Shopping New Credit Cards? – Tips To Choose The Best
Many of these solicitations urge you to accept “before the offer expires.” Before you accept, shop around to get the best Credit card deal.
What are Credit Card Terms?
A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So it’s wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit card account. The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application. You also may want to ask about these terms when you’re shopping for a card.
Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the credit card account and on your credit card account statements.
The card issuer also must disclose the “periodic rate” – the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.
Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators – called indexes – change. Because the rate change is linked to the index’s performance, these plans are called “variable rate” programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your credit card account. If you’re considering a variable rate credit card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you:
* That the credit card rate may change; and
* How the rate is determined – which index is used and what additional amount, the “margin,” is added to determine your new rate.
At the latest, you also must receive information, before you become obligated on the credit card account, about any limitations on how much and how often your credit card rate may change.
Free Period. Also called a “grace period,” a free period lets you avoid credit card finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a credit card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the credit card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your credit card account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you’ll have enough time to pay.
Annual Fees. Most credit card issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from to , sometimes up to 0; “gold” or “platinum” cards often charge up to and sometimes up to several hundred dollars depending on the credit card you settle for.
Transaction Fees and Other Charges; A credit card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the credit card.
Balance Computation Method for the Finance Charge; If you don’t have a free period, or if you expect to pay for purchases over time, it’s important to know what method the credit card issuer uses to calculate your finance charge. This can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you’ll pay – even if the APR and your buying patterns remain relatively constant.
Average Daily Balance; This is the most common calculation method. It credits your account from the day payment is received by the issuer. To figure the balance due, the issuer totals the beginning balance for each day in the billing period and subtracts any credits made to your credit card account that day. While new purchases may or may not be added to the balance, depending on your plan, cash advances typically are included. The resulting daily balances are added for the billing cycle. The total is then divided by the number of days in the billing period to get the “average daily balance.”
Adjusted Balance; This is usually the most advantageous method for Credit card holders. Your balance is determined by subtracting payments or credits received during the current billing period from the balance at the end of the previous billing period. Purchases made during the billing period aren’t included.
This method gives you until the end of the billing cycle to pay a portion of your balance to avoid the interest charges on that amount. Some creditors exclude prior, unpaid finance charges from the previous balance.
Observing the above tips will go along way in ensuring that your shop for a good card and also maintain a good credit rating.