Guide To The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

12 July 2010

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Balance transfer credit cards make an excellent choice for consumers looking to transfer a balance from a higher interest rate credit card to one with a lower interest rate. In this way, the consumer can save money by reducing or even eliminating finance charges. When looking for the best balance transfer credit cards, it is important to look at a variety of factors.

The APR is one of the first factors a consumer should consider when looking for the best balance transfer credit cards. Credit card companies are hoping to steal your business away from other credit card companies. As a result, they often make special introductory offers with lowered interest rates for balance transfers. In many cases, this APR will even be 0.00%. Be sure to find the balance transfer credit card offering the lowest APR, and then only use that card for your balance transfer. Don’t use it to make any purchases. This is what the credit card companies are hoping consumers will do so they can assess finance charges on the purchases they make with their card.

The length of the special introductory APR varies from card to card. Sometimes, the length is also dependent upon the applicant’s credit history. It is important to be sure how long this period lasts and to set goals to have the balance paid in full once the introductory period is complete. The best balance transfer credit cards will keep the special introductory rate in effect on the card for the life of the loan. In other words, the APR stays the same until it has been paid off entirely. For consumers that will not be able to pay off the balance within the introductory period, this is certainly the best way to go.

Most credit cards assess fees when making balance transfers. These fees are generally determined as a percentage of the total amount of funds transferred. Most commonly, balance transfer fees are 3% of the amount transferred. Many balance transfer credit cards will, however, waive these fees during the introductory period. It is best for consumers to choose these balance transfer credit cards. Otherwise, they may be paying large amounts in fees, negating the savings in finance charges.

Some balance transfer credit cards require initiating balance transfers at the time of application for the card. Yet others allow balance transfers to be completed throughout the duration of the introductory period. The best balance transfer credit cards are the former, simply because they allow for more flexibility. Consumers who are sure they will not need to transfer balances later may, however, be happy with a credit card that only allows transfers to be made at the time of application.

Some balance transfer credit cards place restrictions on the types of balances that can be transferred. For example, some business credit cards only allow business expenses to be eligible for introductory rates. It is important for consumers to be sure to understand what type of balances can be transferred before applying for a card to ensure it meets their needs.

Many balance transfer credit cards also have special rewards programs. Consumers need to compare the programs before deciding on a credit card so they can choose the card with the rewards program best suited to their lifestyle. In addition, some balance transfer credit cards do not count the funds that are transferred toward the points system used in the rewards programs. To get the most of the card, consumers should find balance transfer credit cards that do count the transfers toward their rewards programs.

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Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rates

03 July 2010

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When planning to eliminate your credit card debt, you need to find the lowest possible interest rate. Whether you have your current rates lowered or you transfer your balances to a different credit card, you will save money.

When you pay a lower interest rate more of your monthly payment goes towards the principal balance. This is because your finance charges are lower on your account. You may also see your payment amount decrease. However, you should continue to pay as much as possible towards your credit card debts.

Credit card companies don’t usually offer to reduce your rates. However, some card issuers have started offering their good customers temporary rate decreases in order to entice them to spend more.

Get your last credit card statement and a few of the credit card offers you have received. Set aside a time when you can sit and talk on the phone for at least thirty minutes. Make sure you have a pen to write down who you talk with and what they say.

If you are a credit card holder in good standing, all you simply need to do is call your credit card company. Simply tell them that you have received several card offers in the mail from other credit card companies that have lower APRs. Remind them that you have been a good customer and would like to see a lower interest rate on your credit card. If you don’t get a lower rate, you just might have to cancel your card and switch companies.

Be persistent. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you are initially turned down. Or you can ask to be transferred to the retention department. You can always try another day. But let them know that you will close your account if your rate is not lowered.

Keep it simple and straightforward when talking with the representative. Ask them what they can do to help you. You may even quote an interest rate offer and ask if they can do any better for you.

If your credit card company won’t work with you to lower your rate, simply start shopping for a lower-rate credit card. Follow through on your threat to close the account andd transfer your balance to a lower-rate card.

