The Truth About Credit Card APR

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

I certainly can?t blame you if you express disbelief and outright doubt when you read the words ?low APR credit card?. That?s like an oxymoron that?s never going to come true, isn?t it? When did a credit card ever have low APR? But I assure you, there is such a thing and though it?s as difficult to believe as when I tell you that aliens do exist, give this article a chance and read on.

For sure, you?ve seen, heard and read thousands of advertisements about low APR credit cards from the TV, radio, newspapers and the Internet but you simply tune them out because you think these credit card companies are just pulling your leg.

Well, I won?t lie and say that all credit card companies are straightforward. They?re not all honest. But there are still credit card companies who do mean what they say, even when it comes to low APR or annual percentage rates and to help you determine who?s being true and who?s being false, here are a few tips.

If you?re angling for a credit card with a zero percent (0%) APR intro rates, you must make sure that your credit ratings are excellent or at least more than good. If you don?t know your credit ratings, all you have to do is ask and pay for a copy of your credit report from any of the major credit bureaus in the country ? Equifax, TransUnion or Experian.

If your FICO scores are above 650 then that?s good because you?re sure to qualify for a zero percent intro APR credit card. For individuals with FICO scores between 550 and 650, it?s touch and go so better check with a credit card representative first and explain to him if you need to submit more documents to help you qualify for a credit card with 0% APR intro rates.

Beware, however, if you have a FICO score below 550 and you still actually managed to find a credit card company who assures you that you?re qualified for a 0% APR intro rate credit card. Something?s definitely fishy going on.

If you find yourself in this kind of situation, I advise you to refuse that offer politely then simply go through the necessary steps to fix bad credit. When your credit reputation is sufficiently repaired, just re-apply for a 0% APR intro rate credit card and just maybe, your luck may have finally changed.