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.

Get A Cheap Credit Card By Understanding The Fees

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 05-10-2010

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Credit card companies charge fees of some sort or another. The key is to find a card with the lowest fees for the services you use. For instance, if you use cash advances, then investigate those fees with credit card companies before you sign up with them.

Upfront Fees

Not every credit card program has upfront fees, so it pays to shop around for the right card. For instance, annual fees are common on cards with fixed or low rates. In the right circumstance, this fee with the right rate can save you money.

You will also find cash advance fees, either a flat rate or percentage. Not all cards charge this, but usually they have higher APRs. It is important to read the terms if you plan on using this feature.

Balance-transfer fees also can be charged, usually when you use a ‘check’ sent by the credit card company. Some programs offer no fees or low rates for transfers, especially with an introductory offer.

Extra Fees

Extra fees can often be avoid but should still be researched. Late payment, over-the-credit-limit, or credit increase can all result in extra pounds. Less common are set-up, return item, or telephone ordering fees. Unless a card is offering an exceptional rate, these types of programs should be avoided.

Low Fees Equal High Rates - Sometimes

While no one wants to pay fees, sometimes they can save you money. With large balances or balance transfers, you can often find lower rates by paying a small fee. You may also find that with incentive programs, a monthly fee will still allow you to come out ahead.

However, for those that pay off their balances every month, choose a card with no or low fees. You can also choose to have a couple of different types of credit card programs to meet your different financing needs.

Research Fees

Under federal law, credit card companies are required to list fees and APRs before you apply. Often the information will be present in a table. It will include annual, minimum finance, cash advance transaction, transfer, late payment, and over-the-credit-limit fees. With this information, you can decide what card is best for you.

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.

Finding the Right Credit Card.

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

0

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.

Get A Cheap Credit Card By Understanding The Fees

Filed Under (Best credit card deals) by admin on 22-06-2010

0

Credit card companies charge fees of some sort or another. The key is to find a card with the lowest fees for the services you use. For instance, if you use cash advances, then investigate those fees with credit card companies before you sign up with them.

Upfront Fees

Not every credit card program has upfront fees, so it pays to shop around for the right card. For instance, annual fees are common on cards with fixed or low rates. In the right circumstance, this fee with the right rate can save you money.

You will also find cash advance fees, either a flat rate or percentage. Not all cards charge this, but usually they have higher APRs. It is important to read the terms if you plan on using this feature.

Balance-transfer fees also can be charged, usually when you use a ‘check’ sent by the credit card company. Some programs offer no fees or low rates for transfers, especially with an introductory offer.

Extra Fees

Extra fees can often be avoid but should still be researched. Late payment, over-the-credit-limit, or credit increase can all result in extra pounds. Less common are set-up, return item, or telephone ordering fees. Unless a card is offering an exceptional rate, these types of programs should be avoided.

Low Fees Equal High Rates - Sometimes

While no one wants to pay fees, sometimes they can save you money. With large balances or balance transfers, you can often find lower rates by paying a small fee. You may also find that with incentive programs, a monthly fee will still allow you to come out ahead.

However, for those that pay off their balances every month, choose a card with no or low fees. You can also choose to have a couple of different types of credit card programs to meet your different financing needs.

Research Fees

Under federal law, credit card companies are required to list fees and APRs before you apply. Often the information will be present in a table. It will include annual, minimum finance, cash advance transaction, transfer, late payment, and over-the-credit-limit fees. With this information, you can decide what card is best for you.