Most card holders with great account histories will have little trouble getting a lower interest rate. If you have held your account for a long time and currently have a low balance due, you will have a pretty good shot. But regardless of your situation, it never hutrs to ask. At the worst, they will tell you no. You haven’t been hurt at all. You are paying the same rate you were. But if they do happen to say yes, you will be paying hundreds of dollars a year less in interest payments.

By lowering your interest rates on your credit cards you will be able to pay your debt off quickly. Take the time to manage your accounts wisely. With a solid repayment plan and the proper management, you can control your debt, instead of it controlling you.

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Finding The Best Reward Credit Cards

16 June 2010

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Reward credit cards come in a variety of forms. Specifically how points toward rewards are earned and the types of rewards that can be earned with a reward credit card varies from card to card.

The rewards offered by reward credit cards are generally related to a special area. For example, some reward credit cards allow cardholders to earn points when making purchases at gas station, supermarkets, or drugstores. The rewards earned are often related to this in some way, such as the cardholder may receive gift certificates to the same types of stores. Similarly, the reward credit card may be related to airline travel. Every time the cardholder makes purchases with a specific airline, he or she earns airline miles or free travel. In addition, these airline reward credit cards also generally offer the cardholder free companion tickets.

When it comes to choosing the best reward credit cards, the consumer needs to assess his or her lifestyle and determine which rewards are most attractive – and most profitable – for his or her needs. A reward credit card that provides specialized rewards, such as gift certificates to a specific restaurant, may not be useful to a cardholder that does not have a need for that reward.

Reward credit cards can provide credit cardholders with fantastic rewards for their purchases. At the same time, the consumer needs to be sure he or she isn’t actually paying for the reward in the form of finance charges and annual fees. Many reward credit cards assess an annual fee. If this annual fee costs more than it would cost to simply purchase the reward, it is certainly not worth paying for.

The same holds true when looking at the APR. A cardholder who pays the balance of his or her credit card in full each month need not worry about the APR. One that intends to carry a balance from billing cycle to billing cycle, however, must consider the amount of money that will be spent in the form of finance charges. Once again, if the finance charges will be too great, the rewards of the credit card are not really rewards – they are items the cardholder is paying for.

Several reward credit cards have expiration dates. For those cardholders that will not be able to collect enough reward points before they expire, these reward credit cards may not be the best option. Similarly, some reward credit cards have limitations to how many points can be acquired each year. Cardholders need to consider these limitations in order to ensure they are receiving the greatest amount of rewards possible. If a cardholder spends $15,000 per year on a credit card, but a rewards credit card only rewards up to the first $10,000, that is $5,000 that is going unrewarded. The answer may be to select a different reward credit card, or to simply stop spending on this particular credit card once the limit has been reached. After all, every dollar spent on a credit card deserves to be rewarded.

A good place for consumers to look for the best reward credit cards is at the businesses they frequent. For example, a consumer that routinely purchases gas from a specific type of gas station should enquire with that business to learn if it has a rewards credit card. The same is true for a consumer that frequents certain restaurants, stores, and airlines. It is becoming increasingly commonplace for businesses to pair up with major credit cards to offer special reward cards.

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Finding The Best Cash Back Credit Cards

22 May 2010

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Cash back credit cards provide fantastic opportunities for those that carry them. For every purchase a cardholder makes with one of these cards, money rebates are earned. This makes cash back cards potentially profitable for those that take the time to choose the best cash back credit cards and who use them properly. When looking for the best cash back credit cards, it is important to take several things under consideration.

One area to consider when searching for the best cash back credit cards is the percentage of rewards provided. Most cash back cards provide cardholders a cash rebate according to a percentage of the amount charged to the card. Obviously, the higher the percentage, the greater amount of money that can be earned. So, when looking for a cash back credit card, the consumer should, most obviously, opt for one with greatest rate of return.

Most cash back credit cards are partnered with certain businesses. For example, a cardholder may receive a 1% rate of return on general purchases, but a 5% rate if purchases are made at a certain gas station. Therefore, it is important for consumers to choose a cash rebate card that provides special incentives with businesses or services the consumer uses frequently. It certainly wouldn’t make much sense for a consumer to use a cash back credit card providing a special 5% rate for purchases made at a restaurant if the consumer never dines out!

