WalletHub - Personal finance https://wallethub.com/edu Personal finance Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:56:30 +0000 en-US Best & Worst Cities for Staycations (2026) https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-staycations/4341 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:30:16 +0000 Adam McCann https://wallethub.com/edu/best-cities-for-staycations/4341 Best & Worst Cities for Staycations Best & Worst Cities for Staycations

About 72% of Americans are planning to travel this summer, but inflation may lead many to scale back spending and choose more budget-friendly vacations. The good news is that you don’t have to go far to enjoy a memorable getaway. Many nearby cities offer affordable options for entertainment, dining, and relaxation.

To identify the best destinations for an enjoyable and cost-effective staycation, WalletHub analyzed more than 180 cities using 41 key indicators, including factors such as parks per capita and average restaurant meal prices.

chip lupo “It’s fun to visit an exotic location on vacation, but during rougher economic times, a staycation can save you a lot of money while being just as memorable. Not only do you avoid the cost of overnight accommodations and minimize travel costs, but you can also discover all kinds of fun activities close to home that you might not have tried out otherwise. Plus, you’ll feel more rested if you spend less time in transit and more time sleeping in your own bed.”

Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

  1. Main Findings
  2. In-Depth Look at the Best Cities for Staycations
  3. Ask the Experts
  4. Methodology
Main Findings

Best Places for a Staycation
Overall Rank City Total Score Recreation Rank Food & Entertainment Rank Rest & Relaxation Rank
1 Orlando, FL 65.13 20 1 7
2 Cincinnati, OH 63.97 9 7 8
3 Las Vegas, NV 63.01 14 4 12
4 St. Louis, MO 61.46 32 2 14
5 Honolulu, HI 60.29 1 22 117
6 Salt Lake City, UT 60.13 7 19 26
7 Atlanta, GA 59.80 13 10 58
8 Tampa, FL 58.63 30 13 20
9 Chicago, IL 58.42 6 20 70
10 Portland, ME 58.36 2 37 86
11 San Diego, CA 58.00 17 16 36
12 New Orleans, LA 57.94 40 5 39
13 Denver, CO 57.14 12 24 51
14 Portland, OR 56.98 25 3 90
15 Tucson, AZ 56.74 21 28 18
16 Pittsburgh, PA 56.37 38 9 61
17 Albuquerque, NM 56.00 28 18 33
18 Scottsdale, AZ 55.66 47 39 3
19 San Francisco, CA 55.58 5 8 166
20 Charleston, SC 55.53 34 29 25
21 Philadelphia, PA 54.07 11 23 115
22 New York, NY 53.66 4 44 146
23 Fort Lauderdale, FL 53.60 3 70 97
24 Columbia, SC 53.38 152 21 10
25 Shreveport, LA 52.33 131 65 2
26 Houston, TX 52.27 36 12 125
27 Richmond, VA 52.21 26 25 98
28 Austin, TX 51.81 39 11 132
29 Reno, NV 51.33 75 38 11
30 Milwaukee, WI 51.22 19 17 135
31 Miami, FL 50.93 29 6 163
32 Chattanooga, TN 50.90 59 54 42
33 Louisville, KY 50.76 50 41 66
34 Springfield, MO 50.61 153 77 6
35 Seattle, WA 50.43 22 15 152
36 Los Angeles, CA 50.12 16 51 126
37 Knoxville, TN 50.03 89 42 50
38 Minneapolis, MN 49.95 33 49 94
39 Boise, ID 49.95 48 73 52
40 Omaha, NE 49.89 43 50 75
41 Virginia Beach, VA 49.86 54 98 15
42 St. Petersburg, FL 49.82 42 52 85
43 Washington, DC 49.78 8 26 175
44 Henderson, NV 49.73 68 94 5
45 Tulsa, OK 49.66 93 59 4
46 Tempe, AZ 49.56 27 46 112
47 Kansas City, MO 49.46 74 27 69
48 Fort Smith, AR 49.25 130 150 1
49 Sacramento, CA 49.21 61 31 88
50 Overland Park, KS 49.02 94 105 22
51 Wilmington, DE 48.92 72 63 54
52 Burlington, VT 48.68 18 80 104
53 Birmingham, AL 48.33 129 33 76
54 Rochester, NY 48.09 52 40 128
55 San Antonio, TX 48.01 83 14 119
56 Missoula, MT 47.84 58 123 37
57 El Paso, TX 47.53 98 48 24
58 Billings, MT 47.44 110 69 62
59 Columbus, OH 47.37 69 62 60
60 Amarillo, TX 47.19 171 92 13
61 Norfolk, VA 47.15 44 112 77
62 Cleveland, OH 46.91 57 35 129
63 Vancouver, WA 46.86 104 79 49
64 Phoenix, AZ 46.71 65 57 91
65 Grand Rapids, MI 46.58 70 76 89
66 Plano, TX 46.54 60 97 73
67 Jacksonville, FL 46.54 37 61 133
68 Dallas, TX 46.38 45 64 120
69 Sioux Falls, SD 46.35 144 88 47
70 Modesto, CA 46.28 150 84 35
71 Nashville, TN 46.28 71 34 111
72 Ontario, CA 46.27 81 138 46
73 Oklahoma City, OK 46.19 116 53 23
74 Fayetteville, NC 46.11 179 103 16
75 Mobile, AL 45.95 143 78 65
76 Rapid City, SD 45.87 97 81 71
77 Huntsville, AL 45.60 151 107 34
78 Colorado Springs, CO 45.35 78 43 105
79 Spokane, WA 45.15 92 86 41
80 Fargo, ND 45.07 140 96 44
81 Boston, MA 44.93 10 45 180
82 Akron, OH 44.83 108 121 43
83 Baton Rouge, LA 44.76 95 47 93
84 Jackson, MS 44.32 180 128 9
85 Buffalo, NY 44.22 51 56 155
86 Gulfport, MS 44.03 103 126 57
87 Lincoln, NE 43.94 79 111 53
88 Providence, RI 43.94 55 71 147
89 Nampa, ID 43.92 139 160 17
90 Las Cruces, NM 43.86 121 143 28
91 St. Paul, MN 43.68 49 67 156
92 Indianapolis, IN 43.55 102 36 130
93 Bakersfield, CA 43.43 168 75 19
94 Glendale, AZ 43.39 105 100 63
95 Augusta, GA 43.28 176 115 27
96 Madison, WI 43.20 23 89 171
97 Riverside, CA 42.99 132 102 31
98 Salem, OR 42.96 157 95 79
99 Fort Worth, TX 42.94 136 90 29
100 Bismarck, ND 42.94 90 114 95
101 Cape Coral, FL 42.76 62 166 67
102 San Bernardino, CA 42.67 170 142 21
103 Casper, WY 42.48 126 99 106
104 Charlotte, NC 42.42 100 32 145
105 Chandler, AZ 42.39 133 87 59
106 Cedar Rapids, IA 42.27 147 116 80
107 Raleigh, NC 42.22 101 55 127
108 Winston-Salem, NC 42.16 146 104 38
109 Columbus, GA 42.14 178 119 48
110 Lexington-Fayette, KY 42.12 128 82 72
111 Mesa, AZ 42.06 91 101 87
112 Tacoma, WA 42.03 117 83 121
113 South Burlington, VT 41.70 56 152 122
114 Glendale, CA 41.66 35 148 124
115 Corpus Christi, TX 41.59 109 120 82
116 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 41.46 174 137 45
117 Toledo, OH 41.05 115 108 81
118 Pembroke Pines, FL 40.99 67 155 107
119 Fontana, CA 40.66 138 157 64
120 Newport News, VA 40.43 165 141 78
121 Durham, NC 40.41 118 66 123
122 Arlington, TX 40.36 106 106 99
123 Lubbock, TX 40.13 172 118 32
124 Anchorage, AK 40.12 46 74 179
125 Montgomery, AL 39.88 173 127 92
126 Dover, DE 39.84 86 163 100
127 Moreno Valley, CA 39.79 175 167 30
128 Greensboro, NC 39.77 141 72 103
129 Baltimore, MD 39.77 63 60 176
130 Wichita, KS 39.68 148 30 149
131 Detroit, MI 39.68 111 68 151
132 Huntington Beach, CA 39.66 31 134 162
133 Brownsville, TX 39.56 177 161 40
134 Cheyenne, WY 39.46 142 140 102
135 Stockton, CA 39.43 135 146 56
135 Peoria, AZ 39.43 88 158 101
137 Memphis, TN 39.37 122 58 153
138 Fresno, CA 39.35 162 110 55
139 Fort Wayne, IN 39.17 163 93 96
140 Irvine, CA 39.12 41 136 172
141 Tallahassee, FL 39.03 167 91 141
142 North Las Vegas, NV 38.63 96 165 68
143 Aurora, IL 38.42 80 162 118
144 West Valley City, UT 38.27 53 180 74
145 Long Beach, CA 38.15 73 85 174
146 Garden Grove, CA 38.00 24 147 165
147 Nashua, NH 37.92 87 171 108
148 Charleston, WV 37.88 159 124 140
149 Gilbert, AZ 37.76 160 129 84
150 Chesapeake, VA 37.70 85 149 134
151 Santa Rosa, CA 37.63 84 144 143
152 Aurora, CO 37.47 114 109 150
153 Bridgeport, CT 37.43 64 174 116
154 Little Rock, AR 37.19 164 122 136
155 Worcester, MA 36.91 112 154 131
156 San Jose, CA 36.00 76 135 167
157 Port St. Lucie, FL 35.91 181 130 83
158 Grand Prairie, TX 35.85 119 176 113
159 Anaheim, CA 35.58 145 117 138
160 Oxnard, CA 35.46 113 170 110
161 Oceanside, CA 35.37 66 151 169
162 Des Moines, IA 35.29 134 125 154
163 Lewiston, ME 35.25 137 177 109
164 Warwick, RI 34.75 77 168 157
165 Garland, TX 34.41 155 145 144
166 New Haven, CT 34.37 149 132 158
167 Columbia, MD 34.37 166 175 114
168 Manchester, NH 34.28 161 164 137
169 Huntington, WV 34.24 99 169 148
170 Jersey City, NJ 33.74 120 131 168
171 Santa Clarita, CA 32.97 154 153 142
172 Juneau, AK 32.52 15 133 182
173 Oakland, CA 32.42 82 113 181
174 Santa Ana, CA 32.33 127 139 173
175 Newark, NJ 32.26 125 156 164
176 Hialeah, FL 32.08 107 179 139
177 Laredo, TX 31.83 124 173 159
178 Irving, TX 30.08 169 159 161
179 Chula Vista, CA 28.61 158 178 160
180 Fremont, CA 27.71 156 172 178
181 Yonkers, NY 26.23 123 182 170
182 Pearl City, HI 23.47 182 181 177

Note: With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that city, where a rank of 1 represents the best conditions for that metric category.

