Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Advice for Low Interest Rate Credit Cards

By Maya Hendriani

If you bear an great balance on your credit card, you're not alone. Nearly 70% of Americans keep a balance on one of their credit cards from month to month. And many of these cards have excerssive rates, which add up to hefty amounts in interest cost expenditure. By switching to a low interest rate credit card, you can save hundreds of dollars in interest. Starting with large initial offers, low interest rate credit cards help you get back on track while enjoying the benefits of a credit card.

first Offers

Credit companies continually offer customers incentives to sign up for their cards. This often includes an initial 0% interest rate. Many low interest rate credit cards carry this 0% APR feature. It allows you to begin saving even before the low interest rate kicks in.

The interest-free time is yours to take advantage of. You can make purchases and pay for them over a period of a few months, with no additional cost. If you carry an outstanding balance on a different credit card, you can transfer it to your new one. Then pay off the debt during the 0% APR time period. Before you do so, though, be sure to check that the charge for a balance transfer is reasonable.

Important Savings

Low interest rate credit cards tolerate you to save even after the starting period. Consider the difference between a credit card that charges an interest rate of 9% and one that charges 20%. If you have a 9% rate and move a balance of $2,000 for an full year, you will pay $180 in interest. With the higher rate of 20%, the interest expense rises to $400. That comes out to a difference of $220, which is a substantial amount. If you this figure to the principal balance, you will be able to pay off the debt much more quickly

Confirm the Attached Fees

When looking for a low interest rate credit card, you will want to compare the various offers. In addition to looking at the interest rate, check the fees attached to the card. Some low interest rate credit cards include an annual fee, charges for balance transfers, and other costs. If the interest rate is low but the other fees are high, your overall savings may be reduced. For this reason, it is important to compare the interest rates and the other costs.

Create a Payment Plan

Even with the savings you'll receive from a low interest rate credit card, it is wise to make a plan to pay off your balance. A simple way to do this is to check the minimum payment due each month, double that amount, and apply the extra cash toward the principal balance. If the payment due the following month is less, continue to pay the initial amount you chose. This allows you to reduce the outstanding amount in an organized, structured way.

Low interest rate credit cards are a dazzling option if you consistently carry a balance. Sooner or later, they can allow you to save a Considerable amount of money in interest expense. Have a look at your options online and then apply right away. You can take advantage of low interest rate credit cards right away and benefits from the savings. - 15224

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