Credit card companies apply an APR (annual percentage rate) towards credit cards they issue to customers. In general, the credit card APR is the cost of using the lending institutions’ money. Understanding how credit card APRs work can be confusing because APRs vary from person to person, credit card to credit card, and the method to calculate the finance charge may vary from issuer to issuer. Simply by looking at all the differences in the APRs choosing the right credit card is critical to getting the best deal possible.

The first thing to remember when understanding credit card APRs is to know how they relate to your credit history. If you have a positive credit history your APR will be lower than if you have poor credit.

When shopping credit card offers you will most likely come across offers that have several APRs. Many credit cards have different APR’s for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. The credit card APR for purchases is typically the most reasonable, however the APR for cash advances can be down right outrageous at 20% or more of the cash advance. Use caution when using your credit card for cash advances. Avoid it at all costs if you can.

For those with good credit history it is likely you will want to apply for a credit card that has a 0% APR introductory rate. The longer the introductory rate the better. This means that until a specified time when your introductory rates expires you end up not having to incur or pay finance charges on the balance of your credit card. When you carry a balance on your credit card from month-to-month, a small difference in the credit card APR can make a huge difference it the amount of interest you pay over a year’s time.

Some credit cards have fixed rates associated with them while others have variable rates. For the most part a fixed APR doesn’t change unless you are late on a payment or you have violated the contract in some other way. Typically if the credit card issuer is going to change the rate they need to notify you before doing so.

Variable APR rates are the opposite of fixed rates. They may change from time to time. The interest rate is most likely tied to another interest rate, such as the prime rate. If the prime rate changes your credit card rate may change as well. Read the credit card agreement carefully for information on whether the credit card you are applying for has a fixed or variable APR.

When you apply online for a credit card you should shop and compare credit card offers. You can save money in the long run by knowing exactly what you are receiving from the credit card issuer.

Jason Deines is the publisher of Primary Credit Cards. Visit Primary Credit
Cards to Compare Credit Card Offers and Apply Online for a Credit Card, perfect credit not required.

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Ahh, credit cards. All those offers, tons of fine print… what does it all mean? Whether you’re applying for your first credit card or are a long-time cardholder investigating alternate options, it’s wise to get the facts before moving ahead with a new plan of action. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions.

What’s a low interest credit card?

A low interest credit card offers reduced APR (annual percentage rate) for cardholders with an excellent payment history. If you consistently pay your total monthly balance, or if you at least pay the minimum payment due on time, you may be eligible for a low interest credit card. Look into money-saving options with a low interest credit card!

Exactly how low are we talking?

First-time credit card holders may be required to pay anywhere from 17.999%-23.99% interest on your balance per month. If you’ve maintained good standing with your credit card company for at least a year, you may be able to have your interest lowered to 12.9% or even 10.24%.

Are the offers for 0% APR too good to be true?

0% APR Credit Card Offers are real and legitimate promotions that can save you a ton of cash in the long run. All it takes is a balance transfer from your existing credit card. Depending on the promotional details, you can enjoy exceptionally low rates for as long as a full year. Smart consumers know that offers like these are a great way to start chipping away at that outstanding debt and get back on track toward financial freedom!

What’s a cash back credit card?

A cash back credit card affords solid value to cardholders who pay their balance every month. Interest rates are typically the highest, but that’s not a concern for a customer who incurs little or no debt. With this type of credit card, you’ll earn rebate dollars which arrive in the form of mailed checks. Free money back on purchases you’d be making anyway… now that’s a wise move.

How much money can I earn with a cash back card?

For every supermarket, gas station or drugstore purchase, a typical cash back credit card reward is 5%. For most other purchases, 1% is given. To put this in perspective: if you spend $2,000 on merchandise that yields a 5% return, you’ll earn $100 cash back.

When can I expect to be paid?

Credit card companies have now put the ownes on their customers to request payouts for cash rebates. So make that call or put in that online request during the time that the card is active, and reap the rewards of a credit card that just keeps on giving.
No matter which offer you’re considering, read the Terms and Conditions and keep a copy of this information handy. This way, you can take advantage of every opportunity to save money while building your credit. Before you know it, you’ll be making informed credit card decisions with confidence!

Copyright 2005. Ed Vegliante. All rights reserved.

Ed Vegliante is the owner of http://www.credit-card-surplus.com a well organized credit card directory enabling the user to compare and apply for a variety of credit card offers. Links to secure online credit card applications.

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When I was younger, and more sophisticated, I bought a 55 Ford Fairlane. It was 8 years old!

I couldn’t wait to get it out onto the highway, I wanted to see just how fast it would run…it had 120 on the speedometer.

Well, I didn’t get it to top-end, but it was at 110 mph when a large, full, bug hit the windshield.

There was one thing for sure, with all the white streak on the
windshield, he wouldn’t have the guts to do that again.

But at the same time, I thought the windshield had come apart.

Needless to say, I slowed down.

A week later I noticed some slack in the steering wheel.

I crawled under the front of the car and checked the steering linkage.

The threaded end on one of the tie-rods was stripping…
the tie-rod was just about ready to slip out of the adjusting sleeve.

If that had happened while I was driving, I would have lost the steering…
That wheel would have gone to the extreme left or right, causing a large malfunction.

What if it had come out while I was chasing that bug?

Before you take your new, old car, that you just bought, out chasing bugs at full speed, look under the front at the suspension.

See, first, what it’s made of, how it is put together…
you’ll be surprised at what you find…
it ain’t much holding everything in place.

Look at the components holding everything for you.

Take a good look at what is between you driving down (or up) the road peacefully or cleaning out one of the state’s bar-ditches.

Tommy Sessions has been in auto repair since 1970. He publishes Auto Repair Answers Newsletter so you can learn how to keep your vehicle looking new, running safely and efficiently, while you save money and time…also, learn how to avoid shop rip offs. Don’t be at the mercy of the dealerships and auto repair shops…they will have more respect for you.
http://www.auto-repair-answers.com

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