When you shop for a credit card, you will be considering variable rate credit cards and fixed rate credit cards. A variable rate credit card uses the prime lending rate as its benchmark. Each lender then adds his own interest percentage and offers the variable rate credit card to his customer. Look at it this way ? as soon as there is an increase in the interest rates of the Federal Reserve, the bank rates also go up.
The best situation to go in for a credit card with variable rates is when you notice that the prime lending rate dips steadily. That is when variable rate credit cards are a good option, since you enjoy the benefit of low lending rates.
However, don't confuse the interest rate of variable rate credit cards with introductory offers made to you. These offers are only to attract you and expire after a specific period, say two months or four months. Subsequent to this, your variable rate credit card will attract a higher rate of interest. So don't make these special offers a basis for your decision while looking for a credit card with variable rates.
Factors that could influence the interest rate of your credit card
When you are looking for a credit card with variable rates, your personal credit score and rating as well as your current income will influence the lenders? decision. Accordingly you can look at standard cards, silver cards, gold cards, platinum cards and titanium cards ? with the hierarchy of the card ascending from standard to titanium. So your eligibility for any of these variable rate credit cards is directly related to how good your credit history is, since interest rates are highest for standard cards and lowest for titanium cards.
In a variable rate credit card, the interest rate is likely to fluctuate periodically. Some credit card issuers can tell you how low or how high the interest rates are likely to vary so that you can decide upon your variable rate credit card based on this. If this fluctuation is still advantageous to you, as compared to a fixed rate credit card, you may consider a variable rate credit card.
No credit card is immune to interest rate fluctuation. Since variable rate credit card interest rates are based on the prevailing market rates, you've got to watch out constantly to see if it is a good option for you; if not you may want to look for another variable rate credit card where the issuer gives you a better deal. It is a very competitive market out there.
Many credit cards come with special introductory rates. These often include low or 0% interest rates for the first months or year. But what happens after the introductory period? This is when most credit cards switch to a variable or fixed interest rate. Read on to learn the difference between variable and fixed rate credit cards.
Variable Rate Credit Cards
Variable interest rates are usually tied to another rate. Many credit card companies use the Prime lending rate as an index. This is the rate at which top banks in the United States can borrow money from the Federal Reserve. Creditors also may calculate variable interest rates based on the Treasury bill.
The credit card lender adds a number of percentage points, known as the margin, to the index rate. This new rate is then passed on to your credit card. In certain cases, the credit card company may first multiply the index rate by another number, called the multiple. The new figure is added to the margin to determine the credit card interest rate.
As the index rate fluctuates, it affects the rate on your credit card. The APR (annual percentage rate) on variable rate credit cards may change at any time. These cards often include a "floor rate." This is the lowest interest rate that can be offered.
Fixed Rate Credit Cards
Unlike the variable rate, which is subject to change at any time, the fixed rate credit card offers one set rate. The initial rate is sometimes a couple of percentage points higher than a variable rate. However, the advantage is that a fixed rate may not change as quickly as the variable rate credit card.
That said, fixed rates do sometimes change. The credit card company may include the right to change the rate in the card plan. According to the Truth in Lending Act, the lender must provide at least 15 days notice before raising the rate. So make sure to look through the apparent "junk mail" you receive. It could include an announcement that your rate is about to change.
Decide which Rate is Best for You
To decide which rate will fit you best, consider the market fluctuations. The current average rate for variable rate credit cards is 14.72%. The average rate on fixed rate credit cards is 13.33%. Some experts advise getting a fixed rate credit card for its stability. Others suggest opting for a variable rate credit card when interest rates are dropping.
If you are considering a variable rate credit card, first check to see if there are caps on how high or low the interest can go. If the lowest possible rate on the card is 16%, and rates are dropping, you may want to look into other options.
Whether you decide on a variable or fixed rate credit card, be sure to read through the fine print. This will help you find rate fluctuation policies. Some card plans will change the rate after late or missed payments.
If you pay off your balances each month, the interest rate on your credit card will affect you less. However, if you regularly carry a balance (and most Americans do), it is important to understand the difference between variable and fixed rates. Doing so will ensure you are getting the best deal on interest charges.
Both Steve Szasz & Edward Vegliante 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.
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