Answers to Common Questions about Credit Cards

 
 

What are the Best APR Rates on Credit Cards ?

March 5th, 2007

There are several low APR credit card offers available online from leading credit card issuers. Some of these cards offer a 0% introductory rate but we are more interested in the long term low APR.

Here is a list of the top offers ordered by APR:

Discover Platinum Card 0% for 12 months then 10.99%
Discover Platinum American Flag 0% for 12 months then 10.99%
Platinum Business American Express Card 0% for 12 months then 11.24%
Blue Cash from American Express 0% for 6 months then 13.24%
Chase Platinum Visa 0% for 12 months then 14.24%
Blue from American Express 0% for up to 15 months then 14.24%

Choosing shouldn’t be that hard but there are some things
to consider.

  • Low APR credit cards are offered to people with a good or excellent
    credit score.
    The lower your credit score the harder it is to be
    approved for a low APR credit card. If your credit score needs
    improvement work on that first.
  • If you carry a balance or 0% APR credit cards can save you money
    Some credit cards have an introductory rate of 0% on balance transfers.
    You can transfer your balance from your current higher APR credit card
    to the new 0% APR card.
  • While the introductory rate on 0% APR credit cards tends to be short
    term
    (6 to 12 months), they are undoubtedly a great way to save money
    right away.
  • If you usually don’t carry a balance you can still take advantage of
    0% APR cards.

    By setting aside the money that you would pay monthly on your balance
    and putting it in a saving account for the duration of the
    introductory rate (6 months to one year) you can gain interest on the
    sum. At the end on the introductory rate just pay off the balance and
    you will be left with the saving account interest in your pocket.
  • Make sure that the 0% APR is both on balance transfers and purchases.
    Some credit card companies only offer 0% APR on all balance transfers.
    So if after making your decision between the various 0% APR credit
    cards available, you want to go and use the card on every little item
    you desire make sure that your purchases qualify for the 0% interest.
  • Late Payments Can Void the Introductory Rate
    With many credit cards the introductory 0% rate automatically expires
    with that first late payment and the interest rate on your outstanding
    balance will revert back to the much higher APR.
  • Don’t assume 0% APR offers can save you from debt
    These offers will not solve your inability to control your spending.
    Just remember that when transferring credit card balances to another
    card, the 0% APR will help you organize your finances temporarily but
    will not remove the debt obligation
  • Look for the other benefits of a card
    And if just having a low APR credit card isn’t enough, there are a
    number of other benefits, too. The options that are best for you do
    vary with your particular situation, but some cards have several
    reward benefits options like air miles for your travel expenses or
    points on your “everyday” purchase items. Other cards will give you
    rebates or rewards based on a point system.
 
 
 
 

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