Is a 10% APR Good or Bad? (2024)

FAQs

Is a 10% APR Good or Bad? ›

It depends on the type of card you're looking at, as well as your own credit. A credit card APR below 10% is definitely good, but you may have to go to a local bank or credit union to find it. The Federal Reserve tracks credit card interest rates, and an APR below the average would also be considered good.

At this time, 10% is a good interest rate for a personal loan for a borrower with good credit. Anything below the national average personal loan interest rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is considered a good personal interest rate. Borrowers with poor credit scores will likely be offered a higher interest rate.

Car Loan APRs by Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850): 2.96 percent for new, 3.68 percent for used. Good (700 - 749): 4.03 percent for new, 5.53 percent for used. Fair (650 - 699): 6.75 percent for new, 10.33 percent for used. Poor (450 - 649): 12.84 percent for new, 20.43 percent for used.

A good interest rate on a personal loan is generally on the low end of the range, which currently starts around 7 percent. For example, if you have excellent credit, a rate below 11 percent would be considered good, while 12.5 percent would be less competitive.

Avoid loans with APRs higher than 10% (if possible)

“That is, effectively, borrowing money at a lower rate than you're able to make on that money.”

Generally, what's considered a bad interest rate is anything higher than 10%. Ideally, you want to get an interest rate that's below 5% — but with little or bad credit, that can be harder to achieve.

Factors that increase your APR may include federal rate increases or a drop in your credit score. By identifying changes to your APR and understanding the actions that led to your increased rate, you can take steps that may help reduce your interest charges in the future.

An interest rate under 5% is a great rate for a 72-month auto loan. However, the best loan offers are only available to borrowers who have the best credit scores and payment histories.

Is 10% APR good? ›

A good credit card APR is a rate that's at or below the national average, which currently sits above 20 percent. While there are credit cards with APRs below 10 percent, they are most often found at credit unions or small local banks. If you don't have good credit, you're likely to receive a higher credit card APR.

There is no federal law that sets maximum interest rates on all consumer loans; rather, rates are restricted at the state level. This means usury laws vary between states.

Yes, a 24% APR is high for a credit card. While many credit cards offer a range of interest rates, you'll qualify for lower rates with a higher credit score. Improving your credit score is a simple path to getting lower rates on your credit card.

A good personal loan interest rate depends on your credit score: 740 and above: Below 8% (look for loans for excellent credit) 670 to 739: Around 14% (look for loans for good credit)

A high-interest loan has an annual percentage rate above 36%, the highest APR that most consumer advocates consider affordable. High-interest loans are offered by online and storefront lenders that promise fast funding and easy applications, sometimes without checking your credit.

A good personal loan interest rate depends on your credit score: 740 and above: Below 8% (look for loans for excellent credit) 670 to 739: Around 14% (look for loans for good credit) 580 to 669: Around 18% (look for loans for fair credit)

While no one wants to pay more than they should, mortgage interest rates are temporary and subject to change over time. So if you can afford the higher rate and want to buy a home now, feel free to do so — and just look for the opportunity to refinance in the future.

Although there is no strict definition for high-interest debt, many experts classify it as anything above the average interest rates for mortgages and student loans. These typically range between 2% and 7%, meaning that interest rates of 8% and above are considered high.