[edu-info-graphic metrics="[edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172769/metric-1.png' header='Swimming Pools per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Cleveland, OH | T-1. Philadelphia, PA | 3. Chicago, IL | 4. Atlanta, GA | 5. Washington, DC' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 52x Difference | Cleveland, OH vs. Detroit, MI' right='Fewest | 96. Fremont, CA | 97. Garland, TX | 98. Lubbock, TX | 99. Madison, WI | 100. Detroit, MI'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172770/metric-2.png' header='Tennis Courts per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Honolulu, HI | T-1. Richmond, VA | T-1. Norfolk, VA | 4. Omaha, NE | 5. Atlanta, GA' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 18x Difference | Honolulu, HI vs. Mesa, AZ' right='Fewest | 99. Fort Worth, TX | 100. Riverside, CA | 101. Gilbert, AZ | 102. Irving, TX | 103. Mesa, AZ'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172771/metric-3.png' header='Public Golf Courses per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Warwick, RI | T-1. Peoria, AZ | T-1. Gilbert, AZ | 4. Fort Lauderdale, FL | 5. Tempe, AZ' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 40x Difference | Warwick, RI vs. Laredo, TX' right='Fewest | 175. Chicago, IL | 176. El Paso, TX | 177. Bakersfield, CA | 178. New York, NY | 179. Laredo, TX'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172772/metric-4.png' header='Zoos & Aquariums per Capita' left='Most | T-1. St. Louis, MO | T-1. Miami, FL | T-1. Las Vegas, NV | T-1. Orlando, FL | T-1. Tampa, FL' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 27x Difference | St. Louis, MO vs. New York, NY' right='Fewest | 112. Indianapolis, IN | 113. Columbus, OH | 114. San Jose, CA | 115. Phoenix, AZ | 116. New York, NY'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172773/metric-5.png' header='Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shops per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Orlando, FL | T-1. Miami, FL | T-1. Las Vegas, NV | T-1. Atlanta, GA | T-1. Pittsburgh, PA' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 61x Difference | Orlando, FL vs. South Burlington, VT' right='Fewest | 178. Pearl City, HI | 179. Charleston, WV | 180. Casper, WY | 181. Lewiston, ME | 182. South Burlington, VT'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172774/metric-6.png' header='Beer Gardens per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Milwaukee, WI | T-1. Portland, OR | T-1. New York, NY | T-1. San Francisco, CA | T-1. Denver, CO' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 21x Difference | Milwaukee, WI vs. Oklahoma City, OK' right='Fewest | 103. Arlington, TX | 104. Minneapolis, MN | 105. Virginia Beach, VA | 106. Fresno, CA | 107. Oklahoma City, OK'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172775/metric-7.png' header='Coffee & Tea Shops per Capita' left='Most | 1. Salt Lake City, UT | 2. Spokane, WA | 3. Richmond, VA | 4. Pittsburgh, PA | 5. Fort Lauderdale, FL' footer='Best City vs. Worst City: 11x Difference | Salt Lake City, UT vs. Pearl City, HI' right='Fewest | 178. Bridgeport, CT | 179. West Valley City, UT | 180. New York, NY | 181. Columbus, GA | 182. Pearl City, HI'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172776/metric-8.png' header='Museums per Capita' left='Most | T-1. New Orleans, LA | T-1. New York, NY | T-1. Miami, FL | T-1. San Francisco, CA | T-1. Seattle, WA' right='Fewest | 176. Garland, TX | 177. Chesapeake, VA | 178. North Las Vegas, NV | 179. Peoria, AZ | 180. Chula Vista, CA'] || [edu-info-metric img='https://cdn.wallethub.com/wallethub/posts/172777/metric-9.png' header='Spas per Capita' left='Most | T-1. Las Vegas, NV | T-1. Miami, FL | T-1. Honolulu, HI | T-1. Scottsdale, AZ | T-1. New York, NY' right='Fewest | 178. Anaheim, CA | 179. West Valley City, UT | 180. North Las Vegas, NV | 181. Pearl City, HI | 182. Fontana, CA']"]

In-Depth Look at the Best Cities for Staycations Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL, is the best city for a staycation, due to the fact that there are so many different things to do in the city. Orlando has an extremely high number of amusement parks, water parks, nightlife activities, festivals, zoos and arcades per capita, so it’s easy to fill a week with different fun outings every day.

Orlando is also a great place to eat out, with plenty of affordable restaurants rated at least 4.5 stars out of 5 and very diverse restaurant types. There are also lots of ice cream shops for dessert during the hot summer.

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati is the second-best city for staycations, and it's especially good for outdoor activities. The city has a large number of parks, swimming pools, and baseball fields to keep people entertained and active.

In addition, Cincinnati ranks among the best cities when it comes to the prevalence of affordable restaurants with at least 4.5 out of 5 stars. After all, most people don’t want to cook for themselves or do dishes while taking a staycation. The city also has many beer gardens and ice cream shops for those looking to get their alcohol and dessert fixes.

To top things off, Cincinnati has a relatively low cost of hiring a maid for a house cleaning, at $92, so after you’re done with a fun day trip, you can come home to a clean house without having to do any of the work.

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is the third-best city for a staycation. The city offers plenty of opportunities to play golf or basketball, swim, hike, or rent bikes, so you can enjoy the outdoor scenery while staying active.

It is also no surprise that Las Vegas has a large number of casinos, if you're willing to try your luck, and plenty of arcades, making it an exciting destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to indulge in some nostalgic fun.

Finally, Las Vegas has a lot of affordable, good-quality restaurants, and it boasts a high number of spas, which are a great day trip idea during a staycation.

Ask the Experts

There’s a difference between a staycation and business as usual in the context of staying local. And it all has to do with how you spend your time in the city you call home. For advice on making the best of your staycation, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:

  1. What are the best ways to enjoy a staycation?
  2. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank?
  3. What is the best time of year to have a staycation?
  4. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?
  5. Have staycations become more popular due to inflation?

< >

More Experts

Methodology

In order to determine the best staycation spots, WalletHub compared 182 U.S. cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across three key dimensions: 1) Recreation, 2) Food & Entertainment and 3) Rest & Relaxation.

We evaluated those dimensions using 41 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for staycationers. For metrics marked with an asterisk (*), the square root of the population was used to calculate the “Number of Residents” in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.

We then determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Recreation – Total Points: 33.33
  • Public Golf Courses per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Tennis Courts per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Swimming Pools per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Basketball Hoops per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Baseball & Softball Diamonds per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Parks per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Playgrounds per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Walk Score: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Bike Score: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Bike Rental Facilities per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Hiking Trails per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Shopping Centers per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Water & Amusement Parks per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Boat Tours & Water Sports per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.30 Points)
  • Miles of Bicycle Lanes, Paths & Routes per Square Mile: Half Weight (~1.15 Points)
Food & Entertainment – Total Points: 33.33
  • Movie Costs: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Average Price for Two Tickets to the Theater: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Bowling Costs: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Average Cocktail Price: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Nightlife Options per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Casinos per Capita*: Half Weight (~0.85 Points)
  • Festivals per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Museums per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Zoos & Aquariums per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Paintball Fields per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Arcades per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Presence on TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 Amusement Parks or Water Parks” List: Full Weight (~1.71 Points) Note: This metric measures the presence and prevalence of a city in TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 Amusement Parks or Water Parks” List.
  • Theaters & Concert Halls per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Coffee & Tea Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Beer Gardens per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Restaurants per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Restaurant-Meal Costs: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Prevalence of Affordable Restaurants with 4.5+ Stars: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
  • Diversity of Restaurants: Full Weight (~1.71 Points)
Rest & Relaxation – Total Points: 33.33
  • Cost of House-Cleaning Service: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
  • Spas & Wellness Centers per Capita*: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
  • Massage Costs: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
  • Beauty-Salon Costs: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
  • Public Beaches per Capita*: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
  • Idealness of Summer Weather: Full Weight (~5.56 Points) Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s “Cities with the Best & Worst Weather” ranking.

  Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected as of May 11, 2026 from the U.S. Census Bureau, Council for Community and Economic Research, The Trust for Public Land, League of American Bicyclists, Walk Score, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Expatistan, Numbeo, MassageBook, GolfLink, Areavibes, Thumbtack and WalletHub research.

Supporting Video Files: ]]> Cheapest SR-22 Insurance https://wallethub.com/edu/cheap-sr22-insurance/94276 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:39 +0000 Candace Baker https://wallethub.com/edu/cheap-sr22-insurance/94276 The cheapest SR-22 insurance is from GEICO and AAA, according to WalletHub’s analysis of 26 major insurers. In addition to relatively low premiums for drivers who need an SR-22, these companies offer discounts that can help policyholders save even more on their high-risk coverage.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance Companies

In addition to national insurers with cheap premiums, you should compare quotes from local insurers such as Wawanesa, Country Financial, and Hastings Mutual as they have the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in certain states. For instance, Wawanesa has some of the cheapest rates in California.

On average, an SR-22 requirement will raise a driver’s premium by up to 18%. If your state requires you to have an SR-22, your insurance company will file the form with the DMV on your behalf and charge a $15-$25 filing fee. Depending on your state, you’ll need to maintain your filing for 1-5 years.

[car_insurance_widget]

  1. Cheap SR-22 insurance Companies
  2. Cheapest SR-22 Insurance by State
  3. How to Get Cheap SR-22 Insurance
  4. Video: Cheap SR-22 Insurance
  5. Methodology
  6. Ask the Experts
  7. Cheap SR-22 Insurance FAQ

Cheap SR-22 Insurance Companies

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GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with an SR-22 because of their competitive rates ($512 per year) and generous discounts. In addition to consistently being one of the cheapest insurance companies across the board, GEICO has great ratings from WalletHub editors and from customers.

GEICO also offers a wide range of coverage options, besides SR-22 insurance. This includes non-owner insurance, which is a great alternative for SR-22 drivers who do not own a vehicle.

