Tag Archives: credit card
Balance Transfer Credit Cards FAQ
When it comes to using balance transfer credit cards, many consumers are filled with questions and concerns. While there are many benefits to using a balance transfer credit card, it is always best to have these questions answered and the concerns satisfied before moving forward with applying for one of these cards.
How Can Balance Transfer Credit Cards Save Me Money?
Balance transfer credit cards can save you money by reducing the amount of finance charges you pay every year. If you transfer even a small amount of money, such a $1,000, from a card with a higher APR to one with a lower APR, you will see a difference. For example, if you have a credit card with a 20% APR, you will pay $200 per year to maintain that $1,000 balance. On the other hand, you will pay only $80 on that same balance if you have a credit card with an 8% APR. That is a savings of $120! Imagine how much you will save on larger balances.
Even better, the best balance transfer credit cards offer 0.00% introductory APRs, which means you will pay no finance charges while that introductory period is active. With some balance transfer credit cards, this special rate remains in place until the entire amount you transferred is paid off.
What is an “Introductory Rate?”
An introductory rate is a special APR that lasts for a limited time. Often, the length of time this rate is in place is determined by your credit history. The introductory rate can be in place for as long as one year, though more common durations are six months, three months, and one month.
What is a “Fixed Rate?”
A fixed rate is a rate that does not change. Balance transfer credit cards with a low fixed rate may not offer a 0.00% introductory APR, but they might offer a 7.99% APR that remains this low no matter how long it takes you to pay off your balance, rather than skyrocketing up to 19.99% after the introductory period is over.
Why Does Everyone Say Balance Transfer Credit Cards are More Convenient?
Many people feel balance transfer credit cards are more convenient because it places all of your debt in one place. This makes it easier to track your expenses, to create a budget, and to get your bills paid on time.
Is it OK to Pay Only the Minimum Payment on My Balance Transfer Credit Card?
From a legal standpoint, all you are required to pay on your balance transfer credit card is the minimum payment. From a financial standpoint, however, this is a bad habit to get into. If you pay only the minimum payment, it can take you decades to pay off your debt – and that assumes you are not adding any more debt to your balance. So, if you want to get out of debt (and who doesn’t?), it is best to pay off more than your minimum payment. Set up a budget that allows for regular payments above your minimum payment to be sent to the credit card company – and stick to it.
Will a Balance Transfer Credit Card Get Me Out of Debt?
Yes and no. If used alone, a balance transfer credit card will not get you out of debt. If you transfer all of your credit card balances to your balance transfer credit card and pay only the minimum payment, it can still take you years to pay off the debt. Therefore, a balance transfer credit card should be viewed as one tool in you tool belt for helping you work your way out of debt. If used correctly and to its fullest advantage, it can help you get out – and stay out – of debt.
Private Label Reward Credit Cards (Page 1 of 2)
More and more, consumers are becoming just as interested in the label associated with their reward credit card as they are with the interest rate, possible annual fees, and rewards. After all, credit cards were once very nondescript with nothing special separating one from the other but the Visa or MasterCard logo in the bottom right hand corner.
Looking for Unique
Today, many consumers are looking for reward credit cards with flair, personality, and a unique quality. Of course, consumers are still interested in receiving a great deal with their reward credit cards and, for the most part, won’t be willing to give up quality for a pretty picture. Nonetheless, the offerings of credit cards are becoming more and more competitive as they fight each other for customers. Therefore, many of the best reward credit cards offer a variety of different styles to the consumer in order to attract them to their card. In some cases, the designs may indicate a different type of card with different benefits. In other cases, the same type of card may have many design options to choose from.
Breaking the Mould
The first credit card to offer an intriguing design was the Discover Card. This occurred over twenty years ago when their sunburst design crashed into the market. Since all credit cards looked pretty much the same at the time, the design on the Discover Card was considered to be quite revolutionary. In addition, it garnered a great deal of attention from consumers. Understandably, other cards followed suit.
Following the Trend
Today, most reward credit cards offer attractive and fun designs. Nonetheless, Discover Card continues to lead the charge. Understanding that a single design is not going to please everyone, Discover offers more design choices than any other reward credit card. They have many wild designs, ranging from fun and colorful to professional and demure.
Discover’s variety of options began when it launched its clear card option for those who were applying for the card. At this time, it offered a credit card with a translucent blue background with a bright lighter blue grid pattern on top. After this design caught on in popularity, Discover decided to start offering more designs for all of their cards, including reward credit cards.
Today’s Designs
Today, Discover offers a patriotic American Flag card, which was launched after the 9/11 attacks. It also currently offers an entire line of sea life and wildlife cards that include images of animals such as a bald eagle, a tiger, and a killer whale. Their designs also include artistic designs, see-through cards, and other cards with a natural or patriotic theme. When selecting from rewards credit cards, you do not have quite as many design choices as you would if you were not limiting yourself to a certain type of card. Nonetheless, you will still have different designs to choose from in order to make the card unique to your personal taste and lifestyle.