Low APR Credit Cards or 0 APR Introductory – Which is Better?

Filed Under (Best credit card deals) by admin on 06-01-2011

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Comparing low APR credit cards to all the 0 APR Credit Cards can be a long and troublesome chore and you may still have problems deciding which one to choose from. When you see all of the various incentive programs, rewards, and, of course, the 0 APR feature you may think you should jump in and get that card before the offer expires. But are the benefits really worth the price you will have to pay after the introductory offer expires or are low APR credit cards instead a better choice?

First, look at the incentive programs offered by the various companies. If you do not travel all the time, then one with rewards of air miles is one you can ignore, and so on and so forth. If you are just trying to decide on a regular credit card without all the free incentives that you can earn and you just desire to learn if low APR credit cards or 0 APR Credit Cards are better, then you can now compare these two types of offers.

So ask yourself these questions:
-Do you wish to have a credit card to purchase something expensive that you cannot afford without putting it on credit?
-How long will the 0 APR last?
-After the introductory period ends, how will the APR change?
-Are there membership fees, annual fees, etc…?

If you really need to buy something expensive then the 0% APR can look very appetizing, however if you will not be able to pay off your purchase by the end of the introductory special, you may learn that you will be paying more in the long run with higher interest rates. If you buy something expensive with a low APR credit card, of course you will have to pay interest, but the APR will not rise drastically after the introductory special. This can make a big difference if you do not pay off the debt within the timeframe of the introductory offer only to be left with a much, much higher APR to pay off.  The low APR credit cards have the advantage of a sustainable APR and may even save you more money over time.

Remember, the introductory special will not last forever, most credit cards companies have introductory APR offers that last from 3 months to as long as 15 months. Then you will go to a higher APR. Therefore, low APR credit cards might, in fact, be a better solution for some consumers.

The best way to decide is to calculate the big purchase that you wish to make, see how much balance you will have left on your card when the special APR is gone and then see if it is still lower than what you will pay with low ongoing low APR credit cards.

Most importantly, regarding any credit card offer, you need to learn to ask questions and read the fine print. Are there any other fees that apply with low APR credit cards? It is always best to choose a credit with lower fees, lower interest rates and of course one that will fit your needs. Low APR credit cards do not change once the introductory time period is over which is a very big plus.

Finding the Right Credit Card.

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 14-09-2010

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There are so many credit cards out there to choose from that deciding which one to get can feel really daunting. What makes one offer better than the hundreds of others you’ve seen? Take this little quiz to find out what you should look for in a card.

First, Are You a Student?

If you are, then you’ll be best off with a student card – you’ll probably have trouble getting accepted for anything else. It would be best to contact the bank where you have your student account before you do anything else.

Do You Have a Balance to Transfer?

If you do, then you need to be looking for a card with a low APR on balance transfers – preferably one that stays low for more than a few months, unless you intend to switch often.

Are You Planning to Make New Purchases?

If so, then pay more attention to the APR for purchases, which is usually entirely different to the one for balance transfers. You should also look at what kind of grace period different cards offer, so you don’t end up paying interest on your purchases straight away.

Do You Pay Off Your Balance In Full Every Month?

If you have a lot of money or you only keep a credit card for emergencies, then you might just pay it all off each time you get the bill. If you do, then you’re in a position where you obviously don’t need to worry about the interest rate much at all, since you won’t be paying any interest (make sure there’s a grace period, though).

Many people don’t realise, but the credit card company still makes money from you even if you pay no interest – the money shops pay to be able to accept credit cards. The credit card companies want to give you some kind of reward for letting them make this money without causing them any trouble, and you basically have a choice of three things:

Get cashback. For always paying everything off, they’re quite willing to throw a few dollars your way. If you spend much with the card, this can add up to a tidy sum.

Take vouchers. You might, for example, be able to earn points as you spend that get you money off flights, or other rewards.

Give it away. If there’s a charity or other cause you support, the chances are that you can donate money to them using an affinity card. This is a credit card that gives a very small percentage of each transaction to your chosen cause, and over time it adds up to a pretty decent donation for them.

Take Your Time…

Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision before you’re ready. Any offer that says it’s for a limited time only is one you should ignore, as there’s no reason to do it other than as a sales tactic. Think hard about your spending habits and what you want the card for, consider all the options you can find and then, once you’re sure, go for it.

Credit Card Rebates - Offer the Best Benefits

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 29-07-2010

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Credit card rebates are the perfect way for you to get some of the money back that you have spent throughout the year. More and more credit card companies are getting involved with rebate credit cards and reward credit cards because consumers have clearly shown increased interest in the rebate cards that offer the best benefits.

We all love to get something for nothing, but it very rarely happens. However credit card rebates give you that opportunity. If you have an existing credit card then you’re going to use it to make purchases anyway, so why not get a little extra back every time you use your card with these credit card rebates?

The idea of rebate credit cards has been around for quite some time. The concept works on the principal that a percentage of cash is retuned to the cardholder at the end of each year, based on the total amount of card charges. The more times you make a purchase with your card, and the more money you spend, the more money you get back. The percentage of money you get returned when you use your rebate credit cards varies. Some companies will offer excellent deals that give you up to 5% cash back on selected purchases, others offer rates starting at 1% on all purchases. This type of card was introduced primarily to keep the business of cardholders who purchase most of their goods by credit card, and who pay the outstanding balance every month.

Like all other credit cards, it’s prudent to shop around to find a rebate credit card that offers the best deal to suit your circumstances. If you don’t pay off your balance every month then it may not be the card for you, as the APR can be slightly higher than other cards on offer. However, if you are the type of person who does pay their balance off each month, then it’s the kind of card you should consider using. The rebate credit card is a good way to actually get paid for spending.

Many lenders offer credit card rebates in conjunction with other reward schemes. Some give discounts when you purchase selected items, or goods from partner companies. If you use a certain supermarket, gas station, or drug store regularly it would be extremely beneficial to you to get 5% of your cash back on every purchase.  Find out which rebate credit card provider offers their rebate at the stores you regularly use. There are websites available online that will let you do a comparison on rebate credit cards, so you can find the best deals suitable for you.

Be sure to be aware of the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement, as some companies do have a limit on the value of rewards and credit card rebates you can claim in one calendar year.  On a £300 reward maximum, you can spend £6000 annually on gas or at the supermarket, for example, if your card has a 5% rebate. If your family budget exceeds £6000 pounds why not apply for another card for your spouse. This way you can maximize the amount of money you are able to get back on your rebate credit card.

Some rebate credit cards insist you have a monthly balance remaining to qualify for the rewards. If you don’t carry a balance into the next month then no rebate is accumulated. This type of card doesn’t produce as many benefits. You end up paying interest on your balance, and as the rebate credit card normally has a higher APR, the benefits of the rebate can be negated. It’s important that you look out for this when choosing a new card.

One thing you shouldn’t do is buy goods you don’t need in order to get a rebate. You should also be aware that if you return an item your rebate is deducted. On the whole credit card rebates can be very useful if used correctly, it just depends on your situation.

Finding the Right Credit Card.

Filed Under (Best credit card deals) by admin on 21-07-2010

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There are so many credit cards out there to choose from that deciding which one to get can feel really daunting. What makes one offer better than the hundreds of others you’ve seen? Take this little quiz to find out what you should look for in a card.

First, Are You a Student?

If you are, then you’ll be best off with a student card – you’ll probably have trouble getting accepted for anything else. It would be best to contact the bank where you have your student account before you do anything else.

Do You Have a Balance to Transfer?

If you do, then you need to be looking for a card with a low APR on balance transfers – preferably one that stays low for more than a few months, unless you intend to switch often.

Are You Planning to Make New Purchases?

If so, then pay more attention to the APR for purchases, which is usually entirely different to the one for balance transfers. You should also look at what kind of grace period different cards offer, so you don’t end up paying interest on your purchases straight away.