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AAA is one of the cheapest car insurance companies for SR-22 drivers. AAA also has great ratings from consumer watchdog groups, and they offer a wide variety of coverage options and discounts.

In addition to their well-known roadside assistance program, AAA offers retail benefits and trip planning services to their members. However, AAA tends to receive more customer complaints than their peers, and their customer service could use some improvement.

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Wawanesa offers an extensive range of coverage options and has great reviews from consumer watchdog groups. Wawanesa also offers some of the cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with an SR-22. However, coverage is only available to drivers in California and Oregon.

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Grange Insurance has very good rates for SR-22 insurance and positive reviews from consumers. Grange also offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts. However, Grange only operates in 13 states.

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USAA is a great choice for SR-22 drivers who happen to be current or former military members, or relatives of one. USAA has cheaper rates than many of their competitors. Additionally, USAA receives good reviews from consumer watchdog groups and WalletHub’s editors. USAA also offers a long list of discounts and coverage options, including non-owner insurance.

However, their claims process and customer service department don’t always receive good reviews.

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Progressive has a great collection of available discounts, and their claims process is consistently praised for being quick and convenient. Perhaps most importantly, Progressive offers competitive rates for SR-22 drivers, too. They also have non-owner insurance as part of their wide range of coverage options.

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Even though Mercury is only available in eight of the states that use SR-22 forms, they are still a great choice for high-risk drivers. Mercury offers competitive rates and has a great selection of discounts available.

While they have a great variety of coverage options, Mercury’s customer service isn’t the best. Mercury also doesn’t allow people to purchase policies online, which can be frustrating for tech-savvy consumers.

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Travelers has great reviews from consumer watchdog groups and WalletHub’s editors. They also offer a significant variety of discounts and coverage options, including non-owner insurance. However, Travelers is more expensive than some of their competitors for SR-22 insurance.

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Esurance’s all-online system can be a big bonus for tech-savvy drivers who need an SR-22. Esurance also has very competitive pricing and discounts.

However, they lack a diverse list of coverage options, and their lack of local agents can make managing policies a bit difficult. They also receive complaints for delayed claims and unexpected rate increases.

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Auto-Owners offers some of the most competitive rates for SR-22 insurance, along with a wide variety of coverage options and helpful discounts. The company also has great reviews from consumer watchdog groups and WalletHub’s editors.

However, Auto-Owners’ online insurance services are limited, which makes working with them slightly more difficult. For instance, you cannot get a quote or file most claims on the Auto-Owners website.

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Kemper offers SR-22 insurance to drivers in all 50 states. Kemper also offers cheaper premiums for SR-22 insurance than many of its competitors. However, Kemper does not offer as many types of coverage or discounts, and the company has received a relatively high volume of customer complaints.

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Allstate offers competitive rates for drivers with an SR-22, as well as a wide variety of discounts. Allstate is also highly rated for its financial stability, its ability to pay out claims, and its business practices in general. However, Allstate receives more complaints than the average insurer its size.

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance by State
State Company Average Premium
Alabama Cincinnati Insurance $279 per year
Alaska USAA $280 per year
Arizona Noblr $228 per year
Arkansas USAA $258 per year
California GEICO $512 per year
Colorado American National $188 per year
Connecticut GEICO $466 per year
Delaware Does not require SR-22 N/A
District of Columbia Chubb $372 per year
Florida USAA $295 per year
Georgia Country Financial $389 per year
Hawaii USAA $298 per year
Idaho American National $172 per year
Illinois Westfield $337 per year
Indiana USAA $251 per year
Iowa Hastings Mutual $134 per year
Kansas GEICO $230 per year
Kentucky Does not require SR-22 N/A
Louisiana Southern Farm Bureau $564 per year
Maine USAA $243 per year
Maryland Does not require SR-22 N/A
Massachusetts State Farm $322 per year
Michigan Travelers $158 per year
Minnesota Does not require SR-22 N/A
Mississippi National General $277 per year
Missouri USAA $226 per year
Montana USAA $173 per year
Nebraska EMC Insurance $212 per year
Nevada Auto Owners $354 per year
New Hampshire USAA $251 per year
New Jersey Does not require SR-22 N/A
New Mexico Does not require SR-22 N/A
New York Does not require SR-22 N/A
North Carolina Does not require SR-22 N/A
North Dakota USAA $184 per year
Ohio USAA $243 per year
Oklahoma Does not require SR-22 N/A
Oregon GEICO $417 per year
Pennsylvania Does not require SR-22 N/A
Rhode Island Does not require SR-22 N/A
South Carolina American National $182 per year
South Dakota Farmers Mutual of Nebraska $185 per year
Tennessee Auto Owners $267 per year
Texas State Farm $419 per year
Utah QBE Insurance $378 per year
Vermont Patriot $172 per year
Virginia ALFA $396 per year
Washington PEMCO $287 per year
West Virginia Does not require SR-22 N/A
Wisconsin Grange $180 per year
Wyoming USAA $187 per year

How to Get Cheap SR-22 Insurance 1. Shop Around

Considering how expensive SR-22 insurance is, it’s important to explore your options so that you can find the most affordable policy. It’s typically recommended that you compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies before purchasing a policy in order to find the best deal.

2. Look for Discounts

In addition to comparing quotes, you should also compare discounts between car insurance companies. If you have an SR-22, you likely won’t be able to qualify for discounts related to safe driving, but you can still find discounts that are based on your policy choices or your car.

For example, many insurers offer discounts for drivers who opt for paperless billing and pay for their entire policy in full up front. Additionally, you can often get a discount if your vehicle is equipped with certain safety features or anti-theft devices.

3. Consider Limiting Your Coverage

No matter what, you have to meet your state’s minimum coverage requirements in order to drive legally. But getting more coverage beyond that is up to you, and if you’re struggling to afford SR-22 insurance, then sticking with the minimum coverage may be the best choice. Keep in mind that if your car is leased or financed, you also need to meet your lender’s or lessor’s requirements.

4. Purchase a Non-Owner Policy

If you don’t own a vehicle, a non-owner car insurance policy is a great way to fulfill your state’s SR-22 requirement at a low price. Non-owner SR-22 insurance covers you when you drive rented or borrowed vehicles, and since it doesn’t cover a specific car, it’s usually less expensive than standard SR-22 insurance policies. However, this is only an option if you do not own a car and do not live with someone who does.

Video: How to Find Cheap SR-22 Insurance

Methodology

WalletHub editors compared 17 car insurance companies to determine the cheapest options for SR-22 insurance. Premiums reflect the average of a series of quotes sourced from Quadrant Information Services, using California ZIP codes and state-minimum insurance coverage.

Ask the Experts

To learn more about cheap SR-22 insurance, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to see how they answered.

1. Do you have any advice for drivers who need to file an SR-22 but want to minimize the cost of insurance? 2. What are the most costly mistakes people make with SR-22 insurance?

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More Experts

]]> No-Fault Insurance Guide https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/no-fault-insurance/9240 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:30 +0000 Candace Baker https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/no-fault-insurance/9240 No-fault insurance is a system of car insurance laws that requires drivers to use their own coverage to pay for basic medical expenses after a car accident, regardless of fault. The term “no-fault insurance” often refers to personal injury protection (PIP), as well, because PIP is required in almost all of the 12 no-fault states. This ensures that all drivers are able to get care for their injuries and compensation for the cost without first determining who caused an accident.

What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover?
  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral expenses
  • Lost income
  • Child care expenses
  • Survivors’ loss
  • Household services

No-fault insurance does not apply to property damage or other drivers' expenses. You can get other types of insurance for those things, even in no-fault states.

[car_insurance_widget]

  1. How No-Fault Insurance Works
  2. Types of No-Fault Insurance
  3. How Much is No-Fault Insurance?
  4. No-Fault Insurance States
  5. No-Fault States vs. Tort States
  6. Tips for Selecting a No-Fault Insurance Limit
  7. Video
  8. Ask the Experts
  9. FAQ

How No-Fault Insurance Works

No-fault insurance pays for your medical bills and related expenses if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who caused the wreck. The 12 no-fault states require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) in order to cover their medical expenses. Since all motorists carry mandatory first-party coverage, people hurt in a car accident are not permitted to sue the other driver for compensation unless their injuries are severe or their bills exceed a certain amount.

It’s worth noting that no-fault insurance only applies to medical bills after a car accident, and does not include car repairs. So if your vehicle is damaged in an accident in a no-fault state, the at-fault driver is still responsible for reimbursing you through their property damage liability insurance.

Learn more about how no-fault insurance works.

Benefits of No-Fault Insurance
  • Drivers can have their medical claims paid quickly after an accident, since fault doesn’t matter.
  • Insurers spend less money on litigation and pass the savings to customers.
  • The PIP required in no-fault states covers other expenses in addition to medical bills, including child care and household services.

Learn more about the benefits of no-fault insurance.

Types of No-Fault Insurance

Of the 12 states with no-fault laws, nine follow the standard model for no-fault insurance, while three make no-fault insurance optional. Additionally, there are eight at-fault states that offer “add-on” no-fault insurance, which gives drivers no-fault coverage without the strict requirements for filing a lawsuit.

“Choice” No-Fault Insurance:

Three of the 12 no-fault states allow consumers to opt out of the no-fault system: Kentucky, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They are sometimes referred to as “choice no-fault” states.

  • Kentucky: Consumers can reject PIP insurance and limitations on their right to sue by filing a form with the state department of insurance.
  • New Jersey: Consumers can choose “unlimited right to sue” insurance and thereby opt out of the no-fault system.
  • Pennsylvania: Consumers can choose a “full tort” policy, which means opting out of the no-fault system.
“Add-on” No-Fault Insurance: 

In addition to the 12 no-fault states, eight other states and the District of Columbia require or make personal injury protection (PIP) optional but do not limit their ability to sue an at-fault driver after an accident. Because these states don’t limit injury lawsuits, they technically aren’t considered “no-fault,” though some still require drivers to have PIP.

  • Arkansas: PIP is optional, but insurers must offer it
  • Delaware: PIP is required ($15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident)
  • District of Columbia: PIP is optional
  • Maryland: PIP is optional, but insurers must offer it
  • Oregon: PIP is required ($15,000 per person)
  • South Dakota: PIP is optional
  • Texas: PIP is optional, but insurers must offer it
  • Virginia: PIP is optional
  • Washington: PIP is optional, but insurers must offer it

Learn more about different types of no-fault insurance.

