Low interest credit card for balance transfers
By: Andrew Regan The interest rates charged on credit and store cards can vary widely. That applies not only to the headline rate – the interest rate that appears as a ‘typical’ rate in advertising and marketing literature – but also to individual customers; according to their personal credit rating. There is a plethora of different credit cards available in the UK, all designed to do different things. Some are loyalty based cards which allow users to rack up points or rewards that they can redeem at a later date. Others offer cashback, some are designed for everyday use offering no frills and charge a low rate of interest and others may be primarily marketed at people who wish to transfer a balance to a permanently low rate. In addition, there are cards aimed at particular individuals such as starter credit cards for young adults and other potential card holders who have not yet managed to build up a credit rating profile, such as people new to the country. These cards tend to offer relatively high interest rates as they are designed to be used by people whose ability to handle credit has not been tested. However, providing the accounts are handled satisfactorily, with payments being made on time and the credit limit is not exceeded, then they will help the user build a good credit rating. On the other hand a low interest credit card can be used as a tool to get those already holding credit card balances, probably paying market interest rates of around 15 – 16% p.a. upwards, back onto the financial straight and narrow. Providing that those applying for such low rate cards have been making payments regularly on time and have a sufficiently good credit rating then they should be looked upon favourably by the credit card issuer, although there are no guarantees of course. By taking out a low interest card debt can be paid off much quicker. By paying the same amount each month more of the payment will be used to clear the balance of the debt rather than the higher interest charges on a higher rate card. So, rather than maintaining a soul-destroying balance and paying punitively high interest rates the card holder will see their debt balance gradually and consistently reduce, leading to greater financial freedom. At the end of the day, do your research and make sure that you are getting the best credit card deal available on the market according to why and ultimately how you use your credit cards. This article has been written for information and interest purposes only. The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author only, and should not be construed as advice or used to make financial decisions. Expert financial advice should always be sought and any links contained within this article are included for information purposes only.
Comments:
Be Money Minded with Credit CardsIt is so tempting to apply for credit cards when you are over 18 and in employment. Using them is so easy and the majority of stores and so on will accept them as payment for goods and services. With this in mind it is quite simple to see why so many people can get into debt by using their credit cards too much. So it really does pay to be money minded with your credit cards - but how do you do this successfully?Is Debt Settlement Really Beneficial?For people who are drowning in deep debt, they usually feel helpless and stressful. One of the financial options they may consider is debt settlement. It is a negotiation process between the debtors and creditors with the main purpose of reducing debts during financial crisis.Your Credit Would Be Better With Consumer Credit CounselingWhen you find yourself in a financial attach, you may have even missed a expense on one or more of your credit cards. Some people believe consumer credit counseling because they have heard that these services can help improve debt problems. But the question is are you sure that the best solution? |
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Choose a card that matches your needs. Make sure that the credit card you use is the most suitable for your spending patterns. If using a card for extended credit and don't pay off the balance in full each month, choose a card with a lower rate. It may not offer any interest-free period, but the lower interest rate should save you more in the long run. If you use your card for the convenience of paying for everyday purchases such as petrol or groceries, try a credit or charge card with maximum interest-free days, then make sure you pay it off in full each month. This way you get the benefit of up to 62 interest-free days on purchases, as well as rewards, discounts and frequent flyer points. But watch the annual fees on rewards cards.