Things to be considered before getting a credit card
27 12 2007A credit card is a significant tool in planning your finance. There are thousands of offers available with these cards and you may want to get the best and cheap deal while availing a credit card. You have to make sure that the credit cards that you are getting will meet your requirements in the best manner.
Look for the hidden costs
Many credit card companies nowadays offer low annual rates of interest to lure customers. But, in order to compensate, they increase the fees of annual membership. So, you have to consider the fees charged on various credit cards and should apply for the one that suits you the best. Also, you can compare the rate of interest and fees charged by different credit card companies to get the best deal. If you feel that your credit card’s APR is less than others and the fees are also reasonable, then only you should get the card. If you have selected a credit card with a little higher APR and no fees, then also you will be paying the same or less amount when compared to the credit cards of lower APR and higher fees.
Interest free credit days
Nowadays, different credit card providers offer different interest free credit days. It is not the same in all the credit cards. So, you need to look for the number of interest free days. Normally, the credit cards carry 36 to 54 interest free credit days. So, you should choose the one which offers you more interest free credit days. But, if the interest rate is higher and they offer more interest free credit days, then there is no point in getting such a credit card. You should take into consideration both the rate of interest and interest free days to decide on the credit card.
Reward programs
If your credit card gives you cash-back rewards on every purchase you made and charges a little higher APR, then will you accept it as the best credit card available in the market? What if another credit card gives you nothing as reward, but charges low APR? It entirely depends on your repayment habit. If you repay the expenses made every month promptly, then there is no need to worry on the higher APR as you will pay the amount within the interest free credit days. But, you only make payments in installments, and then the credit card with lower APR suits you the best. So, plan your strategy before opting for a credit card.
Interest rates on credit cards keeps on changing and some companies even hike them without any prior notice. If you ignore the change in the interest rate, then later you have to pay much more than what you have estimated. Therefore, you need to research before purchasing a credit card and also you should shop smartly to avoid bulk payments. Also you should make it a habit to pay the due amount of your credit cards within the interest free days to save your hard earned money.













