The average advertised interest rate for credit cards in the U.S. has risen to 13.7% from 11.64% in May 2009, before the legislation was passed, according to Bill Hardekopf, chief executive of LowCards.com, a Web site that tracks the industry.

WSJ: Card Issuers Gird for Cut to Late Fees

According to the LowCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report, the average advertised credit card rate was 11.68% in January 2009.

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They often must apply for a loan to see if the attractive rate advertised on a lender's website is the one they will actually receive, says Mr. Kantrowitz.

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In one example, two credit cards advertised the same annual percentage rate but differed by as much as 70% in the eventual cost to the cardholder.

ECONOMIST: Fraud

The number of jobs advertised but not being filled is increasing even as the unemployment rate stays resolutely high.

ECONOMIST: Education in America