You have decided that you need a new credit card and you already know that you want a low APR credit card. You have made a good choice, but you probably also know that there are quite a variety of cards available with that option. Here are some tips that will help you make the choice is best for you.
Choose As Low Of An APR As You Can Get
If you have a tendency to allow a balance to remain on the credit card, then you will need to acquire as low of an APR as you can get in a card. This feature alone can save you a lot of money over the life of the card – but will not save you nearly as much if you simply paid it off each month. Low APR credit cards will usually have an introductory offer of either 0% APR for up to 15 months, or, a very low APR for the life of the card.
Look For Balance Transfes Time Limits
In addition to the low APR, try to find a card that will give you 0% interest on balance transfers as well. As you look the various cards over, though, note that the time length on this option may not be the same as for the 0% APR. Some of these credit cards may only give you the benefit of a 3 month balance transfer period at 0% interest, but may give you up to 15 months 0% APR on your purchases, or vice versa. So, if you want to take advantage of both options, read the fine print carefully.
Another thing about balance transfers is that some companies definitely will limit the time as to when you can actually make the transfers. Some will only permit you to make a transfer to your new low APR credit card at the time you apply for the card with all details of what you are planning to transfer on the application itself. Other credit card companies will allow for balance transfers to made over the introductory time period, not making such a restriction.
Consider Your Own Needs
Part of getting the best deal on a low interest credit card depends on how you normally will use it. If you regularly pay off the monthly balance, then the interest rate is not that much of a concern. You will want to focus rather on the other benefits that are available. Here are some of the options that are more commonly offered.
Travel Benefits
If you are a frequent traveler, then there are two ways you might be able to benefit. If you normally travel by air, then you will want to be able to get air miles benefits on your low APR credit card. These often come with bonus miles, some as high as 25,000, just for signing up and making your first purchase. Some card offers will give you the choice of using those miles to go toward your hotel room, meals, or other options. Other benefits include free gas rebates, a rebate toward the purchase of another car, and rewards if you travel by car.
Cash Back Or Rewards
Some of the low APR credit cards currently available will provide a system where you can get a refund of a percentage of your purchases. These rewards allow you to get as much as a 5% reward for various types of purchases. The highest percentage cash back is typically for your purchases at the food, gas, and pharmacy stores. Most cards will offer a 1% up to 3% reward on all other purchases.
Another thing you need to look for is whether or not there are any annual fees. These vary from card to card but could go as high as $150 or more. If you do carry a balance on your credit card, this kind of fee could render the other potential benefits almost meaningless.
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