Do You Pay Off Your Balance In Full Every Month?

If you have a lot of money or you only keep a credit card for emergencies, then you might just pay it all off each time you get the bill. If you do, then you’re in a position where you obviously don’t need to worry about the interest rate much at all, since you won’t be paying any interest (make sure there’s a grace period, though).

Many people don’t realise, but the credit card company still makes money from you even if you pay no interest – the money shops pay to be able to accept credit cards. The credit card companies want to give you some kind of reward for letting them make this money without causing them any trouble, and you basically have a choice of three things:

Get cashback. For always paying everything off, they’re quite willing to throw a few dollars your way. If you spend much with the card, this can add up to a tidy sum.

Take vouchers. You might, for example, be able to earn points as you spend that get you money off flights, or other rewards.

Give it away. If there’s a charity or other cause you support, the chances are that you can donate money to them using an affinity card. This is a credit card that gives a very small percentage of each transaction to your chosen cause, and over time it adds up to a pretty decent donation for them.

Take Your Time…

Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision before you’re ready. Any offer that says it’s for a limited time only is one you should ignore, as there’s no reason to do it other than as a sales tactic. Think hard about your spending habits and what you want the card for, consider all the options you can find and then, once you’re sure, go for it.

Credit card basics

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 13-06-2010

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“Which bank’s credit card do you have?”, “what is its credit limit”, “what type of card is it”…such questions are on everybody’s lips today. The world seems to have been squeezed and wrapped into a credit card. Nowadays everybody speaks and grasps the language of credit cards. The credit card syndrome seems to have gripped all of us.
But are credit cards only beneficial? Let us analyze the pros and cons of this pocket plastic and see what outweighs the other.

The Benefits of a Credit Card:

•    Keep heavy cash in abeyance—money is the most coveted thing in this world. Carrying lot of cash wherever you go is always a bone of contention. A credit card facilitates you to travel without heavy cash and have a carefree and happy trip or shopping.

•    Imagine yourself out for shopping in a wonderful mall. While you shop, you remember to take boots for your son, spectacles for mother, necklace for your beloved wife…but falling short of money! The credit card is your best friend in such a situation.

•    Even if you lose your credit card, you need not be apprehensive and scared the way you get when you lose your cash. This is because you can get the card freezed or blocked from the bank and relax.

•    Credit card works anywhere and everywhere nowadays. You just need to bag your card and make a move to any destination without bothering for money.

•    Loan facility can also be availed via credit cards.

The Negative Aspect of Surge in Credit Card usage

•    Generally everybody does not meet the eligibility criterion to hold a credit card. yet in order to enhance their sales and as part of marketing strategies, companies, private banks etc. do away with giving these cards to who so ever caters even to the minimum terms and conditions.

•    The loan factor-the cards provide you with huge credit limits. The consumer ignorant of the forthcoming trouble, keeps on drawing money from his card and most often when he realizes his mistake, it is too late. He not only comes in the debt of the money he withdrew but also the massive interest that is charged by these companies and banks.

•    Many credit card companies provide lucrative offers almost every month in the form of incentives. These incentives are basically meant to boost the sale of their product. Incentives like travel programs, gas purchases etc. are a very common phenomenon these days. But one should not get lured by these for it is well said that everything that glitters is not gold. Initially the cards might be promising for some cheerful moments but once you become habitual of them they can land you in soup.

•    The addictiveness- it is most often the addictiveness of these cards that is a source of trouble. People, who keep on drawing from the bank’s or company’s credit, suffer largely.

•    Debit cards are believed to be different from the credit cards. But actually the difference is minute. A debit card can also be used as a credit card at times and there are some eminent banks that charge fee with the debit cards too. So more or less the situation remains to be the same.

When you make up your mind to go for a debit card, consult some advisor. Know the details of the interest rate, the tenure to repay the amount and other such things. Do not be carried away by brand names. Just make a survey first and then decide which one to go for.