How Much Is No-Fault Insurance?

No-fault insurance costs an average of $897 per year, for state-minimum coverage. The exact cost of no-fault insurance depends on several factors including your state, how much coverage you purchase, your driving history, and your insurance company. Liberty Mutual and Travelers are the cheapest no-fault insurance companies overall.

Cheapest No-Fault Car Insurance Companies

The list above is based on data collected in Florida, the largest no-fault state.

Learn more about how much is no-fault insurance.

No-Fault Insurance States

No-fault insurance only matters to you if you live in one of the states highlighted in blue or green on the map below. No-Fault Insurance Guide

No Fault Insurance Requirements by State
States PIP Coverage Requirements
Florida $10,000
Hawaii $10,000
Kansas $4,500
Kentucky $10,000*
Massachusetts $8,000
Michigan $250,000
Minnesota $40,000
New Jersey $15,000
New York $50,000
North Dakota $30,000
Pennsylvania $15,000
Utah $3,000

Note: As of January 2023

*Kentucky allows drivers to reject PIP coverage in writing.

**Michigan allows Medicare enrollees to opt-out of PIP.

***Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry medical payments coverage, not necessarily PIP.

The remaining 38 states are “tort” states, which have a different system for paying for minor injuries.

Learn more about no-fault insurance states.

No-Fault States vs. Tort States

The alternative to “no-fault” insurance laws is a “tort” system of insurance for personal injury claims. In “tort” states, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for compensating individuals that they injure in a car accident. There are also no restrictions on the right to sue after an accident in tort states, even if a motorist chooses to purchase PIP insurance.

Comparing No-Fault and Tort States
State Type No-Fault States Tort States
Who pays basic medical bills? Each driver is paid by his or her own insurer. At fault driver's insurer pays medical bills.
PIP insurance Replaces compensation that would have been collected from an at-fault driver. Supplements compensation collected from the at-fault driver.
Claim payment time With no need to establish fault, insurance claims are paid quickly. Insurance claims may not be paid until after fault is determined, sometimes after a lawsuit.
Right to sue State law limits the rights to sue the at-fault driver unless injuries are severe. No limits on right to sue at-fault driver based on severity of injuries.

Tips for Selecting a No-Fault Insurance Limit

Your no-fault car insurance limit is the maximum dollar amount that your insurance company will pay under your personal injury protection insurance. In addition, drivers in no-fault states will need to choose liability insurance limits, and you may need to choose an uninsured motorist insurance limit, depending on your state’s requirements.

Choosing insurance limits is important since choosing a low limit may mean you do not have enough coverage in the event of an accident. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

  1. Look at your state requirements. You need to purchase at least your state’s minimum coverage requirements in order to drive legally. However, its recommended you purchase higher limits than your state requires.
  2. Consider how any dependents would be affected. PIP insurance can cover the loss of your income for any surviving dependents. If you have family members or others who rely on your income, opting for a high PIP insurance limit will help ensure their financial stability. On the other hand, if others are not financially reliant on your income, you may want to opt for a low coverage limit to save money on your premiums. It is worth noting that this benefit may be subject to certain restrictions depending on your state. For instance, in Kentucky, your dependents may only receive a maximum of $200 per week for lost income.
  3. Evaluate your existing health insurance coverage. If you have comprehensive health insurance, you may not need as much PIP coverage. In this case, you could choose a low PIP limit to save on your premiums. However, even if you have health insurance, it is likely still worth purchasing PIP if your state offers it, since PIP can offer coverage for situations that health insurance would not cover. For instance, PIP insurance may reimburse you for lost wages while you’re unable to work due to an accident-related injury, which health insurance does not cover.
  4. Consider your existing life insurance policy. Life insurance policies typically cover funeral expenses and can include a “death benefit,” or a sum of money to be paid to the named beneficiary. If you have a life insurance policy, you may not need high PIP limits, since your dependents would receive financial help from your life insurance policy already. However, it’s important to note that your life insurance policy will only apply in the event of your death. If you are purchasing PIP insurance for its benefits that are not contingent on your death, then your existing life insurance policy should not factor into your decision regarding your PIP limit.
  5. Assess your driving habits. If you frequently drive in heavy traffic or in areas with a high accident rate, you may want to consider high coverage limits to protect yourself in case of an accident.
  6. Determine what is within your budget. Take the time to shop around and get quotes from several different insurance companies. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums to find the policy that best fits your needs and budget.

Video: No-Fault Insurance Explained

Ask The Experts

To gain more insight about no-fault insurance, WalletHub posed the following questions to a panel of experts. Click on the experts below to view their bios and answers.

1. What are the advantages of no-fault insurance laws? 2. What are the disadvantages of no-fault insurance laws? 3. Should drivers get PIP coverage even if it is not required?

< >

More Experts

]]> Proof of Insurance https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/proof-of-insurance/98571 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:13 +0000 McKayla Girardin https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/proof-of-insurance/98571 Proof of insurance is a car insurance document that shows the policy number, effective dates, covered vehicles, and policyholder names. Proof of insurance is usually needed when registering a car or when being pulled over by the police. Most states allow drivers to use a digital version of this documentation, but insurers can also provide paper copies.

How to Get Proof of Insurance
  • Request a physical insurance card online from your insurance company’s website
  • Access digital proof of insurance on the company’s smartphone app
  • Wait for insurance ID cards to come in the mail if you are a new policyholder
  • Call customer service to request either digital or physical proof of insurance
  • Ask for digital proof of insurance via email

Learn more about how to get proof of insurance.

[car_insurance_widget]

  1. What Is Included on Proof of Insurance?
  2. What Counts as Proof of Insurance?
  3. Why Proof of Insurance Is Necessary
  4. Proof of Insurance Laws by State
  5. Proof of Insurance Tips
  6. Proof of Insurance FAQ

What Is Included on Proof of Insurance?
Type of Information Definition
Policy Number This is a unique code that acts as a reference point for an insurance company and attaches a specific policy to a policyholder.
Effective Date This is the date the policy begins.
Expiration Date This is the date the policy will end. If a policy is renewed, a new card may be issued with a new expiration date.
Vehicle Details This includes the year, make, and model of the insured vehicle, in addition to the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Policyholder Details This includes the names of the insured drivers covered by the policy.
NAIC Code This is a code that identifies the insurance company.

Proof of insurance information may vary depending on the insurance company.

What Counts as Proof of Insurance? Insurance Card or Insurance ID Card

An auto insurance card or insurance ID card is the main form of proof of insurance. Often, after purchasing a policy, a card will be mailed to you that displays your policy information. Many insurers also allow versions of this card to be accessed online or through email and printed at home.

Learn more about insurance cards and how to get them from major insurers.

Digital Proof of Insurance

Digital proof of insurance is accepted in 49 states and the District of Columbia. In these states, digital proof of insurance can be accessed either through your insurers’ app or website, even during traffic stops. The exception is New Mexico, which allows digital proof of insurance in some cases but does not require that police accept it as proof.

Vehicle Registration

Massachusetts includes your insurance information on your vehicle registration. Since you should always have your registration in your car, you know you’ll have a physical copy of your insurance details, too.

Proof of Coverage

A proof-of-coverage document shows similar information as an insurance ID card but it also describes the policy limits. Proof of coverage is usually needed to prove to a lender or lessor that you are carrying the specific types and amounts of coverage required by your loan or lease agreement.

SR-22 or FR-44

SR-22s and FR-44s are sometimes called “certificates of financial responsibility” and are required in certain states after serious moving violations or a suspended license. These forms are filed with the state by an insurer to certify that a driver has the required amount of insurance coverage.

State-Specific Proof of Insurance Forms

Some states have specific forms that must be used to prove you have the state-required amount of insurance. These forms are typically only used by the state’s department of motor vehicles and do not need to be kept with you while driving.

Examples of State Specific Insurance Forms
  • Maryland – Form MD FR-19
  • North Carolina – Form DL-123 and FS-1
  • Texas – Form PC418

Why Proof of Insurance Is Necessary 

If you have a car, you’ll need proof of insurance either to show a law enforcement officer that you are not driving without insurance or to share details of your insurance after an accident.

When You Need Proof of Insurance
  • When you are registering a vehicle
  • If you get pulled over for a traffic violation
  • After an accident with another driver
  • When you are filing a car insurance claim
  • To reinstate your license or registration after certain violations

Proof of Insurance Laws by State
State Penalties for Driving without Proof of Insurance Is Proof of Insurance Needed to Register a Car?
Alabama Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Alaska Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Arizona Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Arkansas Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
California Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, but must be provided within 30 days of registering
Colorado Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Connecticut Fine of $117 Yes
Delaware Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
District of Columbia Fine of $30 Yes
Florida Fee of $10 with proof Yes
Georgia Fee of $25 with proof Yes
Hawaii Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Idaho Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Illinois Fee of $100 with proof Yes
Indiana Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Iowa Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Kansas Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Kentucky Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Louisiana Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Maine Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Maryland Fine of at least $50 Yes
Massachusetts Fine of at least $500 Yes
Michigan Fee of $25 with proof Yes
Minnesota Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Mississippi Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, but insurance is still required to legally drive
Missouri Fee of $24 to $75 with proof Yes
Montana Fine of $250 to $500 Yes
Nebraska Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Nevada Fine of $250 to $1,000 Yes
New Hampshire Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, since auto insurance is optional
New Jersey Fine of $300 to $1,000 Yes
New Mexico Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
New York Fine of $150 to $1,500 Yes
North Carolina Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
North Dakota Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, but insurance is still required to legally drive
Ohio Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Oklahoma Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Oregon Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Pennsylvania Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Rhode Island Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
South Carolina Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
South Dakota Fine of $100 Yes
Tennessee Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, but insurance is still required to legally drive
Texas Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Utah Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Vermont Fee of up to $100 with proof Yes
Virginia Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later No, since auto insurance is optional
Washington Fee of $25 with proof No, but insurance is still required to legally drive
West Virginia Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes
Wisconsin Fine of $10 to $500 No, but insurance is still required to legally drive
Wyoming Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later Yes

Proof of Insurance Tips Keep a physical copy even if you have a digital version.

Having a physical copy of your proof of insurance is still important, even if you have access to digital versions. A physical copy gives you back up in the event of no internet, bad reception, or a dead battery.

Don’t use fake proof-of-insurance documents.

Using fake or falsified proof-of-insurance documents can lead to serious fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. Additionally, even if they may fool another driver in event of an accident, they won’t fool the cops or the other driver’s insurance company.

