Best Credit Card Deals
January 8th, 2010
Find out how to assess the best credit card deals based on the most important credit card features. Learn about the kind of deals currently available to get a better idea of what rates and figures are considered good.
Compare Best Credit Card Deals
| Credit Card | Card Details | Interest Rate p.a. | Cash Advance Rate p.a. | Balance Transfer Rate p.a. | Annual Fee | Interest Free Days (Up To) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Earn rewards for paying back the debt on your credit card, very unique card. |
14.24% | 21.49% | 0% for 6 months | $79 | 50 | |
|
A low interest rate credit card that has platinum rewards and premium benefits, currently offering 50% off the annual fee! |
11.49% | 21.24% | 0% for 7 months | $99 | 55 | |
|
12.49% | 21.24% | 2.99% for 6 months | $55 | 55 | ||
|
10.75% | 20.99% | 1.99% for 9 months | $59 | 55 |
The best credit card deals need to be researched. Rates and fees have risen a little recently with many cards, so it is always advisable to carry out your own comparisons before deciding which is the right card for you. You will also have to choose the best credit card based on your own personal requirements and spending/repayment habits. Here are the main areas that you need to assess before deciding which card will best suit your needs
Regular APR:
This is the Annual Percentage Rate that you will pay if you do not completely clear you credit card bill at the end of the month. They range from around 10% to 20%, so if you are regularly leaving unpaid amounts on your bill, this figure will be of consequence to you and the best credit card deal will be the one with the lowest rate.
Low introductory interest rate on purchases:
Some credit cards have introductory deals that offer a zero or low rate on your purchases for a limited time – usually six months. This allows you to make a large purchase and not pay it off straight away, and yet not be (too) penalised by interest charges. After this time the regular APR kicks in, so you should make sure that this is still low enough if you plan to keep an unpaid balance on your card on a regular basis.
Balance transfer deals:
If you are currently carrying a large balance on another credit card at a high rate of interest, then a new card with a balance transfer offer is the best credit card deal for you. This may be combined with the offer mentioned above, or it may stand alone. 0% deals are available for six months, and higher rates for longer periods, so you would have to decide how long it will realistically take you to pay off your bill in full.
No annual fee:
This is the best credit card deal for anyone who always clears their bill every month, because the interest rate will not affect them.
Rewards schemes:
Many credit cards have rewards schemes attached to them, but you should be careful about choosing the best credit card deal based on this factor alone. Sacrificing a good rate of interest for a rewards scheme will actually cost you if you keep an unpaid balance on your card. The interest you will pay will outweigh the value of any points you may accumulate.
Editors Choice: Best Credit Card Deals
| Credit Card | Card Details | Interest Rate p.a. | Cash Advance Rate p.a. | Balance Transfer Rate p.a. | Annual Fee | Interest Free Days (Up To) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
An excellent balance transfer offer of 1.9% p.a. for 12 months and a standard purchase rate of 12.24% |
12.24% | 17.99% | 1.9% for 12 months | $39 | 0 | |
|
Excellent credit card, with a 0% p.a. for 6 months balance transfer offer, and pay $0 for the life of the card |
16.99% | 20.75% | 0% for 6 months | $0 | 55 | |
|
Enjoy 1.9% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers as well as earn 3 Skywards Miles for every dollar spent, plus all the benefits & privileges of a platinum card. |
20.74% | 20.74% | 1.9% for 12 months | $229 | 55 |