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 Disclaimer
Here’s a little info about
Annual Percentage Rate:
It can either be "fixed" or "variable". Fixed-rate APR-s are usually a little higher, but you know exactly how much you will be charged each month. A variable or floating rate will fluctuate based on a published index.
For example: The APR on your low apr credit card is 18%. Typically, credit card companies calculate that rate on either a daily or monthly basis. The daily rate is calculated on your daily balance and the monthly rate on your monthly.
Let's say you charge $800 for a new TV. Few weeks later, you get your bill and you decide to pay only the minimum. This is when finance charge steps in, and if your card works on a monthly basis, you will be charged 1-1/2% , (or1.5 %) interest on $800.
Where did the 1.5 % come from? That’s 18% divided by 12, as 12 months in a year. (Annual Percentage Rate).
Next month, when you get your bill, and you did not charged anything on your card, and you made your minimum payment of $15, you will be unsatisfised.
From the $15 minimum payment you made, $12 pays the interest and only $3 will reduce the $800 down to $797. — which does not seem like much progress.
This is where you have to be carefull. If you only make the minimum payment each month, most of your money goes toward paying off the finance charge—the amount you’re being charged on the money you’ve effectively borrowed from the credit card company.
So, if you borrow the money for a long time, you would end up paying far more for the product than you originally wanted.
This is why it’s far more smart business—to choose a low APR credit card and pay not only the minimum payment but as much as you can !
With today’s credit card companies, there are many opportunities to get your cards rate of 21% or more reduced. The higher the amount of interest your card charges will cost you more for a simple purchase and ultimately may take you years to pay off instead of months, should you make the minimum payment allowed. People often just pay the minimum balance as a way to improve their credit rating; this couldn’t be a more dangerous way to increase your credit score. Leveraging the credit card company to say “Uncle” to your ability to switch over is easier than you think.
The switch over lower APR credit card tactic
If your credit card interest rate is over 20% you should definitely seek relief in several ways. One of these ways is to let them know you are thinking of moving to a competitor’s credit card because they are offering a lower rate. They will move promptly to earn your dollars and interest. Let them know how unsatisfied you are about their ability to reduce your percentage rate commensurate with your ability to pay your bill in a timely manner. They will probably put you on hold immediately and speak with a manager to get your rate reduced.
Don’t be afraid to move to another credit card company offering a low apr credit card
Some credit card companies will not budge when it comes to reducing your rate: even if you threaten to leave them. That is when you look for another credit card that meets your immediate financial needs. Shop around to the major credit card companies and seek out the best possible rates. You can also search on the Internet for sites that give the best low apr credit card ratings. This will allow you to make a financial decision that can save you hundreds if not thousands in the long run.
There are a dozen reputable credit card companies in the market who are willing to sign you up to earn your interest. These 0 APR cards will even offer to assume your previous credit card debt to help reduce the interest you are bearing on those accounts.
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