Which low interest credit card is right for me?
Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010
The best low interest credit card is one that charges a low interest rate and does not have any hidden costs. Very often, card users tend to be indiscriminate with their cards during the introductory period and are in for a shock when the rates jump at the end of the period. A low interest credit card should continue to function at a low interest rate even after the introductory period is over. Therefore, while going for a low rate credit card, one should not get too enamored by the introductory offer but should also read the fine print.
By transferring balances to a low interest credit card, credit card users can save money, particularly those who are in the habit of carrying balances forward every month. One should confirm that along with the low balance transfer rate, the balance transfer fee too is not high. Credit card companies are not above trying to make up for the low rate charged by hiking the transfer fee. However, there are low rate credit cards that will altogether waive the balance transfer fee and offer a low balance transfer rate for as long as the balance lasts. Low interest credit cards are therefore a good way of settling credit card debts. This is because a major portion of the amount paid is applied to the principal thereby reducing debts more quickly.
Before signing up for a new low interest credit card one should be careful that there are no extra fees being charged, especially if one has a good credit history. An individual?s credit history has a bearing on the quality of credit card that he qualifies for. The best low interest rate credit card will charge a low rate of interest and have low annual fees; several purported low interest rate credit cards have an annual fee as high as $ 60. This can offset any savings that may accrue from the low rate of interest.
Apart from offering a low interest rate, several card companies also run rewards and cash back programs in which card holders accumulate points that can redeemed in a variety of ways.
Researching online is a good way to ascertain the best low interest rate credit card that will suit an individual?s requirements. There are several sites that offer exhaustive comparisons between low interest rate credit cards; the interest rate may vary from 9%-15% and the cards will offer an assortment of features for a prospective card user to choose from. These may include grace periods, annual fees, insurance against missed payments and identity thefts, discounts given at chosen retailers and auto rental insurance, and emergency services. Thus, it is up to the individual to select a low interest rate credit card that offers him the best package; sometimes even if the interest rate is not the lowest, as other features more than make up for it.
Ultimately, it can be said that a good low interest rate credit card is one that lives up to its name and at the same time offers a host of other services at a low cost.
