Credit Cards (US)

Low-interest credit card: what is it?

If you need a more affordable way to pay off debt, you can get a low-interest credit card! Read on to learn more!

by Victória Lourenço

Published on 02/07/2023

Learn about how a low-interest credit card works!

Getting a credit card with low interest is great! Learn why. Source: Freepik.
Getting a credit card with low interest is great! Learn why. Source: Freepik.

Do you want a credit card to help save you monthly money? Are you looking for the right low-interest credit card to fit your financial needs? If so, then this blog post is the perfect place to start!

Moreover, we’ll walk through how a low-interest credit card works and why they are beneficial.

Also, you’ll find out which types of consumers might benefit most from getting a low-interest rate on their plastic.

cards for low credit score

The best cards for low credit score

Don't let your low credit score keep you from getting a great credit card. Check out our list of the best cards for low credit scores and start rebuilding your credit.

In addition, we’ll give tips on choosing among different offers to get the best deal and plan on repaying debt more quickly!

Therefore, by the end of this blog post, you should have all the information to decide when selecting your ideal low-interest credit card. So, keep reading!

What does interest mean?

There is a cost associated with borrowing money, which means interest. Also, an individual who borrows money must make more than just the initial principal payment back (the initial amount borrowed).

So, before lending money, lenders need to be rewarded for the risk of their investments and the return they anticipate making.

Also, the interest rate is the lender’s way of saying how much they think you should pay them for the privilege of borrowing money in exchange for whatever service or risk they are taking.

Moreover, the instant a credit card is swiped, the borrower is deemed to have begun borrowing money, but interest is not applied to the balance until the end of the billing cycle.

Therefore, to put it another way, when a credit card user “carries a balance,” it means that they have not paid off their previous statement in whole or before the due date.

So, after that point, cardholders’ interest rates may considerably impact the cost of borrowing.

What is considered a low-interest rate on a credit card?

Some credit cards have higher interest rates than others. Source: Freepik.
Some credit cards have higher interest rates than others. Source: Freepik.

Before you understand what is considered low interest on a card, you need to learn more about APRs.

So, when looking for a new credit card, it’s a good idea to compare annual percentage rates (APRs) because they reveal how much money the cardholder stands to lose if they are late with a payment.

Also, because most Americans consistently carry a balance on their credit cards, it is reasonable to predict that APRs will impact many people.

In addition, the lowest APRs are often seen on low-interest credit cards and credit cards issued by credit unions.

Moreover, annual percentage rates (APRs) between 12% and 14% are common among the best low-interest credit cards.

Also, many reputable credit unions provide their best members with credit cards with interest rates anywhere from 5.99% to 8%.

How do the companies determine the APRs?

Companies calculate the annual percentage rate (APR) for a credit card at account opening time, and it is a function of the applicant’s credit history and the U.S. Prime Rate.

Also, large banks typically utilize the Prime Rate as a starting point. This happened when they establish interest rates for consumer loans and other forms of credit.

Moreover, lenders calculate annual percentage rates and interest charged on credit cards based on the Prime Rate. Also, they consider a margin to cover their costs and earn a profit on past-due amounts!

Is it better to have a low-interest rate on a credit card?

Just by asking the credit card company, you may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate, or annual percentage rate (APR), on your credit card.

Moreover, if you really want something, asking doesn’t harm you, even if you know you won’t get it.

This way, take advantage of the fact that the issuer has confidence in your ability to make timely payments and behave appropriately.

In addition, negotiating a lower interest rate will save you money on interest payments in the long run.

Also, some credit cards have introductory periods with zero annual percentage rates (APR). Plus, companies typically require good to excellent credit to approve you to get these cards.

Moreover, you can consider some factors to see if the APR on your credit card is reasonable:

Credit card interest rates have risen to an average of almost 19%. If your credit card’s annual percentage rate (APR) is much higher than the average APR for all cards, you may want to consider negotiating a lower rate.

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Should you get a low-interest card?

See if your low-interest credit card has interesting benefits or not. Source: Freepik.
See if your low-interest credit card has interesting benefits or not. Source: Freepik.

Before considering getting a card with lower interest, you need to know a few things. For example, they may not have the best cashback rewards and perks.

So, if you’re saving money by carrying a balance each month and paying low fees, this card can be a good option.

However, a higher APR credit card may be the best choice if you want to spend a lot and get cash back or miles. Therefore, it all depends on how you spend your money and live your life.

So, this may not be the best choice if you love to travel or make purchases. You may get a good cashback or travel credit card to get the best perks for your needs.

Examples of good low-interest credit cards

Now you know more about low APR cards! So, you can check out the best ones in the market to help you save money! Read the list below to find out!

Discover it® Cash Back

With this card, you can get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, there will be a variable APR from 16.24% to 27.24%.

Moreover, this card offers unlimited cashback rewards of up to 5% and a cashback match! Plus, there are no annual fees!

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

With this Chase card, you can get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers! Also, after that, you’ll only pay a variable APR from 19.24% to 27.99%!

Moreover, this card has no annual fee, and you can earn up to 1.5% unlimited cashback on eligible purchases!

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

This Wells Fargo card offers one of the market’s longest 0% intro APR periods! So, you can get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Also, you’ll get an intro APR extension for 3 months if you make on-time payments! After that period, the APR will be variable from 17.24% to 29.24%!

Recommendation: Best secured credit cards to rebuild your credit history

Maybe a high-interest credit card caused you to fall into debt. Don’t underestimate these debts because they can snowball and even take you down to bankruptcy.

If that is your case, don’t worry. You can always start back over! Take a look at the best secured credit cards to help you put your credit score back on track.

man with secured credit card

Best secured cards after bankruptcy: build credit

If you've just filed for bankruptcy, it's time to start rebuilding your credit., So, read our list of the best secured cards for after bankruptcy!

About the author

Victória Lourenço

Victória Lourenço is part of the finance writer team for The Mister Finance website. She is a translator and copywriter, having worked on finance topics for over four years. She has a goal to keep studying finances to help people learn more about how to use their credit cards, make loans, and use other money-related products in a way that they can find a more meaningful and healthy financial life!

Reviewed by

Aline Barbosa

Senior Editor

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