Low APR Credit Cards or 0 APR Introductory Which

August 18th, 2010 - 

Low APR Credit Cards or 0 APR Introductory Which is Better?

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Comparing low APR credit cards to all the 0 APR Credit Cards can be a long and troublesome chore and you may still have problems deciding which one to choose from. When you see all of the various incentive programs, rewards, and, of course, the 0 APR feature you may think you should jump in and get that card before the offer expires. But are the benefits really worth the price you will have to pay after the introductory offer expires or are low APR credit cards instead a better choice?

First, look at the incentive programs offered by the various companies. If you do not travel all the time, then one with rewards of air miles is one you can ignore, and so on and so forth. If you are just trying to decide on a regular credit card without all the free incentives that you can earn and you just desire to learn if low APR credit cards or 0 APR Credit Cards are better, then you can now compare these two types of offers.

So ask yourself these questions:
-Do you wish to have a credit card to purchase something expensive that you cannot afford without putting it on credit?
-How long will the 0 APR last?
-After the introductory period ends, how will the APR change?
-Are there membership fees, annual fees, etc?

If you really need to buy something expensive then the 0% APR can look very appetizing, however if you will not be able to pay off your purchase by the end of the introductory special, you may learn that you will be paying more in the long run with higher interest rates. If you buy something expensive with a low APR credit card, of course you will have to pay interest, but the APR will not rise drastically after the introductory special. This can make a big difference if you do not pay off the debt within the timeframe of the introductory offer only to be left with a much, much higher APR to pay off. The low APR credit cards have the advantage of a sustainable APR and may even save you more money over time.

Remember, the introductory special will not last forever, most credit cards companies have introductory APR offers that last from 3 months to as long as 15 months. Then you will go to a higher APR. Therefore, low APR credit cards might, in fact, be a better solution for some consumers.

The best way to decide is to calculate the big purchase that you wish to make, see how much balance you will have left on your card when the special APR is gone and then see if it is still lower than what you will pay with low ongoing low APR credit cards.

Most importantly, regarding any credit card offer, you need to learn to ask questions and read the fine print. Are there any other fees that apply with low APR credit cards? It is always best to choose a credit with lower fees, lower interest rates and of course one that will fit your needs. Low APR credit cards do not change once the introductory time period is over which is a very big plus.

Applying For a 0% Intro Rate Credit Card

May 12th, 2010 - 

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When it comes to credit cards, the reward credit cards are usually much more popular because more often than not, consumers are dazzled by the concept of earning points and winning prizes for themselves just by using their credit cards. But you see, thats simply considering one side of reward credit cards and thats the nice side, by the way. The other side would be the high interest rates that reward type of credit cards charge its users. So you see, youre not winning those prizes for free or at least not completely unless you have the means to pay for your purchases before the cut-off period or before you get charged with interest.

This article, however, shall enlighten consumers about the less popular type of credit card and that would be the non-reward credit card. A non-reward credit card does not allow you to earn air miles or win gift certificates and other cool prizes for yourself just by swiping your credit card as often as you can. Rather, a non-reward credit card lets you purchase everything you want with a lower interest rate compared to reward type of credit cards.

Of all non-reward credit cards being offered in the market, its the 0% intro rate credit card that creates the most buzz because of two magic words zero percent! And thats right credit card companies kid you not with their zero percent interest rate offer! But of course, thats not all there is to it. Though we have nothing against 0% intro rate credit cards, we do suggest that you apply for a 0% intro rate credit card only when its the type of credit card that would best suit your needs.

A 0% intro rate credit card would be most suitable to a type of user who can not afford high interest rates like whats being charged by reward credit cards, thats for sure. Secondly, a 0% intro rate credit card would also be most suitable to someone who has pressing needs to buy or acquire something but has not enough money to go through with the purchase. Because of their very situation, having a 0% intro rate credit card would be of most help since even with the required monthly payments, they still wouldnt pay as much as they would with other types of credit cards.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and a 0% intro rate credit card is unfortunately no way different. As it is only an introduction rate, once the time allotted for it elapses, you shall revert to paying for normal interest rates.

But thats a long time coming and you dont have to worry about that yet. Whats important is to be able to buy what you need and applying for a 0% intro rate credit card is the key!