Credit Card APR - What exaclty is APR?

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 03-06-2010

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APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. APR attempts to create a single figure of interest allowing the consumer to compare like with like when selecting the best product for their lifestyle.

Without APR it would be literally impossible to make this kind of quick comparison because the credit card companies use different calculations to compute their interest and other charges. Without APR it would be possible for a card bearing an ‘advertised’ interest rate of 12% (not APR) to be more expensive than one charging 16%.

Financial Regulators (such as the the UK’s FSA) have recognized this and as such have attempted to put in some safeguards to protect the consumer, making sure that there is at least some standard information allowing comparison between interest rates and other associated charges.

The main thing to remember is that APR takes into account not only the interest charges levied, but also any other costs that are also included. Credit card companies use different calculations to compute their interest and other charges, so APR makes it easier to make a good
credit card comparison between products. Generally speaking, the lower the APR, the less money you will end up paying back in interest to the credit card provider. It is very important to make sure you compare the APR of different credit cards when deciding which credit card to take out, as card issuers may offer a low rate of interest for an initial period but this will increase at the end of this period.

Any credit card deal will take the following items into consideration :
- the interest rate you must pay
- how you repay the loan
- length of the loan agreement (or term)
- frequency and timing of instalment payments
- amount of each payment
- fees associated with the product
- premiums for payment protection insurance (the lender may choose to make this compulsory)

Remember; if you are looking around for a credit card, you should try and get as low an APR rate as possible. However, be on the lookout for other costs; administration fees, legal fees or penalties you may encur for late charges. It is always wise to shop around for any deal involving finance, making sure that you consider all the options before signing on the dotted line. There are many ways to do this online, with many compenies offering comparison tables on each deal offered. These days you have no excuse not to, the information is freely available.

The law that covers credit agreements in the UK is the Consumer Credit Act (1974).

Credit Card APR - What exaclty is APR?

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 28-05-2010

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APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. APR attempts to create a single figure of interest allowing the consumer to compare like with like when selecting the best product for their lifestyle.

Without APR it would be literally impossible to make this kind of quick comparison because the credit card companies use different calculations to compute their interest and other charges. Without APR it would be possible for a card bearing an ‘advertised’ interest rate of 12% (not APR) to be more expensive than one charging 16%.

Financial Regulators (such as the the UK’s FSA) have recognized this and as such have attempted to put in some safeguards to protect the consumer, making sure that there is at least some standard information allowing comparison between interest rates and other associated charges.

The main thing to remember is that APR takes into account not only the interest charges levied, but also any other costs that are also included. Credit card companies use different calculations to compute their interest and other charges, so APR makes it easier to make a good
credit card comparison between products. Generally speaking, the lower the APR, the less money you will end up paying back in interest to the credit card provider. It is very important to make sure you compare the APR of different credit cards when deciding which credit card to take out, as card issuers may offer a low rate of interest for an initial period but this will increase at the end of this period.

Any credit card deal will take the following items into consideration :
- the interest rate you must pay
- how you repay the loan
- length of the loan agreement (or term)
- frequency and timing of instalment payments
- amount of each payment
- fees associated with the product
- premiums for payment protection insurance (the lender may choose to make this compulsory)

Remember; if you are looking around for a credit card, you should try and get as low an APR rate as possible. However, be on the lookout for other costs; administration fees, legal fees or penalties you may encur for late charges. It is always wise to shop around for any deal involving finance, making sure that you consider all the options before signing on the dotted line. There are many ways to do this online, with many compenies offering comparison tables on each deal offered. These days you have no excuse not to, the information is freely available.

The law that covers credit agreements in the UK is the Consumer Credit Act (1974).

Compare and Find the Best Deal on Business Credit Cards

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 02-01-2010

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The internet search engines are making it increasingly easier to obtain relevant information about financial products such as business credit cards. By opting to compare the different options you have at your disposal online, you are saved from the trouble of physically having to request or even worse, having to fetch the different brochures and leaflets from business credit card issuers.

You will come across a number of available websites, each containing a broad selection – some for specifically for small business credit cards and some for corporate business credit cards. A couple of web sites are purely informational, offering reviews about the many brands of business credit cards, and providing the pros and cons of each. There are also sites that allow you to compare up to four business credit cards side by side, making it possible for shoppers to juxtapose the corresponding business credit card features.

Among the features of business credit cards, you should consider comparing the business credit cards’ annual percentage rate (APR). Although it may not be your intention to carry a balance on the business credit card bill from one month to the next, good sense will in all likelihood dictate that you may have to if your business gets into an unexpected cash flow squeeze. It is essential that you look for low or zero percent APR business credit card offers, in case circumstances only allow you to pay partial amounts as opposed to the full balance due on your business credit cards.

Another thing you may want to take into account is the fees related to obtaining a business credit card. At the time you do your comparative shopping, you should make sure that the business credit card companies do not cancel out the rewards and bonuses they offer with their products after you have filed your business credit card application.

In case you still do not find the right business credit cards to match your business needs, you may consider approaching the banks that issue business credit cards. You can call your own local bank, where you keep the deposit accounts and maintain the line of credit for your business, first. Then compare their business credit card offers with the business credit card products of the big national banks. Most banks would be happy to keep you as one of their valued business clients and may offer special rates on business credit cards.

Comparing different types of business credit cards may be tedious and time consuming, but it is time worth spent. You should be able to locate a business credit card that does not only provide substantial savings but also maximum benefits for your business. Business credit cards can help you gain an edge over your competitors: Your business should be more able to take on larger deals, and subsequently expand due to the guaranteed credit line and other financing features of your business credit cards.