How Low Can You Go? Low Interest Credit Cards
The best low interest credit card is one that charges a low interest rate and does not have any hidden costs. Very often, card users tend to be indiscriminate with their cards during the introductory period and are in for a shock when the rates jump at the end of the period. A low interest credit card should continue to function at a low interest rate even after the introductory period is over. Therefore, while going for a low rate credit card, one should not get too enamored by the introductory offer but should also read the fine print.
By transferring balances to a low interest credit card, credit card users can save money, particularly those who are in the habit of carrying balances forward every month. One should confirm that along with the low balance transfer rate, the balance transfer fee too is not high. Credit card companies are not above trying to make up for the low rate charged by hiking the transfer fee. However, there are low rate credit cards that will altogether waive the balance transfer fee and offer a low balance transfer rate for as long as the balance lasts. Low interest credit cards are therefore a good way of settling credit card debts. This is because a major portion of the amount paid is applied to the principal thereby reducing debts more quickly.
Before signing up for a new low interest credit card one should be careful that there are no extra fees being charged, especially if one has a good credit history. An individual’s credit history has a bearing on the quality of credit card that he qualifies for. The best low interest rate credit card will charge a low rate of interest and have low annual fees; several purported low interest rate credit cards have an annual fee as high as $ 60. This can offset any savings that may accrue from the low rate of interest. Apart from offering a low interest rate, several card companies also run rewards and cash back programs in which card holders accumulate points that can redeemed in a variety of ways.
Researching online is a good way to ascertain the best low interest rate credit card that will suit an individual’s requirements. There are several sites that offer exhaustive comparisons between low interest rate credit cards; the interest rate may vary from 9%-15% and the cards will offer an assortment of features for a prospective card user to choose from. These may include grace periods, annual fees, insurance against missed payments and identity thefts, discounts given at chosen retailers and auto rental insurance, and emergency services. Thus, it is up to the individual to select a low interest rate credit card that offers him the best package; sometimes even if the interest rate is not the lowest, as other features more than make up for it.
Ultimately, it can be said that a good low interest rate credit card is one that lives up to its name and at the same time offers a host of other services at a low cost.
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The Low Down On Balance Transfers Credit Cards
Credit card features are composed of the APR (annual percentage rates), balance transfer fees, interest rates, late fees, and so forth. The APR is a primary feature to reflect on while searching for balance transfer cards. Credit card companies are competitors; therefore, the companies will strive to offer special deals on credit cards. Some of the deals include 0% introductory rates and low interest rates, particularly for balance transfers. In your search for the best balance transfer credit cards, be sure to take maximize the advantage of the offer by using the card strictly for balance transfers. If you use the cards to make purchases, please keep in mind that the credit card issuers profit from the corresponding financial charges that you might incur while using this type of card.
Introductory Periods
For a few of the balance transfer cards, lenders will add zero percentage introductory rates for up to 15 months. Some credit card lenders will determine the zero introductory rates from your credit rating. If you have six months, one year, or 15 months of 0% on your balance transfers be sure to pay off the debts before the date expires.
Balance Transfer Fees
Balance transfer fees consist of a percentage of the full amount that is financed and transferred to the card. The fees typically average around 3 percent of the amount transferred. The purpose of comparing cards is primarily due to the fact that some credit card lenders will essentially surrender the normal fees during the introductory trial.
Transferring the Balance on Credit Card Dates
Very few of the available balance transfer credit card offers will not require a transfer fee. The balance transfer credit cards that provide the most benefits are those cards that enable you to complete balance transfers during the entire introductory period. The cards that require you to start balance transferring upon receipt of the card do not allow the flexibility that the latter card allows. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, since you can look for clauses, stipulations and/or restrictions on balance transfers. The most important thing to consider is understanding, the types of balances transferable, before accepting the card.
The balance transfer credit cards nowadays have select programs that offer rewards. Comparing the cards will help you find the better cards that suit your needs. Look through the clauses when considering rewards balance transfer cards, since some card lenders will not apply the points to the balances transferred. Still, this could be the better choice!
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