Financial Education
Choose your 0% APR card: we give you the best options!
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Learn how to find the best cards with 0% APR periods and save money like never before!
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Why should you choose a 0% APR card? This alternative can help you save money on interest payments and get ahead on your debt.
What is APR in credit cards: understand it
Are you interested in learning more about the APR (annual percentage rate), its benefits and risks, as well as how to avoid it? Take a closer look at what it means.
In this post, we’ll break down the basics of APR, tell you how it works, and help you select a 0% APR card that is good for you. Stay tuned!
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What is APR?
APR stands for annual percentage rate. In terms of credit cards, it is the amount of interest you will pay on any balances you carry monthly, calculated as a yearly rate.
For example, if your APR is 15% and you have a balance of $100 at the end of the month, you will owe $15 in interest for that month.
There are two main types of APR: fixed and variable.
On the one hand, a fixed APR means that the interest rate on your credit card will not change, regardless of what happens in the market.
But, with a variable APR, the interest rate can go up or down depending on changes in the market.
So, if you carry a balance on your credit card, you’ll want to choose a card with a 0% APR so you don’t have to worry about your interest rate going up.
What is intro APR?
Intro APR is the 0% promotional interest rate you receive on credit card purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances for a certain period of time.
So, if you have a card with an intro APR of 14 months, you won’t be charged any interest during this time.
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How does a 0% APR card work?
A 0% APR credit card can keep you from wasting a lot of money on interest charges if you use it wisely.
Here’s how they work: most 0% APR cards offer an introductory rate for a set period of time, usually six to 21 months.
This means you won’t pay any interest on your balance until you reach the offer limit.
However, after the intro period expires, the APR will revert back to the normal rate, which is typically around 15% or more, depending on the card.
So, suppose you have a $1,000 balance on your card and are being charged 20% interest; then you’ll end up paying $200 in interest charges over the course of a year.
But with a 0% APR card, you would only be paying $0 in interest charges during the intro period.
It can give you a significant advantage if you must carry a balance on your card for a few months.
Ensure you pay all your balance before the intro period expires, or you’ll get hit with all that interest all at once.
Does having a 0% APR card affects your credit score?
A 0% APR card might affect your score if you don’t take some caution. The first thing to remember is that you shouldn’t apply for multiple 0% intro APR cards at once.
Every time you apply for a new card, the issuers check your credit report to see if you are creditworthy.
Considering that every inquiry temporarily decreases your creditworthiness, if you have opened many accounts in a short period of time, that might hurt your score.
In addition, credit utilization is a big factor in your credit score, so paying off high balances can be the best for you financially.
Your scores will rebound when the balance gets paid-even if it means having an 0% interest rate.
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What credit score do you need to apply for a 0% APR card?
If you’re looking for a 0% APR credit card, you’ll need to have a good credit score. Most 0% APR cards require a score of 680 or higher. However, a few cards will approve you with a score as low as 640.
So, if you’re trying to decide which 0% APR card to apply for, check the requirements before filling out an application.
How to pick the best 0% APR card for you?
If you’re looking for a way to save on interest and make your money work harder for you, then a 0% APR credit card can be a great option.
But with so many cards on the market, how do you know which is right for you? Here are four tips to help you choose the best 0% APR card for your needs:
1. Consider your credit history
If you have good or excellent credit, you’ll have more options to choose from. However, if your credit is fair or poor, you may still be able to qualify for a 0% APR card, but you may have to pay a higher annual fee.
But remember that maybe you won’t be accepted for a 0% card if you have a ruined score.
So, always check your credit report before you apply for one, so it won’t affect your creditworthiness.
2. Compare rates and fees
Even if two cards have the same APR, one may be a better deal with a lower annual fee. Make sure to compare the rates and fees before deciding on a card.
3. Read the fine print
Some 0% APR cards come with special terms and conditions that you’ll want to be aware of before you apply.
For example, cards offer 0% APR for a limited time, so make sure you understand how long the introductory period lasts.
4. Choose your card wisely
There are dozens of 0% APR cards on the market, so take your time to compare them and choose the one that’s proper for you.
With careful research and comparison shopping, you can find the perfect card to help you save on interest.
Now that you’ve learned more about 0% APR card periods, you can choose to improve your finances even more by learning about your credit score. So read our post below!
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