Channel Button

There are 9 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #3 by Helium's members.

Personal Finance   >

Credit Cards

Get a Widget for this title

The truth about low-interest credit cards

by M. Lee

An Option for Consumers - Low Interest Credit Cards

Choosing a credit card always brings about many choices and decisions. You should always make an informed decision when dealing with your finances. Credit cards with low interest rates are usually a better choice for consumers who will not always pay their balance off in full each month.

In many cases, when someone is considering signing up for a new credit card, the interest rate offered by the credit card company is a deciding factor. Most people opt for a credit card with a low interest rate if they can. The low interest credit card is the most popular type of credit card, probably for a combination of reasons. First and foremost, a low interest credit card can save you money. Secondly, these types of credit cards are the ones most marketed by the credit card suppliers. When you decide to choose a new credit card, you should try to think beyond the interest rate and consider some of the other options afforded the card.

Regardless of what features attract you the most about any credit card, you must learn about the interest rate. The interest rate of any credit card helps determine the amount of your monthly payment. It is critical to remember that if you do not pay off your balance each month, the interest rate will apply. If you do pay off your entire balance before the statement period, there will be no interest applied to your balance.

The interest rate on any credit card is given as an APR, or annual percentage rate. The annual rate describes the percentage of interest that will be applied annually however any credit card customer is charged a monthly interest fee. The APR is the determining factor in the calculations of the monthly interest rate charge.

If you are trying to decide which credit card to sign up for based on the interest rate, you should look at your spending and payment habits. If you are the type of consumer that does not typically pay off the entire balance each month, a credit card with a low interest rate is likely the better choice for you. This is simply because when you have a remaining balance, the interest rate will be applied to the entire balance. As long as you carry a balance on a credit card, your debt will increase.

Consumers that tend to pay off their credit card balances in full each month do not need to consider a low interest rate credit card, although it is always a good option. If you are likely to pay off your balance each month, you may want to consider credit cards that offer additional features like cash back and rewards bonuses. Usually credit cards that offer cash back and other such bonuses are associated with higher APRs and monthly interest rates.

Whether you are interested in a new credit card solely for a low interest rate or its additional features, you should always weigh your options before signing the credit card agreement. Always take it in mind to compare and contrast different credit cards available before making your decision. Remember, an informed consumer is a prepared consumer because when you are dealing with your money and finances, it is always a good idea to make an educated choice.

Learn more about this author, M. Lee.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

The truth about low-interest credit cards

  • 1 of 9

    by Art Taylor

    Low Interest Credit Cards Are Great Financial Tools

    Low interest rate credit cards are a valuable tool in your financial arsenal

    read more

  • 2 of 9

    by Jon Coe

    It is true that a low-interest credit card can be very appetizing and one can transfer as many balances as one can stand.

    read more

  • 3 of 9

    by M. Lee

    An Option for Consumers - Low Interest Credit Cards

    Choosing a credit card always brings about many choices and decisions.

    read more

  • 4 of 9

    by Marco Angioni II

    Credit cards can be a powerful financial tool. Proper credit card use will increase your credit score and will improve your

    read more

  • 5 of 9

    by Cynthia Harlan

    Low interest credit cards are great until the time period expires. Most of these offers advertise something like this pay

    read more

View All Articles on:
The truth about low-interest credit cards

Add your voice

Know something about The truth about low-interest credit cards?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Should credit card companies be targeting college students?

Click for your side.

87041

Featured Partner

Collegiate Society of America (CSAmerica)

The Collegiate Society of America (CSAmerica) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. ...more

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA