Archive for the ‘Annual Percentage Rate’ tag

The Key Advantages Of The Subaru Master Card

The Chase Manhattan Bank offers a host of credit cards, which have their respective advantages and lucrative rewards programs. Those who are interested in the purchase of andor are planning to lease a Subaru vehicle within four years of the date of issuance of the card will find the Subaru Master Card very useful. The card promises the cardholder great many rewards in the form of Subaru products and services.

The cardholders should know the key features of the credit card so as to be able to apply for it easily.

Key Features Of The Card

For the first six months, the card has a 0% introductory annual percentage rate on balance transfers. The card does not charge any annual fee. The great money-saver card also has a free of interest grace period on new purchases made with the card. The regular APRs of 14.24 percent, applicable on purchases and balance transfers are also reasonable. The variable APR applicable on cash-advances is based on the prime rate.

The Attributes Of The Card

The highlight of the Subaru Master Card is undoubtedly its rewards program. The card brings with it the opportunity for its members to earn three percent in SubaruBucks Rewards on regular every day purchases.

As per the program plans, when your purchases reach the 3333-mark, you will be eligible for a 100 coupon. In a year, you can earn a maximum of 500 or 2000 in the span of four-years. Remember that the coupons will expire in a four-year period from the date of the issuance of the credit card.

The rewards earned from the purchases made with the card can be redeemed for Subaru parts and services like oil changes, tire rotation and even for buying a new Subaru vehicle. If you intend to purchase a new Subaru car, then you can receive a tremendous discount against the Purchase Price of the new car. You can also receive discounts on the expenses incurred on the maintenance services of an old vehicle.

The Perks

The card offers account related services online. The card also provides other facilities like roadside assistance, auto rental insurance, emergency cash and credit replacement, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and other similar services.

The Subaru Master Card proves helpful for the cardholder in yet more ways; it shields you and purchases with services like fraud and security protection services, purchase protection, extended warranty for purchases, and lost and stolen card reporting services, etc. The card also provides you with different Internet account related services.

The Subaru Master is ideal for you if you have a good credit and hardly carry any balances on your card. Before you proceed with applying for a card, make sure that you have a clear conception of the applicable restrictions, exclusions and limitations.

The Facts about Low Interest Credit Cards

So what are low interest credit cards really all about? The following article includes some pertinent information about low interest credit cards –info you can use to make wise financial decisions.

Trying to save on interest expense? Apply for a low interest credit card and start saving money by paying less interest expense. Low interest credit cards are considered cheap credit cards because they offer 0% Intro APR (annual percentage rate) up to one year. These offers may only apply to the balance transfer and not to new purchases and cash advance. Therefore, making purchases and taking cash advance with your promotional offer credit card may result in paying multiple interest rates. Individuals who are planning to make purchases and carry a credit card balance each month may be better off with low fixed interest rate credit cards. Customers will need to decide if a 0% intro APR or a low fixed APR credit card is better suited for their personal needs. Its not uncommon for the interest rate to shoot up dramatically after the introductory period expires. Therefore, customers should know what the interest rate will be after the promotional period ends.

The promotional offer or interest free period can save hundreds of pounds in interest expense. During this interest free period no interest is accrued if the account is in good standing. Customers utilize the interest free period to transfer balance from high interest rate credit cards to a low interest credit rate credit cards to save money on interest expense. These cards are also very important for customers who are planning to consolidate credit card loans, make large purchases and carry a credit card balance from month to month. Credit card issuers charge a fee to do a balance transfer. This fee varies from bank to bank so it is a good idea to shop around for the best deal. Individuals with excellent credit score can ask to have the fee waived.

Banks and credit card companies competing for the low interest credit card business offer impressive features similar to standard credit cards. Similar features may be cash back, rewards, bonus miles, no annual fee and more. Therefore, comparing credit card features is very important because it allows you to find the card that meets your lifestyle and one that will save the most money on interest expense. The best way to save interest is to pay the outstanding balance off each billing cycle. Credit card companies usually waived the interest charges if the entire outstanding balance is paid on time each month. If the outstanding balance is not paid in full each month then the credit card companies will charge interest on the entire outstanding balance from the date of each purchase. Many customers are not financially able to maximize their interest savings by paying off the entire balance each month. Therefore the next best way to save on interest expense is to use a low interest credit card to make purchases and carry an outstanding balance.

