Are You Ready to Get Low Interest Rates on Credit Cards

April 4th, 2009

You may want to get one of those credit cards with low interest rates but it’s an option that isn’t available for you. Especially it’s true if you have no credit history or if your credit is doubtful. Secondly, if your credit history is excellent, it is easier for you to apply for a low interest credit card.

I can’t stress enough to read the small print on credit card applications, especially for credit cards that come with low interest rates. You might notice that the card you are going for does not provide a really low interest rate after all. This is often the case with introductory offers where the interest rate is low for a short time period until it rises to 15% or 19%, independently if you have made your payment on time or not. Also, the so-called short interest may be applicable only to a transferred balance and not to your leverages

Furthermore, the rates of interest of certain credit cards are determined relating to the prime rate, thus leaving you with a variable rate of interest. What does this mean for you? Every time the prime rate rises so does the rate of interest, so that you have to repay a higher amount at the end of each month. This doesn’t seem you’ll make a great deal.

Now there is the question how to get that credit card approval you are looking for? They are fantastic until the day you don’t pay on time and this extraordinary deal turns into a nightmare. If you don’t pay on time you have not only to pay an additional fee, but also see your interest rate skyrocket. For instance, let’s say you get a common credit card that comes with a 7% interest rate. This same card will upgrade the interest to 15% if you come about to lack two defrayments on the year. This higher rate can be maintained until you are able to make your payments six months in a row without failure.

Being late can be fatal. As a matter of fact, you have to pay a fee for not paying on time and an additional fee for exceeding the limit of your credit card. You have to be careful not to overlook paying on time or else you will suffer the low interest offered by the card.

Having said the single most important thing about the credit cards with low interest rates is never miss a single payment. It’s required to always make your payment on time, if you want not to lose your privileged low rate of interest.