For Reality: What Is A Low APR Credit Card
Shopping had never been lousy since the advent of credit cards. Since then, people had always been indulging into various cashless shopping due to the convenience of the credit card.
However, most people get credit cards only for the sake of shopping. They do not even read the fine print on their credit card and the least that they have considered is the one with the low annual percentage rate or APR. Most of them did not even know how interest rates could affect their billing.
On its general since, low APR credit card are those that have lower APR. This means that the cost of the interest rate will be according to the purchases obtained by the customer.
Normally, APR vary from 6% to more than 30%. Of course, it would be clear that the card with the lowest APR credit card is those that have 6% or lower.
But consumers should remember, that APR can be very tricky especially if the consumer have no idea what interest rates mean.
Basically, credit card companies would offer the consumers very low APR credit card so as to get the consumers on the hook. In fact, credit card companies could lower their APR to as much as 0%.
Low APR credit cards are usually expressed during the introductory rate so as to entice new credit card holders to sign up to them; and once they are all hooked up, the credit card company would start changing and increasing their credit cards.
People should know what makes a low credit card really low and the best option for retaining that low APR even if the introductory offer is over.
First, they should know that APR has two faces: the fixed and the variable.
The fixed APR has more stable interest rates than variable rates. Variable rates, on the other hand, can start really low but it all depends on the prime rate of the Federal Reserve. This means that at any point in time, it may increase.
Needless to say, there are really quite a few credit cards that have low APR. The reason behind it is that APR is actually where the credit card companies get to earn a living. If they continue to give people the low APR that they used to claim, chances are they wouldnt be in the business for so long.
The bottom line here is that consumers should be really conscious on their APR and other interest rate. Low APR credit cards will not be very beneficial if it will only last for 6 months or so.
Facts About The APR Of Credit Cards
When it comes to credit cards, the APR or annual percentage rates is always the ultimate source of confusion and chaos for most credit card users. If you dont have a credit card but planning on applying for one or you were just recently approved for a credit card then you must definitely read this article. Everything about APR of credit cards shall be explained so read carefully and remember!
Whats APR? Basically, the APR or annual percentage rate of a credit card is the combination of low interest rates and finance charges. With that said, lets move on to the next topic.
Are There Really Zero Percent (0%) APR Intro Rates And What Does It Mean? Lets say you already own a credit card and youve used up most of your credit already. With a 0% APR intro rate credit card, you can transfer your balance without incurring additional interest.
Nice, isnt it? Also, if youre planning to purchase something but paying it off before the intro period is over then yes, having a 0% APR intro rate credit card is the best option for you. Remember, the keyword here is intro which indicates that this is only something like an introductory offer so dont expect the 0% APR to last forever.
What About Low Interest APR Credit Cards? If youre in search for a credit card with long-time charges then its better to go for a low interest APR credit card rather than one with a 0% APR credit card because the interest rate would just revert to normal for the latter.
Which One Is Better: A Low Interest APR Credit Card Or A 0% APR Credit Card? Well, this question would require you to research a bit but since your decision will ultimately affect your finances then its better to go ahead and research, right?
The first question you have to ask your credit card company is about the length or duration of the intro period if youre interested in availing yourself of a 0% APR intro rate credit card. The intro period usually lasts between three to fifteen months. Anything less is naturally a disadvantage and anything more is preferable.
Ask also about what the APR of the credit card is going to be after the intro period. If the interest rate is higher than the APR of other credit cards that do not offer 0% APR for a certain period of time AND youre not planning to maximize the 0% APR youre given then maybe, its better to simply go with a low interest credit card.
