What are the Best APR Rates on Credit Cards ?
March 5th, 2007There 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.