Tag Archives: offer

How Low Interest Credit Cards Work

Low Interest credit cards are exactly what their name suggests. They charge low rates of interest (APR). The APR is calculated in the same way as with other credit cards; this facilitates an easy comparison for an individual who is planning to switch over to these cards. Low interest credit cards are favored by individuals who habitually carry their monthly credit card balance forward. Low interest rates can lead to significant savings on financial charges.

For the introductory period, most low interest credit cards offer 0% APR; however, most credit cards offer 0% APR only for select situations such as balance transfers and major purchases. The introductory period offer can be used for consolidating multiple credit cards that charge high rates into a single low APR credit card. This helps people to reduce the financial charges associated with credit card debts and pay off the existing balances quickly. Often, low interest rate credit card companies will waive the balance transfer fee upon a client’s request. Thus, low interest rate cards with rates that can be up to 9 percentage points lower than those of other cards are a great way of saving for those inveterate shoppers who invariably end up with a monthly balance on their credit cards. It is also less taxing to take a cash advance with low interest credit cards. Individuals with poor credit scores may find themselves ineligible for low interest credit cards.

Low interest credit cards may or may not offer other advantages like cash back and travel insurance and should therefore be used with another card that does. This helps a card user to earn benefits from the other card which he may use when he does not intend to keep a balance; for other purchases, the low interest credit card can be used. It is advisable that the oldest extant credit card account that an individual has should not be closed for acquiring a low rate credit card; this is because maintaining credit accounts for long periods reflects well on the credit ratings.

There are several low interest credit cards available in the market. Individuals should do a thorough research to find a card that offers a perfect fit for their needs.

5 Things to Know about Credit Card Rewards Programs

Credit card rewards programs have come a long way. At first, they were reserved for the elite credit cards, which mostly required high priced annual fees to participate. Now, most every credit card has a rewards program, and most every program doesn’t even require an annual fee. That’s the beauty of rewards programs now—they’ve become a major way for credit cards to compete for your business. So you should take advantage of your opportunities and get the best rewards program possible.

1. Experience Rewards

The first thing you should know about credit card rewards programs, though, is that today’s are not your grandmother’s rewards programs. Today, you can basically get anything that you want as a reward. This new system is sometimes called “experience rewards”—by which you can practically name anything as a reward to the credit card concierge, and he or she will tell you then how many rewards points you need.

2. Is it for You?

Of course, you should know whether or not you need such extravagance. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to, say, ask for an experience reward like an African safari, then these fancy cards are not for you. You may be better off looking for cash-back rewards programs, or a smaller scale travel rewards program with no annual fee.

3. Are You a Dedicated Customer to a Particular Brand?

A third aspect of rewards programs to know about are the very specific cards out there from, for example, a specific car maker or a theme park company. Usually, rewards from these programs go to free or discounted items from only that particular company. That makes these cards only worth it for very dedicated customers—someone who only buys GM cars, for instance, or someone who regularly visits Disney parks or stores.

4. Shop Around for the Best Deals

Whatever type of rewards program you pick, you should be sure you’re getting the best bang for your spent dollars. Many average programs offer 1 reward point for every dollar spent, or 1 percent or less cash back for every dollar spent. If you shop around for specials, however, you may be able to find even better deals in rewards programs.

5. Know the Ins and Outs of Your Deal

Lastly, never pass up the chance to beef up on your rewards points. Most cards offer chances to load up on points through special promotions. They may, say, offer triple rewards points during the first six months you have the card, or offer more cash back if you shop at specific stores or eat out at restaurants. Know these deals. Take advantage of them!