Driving without insurance has serious consequences.

Driving without insurance is never a good idea. Beyond fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and having your vehicle impound, you’ll also end up paying significantly more for car insurance in the future. Additionally, if you cause an accident while driving without insurance, you could be sued by the victim for a lot of money.

Check your proof of insurance regularly.

You should regularly check your proof of insurance to ensure that all of the information it shows is accurate. Having an outdated proof-of-insurance document is essentially the same as not having proof of insurance at all. If you check your proof of insurance regularly, you’ll also remember where it is if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident.

Destroy old proof-of-insurance documents.

Make sure you destroy any expired or inaccurate proof-of-insurance documents. This will ensure you never get them mixed up and that you’re always carrying only the most up-to-date version. It will also help keep your personal information safe.

Video: Proof of Insurance

]]> Best PIP Insurance https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/best-pip-insurance/94165 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:06 +0000 Lilah Butler https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/best-pip-insurance/94165 The best PIP insurance comes from GEICO, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual. These companies are the best for personal injury protection (PIP) insurance because they offer affordable coverage in every state where PIP is required, plus they have strong customer service records.

Best PIP Insurance Companies
  1. GEICO
  2. Travelers
  3. Liberty Mutual
  4. Progressive
  5. State Farm
  6. Farmers
  7. Nationwide
  8. Kemper
  9. Allstate
  10. USAA

PIP, which stands for personal injury protection, is a type of car insurance that pays for medical expenses after the policyholder or their passengers are injured in a car accident. PIP is required in 13 states, including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Most states that require PIP have no-fault laws, which means that drivers must file medical claims with their own PIP insurance even if they weren’t responsible for the accident. Besides medical bills, PIP covers indirect costs caused by car accident injuries, such as lost wages, childcare, and household services. [car_insurance_widget]

  1. Best PIP Insurance Companies
  2. Tips for Choosing the Best PIP Insurance
  3. Video: Best PIP Insurance
  4. Methodology

Best PIP Insurance Companies 1. GEICO
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $295 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 4.5 out of 5

The best PIP insurance is from GEICO, since it offers low premiums in every state where PIP is required. GEICO also earned the highest WalletHub editor rating of any car insurance company, due to its affordable prices, many discounts, and strong customer service record.

2. Travelers
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $633 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 3.8 out of 5

Travelers offers inexpensive PIP insurance that’s ideal for drivers who want a customer-friendly insurance company. In fact, Travelers has fewer than half as many customer complaints as the average insurer, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

3. Liberty Mutual
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $307 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 3.3 out of 5

Liberty Mutual writes policies in every state where drivers need to purchase PIP. Additionally, the company earned full marks from WalletHub editors for its discounts, claims processes, and financial reliability, though it has received more customer complaints than the average insurer.

4. Progressive
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $1,195 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 4.3 out of 5

Progressive is a consistently affordable car insurance company, making it a good choice for budget-conscious drivers looking for PIP coverage. Progressive operates in every state, so drivers can get an auto insurance policy from the company everywhere PIP is required.

5. State Farm
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $699 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 3.4 out of 5

State Farm is the country’s largest auto insurance company, so it’s a good option for drivers who want to buy PIP insurance from a major insurer with plenty of resources. It’s also worth noting that State Farm policyholders can file a claim online, with their agent, or via a mobile app, making it an easy process.

6. Farmers
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $861 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 2.8 out of 5

Farmers offers PIP coverage in every state where it is required except Hawaii, and it’s a good choice for drivers looking for a variety of optional coverage add-ons. It’s also worth noting that Farmers has a highly-rated system for filing claims, as well as discounts for hybrid vehicles.

7. Nationwide
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $653 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 2.9 out of 5

Nationwide offers affordable PIP coverage and has a better customer service record than most competitors, making it a reliable choice for insurance. However, Nationwide does not offer coverage in two states that require PIP: Delaware and Hawaii.

8. Kemper
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $699 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 2.2 out of 5

Kemper specializes in high-risk drivers, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for PIP coverage and have a bad driving record. However, Kemper has a lot more customer complaints than average.

9. Allstate
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $1,353 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 3.2 out of 5

Allstate offers coverage in every state that requires PIP insurance, and the company has a variety of discounts and policy add-ons, too. On the downside, Allstate’s premiums tend to be more expensive than average, though rates vary widely between individual drivers.

10. USAA
  • Average premium for minimum coverage: $1,604 per year
  • WalletHub editor rating: 3.3 out of 5

USAA is available in every state that requires PIP, and customers generally give favorable reviews. USAA offers great discounts and competitive pricing, in addition to a lot of other coverage options. However, only current and former military members and their close family are eligible for coverage.

Tips for Choosing the Best PIP Insurance
  • Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to compare quotes from at least three insurers before buying a policy. This way, you can determine which company has the most affordable PIP coverage for your specific rating factors.

  • Consider increasing your PIP limits.

Choosing to purchase more PIP coverage can be an inexpensive way to protect yourself from the financial repercussions of serious car accident injuries. PIP is especially important if you don’t have health insurance, or if you don’t have enough in savings to support yourself if you are unable to work after a car accident.

  • Take advantage of discounts.

Car insurance discounts vary by state and company, but most insurers offer good-student, multi-car, and good-driver discounts of some type. Since discounts can save you up to 35% on your premium, it’s a good idea to try and qualify for as many ways to save as you can.

Video: Best PIP Insurance

Methodology

WalletHub editors compared 12 major car insurance companies to determine the best PIP insurance providers. Companies were evaluated according to their average premium, WalletHub editor rating, and availability in the 13 states that require PIP insurance. All factors were weighted equally, though price was used as a tiebreaker when necessary.

Premiums are an average of a series of annual quotes for Florida ZIP codes sourced from Quadrant Information Services. Quotes are for a 45-year-old single man with a clean driving record and good credit, who drives a sedan an average of 15,000 miles per year.

The following coverage limits were used for the overall ranking:

  • $10,000 in personal injury protection
  • $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
]]> Foreign Transaction Fees https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/foreign-transaction-fees/19571 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:01 +0000 John S Kiernan https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/foreign-transaction-fees/19571 A foreign transaction fee is a 1% - 3% surcharge that roughly 90% of credit cards add to transactions processed outside of the U.S. This type of fee, also called an international transaction fee, can apply when you’re traveling abroad or when you’re making purchases from internationally based merchants online or by phone.

Key Takeaways
  • Who charges them? A foreign transaction fee is generally the combination of charges assessed by the card network (e.g. Mastercard, Visa) and a fee that card’s issuer (e.g. Bank of America, Citi) charges on top of that. The issuer decides exactly what foreign fee the card ultimately has.
  • When they apply: You owe a foreign transaction fee when you make a purchase from a foreign merchant in-person, online or over the phone.
  • How much they are: Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. The average is 1.58%.
  • Types of cards that have them: It’s common for both credit cards and debit cards to charge foreign transaction fees.
  • How to avoid them: You can get a no-foreign-fee credit card or debit card.

Opinions and ratings are our own. This content is not provided, commissioned or endorsed by any issuer. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page. Offers information was collected on April 30, 2025 and is likely to have changed since.

  1. How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
  2. How Much Are Foreign Transaction Fees?
  3. Foreign Fees by Major Bank
  4. Foreign Fees by Credit Union
  5. Other Tips for Foreign Travelers
  6. Foreign Transaction Fees FAQ

How Much Are Foreign Transaction Fees?

Foreign transaction fees typically range from around 1% to 3% of the cost of the transaction. So if you make a $100 purchase from a foreign merchant, you can expect to have another $1 to $3 tacked on, unless you have a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. The average foreign transaction fee is 1.58%, according to WalletHub’s Credit Card Landscape Report.

That can add up quickly, and around 4 in 5 Americans think foreign transaction fees are a rip-off, according to our Foreign Transaction Fee Survey. At the same time, 1 in 3 people don’t even know if their card charges such a fee.

In order to provide a more complete picture of the foreign transaction fee landscape, WalletHub compared offers from the 10 largest banks and 10 largest credit unions, identifying the best offers of the bunch and more. You can check out our findings in the tables below.

Foreign Fees by Major Bank
Issuer Foreign Transaction Fee Popular No Foreign Fee Card International Calls
American Express Up to 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars American Express® Gold Card 1-336-393-1111
Bank of America Up to 3% Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card 1-302-738-5719
Capital One No foreign fees Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card Check issuer website
Chase Up to 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 1-302-594-8200
Citibank Up to 3% Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® 1-605-335-2222
Discover No foreign fees Discover it® Miles 1-801-902-3100
HSBC No foreign fees HSBC Premier World Credit Card 1-716-841-7212
PNC Up to 3% PNC Cash Unlimited® Visa Signature® Credit Card 1-412-803-7787
USAA No foreign fees USAA Eagle Navigator® Credit Card 1-800-531-8722
U.S. Bank Up to 3% U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card 1-503-401-9991
Wells Fargo Up to 3% Wells Fargo Autograph® Card 1-925-825-7600

Foreign Fees by Credit Union
Issuer Foreign Transaction Fee Popular No Foreign Fee Card International Collect Calls
Alliant Credit Union Up to 2.00% Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card 1-773-462-2000
Boeing Employees Credit Union No foreign fees Boeing Employees Credit Union Low Rate Credit Card 1-800-369-3567
Golden 1 Credit Union 1.00% N/A N/A
Navy Federal Credit Union No foreign fees Navy Federal Credit Union GO REWARDS® Credit Card Depends on country, or call 1-888-842-6328  with VOIP
Pentagon Federal Credit Union No foreign fees PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card 1-531-210-3511
San Diego County Credit Union Up to 2.00% SDCCU Visa Signature® 1-858-453-2112
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Up to 2.00% SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Rewards Mastercard® 1-714-258-4000
Security Service Credit Union Up to 1.10% Security Service Power Travel Rewards World Mastercard® N/A
Star One Credit Union No foreign fees Star One Visa Signature Rewards Card 1-408-543-5202
State Employees' Credit Union 1.00% N/A 1-888-732-8562

How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

The only way to avoid credit card foreign transaction fees is to use a card that doesn’t charge them. There are plenty of cards, particularly those that focus on travel rewards, that do not charge any fee for making purchases from foreign merchants. Such cards are becoming increasingly common, and some issuers, such as Capital One, Discover, USAA and HSBC, have even removed foreign fees from all of their credit cards.

Since credit cards are by far the cheapest means of currency conversion, it pays to have a no foreign transaction fee credit card in your wallet so you don’t end up incurring unnecessary expenses.

You can learn all about the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees here on WalletHub.

Other Tips for Foreign Travelers

Like much about credit cards, foreign transaction fees can be confusing. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a quick list of tips to help clarify the situation and enable you to avoid making mistakes.

Get a card with no foreign fee

Getting one of the many credit cards that don’t charge a foreign transaction fee prevents you from ever having to worry about this issue in the first place.

Know which purchases are affected

Remember that you don’t actually need to leave American soil to be charged a foreign transaction fee. Any time you make a purchase online or over the phone that is processed through an overseas merchant, you will be charged this fee. If the prices on a website are quoted in a foreign currency, that’s a good indication you are transacting with an international merchant.

Avoid dynamic currency conversion

You should keep an eye out for dynamic currency conversion. This happens when an overseas merchant offers to convert your credit card transaction from the local currency into U.S. dollars. While it may sound tempting to see your transaction in a currency that you are familiar with, you should always refuse this offer. Many merchants will charge exorbitantly high exchange rates, as high as 7%, to do the conversion and pocket the difference as a fee.

Set up a travel notice

Always call your credit card company before using your credit card to make purchases abroad so they do not become suspicious and lock your account due to fraud concerns.

]]> Average Credit Card Interest Rates https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/average-credit-card-interest-rate/50841 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 02:00:11 +0000 Adam McCann https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/average-credit-card-interest-rate/50841

Average Credit Card Interest Rates:

  • 22.17% for new offers
  • 21% for existing accounts

The average credit card interest rate is 22.17% for new offers and 21% for existing accounts, according to WalletHub’s Credit Card Landscape Report. The average interest rate among new credit card offers has increased by five percentage points since 2010.

2026's Best Credit Card Rates

  1. Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Category
  2. Average Credit Card APRs Over Time
  3. Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Major Issuers
  4. Average Intro Rates, Penalty Rate & Cash Advance Rate
  5. Average 0% Intro APR Length Over Time
  6. Average Cash Advance and Penalty APRs
  7. 4 Tips for Getting a Better Credit Card APR

Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Category
Category Latest Average Q4 2025 Q2 2025 Lowest Level
Excellent Credit 17.08% 17.11% 17.67% 12.43% (Q3 2010)
Good Credit 23.27% 23.26% 23.9% 16.07% (Q3 2010)
Fair Credit 27.01% 26.65%  27.49% 19.18% (Q3 2012)
Secured Cards 21.74% 21.76% 22.30% 16.63% (Q4 2020)
Student Cards 19.04% 19.04% 19.48% 15.00% (Q2 2020)
Business Cards 20.97% 20.95% 21.5% 15.11% (Q2 2012)
Store Cards 33.13% 33.13% 33.13% 22.21% (2011)
All New Offers 22.17% 22.11% 22.73% 11.82% (Q3 2014)
All Existing Accounts 21.00% 20.97% 21.37% 16.60% (Q1 2011)
Note: The latest averages shown reflect regular APRs for new credit card offers in June 2026, except for the average for all existing accounts, which is from February 2026 due to data limitations. The lowest level for all categories is from 2010 onward.

The main takeaway from this list is that the better your credit score is, the lower you can expect your credit card interest rate to be. And the vast majority of us have some room for credit improvement. You also get a sense for how average credit card interest rates fluctuate over time.

Below, you can take an even closer look at how APRs for existing accounts and new offers have changed in recent years. On that note, it’s important to point out that we will use “interest rate” and “APR” interchangeably in this article. APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, technically describes how much interest a balance will accrue over the course of a year. But interest is assessed daily, so a credit card’s interest rate is its APR divided by 365 (days in a year).

Average Credit Card APRs Over Time

Average Credit Card Interest Rates by Major Issuers (Source: WalletHub analysis of Terms of Credit Card Plans Survey, CFPB as of July 2024)

Average Intro Rates, Penalty Rate & Cash Advance Rate

The average rates discussed above are so-called regular APRs. They apply to purchases and balance transfers under normal circumstances. But there are several other kinds of interest rates you should be aware of.

Here are the other average credit card interest rates:

  • Purchase Intro APR: 0% for 11.59 months – Usually 0%, this promotional rate lasts for a limited amount of time before the regular APR kicks in.
  • Balance Transfer Intro APR: 0% for 13 months – Usually 0% and sometimes offered for the same length of time as the purchase intro APR, this promo rate applies to balances transferred from another credit card or loan.
  • Penalty APR: 27.44% – You’ll only see this interest rate if you fail to make your minimum payments.
  • Cash Advance APR: 24.48% – You can use your credit card like a debit card to get money from an ATM. But interest will start accruing immediately, and you’ll be hit with a hefty fee.

Average 0% Intro APR Length Over Time

Average Cash Advance and Penalty APRs

4 Tips for Getting a Better Credit Card APR
  1. Improve your credit. A better credit score can lead to much lower interest rates as well as higher odds of approval for 0% credit cards. WalletHub’s personalized credit analysis will tell you exactly what you need to do.
  2. Comparison shop. It’s very easy to compare credit cards based on their regular and introductory interest rates, among other things. And if you know what your credit score is, you’ll have a sense of what rate you deserve.
  3. Take advantage of 0% offers. Applying for a 0% credit card before making a big purchase that will take you months to pay off can save you a bundle. The same is true of transferring a balance with a high rate to a 0% balance transfer credit card. You just have to make a plan for repaying what you owe by the end of the 0% period. A credit card calculator can help with that.
  4. Separate debt from everyday spending. Trying to use one credit card for everything isn’t the best idea. Don’t make purchases you can afford to pay in full by the due date with a credit card that you’re also using to carry a balance from month to month. That’s because those everyday purchases will accrue interest right along with your ongoing balance. But if you get another credit card solely for such everyday spending, interest won’t apply to it, as long as you pay your bill in full every month.

In conclusion, average credit card interest rates are a good tool to use when considering your credit card options. But it’s important to remember that the best credit card APR is one you never need to worry about. And you can get such a worry-free rate by always paying your bill in full. If you do that, your card’s APR won’t be a factor and you can focus on minimizing fees as well as maximizing rewards when picking a card.

If you’d like some even more in-depth statistical data about average credit card interest rates, WalletHub’s Credit Card Landscape Report has everything you’re looking for.

]]> Credit Card Landscape Report https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-landscape-report/24927 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:58 +0000 Alina Comoreanu https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-landscape-report/24927 To help people better understand the credit card market, WalletHub tracks interest rates, rewards and fees across credit segments, highlighting the most important trends in our quarterly landscape reports. Below, you can check out our latest findings, including a breakdown of how rates are reacting to the Federal Reserve’s latest moves.

Main Credit Card Industry Trends

Interest Rates:

  • The average interest rate for new credit card offers is 22.11%, as of Q1 2026, down from 22.59% in Q1 2025.
  • The average interest rate for existing accounts being assessed finance charges is 21.52%, as of Q1 2026, down from 21.91% in Q1 2025.
  • Interest rates on credit cards for people with excellent credit have decreased the most, down by 2.89% in the past year.

Initial Perks (0% APRs & Rewards Bonuses):

  • The average cash back credit card’s initial rewards bonus increased by 2.88% in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025.
  • The average initial bonus awarded in terms of miles/points increased by 6.12% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year.
  • Credit card companies are emphasizing balance transfers over new-purchase financing, offering 0% intro rates on balance transfers for 12.6% longer.

Fees:

  • The average credit card annual fee is $28.25 (18.95% higher vs. Q1 2025).
  • The average balance transfer fee is 2.96% (2.78% higher vs. Q1 2025).
  • The average foreign transaction fee on a credit card is 1.58% (0.64% higher vs. Q1 2025).
  • The average cash advance fee on a credit card is 4.03% (1.51%% higher vs. Q1 2025).

Complaints & Satisfaction:

  • 1.86% more credit card complaints were filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during Q1 2026 than the same quarter in 2025.
  • The CFPB complaints for “Billing” increased to 23.28% in Q1 2026, up from 13.34% in Q1 2025.
  • Discover had the most-satisfied credit card customers during the first quarter of 2026, earning a WalletHub Satisfaction Score of 89.19. Synchrony Bank cardholders were the least pleased, with the issuer earning a score of just 53.37.

Debt:

  • Total credit card debt in April 2026 was 9% below the all-time record for the month and showed barely any difference compared to last year, after adjusting for inflation.
  • Outstanding credit card debt as of Q1 2026 was actually 14% below the all-time record, after adjusting for inflation.
  1. Interest Rates
  2. Rewards
  3. Fees
  4. Credit Card Complaints & Satisfaction
  5. Debt
  6. Methodology

Interest Rates
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Excellent Credit 17.08% 17.11%(-2.89%) 17.27%(-3.52%) 17.68%(-3.18%) 17.67%(-2.91%) 17.62%(-2.33%) -0.93%
Good Credit 23.27% 23.26%(-2.27%) 23.46%(-2.53%) 23.93%(-2.09%) 23.90%(-1.89%) 23.80%(-1.33%) -0.85%
Fair Credit 27.01% 26.65%(-0.63%) 27.36%(+2.13%) 27.48%(+1.07%) 27.49%(+2.38%) 26.82%(+1.55%) -2.60%
Secured Credit Cards 21.74% 21.76%(-2.42%) 21.87%(-2.80%) 22.43%(-1.41%) 22.30%(-2.49%) 22.30%(-2.32%) -0.50%
Student Credit Cards 19.04% 19.04%(-2.26%) 19.19%(-2.24%) 19.53%(-2.50%) 19.48%(-3.08%) 19.48%(-1.27%) -0.78%
Business Credit Cards 20.97% 20.95%(-2.74%) 21.03%(-3.04%) 21.47%(-3.03%) 21.50%(-2.98%) 21.54%(-2.75%) -0.38%
Store Credit Cards 33.13% 33.13%(+0.33%) 32.95%(-0.41%) 33.09%(+0.44%) 33.13%(+8.48%) 33.02%(+9.48%) 0.53%
Average Interest Rate for All New Offers 22.17% 22.11%(-2.12%) 22.35%(-1.81%) 22.76%(-1.70%) 22.73%(-1.64%) 22.59%(-1.29%) -1.08%
Avg. Assessed Interest Rate of Accounts with Finance Charges 21.52% 21.52%(-1.78%) 22.30%(-2.19%) 22.83%(-2.31%) 22.25%(-2.24%) 21.91%(-3.18%) -3.50%

Sources: All the above metrics are based on WalletHub internal data of more than 1,500 credit card offers with the exception of the interest rates for accounts with finance charges where Federal Reserve data was used.

