Low Interest Rate Credit Cards and Cost Conscious Consumers

10 June 2010

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Credit cards can be a useful tool in defining spending habits. When used properly the cards can provide a low cost way of accounting for regular purchases. However, there are times when credit spending can exceed our ability to repay in a timely manner. When this scenario occurs, it may be time to look into low interest rate credit cards.

Why Low Interest Rate Credit Cards?

If you find yourself in a position of paying only the minimum monthly payment then it may make sense to pursue a lower interest rate credit card. By investigating the use of a low interest credit card or cheap credit cards that are comparatively less expensive, you may find that your payment each month will accelerate debt retirement.

A Comparison

If you have excellent credit you might consider the Citi Platinum Select Card that features no annual fee and a 12 month 0% APR on both balance transfers as well as new purchases. By having a card that also offers 0% interest on new purchases, you will experience a greater overall savings during your first year as cardholder. The APR is adjusted to a regular ongoing APR after the first year but will not charge you an annual fee. This card does not provide a rewards program, as it is specifically designed for credit management.

If youd like to combine the benefits of a low APR with a rewards program, you might consider the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card. Like the first example, this card provides a 0% APR for 12 months on both balance transfers as well as new purchases. When the card is used for the first time, 5,000 bonus points will be credited to the account and a $50 gift card is made available to the cardholder. Bonus points are awarded for all purchases, but are accelerated for purchases made in drug stores, super markets, and gas stations. There is no annual fee for this card and the interest rate after the first year is very competitive.

The Selection Process

The good news is in the variety of choice in low interest rate credit cards. The cards provide flexibility in both use and attractive rates. A simple online comparison will assist cardholders in making the right choice for your lifestyle. For some it will remain very important to keep the lowest rates without regard to a rewards program while others will prefer the opportunity to gain the added benefits that a rewards program can offer.

Some of the best low interest credit cards will provide a 0% interest rate for 12 months for both balance transfers and new purchases. This type of card remains a positive choice for consumers who carry several hundred to several thousand dollars in credit card consumer debt. Please be aware that most of the available offers for low interest also require good to excellent credit ratings.

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Getting The Lowest Interest Rate For Your Credit Card

15 March 2010

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Everyone needs credit these days and credit cards have become a part and parcel of everyones life. But man has woven a credit card debt trap around itself. To avoid this debt trap low rate credit cards have been introduced. A low rate credit card is usually for those who hold a good credit history and have considerable repayment capacity. For example the student credit card is generally not a low rate credit card. The travel cards issued by some of the reputed merchants like British Airways, NorthWest Airlines etc are cards that attract high interest charges.

If someone carries a large balance on a high interest credit card then transferring the balance to a low rate credit card can save some honest money. Low rate credit card ensures paying off large outstanding on numerous cards at an attractive low interest rates. Some cards offer 0% APR on balance transfer and cash advances from six months to twelve months.

The rates involved in calculating the finance charges are usually the interest rates. Other charges include the late payment fee, over limit fee, rates applicable after the introductory period, etc. For those who carry a large balance on their cards opting for a low rate credit card can save thousands of dollars. A low rate credit card also offers several other benefits like 5% cash back reward on select purchases from outlets like grocery stores, supermarkets or gas stations and 1% cash back reward on purchases from other outlets.

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card, Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card, Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa Card, Citi Premier Pass Card, Chase Cash Plus Rewards Visa, Free Cash Rewards Platinum Visa Card, etc are some of the credit cards that fall in a low rate credit card category.

A low rate credit card does not have any annual fee which is another form of cutting overhead costs on any credit card debt. Many of these cards offer up to 1000 bonus points on first purchase. There after one bonus point is awarded to the card holder for every one dollar spent. Some of these cards also offer checks or gift certificates from participating merchants when specified amount of bonus points are accumulated. For example Free Cash Reward Platinum Visa Card offers a $25 check or an equivalent gift certificate from many leading national merchants after accumulation of 2500 points.