Its a common situation for individuals with bad credit to pay credit card companies large fees and finance charges. This situation keeps them indebted to the credit card companies if no action is taken to improve credit score. However, individuals with excellent credit can apply and get approval for a low interest credit card and avoid the burdensome situation of high interest rates and fees. Credit card companies have the option to change the interest rate on your credit card for various reasons such as making late payment, applying for too much credit, making late payments on different accounts or they can change it without any reason at all. Therefore, understanding credit and how to use it wisely is very important.

Low interest credit cards are ideally suited to consolidate credit card debts because of the 0% intro APR or low interest rate offered. It will make monthly payments more manageable and can alleviate the financial problems that come with having too much credit you cant afford. This is an opportunity to get your finances in order and to start managing your credit more wisely. Having less credit card accounts will simplifies your life and eventually improve your credit score. Its much more convenient to write one check instead of writing several checks each month to various creditors. Debt consolidation is an excellent opportunity to keep you out of bankruptcy and get your finances back on track.

Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. The grace period is between 20 to 25 days. You have this free period to pay no interest if your payment is credited to your account during that time frame and your account carries no balance. Customers monthly payment must be received by the creditor during this time frame. Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. Usually credit cards without a grace period are charged finance charges immediately on new purchases even if your previous month’s bill was paid in full.

The internet is the easiest place to find low interest credit cards with online credit card application. Website like www.icreditonline.com offers various types of credit cards. The cards are grouped into different categories. Clicking on low interest credit cards will bring up a list of low interest credit cards. Customers will then be able to compare offers and submit their online credit card application for approval. The internet is very convenient and fast way to apply and submit your credit card application. No more waiting weeks to receive your credit card in the mail. Once approved your should receive your credit card by mail within a few days.

Read your credit card agreement to find out if there are separate interest rates for balance transfer, new purchases and cash advance. Card holders maybe charged a very high interest rate and fees for cash advance or making new purchases while getting the 0% intro offer for balance transfer. Dont let this happen to you. Take the time to read the credit card agreement. Reading and understanding the credit card agreement is of utmost importance because it gives you the knowledge needed to make the right decision.

Pertinent Information About Low Interest Credit Cards

The following article includes pertinent information about low interest credit cards. If you don’t have accurate details regarding low Interest credit card, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

If you’re not using a low interest credit card, ask yourself why? This credit card have numerous advantages such as the 0% Intro APR (annual percentage rate) that enables the consumer to save on interest expense. Customers who will be using their credit card to make purchases and take cash advance may be better off with a credit card that offers a low fixed interest rate instead of the 0% intro rate. Knowing what the interest rate will be after the promotional period ends is very important to avoid interest rate surprise. The interest rate customers receive after the 0% promotional period usually depends on their FICO or credit score. Customers who have decided to go with the 0% introductory credit card can use the savings derived from paying no interest to pay down the principal and ultimately pay the loan off much sooner.

The main purpose of low interest credit cards is to transfer balance from high interest rate credit cards to interest free cards to save money on interest expense. They are also been used to make large purchases and important to customers who are planning to consolidate credit card loans and carry a balance each month. Banks charge a fee for balance transfers. Since this fee varies from bank to bank, customers should compare offers to find out which banks charge the lowest fees. Customers with excellent credit can request to have the transfer fee waived.

Many banks and credit card companies advertise low interest credit cards that have many features similar to a standard credit card to entice new customers to apply. Similar features may be cash back, rewards, bonus miles, no annual fee and more. Therefore, comparing credit card features is very important because it allows you to find the card that meets your lifestyle and one that will save the most money on interest expense. Paying your entire outstanding credit card balance on time each billing cycle is the only way to avoid paying interest expense. This may not be financially feasible for many customers due to the fact that they do not have the available funds. Therefore, by using a low interest credit card to make purchases and maintaining a credit card balance will be the next best choice to save money on interest expense.

