Understanding the highest credit card interest rates in 2025 is crucial for American consumers aiming to manage their finances wisely. While many seek low-interest or 0% introductory APR cards, some credit cards come with significantly high ongoing APRs that can impact your wallet if balances are carried month to month. This guide explores the top 10 credit cards with the highest interest rates, detailing their APRs, fees, and key features so you can avoid costly surprises or make informed decisions if you must use them.
What Are the Highest Credit Card Interest Rates in 2025?
Credit card interest rates, or APRs (Annual Percentage Rates), vary widely depending on the issuer, card type, and creditworthiness of the applicant. The highest credit card interest rates often exceed 28%, with some retail or specialty store cards reaching even above 30%. These rates apply after any introductory offers expire, and they can quickly increase the cost of carrying debt.
Top 10 Credit Cards with the Highest Interest Rates in 2025
| Credit Card | Regular APR Range | Annual Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Sports + Outdoors Card | 33.24% | $0 | Retail card with high APR, rewards on purchases |
| Burlington Credit Card | 33.24% | $0 | High APR retail card, rewards on store purchases |
| Blue Cash Everyday® (Amex) | 20.24% - 29.24% | $0 | Grocery & gas rewards, 0% intro APR 15 months |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 18.99% - 28.49% | $0 | Cash back rewards, 0% intro APR 15 months |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 17.24% - 28.99% | $0 | Long 0% intro APR (21 months), cell phone protection |
| Citi Double Cash Card | 18.00% - 28.24% | $0 | 2% cash back, 0% intro APR balance transfer |
| Discover it Cash Back | 18.24% - 27.24% | $0 | Rotating cash back categories, 0% intro APR |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards | 19.24% - 29.24% | $0 | Food & entertainment rewards, 0% intro APR |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash | 18.24% - 28.24% | $0 | Customizable cash back, 0% intro APR 15 months |
| U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card | 17.74% - 28.74% | $0 | Long intro APR, side perks |
Note: Some retail cards like Academy Sports + Outdoors and Burlington have the highest APRs at 33.24%, significantly above mainstream credit cards, reflecting their risk and reward structure.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Card
1. Academy Sports + Outdoors Credit Card
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APR: 33.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Highlights: One of the highest APRs in the market; rewards on purchases at Academy Sports stores; best for frequent shoppers who pay balances in full to avoid interest.
2. Burlington Credit Card
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APR: 33.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Highlights: High APR retail card; rewards for purchases at Burlington stores; not recommended for carrying balances due to steep interest.
3. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
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APR: 20.24% - 29.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
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Rewards: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000/year), 1% thereafter; 3% at select U.S. retailers.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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APR: 18.99% - 28.49% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
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Rewards: 5% on travel booked through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on other purchases.
5. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
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APR: 17.24% - 28.99% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
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Extras: Cell phone protection up to $600.
6. Citi Double Cash Card
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APR: 18.00% - 28.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
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Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
7. Discover it Cash Back
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APR: 18.24% - 27.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers
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Rewards: 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter, 1% on others.
8. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
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APR: 19.24% - 29.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
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Rewards: 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 3% on groceries.
9. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
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APR: 18.24% - 28.24% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
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Rewards: Customizable 3% cash back category, 2% at grocery stores.
10. U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
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APR: 17.74% - 28.74% variable
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
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Extras: Identity theft protection, cell phone protection.
FAQ: Understanding Highest Credit Card Interest Rates
Q1: Why do some credit cards have such high interest rates?
High APRs often reflect higher risk for the issuer, especially for retail or store cards that target consumers with lower credit scores or offer special rewards. They compensate for this risk with higher interest charges.
Q2: How can I avoid paying the highest credit card interest rates?
Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Consider cards with 0% introductory APR offers to manage large purchases or balance transfers without accruing interest for a set period.
Q3: Are high APR cards worth it for rewards?
Only if you pay off your balance monthly. Carrying a balance on a high APR card can quickly negate any rewards earned due to interest costs.
Q4: What is a variable APR?
A variable APR changes with the prime rate, meaning your interest rate can increase or decrease over time depending on market conditions.
Summary
The highest credit card interest rates in 2025 can reach above 33%, especially on retail store cards like Academy Sports + Outdoors and Burlington. Mainstream credit cards generally range from about 18% to 29% APR after introductory periods. Understanding these rates and the terms of each card is vital to avoid costly interest charges. For consumers, the best strategy is to leverage 0% intro APR offers and pay off balances monthly to minimize the impact of these high rates while still benefiting from rewards and perks.