Thursday, November 23, 2006

Low Interest Rate Credit Cards - How to Save Money on Your Next Credit Card

If you don’t pay off the balance of your credit cards every month, it is very important to make sure that the credit cards you use have the lowest monthly interest. Finding a low interest rate card that fits your spending and budget needs can be a challenge, but it is worth the effort it entails. Whether you want to transfer your existing high interest balances to a low interest rate card or just want to pay for your future purchases at a lower rate of interest, there are a few things to keep in mind as you comparison shop credit offers.

There can be more than one interest rate for each service one card offers.

Just because a card claims to have a low APR, does not mean that every transaction you make on that card carries the low interest rate. For example, the interest rate for purchases might be 14%, but the interest rate for a cash advance could be 25% and they might even have a separate rate for balance transfers. As you choose your card, keep in mind what its primary use will be and shop for the lowest interest rate on the service that suits you best.

There can be more than one interest rate for different balances on the same card.

Some companies offer a very low interest rate on balances under a certain amount, but allow the interest rate to skyrocket if you spend higher than that amount. For example the interest rate on a balance of $400 might only be 12% but if you carry a balance of $800 the balance might be 16%.

There can be an interest rate that changes after you have had the card for a while.

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Read all the fine print before you take a low interest credit card. It is important to make sure that the card’s low interest rate is not an introductory offer that will go up after a predetermined amount of time. Perhaps the introductory rate is 4% but once you have had the card 6 months the rate is going to ascend to 26%. This can be very dangerous if you have an existing balance at the end of the 6 month introductory period, because suddenly your payment will take a substantial leap.

View our recommended companies for Credit Cards for People With Bad Credit.

The Benefits of Credit Card with Low Interest

There is no 'one' best credit card out in the market. Different cards have different features, and it greatly depends on how it is being used by the card holder. There are times when one particular credit card type is better used over another type of card, but it would usually depend on the situation.

Credit cards give you freedom and flexibility in making unexpected shopping sprees, recurring bills, online purchases, reservations, and many more. The benefits that credit card gives you are endless. But most people overlook the responsibility of settling their dues once the bill arrives.

Most people resort to credit cards having low interest rates in order to save money. And there are a lot of card providers having low interest rates. All you have to do is to choose among them.

The most sensible approach in paying back the debt incurred using a credit card is to go for cards having a low interest rate. Customers can choose between a fixed low interest rate and credit cards having low introductory interest rates.

Although you want to settle all your dues on time, there comes a time when you lack the needed money whether you like it or not. But it would help to know that your credit card carries a low interest rate on your balances. You can save a lot of money compared to individuals having cards with very high interests.

Here are some benefits of credit cards having low interests:

1. if you carry balances, having a low interest card is reasonable; it is considered as a sound alternative when it comes to financial problems, especially those who can't afford to settle the amount in full every month

2. low interest offers tremendous savings

3. great longevity; if you want to save a lot of money while paying off your balances, this is a good option

4. a good option for getting a balance transfer, it is affordable and helpful for those who are wanting to consolidate their debts

Responsible persons with good credit ratings will not find it hard to apply for a credit card offering low interest. Once you make an application, the credit card provider will surely check for your credit history. Others who don't qualify can also be granted an application but with a lesser amount of credit limit.

You can secure an application online or you can go directly to the issuer. Low interest cards are available almost everywhere, from the mailbox to your radio, television, and the internet.

You have to pay close attention to specific details like introductory interest, APR percentage, introductory period duration, charges/rates on balance transfers, bonus features, additional fees or charges, and security features.

It is best that you use you credit card, with low interest, each time you make purchases that you will be paying off over due time. You can afford to carry a certain amount of balance on your account because of the low interest.

You can also use your card in making purchases in convenience or grocery stores for your daily consumption. If you make these kinds of purchases, it would be better to settle the amount due in full every month. You must discipline yourself especially with the use of a credit card.

Low or high interest, it doesn't count much, just as long as you are a disciplined and responsible card holder.


Be Cautious Of Low Interest Rates

When it comes to applying for a credit card, you want the lowest rate possible. But you should be cautious.

There are actually many factors that you should consider to see if a credit card offer is truly a good deal. Remember, credit card companies expect people to focus on that great low rate, so they use this to their advantage. Cheap credit cards can actually cost you more in the long run.

The first thing you should always do before applying for a credit card is get out your reading glasses. Sit down and find the fine print. Start reading.

Look at the finance charge calculations. The rate may appear low, but the way it is calculated could affect what you are paying. Most cards use the Average Daily Balance Method. This is the method you want.

Watch out for the Two Cycles Average Daily Balance method, which can be costly if you carry a balance on your credit card. And chances are that you will. With the Two Cycles method, finances charges are calculated twice during your billing cycle, instead of just once. While the APR is low, this method means that your finances charges will be charged twice.

The grace period is also an area you should read carefully. This is the amount of time you have to pay back what you have borrowed before the finance charges start to accrue. The longer the grace period, the less the finance charge will be. You want to at least have a 20 day grace period. Anything shorter is unacceptable.

Many low interest rate credit cards come with annual fees. This makes up for the low interest rate. It usually isn't worth it. There are cards out there that don't have annual fees and still have low interest rates. Shop around a bit more before you commit. If you decide to go with the annual fee card, compare the annual fee to the amount you will save in interest. If the fee is greater than the savings, it isn't worth it.

The key to getting a good, low interest rate is really reading the fine print. This is just like a contract, and there are things that you must know in order to make the right decision. And keep in mind that the low rate can, and probably will, go up over time. Look to see what the default rate on the card is and when it sets in. There are many cards that will hit you with the default rate as soon as a payment is late. It can even be late by just one day, and you will pay the default rate. Many will hit you with an even higher interest rate if you are every late an additional time.

Low interest rates are essential in paying off your credit card debts. I think that you should always strive to find the lowest rate possible. But be cautious in the search. There are many ways to trick consumers. Don't fall for them.