The APR of the cash back credit card also needs to be taken under consideration. Many cash back credit cards tend to have a higher APR than those without special rewards programs. The consumer must be aware of the APR of the card in order to determine if the ultimate finance charges will be more or less than the rewards earned. If the finance charges will cost the consumer more than the rewards he or she will earn, then the card is not truly earning the consumer money. Those that pay their balance off in full each month obviously do not need to be concerned with the APR.

Just as the APR must be considered when looking for the best cash back credit card, it is also important to look at the annual associated with the card. A cash rebate card with an annual fee may not be worthwhile in the long run. Therefore, the cardholder needs to be sure that he or she will earn enough cash back during the year to make the annual fee worth paying for.

Not all cash back credit cards work in the same way. Some send money to the cardholder once per year. Yet others credit the account. Still other cash back credit cards place the money in interest earning accounts or in special college savings accounts. With some credit cards, the points toward cash back earnings are calculated and sent to the cardholder automatically. Still others require the cardholder to request the refund once he or she has accumulated enough points. All of these need to be taken into consideration when determining which card is best.

Some cash rebate cards have limitations to how many cash back rebates can be earned per year. For some cardholders, this is not an issue because the limit is much higher than they will ever spend. For others, this cap can be a concern. In addition, some cash back credit cards place an expiration date on how long the rebates are good. Therefore, those that think they may not cash in on their rebates on a frequent basis need to consider whether or not they will be able to use the rebates before they expire.

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Finding The Best Cash Back Credit Card for You

21 May 2010

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Today the consumer is being bombarded with multiple options of various types of cash back credit cards constantly. Careful consideration of your lifestyle and spending habits will help you to select the one best suited for you.

Your values and beliefs influence your lifestyle. Make a choice of the cash back credit card, which provides you with more value in terms of reward points for the money spent. It should accrue more benefit points on your regular purchases, instead of being just certain store or item specific. A cash back card that automatically applies your reward points to your credit card balance or issues cash checks or invests in certain saving programs of your choice, can be a boon as you do not have to monitor your accumulated points.

A cash back card complimenting your spending pattern with low interest rate will be your best bet, or you may spend more on finance charges than you receive from the cash back program. Its limitations and restrictions too should correspond to your purchasing habits, as most companies reward points on maximum amount of spending. If you exceed their specified cash spending limits, then you need to have more than one cash back card to avoid losing out on earning points.

Many cash back cards provide you with additional benefits in terms of warranty protection, emergency roadside protection, travel insurance, auto rental, etc, along with cash rewards. Do take these also into consideration.

Thus, no single card can meet a single customers requirement as these cash back cards have their own specific reward point system. Some pay back more on gasoline and less on grocery, others may get more reward points on certain specific stores. In a nutshell, all types of cash back credit cards provide you with an opportunity to earn cash for spending cash. Do not be swayed by the market jargon or attractive offer ploys. Your ultimate choice of the cash back credit card is the one, which provides you with satisfaction, higher economic value based on benefit and the one that meets your unique personal spending behavior and lifestyle.

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Finding the Best Airline Miles Credit Cards

17 May 2010

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Deciding what qualifies a card to be one of the best airline miles credit cards can be difficult. This is because everyone’s needs and lifestyles are different, giving them a different idea of what qualities to look for in airline credit cards. Therefore, it requires taking a close look at yourself, your spending habits, and your traveling habits to decide which card is best for you.

Interest Rate

One of the characteristics of airline miles credit cards you should consider is the interest rate. Airline credit cards tend to have higher interest rates than cards that do not have rewards programs. If you are the kind of person who carries a balance on your credit card from month to month, airline miles credit cards may not be the best choice for you. This is because you might end up spending more every year in finance charges than you receive in benefits. If you do carry a balance on your card but still want to get an airline credit card, be sure to find the one with the lowest interest rate. Many have special introductory periods with lower interest rates, as well. These cards may be the best choice for you.

Travel Habits

If you travel frequently, airline miles credit cards may be a great choice for you. If, however, you travel only once every few years, it might not be worth it for you to have one of these cards. You also need to consider what is important to you when traveling because different airline miles credit cards provide different additional benefits. For example, if you frequently travel with a companion, airline credit cards that offer free companion tickets will be particularly valuable to you. On the other hand, if you generally travel alone, this perk does not benefit you at all.

