details," "Rates," or "Pricing Information." Most card issuers display your current APR prominently on the main account page or in a dedicated rates section.

If you cannot find it on your statement or online, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your account number ready, and ask for your current purchase APR. The representative will read it to you and can also explain whether you have different APRs for purchases, balance transfers, or cash advances — most cards do.

Your APR may not be a single number. Many cards have a range depending on your creditworthiness, and it can change over time. If you opened the account recently, check your welcome materials or the original offer letter — these documents show the APR you were approved for and whether it was a promotional rate with an expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your APR appears on your monthly statement under "Interest Rates and Fees" and in your online account under "Rates" or "Account Details."
  • Different APRs apply to different types of borrowing on the same card — purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances usually have separate rates.
  • A promotional APR expires on a specific date, after which your regular APR takes over; check your welcome letter to find that date.
  • If you cannot locate your APR online or on paper, call the customer service number on your card and ask for your current purchase APR.

Why you have more than one APR on the same card

Most credit cards charge different rates for different types of transactions. Your purchase APR applies to regular spending. Your cash advance APR — the rate charged when you withdraw money from an ATM using your card — is almost always higher, sometimes by 5 to 10 percentage points. A balance transfer APR applies if you move debt from another card to this one.

When you look at your statement, you will see these listed separately. The purchase APR is the one that matters most for everyday use. If you are considering a balance transfer or cash advance, look at that specific rate before you proceed, because it will be substantially higher than what you pay on regular purchases.

Understanding promotional rates and when they end

A promotional APR — often 0% for a set period — is a temporary rate offered to new cardholders or for specific transactions like balance transfers. This rate expires on a date the card issuer sets, and your regular APR takes over immediately after. If you do not know your promotional rate's end date, check your welcome materials or the offer you received when you opened the account.

Once a promotional period ends, any remaining balance on that card will be charged your regular APR going forward. If you transferred a balance at 0% for 12 months, for example, and you still owe money after month 12, interest will start accruing at your regular rate. This is why it matters to know both your promotional rate and its expiration date — you can plan to pay down the balance before the higher rate kicks in.

How to read your APR on your statement

Open your monthly statement and look for a table or section titled "Interest Rates and Fees," "Rates and Fees," or "Your Rates." You will see a list with labels like "Purchase APR," "Balance Transfer APR," and "Cash Advance APR." Next to each label is a percentage. That percentage is your APR for that type of transaction.

Some statements also show whether each rate is fixed or variable. A fixed APR does not change unless the card issuer notifies you in writing and you agree. A variable APR can move up or down based on market conditions, usually tied to the prime rate. Your statement will tell you which type you have.

If your statement shows a range — for example, "15.99% to 24.99%" — that range reflects what different cardholders pay based on their credit profile. Your actual rate will be a single number within that range, and it should be clearly labeled as your rate.

What to do if your APR has changed

Card issuers can raise your APR, but they must notify you in writing at least 45 days before the change takes effect. If you receive a notice that your rate is increasing, read it carefully to understand why. Common reasons include a missed payment, the end of a promotional period, or a change in market conditions for variable rates.

If your rate increased and you do not understand why, call customer service and ask. If the increase is due to a missed payment and you have a good payment history otherwise, some issuers will negotiate. If the increase is due to market conditions on a variable rate, you cannot reverse it, but you can shop for a new card with a lower rate and transfer your balance.

Comparing your APR to other cards

Your APR is one factor in choosing whether to keep a card or switch to another. A card with a lower APR saves you money if you carry a balance month to month. However, APR is not the only cost — also consider annual fees, late fees, and rewards you earn. A card with a slightly higher APR but strong cash-back rewards might cost you less overall if you pay the full balance each month and earn rewards on every purchase.

If you are comparing cards, look at the purchase APR specifically, since that is what you will use most often. Many card issuers publish their APR ranges on their websites, so you can compare before you apply. Remember that the actual rate you receive depends on your credit score and history — you may not receive the lowest rate in the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my APR change after I open the account?

Yes. Card issuers can raise your APR with 45 days' written notice. Common reasons include a missed payment, the end of a promotional rate, or a change in the prime rate if you have a variable APR. You cannot prevent a rate increase due to market conditions, but you can dispute one caused by a billing error or closed account.

What is the difference between a fixed and variable APR?

A fixed APR stays the same unless the card issuer notifies you in writing and you agree to the change. A variable APR moves up and down based on the prime rate, which changes when the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates. Your statement will tell you which type you have.

Why is my cash advance APR so much higher than my purchase APR?

Card issuers charge more for cash advances because they consider them riskier — you are borrowing cash rather than making a purchase, and there is no merchant involved to dispute the transaction. Cash advances also start accruing interest immediately, with no grace period like purchases have. This is why cash advances should be a last resort.

If I pay my balance in full each month, does my APR matter?

No. If you pay the entire balance before the due date, you pay no interest regardless of your APR. However, it is still worth knowing your APR in case you carry a balance unexpectedly, and it helps you compare cards if you are shopping for a new one.

How do I know if my promotional 0% APR has ended?

Check your welcome letter or original offer — it states the exact end date. You can also call customer service or log into your account and look at your rates section. Once the promotional period ends, your regular APR applies to any remaining balance immediately, so mark the date on your calendar if you are planning to pay off a balance transfer before interest kicks in.