Single Rate Credit Cards: A Guide
By: Joseph Kenny
With so many credit card deals on the market, consumers can have a hard time deciding on the right deal for them. There are many rate options for new credit card customers. These include cards with a 0% interest rate for a fixed period, low balance transfer rates or introductory rates. However, there are also cards which feature a low standard interest rate.
Who Should Get A Single Rate Credit Card?
A single rate credit card can be a useful option for those who are looking to transfer large sums of debt which they are hoping to pay off. As well as transferring balances from other credit cards, new credit card customers are often able to transfer balances from high interest store cards. Some may even be able to transfer outstanding loans to a lower rate credit card.
Is There A Catch?
Unlike other cards, a single rate credit card has one rate for all transactions. This means there should be no extra charge for cash withdrawals, credit card cheques and purchases. It's always best to read the fine print to make sure, though.
To get the best from a single rate credit card, try to pay off more than the minimum amount. This will reduce the amount owed as well as the amount to be paid each month.
What About Introductory Rates?
The whole point of a single rate credit card is that it offers one rate for all transactions. Most credit cards with a low standard rate offer that rate only, with no introductory low rate. Those that do offer a low rate for a fixed period often charge for the balance transfer. The charge in this case is usually 2% of the amount transferred. This can soon add up when people are transferring large balances.
What Kind Of Interest Might I Have To Pay?
Credit card interest rates vary widely. Aside from the 0% preferential rates and the cards within the 20%+ bracket, there are several cards with rates between 8.9% and 17.9%. It's best to look at the other advantages a particular card offers before making a final decision.
Do Single Rate Credit Cards Offer Rewards?
Like other credit cards, some single rate credit cards offer reward schemes. Some cards give a cash back reward of a percentage of spending over certain thresholds. For example, consumers who spend under £3,000 a year might get a cash back reward of 0.5% of the amount spent. People who spend over that amount might get a cash back reward of 1% of the amount spent.
Other possible rewards are Nectar points; air miles or other travel incentives; points which can be exchanged for vouchers, travel or cash; and travel insurance.
About: There are also several credit cards that contribute a fixed proportion of your spending to certain charities. The card issuers may also offer a donation to these charities as an incentive for opening an account with them. Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on 0% credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for a credit card balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today. Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/ Source: Www.amazines.com
Credit Cards With Low Balance Transfer Fees
By: Jeff Weber
The second quarter of 2008 began with bad news for consumers looking to maximize credit card interest and fee savings with 0% APR no fee balance transfers. The last two remaining credit cards that offered 0% interest rates and charged no balance transfer fees changed their offers, leaving consumers with one less way to save money on credit card fees. While this current trend may change, it looks as if consumers will be forced to pay transaction fees for balance transfers during the next few months. This should not be a deterrent. As we will see, 0% balance transfers are still a great way to save substantial amounts of money on credit card interest. However, for the foreseeable future, it will be important to be careful when applying for a new card.
What are balance transfer fees? Currently, all credit card companies charge a 3% transaction fee for every balance transferred. A low fee credit card limits the maximum fee to $75 per transaction. A high fee card has no limit on balance transfer fees. If you wish to save the most money, avoiding high fee cards is key.
Example Let's say we have a $5000 balance to transfer. If we transfer that amount to a credit card with no fee limits, the total fees will be $150. However, that fee would be only $75 if we use a credit card with fee limits. Clearly, the fees can add up.
Should I even bother? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Balance transfer fees are a nuisance, not a deal breaker. For example, if we were to pay 14% interest on debt of $5000, interest expenses would be close to $750, or ten times the amount of the transaction fee. Even with the fee, total savings will still be $675. That's a lot of money to waste on interest. And fortunately, you don't have to.
Now is the time to stop paying absurd interest rates on your credit card debt and take advantage of a 0% APR balance transfer. Even though you will have to pay a pesky fee, you will ultimately save hundreds of dollars on interest.
About: To learn more or apply online for a balance transfer credit card, visit SmartBalanceTransfers.com. You can also learn more about current credit card news at our blog.About the AuthorThe author has written extensively on the subject of credit cards since 2004. He is the President of Credit Card Depot Inc, an online credit card information company. Source: Ezinearticles.com