The amount of interest accrue on your account depends on the interest rate you receive. Individuals with poor credit pay very high finance charges and miscellaneous fees. This situation keeps them indebted to the credit card companies if no action is taken to improve credit score. However, individuals with excellent credit can apply and get approval for a low interest credit card and avoid the burdensome situation of high interest rates and fees. Credit card companies have the option to change the interest rate on your credit card for various reasons such as making late payment, applying for too much credit, making late payments on different accounts or they can change it without any reason at all. Therefore, understanding credit and how to use it wisely is very important.

Many individuals use a low interest credit card to consolidate credit card debts to save money on interest expense. Consolidation is the process of combining several loans into one loan with a better interest rate to lower your monthly payment. Because consolidation will extend the term of your loan it may increase the total amount of interest payment paid over the life of the loan. Debt consolidation is an excellent opportunity to keep you out of bankruptcy and get your finances back on track. Credit card consolidation will simplify your life by making monthly payments to one creditor instead of multiple creditors.

Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. The grace period is between 20 to 25 days. You have this free period to pay no interest if your payment is credited to your account during that time frame and your account carries no balance. Customers monthly payment must be received by the creditor during this time frame. Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. Without a grace period in your credit card agreement you will immediately pay finance charges on new purchases regardless of whether you paid your previous month’s bill in full.

The internet is the best source to get information about various credit cards. Customers can compare credit card offers and submit an online credit card application for online approval. Customers with excellent credit can get instant online credit card approval within a few minutes of filling out their online credit card application. Once approved, the customer will receive the credit card in the mail within a few days. This is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain a credit card. Customers should make sure the credit card features fits their lifestyle before submitting an application.

Using your low interest credit card to make purchases and take cash advance may result in paying a very high rate of interest. This is because some low interest credit cards will offer the 0% intro rate for only balance transfers. Therefore, it is very important to read the fine print to know what transactions will be approved for no interest, low interest or high interest. Not knowing pertinent information about your credit card will defeat the purpose of trying to pay less money for interest expense and getting out of debt.

Low Interest Credit Cards Are Considered by Many The Most

Low Interest Credit Cards Are Considered by Many The Most Popular Credit Cards

Knowledge can give you a real advantage. To make sure you’re fully informed about low Interest credit cards, keep reading. Imagine the next time you join a discussion about low Interest credit cards. Your friends will be amazed when you start to share your knowledge about low interest credit cards.

If you’re not using a low interest credit card, ask yourself why? This credit card have numerous advantages such as the 0% Intro APR (annual percentage rate) that enables the consumer to save on interest expense. Several factors should be considered in choosing the right credit card. Depending on your situation a fixed low APR interest rate might be a better choice than the 0% intro APR if you are planning to carry a credit card balance each month. If the 0% intro APR changes to a low fixed rate after the promotional period ends then this will be an ideal situation. If the interest rate jumps up to over 20% then this might not be the best deal. This is why customers need to know what the interest rate will be at the end of the introductory period. For customers deciding on the 0% intro credit card offer will save money on interest expense which can be used to pay off the loan much sooner.

Low interest credit cards main benefit is to save money on interest expense. These credit cards are very essential in saving money on interest expense when used to transfer balance from a high interest credit card to a low interest credit card. They may also be beneficial to cardholders who make large purchases and carry a balance forward every month. Banks charge a fee for balance transfers. Since this fee varies from bank to bank, customers should compare offers to find out which banks charge the lowest fees. Individuals with excellent credit can request to have the balance transfer fee waived.

Customers may be pleasantly surprised to find that low interest cards offer many features similar to standard credit cards. Features can be similar to a standard credit card such as cash back, rewards, no annual fees, bonus miles etc. Its important to compare features of low interest cards and to apply for the one that fulfils your needs and save you the most money. Individuals who are able to pay the balance off each billing cycle will save the most on interest expense. This is because credit card companies usually waive interest charges if the entire balance is paid on time each month. Unfortunately, many customers are unable to pay their credit card balance off each month because they are not making enough money or they may be having financial problems. However, using a low interest credit card could be the best alternative to save on interest expense if you are planning to make purchases and maintain a credit card balance from month to month.