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: Federal Reserve

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Balance Transfer Landscape
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average Length of 0% APR Intro Period (in months) 13.32 months 13.05(+2.76%) 13.17(+3.38%) 13.08(+2.27%) 12.78(-0.08%) 12.70(-0.47%) -0.91%
Range of 0% APR Intro Periods (in months) 3 - 21 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months N/A
Average Regular APR for Cards that have 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 20.97% 20.95%(-2.65%) 21.28%(-2.74%) 21.69%(-2.56%) 21.67%(-2.65%) 21.52%(-2.18%) -1.55%
Range of Regular APRs for Cards that have 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 9.5% - 36.0% 9.9% - 36.0% 9.9% - 36.0% 9.49% - 36.0% 9.49% - 36.0% 9.49% - 36.0% N/A
Average Balance Transfer Fee for Cards with 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 3.33% 3.28%(+2.82%) 3.33%(+4.72%) 3.34%(+4.70%) 3.28%(+5.13%) 3.19%(+2.90%) -1.50%

Source: WalletHub

New Purchase Landscape
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average Length of 0% Intro Period (in months) 11.69 months 11.59(+3.85%) 11.52(+3.41%) 11.44(+2.05%) 11.17(-1.15%) 11.16(-2.11%) 0.61%
Range of 0% APR Intro Periods (in months) 3 - 36 months 3 - 36 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months 3 - 24 months N/A
Average Regular APR for Cards that have 0% Intro APR on New Purchases 21.62% 21.72%(-2.34%) 21.87%(-2.71%) 22.25%(-2.92%) 22.23%(-3.10%) 22.24%(-2.11%) -0.69%
Range of regular APRs for Cards that have 0% Intro APR on Purchases 9.99% - 33.24% 9.99% - 33.49% 9.99% - 33.99% 9.49% - 33.99% 9.49% - 33.99% 9.49% - 33.99% N/A

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Penalty APRs
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average 27.27% 27.44%(+0.55%) 27.29%(-0.80%) 27.46%(-0.94%) 27.33%(-1.34%) 27.29%(-0.22%) 0.55%
Range 9.99% - 39.99% 13.0% - 39.99% 13.0% - 39.99% 13.0% - 39.99% 13.0% - 39.99% 13.0% - 39.99% N/A

Source: WalletHub

Cash Advances
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average APR 24.45% 24.48%(-1.21%) 24.50%(-1.72%) 24.83%(-1.08%) 24.79%(-0.72%) 24.78%(-0.44%) -0.08%
APR Range 0.0% - 37.49% 0.0% - 37.74% 0.0% - 38.24% 0.0% - 38.24% 0.0% - 38.24% 0.0% - 38.24% N/A
Average Cash Advance Fee % 4.02% 4.03%(+1.51%) 4.01%(+1.26%) 4.02%(+1.52%) 4.00%(+1.78%) 3.97%(+1.02%) 0.50%
Average Cash Advance Fee $ amount $8.52 $8.40(-0.59%) $8.35(-1.65%) $8.37(-1.41%) $8.31(-2.46%) $8.45(-0.94%) 0.60%

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

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Rewards

Cash Back

Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average Base Earn Rate 1.18% 1.18%(+0.85%) 1.17%(+0.86%) 1.17%(+1.74%) 1.17%(+1.74%) 1.17%(+1.74%) 0.85%
Range of Base Earn Rate 0.25% - 2.0% 0.25% - 2.0% 0.25% - 2.0% 0.25% - 2.0% 0.25% - 2.0% 0.25% - 2.0% N/A
Average Initial Bonus $264.83 $250.41(+2.88%) $236.35(+0.39%) $234.72(-0.84%) $229.21(-0.68%) $232.05(+1.82%) 1.01%
Range of Initial Bonus $50.0 - $2000.0 $30 - $1,000 $30 - $1,000 $30 - $1,000 $50 - $1,500 $20 - $1,000 N/A

Source: WalletHub

Miles or Points

Latest June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average Base Earn Rate (in miles or points) 1.2 1.20(-2.44%) 1.20(-2.44%) 1.19(-2.46%) 1.20(-1.64%) 1.23(+0.82%) 0.00%
Range of Base Earn Rate 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points 0.2 - 10.0 miles / points N/A
Average Initial Bonus (in miles or points) 35,807 35,350(+6.12%) 35,124(+11.22%) 37,069(+7.42%) 34,060(+6.28%) 33,312(+4.22%) 0.64%
Range of Initial Bonus 1000.0 - 175000.0 miles / points 1,000 - 200,000 miles / points 1,000 - 200,000 miles / points 1,000 - 200,000 miles / points 1,000 - 200,000 miles / points 1,000 - 185,000 miles / points N/A

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

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Fees
Latest (June 8) Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Average Annual Fee $29.57 $28.25(+18.95%) $27.85(+26.48%) $26.75(+19.74%) $25.22(+13.50%) $23.75(+6.55%) 1.44%
Average Maximum Late Fee $33.86 $33.85(+0.24%) $33.76(-0.41%) $33.78(-0.56%) $33.68(-0.21%) $33.77(-0.59%) 0.27%
Average Foreign Transaction Fee 1.59% 1.58%(+0.64%) 1.57%(-0.63%) 1.58%(0.00%) 1.57%(0.00%) 1.57%(+0.64%) 0.64%
Foreign Transaction Fee Range 0% - 3% 0% - 3% 0% - 3% 0% - 3% 0% - 3% 0% - 3% N/A
Average Balance Transfer Fee for Cards with Intro Balance Transfer APR 2.97% 2.96%(+2.78%) 2.98%(+3.83%) 3.02%(+4.86%) 2.95%(+4.98%) 2.88%(+2.86%) -0.67%

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Source: WalletHub

Credit Card Complaints & Satisfaction

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Q1 2026 (vs. last yr) Q4 2025 (vs. last yr) Q3 2025 (vs. last yr) Q2 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2025 (vs. last yr) Q1 2026 vs. Q4 2025 Change
Collection 22.48%(-7.33%) 24.24%(+15.57%) 22.28%(+2.61%) 25.97%(+23.63%) 24.26%(+5.03%) -7.25%
Billing 23.28%(+74.53%) 18.30%(+27.49%) 14.43%(+10.95%) 14.00%(-0.58%) 13.34%(-19.97%) 27.21%
APR or interest rate 3.11%(+6.26%) 2.43%(+6.05%) 2.05%(-0.33%) 2.05%(-6.22%) 2.92%(+24.17%) 27.99%
Identity theft / Fraud / Embezzlement 6.60%(+1.08%) 5.55%(-9.39%) 6.19%(-8.79%) 6.01%(+3.13%) 6.53%(+16.78%) 18.84%
Closing/Cancelling account 4.65%(+6.72%) 5.24%(+25.67%) 4.31%(+12.58%) 4.61%(+15.05%) 4.36%(-0.13%) -11.27%
Credit card protection / Debt protection 2.20%(+4.29%) 2.37%(+18.63%) 2.14%(+31.43%) 1.93%(+27.95%) 2.11%(+13.88%) -7.31%
Credit 2.95%(-4.03%) 3.17%(-11.69%) 2.84%(-11.53%) 2.70%(-24.28%) 3.08%(-47.38%) -6.94%
Payoff process 3.17%(-13.56%) 2.85%(-9.88%) 2.48%(-17.14%) 2.69%(-18.20%) 3.66%(-18.68%) 10.97%
Fees 4.60%(+15.97%) 3.82%(+4.23%) 2.99%(-24.26%) 3.08%(-20.31%) 3.96%(-0.39%) 20.32%
Advertising and marketing 3.19%(+29.74%) 2.79%(+18.96%) 2.27%(-0.60%) 2.23%(-42.80%) 2.46%(-17.01%) 14.52%
Customer service / Customer relations 5.83%(-62.90%) 5.99%(-56.08%) 15.09%(+53.19%) 12.32%(-14.22%) 15.72%(+31.94%) -2.70%
Rewards 2.21%(+49.33%) 1.68%(+25.18%) 1.29%(+18.17%) 1.28%(+18.68%) 1.48%(+6.75%) 31.65%
Delinquent account 0.03%(+26.23%) 0.04%(+39.96%) 0.04%(-17.77%) 0.05%(+53.17%) 0.03%(-21.19%) -8.83%
Credit reporting 8.55%(-16.12%) 14.70%(-8.42%) 16.00%(-27.63%) 15.40%(+0.59%) 10.19%(+11.77%) -41.85%
Other 7.16%(+21.22%) 6.83%(+9.18%) 5.60%(+2.85%) 5.67%(-5.10%) 5.90%(-6.73%) 4.81%

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Customer Satisfaction With Large Issuers
Rank Issuer WalletHub Satisfaction Score CFPB Complaints Per $1 Billion Outstanding CFPB Satisfactory Response WalletHub Reviews
Max 100 Points Max 60 Points Max 20 Points Max 20 Points
1 Discover 89.19 56.52 20.00 12.67
2 U.S. Bank 89.01 56.34 20.00 12.67
3 Chase 88.75 56.75 20.00 12.00
4 Credit One Bank 88.67 60.00 20.00 8.67
5 Amex 87.95 56.41 18.88 12.67
6 First National Bank of Omaha 87.54 56.87 20.00 10.67
7 USAA 87.40 57.40 20.00 10.00
8 Navy FCU 87.38 54.04 20.00 13.33
9 Bank of America 86.18 54.85 20.00 11.33
10 Wells Fargo 83.25 51.92 20.00 11.33
11 Citibank 82.95 52.28 20.00 10.67
12 Barclays 81.84 50.51 20.00 11.33
13 Capital One 81.53 50.86 20.00 10.67
14 Goldman Sachs 72.11 44.78 20.00 7.33
15 Synchrony Bank 53.37 24.97 19.74 8.67

Source: Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and WalletHub

Debt Credit Card Debt as of April Each Year (Adjusted for Inflation) Quarterly Credit Card Debt (Adjusted for Inflation)

For more information, check out WalletHub's in-depth studies on credit card debt and total household debt.

