Obtaining a credit card with the kind of interest rate and rewards scheme you would like is never easy. Being there are many types of low interest credit cards from the likes of Visa, MasterCard, and American Express to select from. It only makes sense to stick with card that you can benefit from. Either being from a set rewards scheme or from a really great low interest rate. For example, say you are a Major League Baseball fan and would like to earn rewards and/or save money while participating in your favorite pastime. In this instance, the Major League Baseball? Extra Bases? Credit Card might be the best selection for you. With this credit card, The only credit card on the planet that earns you points towards autographed memorabilia by past and current players, VIP access, field-level game tickets, travel rewards and even cash rewards; you might be satisfied.
Remember, there are also a number of low interest and rewards credit cards to serve a number of folks interested in other sports as well. Take a look at the NFL Extra Points? Visa? Card for example. With this credit card you can perhaps earn a NFL Shield Short Sleeve Gray T-Shirt, or receive a Autographed Authentic Jersey - signed by a Former Player! The types of rewards you can receive with all the possibilities out there are seemingly endless. For just about every major sport there is a credit card rewards program out there.
I have often told many people that credit card rewards are living proof that you are already being charged to much interest. This stands to reason just as much as rewards are what you get for paying to much interest. Money saved is truly money earned as well. It makes perfect sense for one to reflect of the value of potential savings made from the reaping of rewards from credit cards. Many people however seem to forget that the credit card they select should bear them some sort of reward in the end. For example, if you applied for and received a Subaru? Platinum MasterCard? from Chase, but did not follow through with your planned Subaru Outback purchase, it is a safe bet to say you selected the wrong credit card as you will likely not come across any meaningful reward scheme. Not that the card of your selection was bad at the time. Now for a person about to actually own or lease a Subaru this card is a very good card to have. It is just a simple fact that the cards we carry must fit a real world scheme in order to be useful, rewarding, and save us money.
It is also wise to be aware of the disclosures for the low interest rate credit cards you select. Back in 1988, new requirements were implemented for credit card disclosures that were intended to help consumers better compare pricing information on low interest credit cards (and all other types of credit cards for that matter). These new requirements mandated that credit card issuers use a tabular format to provide information to consumers about interest rates and fees on solicitations and applications mailed to consumers. It is very easy to find these tables rather quickly on just about any credit card offer you can come across on the internet. This format, which is known as the Schumer box is claimed by issuers, consumer groups, and others; to helped increase consumer awareness of credit card costs. With this information in hand, it is much easier to make informed decisions concerning finding the best low interest rate credit cards before completing the credit card application.
Best Low Interest Credit Cards
The best low interest credit cards are those that offer guaranteed long term low interest, low fees and charges and low balance transfer fees. So it is important to make sure you understand what these charges are for all the credit cards you are interested in. You can't assume anything. Different cards have different terms and conditions so you must be willing to read and understand these in order to make an informed decision about transferring credit card balances. Procrastination and impulsiveness can both cost you a lot of money when it comes to dealing with credit card debt. The wisest course of action is to take action to lower your monthly interest charges as quickly as possible, but only after making sure you have chosen the best course of action open to you.
There are so many credit cards on the market competing for your business that it can be confusing trying to find the best low interest credit cards. Advertising copy promises you a happier, less stressful life by simply 'applying now.' However, advertising copy is not what you will be held to. The contract is what must inform your decision. Carefully read the terms and conditions of credit card offers, read reviews of the products, compare rates, charges and any introductory low rate periods that might be involved.
The internet is an excellent place to start searching for the best low interest credit cards. In particular, credit card websites that offer a variety of low rate cards from different credit card providers, can save you a lot of time, effort and money. These sites generally offer a informative articles on debt, credit card borrowing and even on choosing the right option for your needs. They also have on one site detailed information about a number of different low rate cards, sometimes even in a table or graph which makes it easy to see the differences. Most of these comparison websites provide an online application facility which further smoothes the balance transfer process.
The best low interest credit cards will not trap you into high interest rates at the end of an introductory term. There are many low rate cards which are permanently low rate (at least relative to other credit cards) however there are low rate credit cards which are extremely low rate, even zero rate for an introductory term. The latter credit cards can provide a wonderful opportunity for people to quickly pay down debt and to immediately reduce financial stress, however there is a potential risk. There is a risk that after the low or no interest period, the interest will increase to a comparatively high market rate. In this situation, you could well find yourself worse of than before you transferred your balance. It is important to know the standard interest rate of the card you are applying irrespective of the introductory offer.
When people transfer high interest credit card balances to the best low interest credit cards on the market, they do more than gain temporary financial relief, they can actually turn their lives around. If you choose the card wisely and then manage the interest savings equally well so that your credit card balance is being steadily reduced, you will gain immediate and future financial benefits that can set you on the road to financial freedom.
Both Sam Donaldson & Gordon Goodfellow are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.