Individuals with bad credit pay an astronomical amount of money for interest expense and fees to credit card companies. With this kind of financial problem it can be a daunting task to get out of debt. As you can see, having excellent credit is very important because it makes it possible to get approved for a low interest credit card which in turn will save you a vast amount of money on interest expense. Be aware that credit card companies are able to change the interest rate on your low interest credit card because of late payment or they can change the interest rate for no reason at all. Managing your credit wisely is extremely important for financial success. Make sure to report errors on your credit report to the three major credit bureaus which are: Equifax, Trans Union and Experian to correct the errors on your credit report promptly.

If you are overwhelmed with bills and credit card debts, why not consolidate your loans into one loan. This will save an enormous amount of money on interest expense. Consolidating your credit card debts into one loan can improve your financial situation by making your monthly payment more manageable. This is an excellent opportunity to start the process of improving your credit score. Consolidating simplifies your paperwork and saves time and energy by only keeping records for a single loan instead of several loans.

Card holders will need to know about grace period and the way it relates to their specific low interest credit card. The grace period is between 20 to 25 days. You have this free period to pay no interest if your payment is credited to your account during that time frame and your account carries no balance. Customers monthly payment must be received by the creditor during this time frame. Learning about grace period as it relates to your specific credit card is very important. Usually credit cards without a grace period are charged finance charges immediately on new purchases even if your previous month’s bill was paid in full. The internet is best place to do credit card research and submit online credit card application. The credit card types are organized into categories making it easy to find the credit card you are looking for. Just by clicking on the low interest credit card category will bring up a vast amount of information. The best thing about applying for a credit card on the internet is the speed and convenience of processing your online credit card application. No need to travel from banks to banks trying to find the right credit card then having to wait weeks for banks to process your application. Individuals with good credit can receive instant online approval. This means that the credit card applicant can receive an online approval within minutes of filling out their online credit card application.

Some card holders may believe that that they can use their low interest credit cards to make new purchases and take cash advance with the 0% introductory offer. They will be surprised when they found out that they are charged different interest rates for balance transfer, new purchases and cash advance. Protect yourself from identify theft by shredding credit card offers and reporting stolen or lost credit card to your credit card issuer as soon as possible. Also, it is very important to read the credit card agreement to avoid surprises and unnecessary financial problems. Reading the credit card agreement will give you the knowledge and confidence in choosing and using the card correctly.

How To Choose and Use Credit Cards

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 or charge 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 account and on your 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 account. If you’re considering a variable rate card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you:

that the 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 account, about any limitations on how much and how often your rate may change.

Free Period. Also called a “grace period,” a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a 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 card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your 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 issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from 25 to 50, sometimes up to 100; “gold” or “platinum” cards often charge up to 75 and sometimes up to several hundred pounds.

Transaction Fees and Other Charges. A 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 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 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.

Examples of balance computation methods include the following.

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 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 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.
Previous Balance. This is the amount you owed at the end of the previous billing period. Payments, credits and new purchases during the current billing period are not included. Some creditors also exclude unpaid finance charges.

Two-cycle Balances. Issuers sometimes use various methods to calculate your balance that make use of your last two month’s account activity. Read your agreement carefully to find out if your issuer uses this approach and, if so, what specific two-cycle method is used.

If you don’t understand how your balance is calculated, ask your card issuer. An explanation must also appear on your billing statements.

Other Costs and Features

Credit terms vary among issuers. When shopping for a card, think about how you plan to use it. If you expect to pay your bills in full each month, the annual fee and other charges may be more important than the periodic rate and the APR, if there is a grace period for purchases. However, if you use the cash advance feature, many cards do not permit a grace period for the amounts due – even if they have a grace period for purchases. So, it may still be wise to consider the APR and balance computation method. Also, if you plan to pay for purchases over time, the APR and the balance computation method are definitely major considerations.