Some airline miles credit cards also offer free upgrades to cardholders. If you enjoy the added luxury an upgrade provides, then you will love this benefit. If, on the other hand, you are fine riding in lower class seating area, this benefit may not be important to you and to your lifestyle. Instead, you might be better served with a card requiring less points to receive free air travel.

Spending Habits

In addition to your travel habits, you also need to consider your spending habits. Some airline miles credit cards provide points to cardholders for all purchases they make, while others only give the cardholder points for specific purchases. If you only receive points for purchases made through a specific website, and you don’t frequently use that website, then the card is essentially worthless to you. Make sure your usual spending habits coincide with the program offered by the airline credit card.

Similarly, some credit cards place maximum restrictions on the number of points you can earn in a year. If you spend more per year than you can receive in points back, then you are not receiving benefits for every dollar you spend. In this case, you might want to consider other airline miles credit cards. Or, spread your spending out on more than one card and only spend up to the amount you are rewarded for on your airline miles credit cards.

On the other end of the spectrum, you need to analyze your spending habits to ensure you spend enough to gain benefits from your airline miles credit cards. For example, if you need to spend $15,000 in one year in order to receive free airline travel, but you typically spend only $10,000 per year on your credit card, your spending habits are not a good match with the card. Instead, you will find yourself paying annual fees and higher finance charges only to never receive benefits.

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Effective Ways Of Getting the Best Rates for Your Credit

30 April 2010

Effective Ways Of Getting the Best Rates for Your Credit Cards

How many times a day do you receive offers through email or phone for free credit cards with money back schemes, low introductory rates and other perks of credit cards? All banks and financial institutions vie for maximum customers by pouring umpteen perks to tempt you, the customer, in one way or the other.

Remember that a credit card is just a form of borrowing money that has to be paid later. However, it is better to choose a credit card with good rates to avoid ending up paying too much interest to the banks. Make it a point to compare credit card terms and fees before opening a credit or charge card account. Once you find the credit card that has an interest rate that best fits your needs and budget, you can then open an account with that bank.

The annual percentage rate is the measure of the cost of credit the bank offers and is expressed as a yearly rate. Make sure you are aware of this rate before accepting a credit card as some credit card plans have interest rates that change when other economic indicators change. This plan is called a variable rate program. In such a case, when you first get the credit card, you may be offered 5% interest, but in case of index changes, the interest rate may go up to 8%. This means you will later have to pay more interest with the increased interest rate! So confirm if the credit card offers a variable rate program or ‘fixed rate’ program where there is no change in the annual percentage rate, even when economic indicators change.

It is beneficial for you if the credit card you have has a ‘grace period’. This is the period where you can avoid finance charges by paying your balance before due date. This is because with a free period, you will be sent your bill at least 14 days before the due date, thus giving you enough time to pay. Check if the credit card charges annual membership or participation fees or any other costs like transaction fees. It is better to choose the credit card company offering the least ‘extra costs’! This is because the more extra costs there are, the more money you have to pay the company!

When applying for a credit card, it is better to first consider if the credit limit is up to your requirements. Then only is it beneficial for you to apply for the credit card. To get the best rate for your credit card, make sure you understand all terms and condition of the card before accepting it. This is to avoid any future misunderstandings and misconceptions with the credit card company.

Of course, the main point that is taken into consideration to get the best rate for your credit card is your credit score. The better the credit score you have, the better will be the rates the credit card company offers you! This is the reason it is always advisable to have, and maintain a good credit score!

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Deciding if Cheap Credit Cards are the Best Choice for

23 April 2010

Deciding if Cheap Credit Cards are the Best Choice for You

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If you are looking for cheap credit cards, you need to have a clear idea of what to look for. In addition, you need to decide if what the card has to offer is really best for you. Simply offering a low interest rate does not necessarily make certain credit cards better than others. In fact, there are a number of card characteristics you should take under consideration when choosing from among low interest credit cards and other credit cards on the market.

What are your spending habits?

