Then came the rise of the ATM (cash machine), and credit card issuers realised they could lend money by allowing their cards to be used to withdraw cash on account, and could earn more this way by hiding away a higher interest rate for cash withdrawals in the credit agreement small print.
Next came the balance transfer offer, with either long term low rates or an introductory 0% deal, closely followed by introductory deals on purchases too. Not to forget the different interest rate often charged for overseas use.
All these different rates for different kinds of card use can easily become confusing, and survey after survey showed that many credit card users were unaware of how much their card use was actually costing them.
In many respects, this suited the card companies down to the ground as they could advertise eye-catching rates for purchases and balance transfers while quietly imposing more lucrative charges on other kinds of card use.
Amidst all the confusion though, some card issuers spotted a gap in the market - how about a simple, easily understood credit card with no offers or benefits, just a single low rate charged however the card was used? These cards became known as flat rate cards and their names usually reflected their transparency and ease of understanding, for example Barclaycard with their 'Simplicity' card, or the Co-op Bank's Clear.
Whether you're using one of these cards for spending, transferring a balance, or even withdrawing cash from an ATM, you'll always be charged a single rate. And what's more, most cards can offer a great low APR as the issuers aren't having to fund expensive introductory deals or cashback schemes.
So is a flat rate credit card for you? The benefits are obvious - it's easier to understand how much your card use is costing you, and you'll also usually get a great rate.
If you have a large balance to transfer, it might be more sensible to go for a card with traditional 0% introductory offer or one that features a low rate fixed for the life of the transfer.
Likewise, if you use your card for purchases a lot but usually clear your balance every month then the interest rate doesn't really matter to you, and you may prefer a card with a cashback or rewards scheme.
If however, like most of us, you use your card for purchases and cash withdrawals while carrying a balance from month to month, then a flat rate card could save you a lot of interest.
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.
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.
Both Michael D. Strauss & 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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