You’ll probably also want to consider if the credit limit is high enough, how widely the card is accepted, and the plan’s services and features. For example, you may be interested in “affinity cards” – all-purpose credit cards sponsored by professional organizations, college alumni associations and some members of the travel industry. An affinity card issuer often donates a portion of the annual fees or charges to the sponsoring organization, or qualifies you for free travel or other bonuses.

Special Delinquency Rates. Some cards with low rates for on-time payments apply a very high APR if you are late a certain number of times in any specified time period. These rates sometimes exceed 20 percent. Information about delinquency rates should be disclosed to you in credit card applications or in solicitations that do not require an application.

Shopping Tips

Keep these tips in mind when looking for a credit or charge card.
Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs.
Make sure you understand a plan’s terms before you accept the card.
Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives.
Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use. Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips so the amount can’t be changed. Tear up carbons.
Keep a record – in a safe place separate from your cards – of your account numbers, expiration dates and the phone numbers of each issuer to report a loss quickly.
Carry only the cards you think you’ll use.

Credit Cards – Can You Live Without Them?

Credit Cards – Can You Really Live Without Them?

In 2007, having a credit card is no longer a luxury or even a convenience – it’s a necessity. You can’t rent a car, check into a motel, or order online without a credit card. If you want a cell phone, you’ll probably have to purchase prepaid minutes – at a premium – unless you have some plastic with your name on it. And without a credit card, you either have to carry around a lot of cash, make frequent trips to the bank, or hope that the stores you patronize will accept your personal checks.

Credit Cards Can Be Lifesavers in the Case of an Emergency

Worst of all, people who lack sufficient access to credit are the most likely to use payday loan services. Later in this series we will explore this subject in depth, but for now, just consider this: If a single mother is hit with a sudden, unexpected expense – say a car repair for 600 – what can she do if she doesn’t have the money? She needs the car to get to work, and she doesn’t know anyone who can afford to lend her the money out of friendship. So she decides to use the local payday loan shop and ends up paying a 530 percent APR (annual percentage rate) interest. If, instead, she had a credit card with at least 600 of available credit, she wouldn’t have had to use the payday charlatans, and would have paid a much, much lower interest rate. Many people who use payday loan services, even once, fall into an inescapable spiral of debt, where they work all week to pay back their payday loans, and then have to take out new payday loans to meet their weekly expenses. People who use their credit cards responsibly never fall victim to this scenario.

Credit Cards Can Help With Budgeting

Credit cards help spendthrifts easily track their expenditures. One simple technique is to use one credit card to automatically pay your recurring monthly expenses (phone, cable, utilities, etc.), another to buy your groceries and gas, and a third for all other expenses (entertainment, eating out, etc.). When you get your bills each month you can compare how much you spent on your wants versus your needs and make adjustments as necessary.

Protections Offered by Credit Cards

Although the media likes to focus on the “epidemic” of identity theft, the truth is that using a credit card is much safer than using cash, a check, or virtually any other means of exchange. If you’re carrying cash and your wallet is stolen, you’ll never see a dime of your money. If a merchant cashes your check and refuses to grant you a refund, chances are, you’re out of luck. But in either scenario, using a credit card would have offered you protection.

If, for example, your wallet full of credit cards is stolen, you will not be liable for any more than 50 of fraudulent charges, per card. This is the legal limit, but in reality, most card issuers don’t even hold you liable for the first 50 – they just stick the merchants with the bill. And if a merchant refuses to give you a refund that you deserve, you can file a “chargeback,” in which the credit card company will side with you 99 percent of the time. Paying in cash or with a check offers no such protections.

Your Credit Card – Don’t Leave Home Without It

Credit cards are ideal for traveling abroad because they automatically convert to the local currency. This means you won’t have to waste time with the money changer or carry around several foreign currencies, and of course, not carrying cash makes you much less susceptible to pick-pocketing.

The main thing to understand is that credit cards can be wonderful tools that greatly enhance our lives. All that we need to do is be informed, active, and responsible users of these powerful little pieces of plastic.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

James
www.CC-Yes.com