Usually it is wise to pay off a high interest rate card with a low rate credit card. But one should watch out for the traps of high transfer fees and short promotional low-term rates. One should read the fine print. Usually the fine print on any low rate credit card states that if the card holder default the payment or makes any consecutive late payments then the existing interest rates dissolve and the usual high interest rates prevalent in the market are applicable. Finally, the card holder should avoid maxing out a new low rate credit card, as this can cause the card holders credit score to dip.

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Compare the Best Reward Credit Cards

06 March 2010

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Best reward credit cards are today sought after by many individuals for the benefits that they offer to their customers. Best reward credit cards are also known as reward credit cards in short.

Some of the best reward credit cards are offered by companies like Visa, American Express, Citibank, and Discover. All the cards come with their own benefits and conditions of carrying on transactions with the card and so the customer should check out the features of each card before selecting the best reward credit card. One can check out the offers provided by the different credit card companies, compare the costs and the features of each card and then can apply by filling out the online form or by calling the company representative.

Let us discuss further the features of credit cards from different companies.

Citibank Reward Credit Card – The reward credit card offered by Citibank is known by the name of Citi Diamond. This card carries a 0% APR for any transactions or transfers for the first 12 months. The credit card also carries reward points for purchases made through the card, which one can redeem for purchases made from grocery stores, drug stores, and departmental stores. The card carries 5 points for every $1 worth of purchase. The customer also gets a $50 gift card and they can redeem 5,000 bonus points after the first purchase that they make with the card. The card has a regular APR of 12.5% and also there is no annual fee.

American Express Reward Card – The reward card offered by American Express is known by the name of Blue. The reward credit card carries a 0% APR for the first 15 months and then the regular APR of 11.5%. There is a free credit card reward program and there is no annual free. One can apply online and can get an instant approval online.

Visa and Discover Reward Credit Cards – Visa offers the Chase reward credit card. The card carries a 0% APR for the fist 12 months and then the APR carries the rate of 13.5%. Also there is no annual free and one can redeem the points earned for merchandise and travel. One can earn a bonus of 1,000 points on the first purchase made on the card.

Discover has come out with the Discover platinum Gas Card. The card carries 0% APR for the first 12 months and there is no annual free. After 12 months, the APR rate is 11%. The benefit of using this card for gas refilling is that one can get a full 5% cash back guarantee on the bill amount and 1% cash back guarantee on other purchases. Also the cash back bonus gets doubled from $20 to $40 when one redeems the points accumulated for products at one of the 40 brand partners who have tied up with the company.

Hence we see how the different types reward credit cards offer great benefits to the customer. There are also other reward credit cards available from other banks like HSBC. Hence, it is best to compare the benefits and the prices of the reward credit cards offered by several companies before choosing the best reward credit card scheme. The ultimate purpose should be to transfer as many monthly house holding expenses to the credit card account to avail the best benefits offered by the rewards cards.

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Chase Credit Cards: The Best Chase Offers In Review

22 January 2010

As a leader in todays credit industry, Chase provides millions of Americans with the financing they need. This companys success story can be summed up in one word: options. Chase offers hundreds of credit cards, and each one is designed for different needs. This is great news for customers. It means that the best card for your lifestyle can be found at Chase. To help you find the right Chase credit card, heres a look at three of the top offers on todays market.

Chase Platinum Visa Card

If you have good credit and want an all-around solid card, the Chase Platinum Visa Card is what you need. This card comes with no annual fee. Youll also enjoy the initial 0% interest rate for up to twelve months on purchases and balance transfers. In addition to these benefits, you can participate in the cards reward program. You will earn one point for each dollar that you spend on purchases. You can then redeem those points for cash, merchandise, travel options or gift cards. Youll also have access to additional perks, such as travel accident insurance, car rental insurance, and free online access to your account.

