High interest rates are one of the biggest drawbacks of using a credit card to borrow money. While it is possible to avoid paying credit card interest by paying the balance in full, if you do carry a balance, you will encounter interest rates much higher than other types of loans. In this article, we will explore the factors that go into setting credit card interest rates and share some tips on how to avoid paying a high credit card annual percentage rate (APR).
Firstly, it’s important to understand what APR is. APR stands for annual percentage rate, and it refers to the annual cost you pay to borrow money from a credit card company or other lender. Credit cards can charge either a fixed or variable APR. Fixed APRs are set by the credit card issuer and do not change. Variable APRs, on the other hand, are set based on market conditions and can be subject to change. Most credit cards have a variable APR that is determined by the prime rate.
APRs can also vary depending on how you use the card. For example, most credit card companies charge a different APR for purchases, balance transfers, cash advances, and penalty APRs (if you violate the credit card terms). Some credit cards offer an introductory APR for promotional purposes, which is often a 0% interest rate for a specified period of time. If you plan to carry a balance when you first sign up for a credit card, it is recommended to get a card with a zero APR introductory offer to avoid paying any interest for a specific period.
So why are credit card APRs so high compared to other types of credit? There are several reasons for this. Firstly, credit cards provide a grace period on card purchases, meaning that you won’t pay any interest as long as you pay the purchase balance in full by the due date. This grace period is not typically offered with other types of loans like personal loans or mortgages. Additionally, credit cards are unsecured loans, which means that the lender is taking on additional risk by not requiring collateral. Credit card companies also incur higher processing costs due to the large volume of daily credit card transactions they process. Lastly, credit card companies spend significant amounts of money protecting and reimbursing cardholders from credit card fraud, which is a prevalent issue. These costs are recouped through the interest rates they charge.
If you notice an increase in your credit card’s APR, there are a few possible explanations. Missing a payment can result in your regular APR being replaced with a much higher penalty APR. If you signed up for a credit card with an introductory APR offer and that period has ended, your APR will increase. Variable interest rates can also increase periodically throughout the year. If your credit card balance remains high, your credit card issuer may increase your rate if your card has a variable APR. Additionally, cash advances typically have higher APRs than credit card purchases.
To avoid high APRs, there are several strategies you can use. The most important is to pay your balance in full every month. This ensures that you won’t incur any interest charges. If you have good credit, you can also access credit cards with zero or low introductory APR offers. It’s also worth considering requesting a lower APR from your card issuer if you have a good payment history and have been carrying a balance monthly.
As an avid credit card enthusiast, I make a habit of paying my card balance off in full every month. I’ve even utilized zero APR introductory offers on a credit card when I’ve needed to make larger purchases. This has given me the flexibility to repay the balance owed over several months without having to worry about high APRs or other credit card fees.
In conclusion, most credit card issuers charge variable APRs that can change based on various factors. While interest rates may go down in the future, it’s important to be aware of the high APRs associated with credit cards. By paying your balance in full each month, you can avoid high credit card interest rates and APRs. If you must carry a balance, consider looking for a card with a zero APR introductory offer.