Your spending habits have a lot to do with picking choosing a credit card. If, for example, you don’t use your credit card very often or you pay your credit card balance in full every month, you may not really need low interest credit cards. This is because low interest rate credit cards are really best for those who carry a balance from month to month because it saves money in finance charges. If you do not carry a balance, then you might be better off applying for a credit card with a cash back or other rewards program. These cards tend to have higher interest rates, but it won’t affect you since you pay the card off each month.

What is your current debt status?

If you currently have a great deal of debt piled up on another credit card, or if you have small amounts of debt on several different credit cards, you might want to look into balance transfer credit cards rather than low interest rate credit cards. Generally, low interest credit cards provide a low APR on purchases made with the card. Balance transfer credit cards, on the other hand, offer low interest rates on balances transferred from one card to another. These cards usually waive the balance transfer fee, as well.

Applying for low interest credit cards when you want to transfer balances may not be very helpful at all if the low APR only applies to purchases made with the card. Therefore, make sure to learn more about the card’s balance transfer polices before applying.

What is your lifestyle?

Most credit cards offer a variety of benefits. These can include special cash back incentive programs, rewards programs and airline miles rewards programs. These cards tend to have a higher interest rate than cards that do not have special programs, but the trade off can be worth it if you will be able to take full advantage of the program and the finance charges you will need to pay are minimal. If you look hard enough, you can usually find a rewards credit card with a decent interest rate.

Aside from these special programs, however, credit cards offer additional benefits. These can include purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, auto rental insurance, travel insurance, and roadside assistance. When looking through low interest rate credit cards, you need to take these benefits under consideration. If your lifestyle is such that you will be able to take advantage of these benefits, then it might be worth paying a slightly higher interest rate, particularly if you will not be carrying a balance on the card very often.

While low interest rate credit cards seem like a great option at first, they are not necessarily the best choice for everybody. The best candidate for these cheap credit cards is someone who will carry a balance on the credit card from purchases each month and who is not concerned about receiving a number of special benefits or rewards programs from their credit card. Otherwise, you might want to consider exploring other types of credit cards.

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Credit Card Incentives And Choosing The Best Credit Card

31 March 2010

It is a well known fact that there are many different credit cards available today. In order to pick a credit card that will work for you, pick one that reflects your lifestyle as well as your ideal spending limit. In order to find the best credit card company and the best possible deal, you will need to do your research to find the perfect card for you.

When picking a credit card, you will first need to decide what you need the credit card for. Some people want a credit card simply for the purpose of cash flow. Making purchases on a credit card, can then free up your income. You can put that money in your bank account and let it draw interest. This allows your money to earn interest, all the while you are still able to buy the things you need. Then, when the credit card bill comes in, you pay it in full, in order to avoid finance charges.

Instant cash purposes is another popular reason people get credit cards. They are then able to use the credit card at any ATM to obtain cash. Credit cards used for these purposes are great for an extended vacation or when traveling in general. If this is your sole purpose for obtaining a credit card, make sure that you find one with the lowest instant cash transaction rate.

With any credit card, it is always important to consider the monthly payments. You will either need to pay the credit card balance off each month or make the minimum required payment. When choosing a credit card, be sure to look at the balance transfer rates, any introductory rates, as well as any incentives that might apply to new credit card holders. Often times, if you have good credit, you can receive some amazing deals.

Credit card incentives are another important area to keep in mind. Many credit cards offer incentives such as reward points or cash back for certain purchases. Simply look around for credit card incentive programs that are appealing to your needs.

The APR or Annual Percentage Rate is another important area to look at. Whenever the incentive period ends, you will then pay the APR. Since APRs vary from credit card to credit card, it is important to shop around and compare rates. The lower the APR is the better.

The minimum monthly payment is another area that must be looked at when choosing a credit card. Often times, credit card companies require you to pay about 3% of your total balance. Some credit cards are considerably lower, while others require a considerably higher amount. Choose a credit card with the longest interest free period available. This will help to keep your monthly payments lower.

After you have done the research and know exactly what you are getting into, you can then choose a credit card with ease. Credit cards can be a great thing to have. However, they can cause financial troubles if not used properly. If you do your homework, you will quickly be able to find the credit card that is right for you. As long at you pay your monthly bill on time and take care of your card, you will increase your credit rating, allowing you to eventually make larger purchases, like a house or a car.

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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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