Chase Free Cash Rewards Visa Card

Getting cash back is a good option, and if thats what youre interested in, the Chase Free Cash Rewards Visa Card is the one for you. With this rewards program, youll earn one point for each dollar that you spend. Every time you reach 2,500 points you will be sent a $25 check. Or you can choose to receive a $25 gift certificate from a variety of merchants and retailers. And with the bonus of earning an additional 1,000 bonus points with your first purchase, you will be on the fast track for earning cash back.

Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa

If you want to be rewarded for using your card but cant make up your mind on how to do so, the Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa is the best card for you. Through this program, just like the others, you will earn one point for every dollar that you spend on general purchases. Then you can decide how to use your points. Choose between airline tickets, hotel visits, car rentals and more. With no annual fee and a low interest rate for those who qualify, this card is a valuable option. The toughest decision youll have to make is how to use your reward points.

It is important to note that some of the cards Chase offers include an evaluation of your credit history. Depending on your credit rating, you may be given a lower or higher interest rate. Also, the length of time that the introductory features apply may vary depending on your credit score. Before applying, make sure you read the fine print carefully. Regardless of the interest rate you receive, if you pay off your balance each month, you wont have to worry about extra finance charges.

If you are looking for options, Chase has them. Whether you want a flexible rewards program or cash back, you will find what you need with Chase credit cards. Join the millions of Americans that are Chase cardholders and apply online today. The options and benefits are bound to surpass your credit expectations.

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Best Credit Cards: Be Ready To Be Spoiled

19 December 2009

Depending upon the credit worthiness, and the repayment ability, as also the character of the individual, a user can either get basic credit cards or the high value cards, which are also known as Best credit cards. The basic deciding criteria in providing best credit cards are the income of the individual. An individual may be provided with the basic credit card which would have very low credit limit and the credit period also of a lesser duration. Besides, the interest on outstanding amount, if the amount is not paid in full, would also be large. The up gradation in cards starting from silver to gold to platinum to titanium is walk through commonly available metals to more exclusive ones, the metals defining the value of the best credit cards. Best credit cards in business are platinum and titanium credit cards and they come loaded with benefits.

First and foremost benefit that accrues if one gets amongst one of the best credit cards on offer is the reward points that one accumulates from the usage of the cards. Depending upon the nature of the credit cards, the reward points also increase in the same proportion. If one has got the best credit cards available, then first and foremost advantage that one gets is of the longer period of credit, which can be extended to around fifty days as well. Period of fifty days on the best credit cards can be enjoyed if the purchase is timed around the statement due date or just one day before the statement of the credit card is to be generated. The cards are categorized into the best credit cards owing to certain tie-ups that the credit card providers enter into with merchant establishments.

These kinds of best credit cards are called as co-branded credit cards. The most popular category amongst the best credit cards of these kinds is the fuel cards, where the credit card company enters into a tie-up with a petroleum company. For every refueling that is done using this co-branded credit cards bonus points are accumulated which can be redeemed either by way of purchasing fuel or accessories. Another form of best credit cards on offer is the co-branded airlines card, which have come into vogue to cater to the frequent travelers traveling for business purposes.

As these kinds of trips are increasing, the credit cards have tie-up with various airlines. Now if one books a ticket through a co-branded airline credit card, apart from getting bonus flying miles, you also get free tickets and free hotel accommodations as well. The airlines also provide bonus flying miles, if the passengers check-in using the telephones. For a frequent flier, there is always a possibility of getting two-three return tickets free as a reward for booking tickets through credit cards.

Another variant of best credit cards that have come into vogue on account of advent of malls is the co-branded shopping cards. These variant of best credit cards are issued by the owners of the shopping establishments in association with a bank, which gives certain intangible benefits to the customers. Every time a best credit card which is a co-branded card is used at that particular departmental store, you get more bonus points, as also freebies are ensured along with certain purchases to reward loyalty.

To develop brand loyalty another new trend has come into vogue. The owners of different forms of best credit cards are also rewarded by various ways. This is done by extending an exclusive offer to shop during the times of sales before the sale is thrown open to the general public.

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