Methodology

Information for this report was collected from the websites of each institution which we then use to update our internal database of 1,500+ credit cards. Quarterly averages used for this report corresponds to the last Friday business day of each quarter. "Latest" column from the tables is updated each Monday.

For the "customer satisfaction with large issuers" section, WalletHub evaluated consumer satisfaction for 15 of the largest credit card issuers based on total outstanding balances. Each issuer was scored on a 100-point scale according to the following criteria:

  1. CFPB Complaints Per $1 Billion Outstanding (maximum of 60 points)
    • 60 Points: No complaints
    • 0 Points: 135+ complaints
  2. Satisfactory Response Rate To CFPB Complaints (maximum of 20 points)
    • 20 Points: 100%
    • 0 Points: 50%
  3. Average WalletHub Reviews (maximum of 20 points)
    • 20 Points: 5 stars
    • 0 Points: 2 stars or below

For statistics on store credit cards in particular, check out our latest Store Card Landscape Report.

]]> Current Credit Card Interest Rates https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/current-credit-card-interest-rates/128285 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:46 +0000 Adam McCann https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/current-credit-card-interest-rates/128285

Current Credit Card Interest Rates:

  • Average Rate – New Offers: 22.17%
  • Average Rate – Existing Balances: 21.52%

Currently, credit card interest rates range from 5.75% to 36% for new applicants. The average interest rate among credit card offers is 22.17%, as of June 2026 which is 0.23% more than the prior month.

The interest rates on existing credit card accounts are a bit lower. For example, people with credit card debt currently pay interest at a 21.52% average annual rate. Below, you can learn more about current credit card interest rates, including how they vary by credit level.

  1. Current Rates for New Offers
  2. Current Rates for Existing Accounts
  3. Credit Cards With the Best Rates

Current Interest Rates for New Credit Card Offers
Category June 8 Average Change vs. Previous Week Change vs. Previous Month Change vs. Previous Year
Average Interest Rate for All New Offers 22.17% 0.00% 0.23% -2.38%
Excellent Credit 17.08% 0.06% -0.06% -3.23%
Good Credit 23.27% 0.04% 0.04% -2.47%
Fair Credit 27.01% 0.00% 0.82% -1.75%
Secured Cards 21.74% 0.00% -0.28% -2.51%
Student Cards 19.04% 0.00% 0.00% -2.26%
Business Cards 20.97% 0.00% 0.58% -2.37%
Store Cards 33.13% 0.00% 0.00%  0.21%
Credit Card Interest Rates Over Time

(Source: WalletHub)

Current Interest Rates for Existing Accounts
Category Latest (February  2026) Change vs. Previous Quarter Change vs. Previous Year
Average for All Accounts 21.00% 0.00% -0.02%
Average for Accounts with Finance Charges 21.52% -0.03% -0.02%
Rates for Existing Accounts Over Time

See data for previous years’ credit card interest rates. (Sources: Federal Reserve, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, WalletHub.com)

Credit Cards With the Best Rates Right Now

For more information, check out WalletHub’s complete review of the best credit card rates.

Back To Top ]]> Credit Card Interest Rates Guide https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-interest-rates/52541 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:01 +0000 Adam McCann https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-interest-rates/52541 Credit card interest rates are among the most confusing and potentially costly elements of credit card use. Many people don’t know exactly when credit card interest rates apply, how many different rates a single account can have, or how interest charges are calculated. Below, you can learn about all that and more, so you’ll be able to manage your credit card accounts more strategically and save money overall.

  1. What Are Credit Card Interest Rates?
  2. What Is the APR on a Credit Card?
  3. What Is a Good APR for a Credit Card?
  4. How Does Credit Card Interest Work?
  5. Types of Credit Card Interest Rates
  6. Current Credit Card Interest Rates
  7. Credit Card Interest Rates by Company
  8. Best Low Interest Credit Cards
  9. When Credit Card Interest Rates Can Change
  10. How to Lower the APR on a Credit Card
  11. How to Calculate the APR on a Credit Card
  12. Ask The Experts

This content is not provided or commissioned by any issuer, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by an issuer.

What Are Credit Card Interest Rates?

Credit card interest rates tell you how much it will cost to borrow money from a credit card company, by carrying a balance from month to month. For example, if your interest rate is 20% and you carry a $500 balance, you would owe roughly $100 in interest after a year.

You can learn more from the FAQs below.

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What Is the APR on a Credit Card?

The APR on a credit card represents the annual cost of carrying a balance with that credit card. The APR, or annual percentage rate, takes into account both a card’s daily interest rate and daily compounding, which is when interest applies to both the principal balance and previously assessed interest.

Learn more about the difference between a credit card APR and a credit card interest rate.

What Is a Good APR for a Credit Card?

A good APR for a credit card is below 13%, as that is roughly the average regular purchase APR among credit card offers for people with excellent credit. But the best credit card interest rate is one that never applies, which is achievable if you pay off everyday purchases in full each month and use 0% APR credit cards for financing.

Learn more about what currently qualifies as a good credit card APR.

2026's Best Low Interest Credit Cards

How Does Credit Card Interest Work?

Credit card interest rates won’t apply if you pay your full statement balance by the due date each billing period. But if you don’t pay in full or you perform a transaction such as a cash advance, interest will begin to accrue daily.

The rate at which interest accrues each day is the APR divided by 365. You can then multiply that by your balance to find the amount of interest you owe per day. It’s not always quite that simple, though.

All credit card interest rates compound daily. That means that each day you owe interest both on your original balance and on any other interest you’ve already accrued. So the amount of interest you owe each day will slowly increase. That’s why it’s vital to always make a plan to pay off your debt.

You can find more information about how credit card rates work in the FAQs below.

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Types of Credit Card Interest Rates
  1. Credit Card Purchase APR: The interest rate on things you buy with a credit card that applies when you don’t pay your statement balance in full every billing period.
  2. Credit Card Balance Transfer APR: The interest rate you owe on balances you move from other credit cards or loans to your card. Typically, you get a low rate (even 0%) for a certain number of months, and then switch over to the regular APR.
  3. Credit Card Introductory APR: This is a temporary promotional rate that some credit cards offer to new applicants for a certain period of time after account opening. It is lower than the normal APR, often 0%. The average credit card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases gives you more than 11.59 months without interest. Balance transfer intro APRs last 13.05 months on average.
  4. Cash Advance APR: Withdrawing money from an ATM or bank branch using your credit card triggers this rate. The average credit card cash advance APR is 24.48%.
  5. Penalty APR: This rate may apply after you miss a due date. And whether it applies to future purchases or an existing balance, too, depends on how far behind you get. The average penalty APR on a credit card is 27.44%.

You can learn more from our Q&A on the different types of credit card interest rates.

Below, you can find a breakdown of average credit card interest rates for key segments of the market, along with additional information about how credit card interest works and how to avoid it.

Current Credit Card Interest Rates
Category Current Average 6 Months Ago
Excellent Credit 17.08% 17.45%
Good Credit 23.27% 23.67%
Fair Credit 27.01% 27.28%
Secured Credit Cards 21.74% 22.07%
Student Credit Cards 19.04% 19.28%
Business Credit Cards 20.97% 21.2%
Store Credit Cards 33.13% 33.03%
All New Offers 22.17% 22.49%
All Existing Accounts 21.00% 20.97%

Note: The current averages shown reflect regular APRs for new credit card offers in June 2026, except for the average for all existing accounts, which is from February 2026 due to data limitations.

Learn more about the current credit card landscape, including average credit card interest rates.

You can also check out our historical credit card interest rates page if you’re interested in seeing how current rates compare to rates from the past.

Credit Card Interest Rates by Company
Credit Card Company Interest Rate Range
American Express 16.74% (V) - 28.49% (V)
Bank of America 14.99% (V) - 27.49% (V)
Barclays 17.49% (V) - 33.24% (V)
Capital One 16.74% (V) - 28.49% (V)
Chase 16.74% (V) - 27.99% (V)
Citi 16.49% (V) - 29.49% (V)
Discover 16.49% (V) - 26.49% (V)
U.S. Bank 17.49% (V) - 28.49% (V)
Wells Fargo 17.49% (V) - 28.49% (V)

*(V) stands for Variable Rates

For some added context and commentary, check out the Q&As listed below.

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Best Low Interest Credit Cards

You can check out our review of the best low interest credit cards to learn more.

When Credit Card Interest Rates Can Change

There are four main cases in which your credit card interest rate might change. You have control over some of them, but others are totally out of your hands. Here are the cases in which they can change:

  1. Your introductory rate expires. It’s great to get a low introductory APR, especially if it’s 0%. But these rates only last a certain number of months, usually 6-24, before the regular APR kicks in.
  2. You have a variable rate. This means your rate is tied to an index, usually the prime rate that banks use to lend to their most creditworthy customers. As the market fluctuates and that rate changes, so will your card’s interest rate. You’ll know your card’s rate is variable if you see a (V) next to it. Most cards have variable rates, but some have fixed rates not tied to an index.
  3. You trigger the penalty APR. The penalty APR is higher than your regular APR and can be applied when you miss a payment. It can apply to future purchases after. You can only regain your regular APR on existing balances by paying on time for six months. Your issuer may or may not ever lower your APR on new purchases.
  4. Your issuer changes the rate. A credit card company can change your interest rate for future purchases at pretty much any time, for pretty much any reason. They’re required by law to give you 45-days’ notice, though.
How to Lower the APR on a Credit Card

The best way to get a lower credit card APR is to get a new credit card with a lower rate than your current card. If you already owe a balance on your current credit card, you could transfer that balance to a card with a low introductory balance transfer APR. Or, if you’re planning a big purchase, you could get a new card with a 0% intro APR on purchases.

Low interest credit cards usually require good or excellent credit for approval, however. If you have a lower score, you should focus on improving it before you apply.

Learn more about how to get a lower credit card interest rate.

How to Calculate the APR on a Credit Card

A credit card’s APR will be listed on your online account and monthly statements, so you won’t have to calculate the rate itself. If you want to calculate the interest charges you may incur on a credit card, use a free credit card interest calculator.

You can also find more information in the following FAQs.

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Ask the Experts

WalletHub invited a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following questions about credit card interest rates. You can see who they are and what advice they had to share below. Just click “Read More” under an expert’s name and title to check out their comments.

1. Do you have any tips for avoiding interest charges on credit cards? 2. How high could credit card interest rates get? 3. Why do store credit cards have such high interest rates?

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More Experts

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