In order to compare credit cards you should understand the main features found in many credit cards.

Balance Transfer APR: APR stands for annualised percentage rate and is the equivalent annual interest rate. In this case it represents the rate you will pay on balances transferred from other credit or store cards for the duration of an introductory period such as six or twelve months. Look out for transfer fees which are upfront fees calculated as a percentage of the balance transferred.

Introductory Purchase APR: This is the interest rate that you will pay on purchases for a promotional period once you take out the card. Don’t get caught out by these intro offers, check out the small print to see that you won’t get stung if you still have balances owing when the offer period expires.

Purchase APR: This is the standard credit card APR charged on purchases. The right card for you is going to come down to how you will use the card; if you’re not going to pay your bills in fill then a low interest card will save you more than you would earn in points, however if you do pay in full then interest won’t be your main priority.

Interest free days / grace period: You may see statements such as ‘up to 55 days interest free’ advertised. This is the time period from making a payment until the bill is due. Cards with a long grace period mean that if you pay your bill in full before the due date each month then you won’t pay any interest. If there is no grace period the you’ll be paying interest from the day or purchase and you’ll be hit even if you pay your bill in full and on time each month.

Annual Fee: Many cards have now dropped their annual fees but you may find that some premium cards do still charge an annual fee in exchange for extra features. Alwats ensure that the value to you of extra features such as insurances are greater than the annual card costs.

Rewards scheme: Rewards schemes come in all different shapes and sizes such as cash back, shopping rebates, points, airline rewards and much more. There is no point in applying for a credit card that will cost you more than it earns so work out of any rewards will earn you above and beyond what you pay the bank in interest and fees. If you want a card with rewards then make sure the rewards on offer are for things that you really want, ideally things that you would have had to pay for otherwise. The value of the rewards for each dollar you spend if normally very low, around one percent so never spend extra money on things you don’t need just to boost your points balance.

Next time you’re looking for a new credit card you should have a good understanding of how to compare credit card offers side by side before you apply. It’s not possible to suggest a credit card that is right for everyone, the best credit card for you will depend on your needs.

This article is by Richard Greenwood a keen consumer advocate helping consumers getting a better deal. Richard runs www.compareyourbank.com.au

Changing Our Shopping Habits

All you need to do is first understand how to get your credit card application approved and then you too can apply for, and after the application has been approved, use your credit card to shop whenever it suits you. The plain truth is that credit card applications and credit cards have changed our shopping habits and we are now less in need of physically carrying cash on our person than at any time before. This means that most of us have decided in our minds that we would like to trade in the bill? for the ubiquitous credit card.

However, before applying for your credit card you need to take a few precautions and also execute certain countermeasures to assure that you are saved by existing federal laws. The first thing you should realise when applying for your credit card is that the entire process will take some time because your information inevitably to be substantiated.

The U.S. Patriotic Act requires that your particulars be verified and so you need to be prepared to undergo a minor ordeal before you can get your credit card approved. Most of us do not mind the added inconvenience because owning a credit card or two has become the norm. So, if you are prepared to face the ordeal and you are sure that your nerves can take the stress then you should go ahead and apply for your credit card.

The first thing you will need to do is obtain your Credit Report as too your Credit Score. Armed with this selective information you can begin the integral covering process with greater self-confidence. You should check with the major credit bureaus including Equifax and Experian and Transunion and see which one has given you the highest score and then use that score when applying.

Next, you should be well acquainted with your creditors as this cognition will help spare you a whole lot of time. This means that you should try and get in impact with your creditors and even the unlike credit card companies and ask them what the least and minimal accepted credit score is. Then you can crosscheck your own Credit score and see if you are in a position to proceed further. However, be sure to understand that certain banks use more than one Credit score before approving applications though the norm is for banks to check just one credit score.

In addition, you must also moderate that all your remark balances are genuinely last. And, you need to also dispute any outdated balances and in fact it is also a good idea to get in touch with your creditors and get them to report the proper balances.

You should also make use of your own family income and not someone incomes as this will stand you in good stead when applying for your credit card. Last but not least, makes sure to get in touch with your creditors and get them to provide you with information to help you get your credit card application approved.