Explore the Best Low APR Credit Cards

 

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Why Should I Look for Low APR Credit Cards? 

Low APR credit cards are those that charge the least amount of interest for qualified cardholders who carry a balance. If you’ve ever carried a balance on a credit card, you likely know why your annual percentage rates (APRs) are important. When you choose to make only the minimum monthly payment on your card, any remaining balance earns interest. The result is then added onto your next bill.  

In other words, the higher an interest rate on your credit card is, the more you will end up owing the issuer on balances carried from month-to-month. For instance, say you make your monthly payment and leave a balance of $1,000. Here’s how two very different APRs would play out: 

APR	Interest Accrued
10%	$8.22
20%	$16.44

If this result seems a bit confusing, it’s because interest calculations for credit cards are based off of a specific formula, which you can learn more about here. Either way, the point is easy to see: low APR cards can help you save more in instances where you can’t make your monthly payment in full. In the long run, this makes it easier to pay off any debt since you won’t accrue as much interest over time.  

What is Considered a Low APR for Credit Cards? 

When you think of low interest credit cards, it’s likely that cards with 0% introductory offers are the first that come to mind. However, even those cards have a regular interest rate that applies once the introductory period ends. These regular APRs determine whether a card truly fits into the “low rate” category. In order to identify cards with the best offers, first you need to know what the average rates look like.  

The average interest rate for different types of credit cards can vary widely. What’s considered a “low” APR for a retail card may fall in the mid-to-high range when compared to low interest balance transfer credit cards, for example. As a result, the overall average APR across credit card categories stretches widely between 16% and 23%.  

Even with this wide range, you can begin to develop a general sense for what may be considered a low APR card. As a general rule of thumb, the BestCards team saves this label for cards with APRs under 14%.  

How to Get a Low Interest Credit Card 

You apply for a credit card with a low APR much the same way you would apply for any other card. Namely, you need to submit an application and undergo a hard credit check. Yet even if you get approved for one of the best low interest credit cards, there’s no guarantee you’ll qualify for the lowest rate offered. That’s where your credit score comes into play. 

Your Credit Score vs Your Interest Rates 

To fully understand this, it helps to know a little about how credit card issuers structure their interest rates. Most financial institutions apply variable rates to their cards. This means that the APRs fluctuate based on an index rate (most commonly the U.S. Prime Rate).  

On top of that, many issuers offer a range of APRs for each card, and the one you get will depend on your credit. For example, a card may offer a purchase APR of 13% to 18%. This is why you’ll find phrases like “variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate” in your terms and conditions.  

The lowest rates of any credit card are always reserved for the applicants with the best credit scores. This means that even when it comes to low interest cards, bad credit can mean you only qualify for that card’s highest rates. To ensure you get the lowest rate possible, you can: 

• Work on your credit score before you apply. This isn’t may not be the easiest option if you’re already facing debt and need a balance transfer card with low rates. 
• Look for maximum interest rates lower than your current APRs. If a card’s highest APR is lower than your current rate, it could still be a worthwhile addition to your wallet. 
• Choose a card with only one interest rate. Some cards offer APRs that only vary based on the Prime Rate, meaning your credit only plays a role in your initial qualification for the card. 
• Search for low fixed interest credit cards. These aren’t very common, but they can really come in handy if you plan to carry a hefty balance, since they don’t fluctuate even with the Prime Rate. 

How to Avoid Paying Interest on a Credit Card Entirely 

Even the best low APR credit cards charge some interest, which means it’s still better to avoid carrying a balance whenever you can. This means you’ll need to pay your bill in full at the end of each month whenever possible. Without leaving a balance after you make your monthly payment, you will have nothing to accrue interest on. Plus, you’ll have your full credit line available for the next month, which can help keep your credit utilization ratio down.  

What Are the Best Low Interest Credit Cards? 

Within the low APR category, you can find many different types of credit cards to suit your needs. One of the most popular options is the balance transfer card, since these features go hand-in-hand when it comes to paying off debt. What makes a balance transfer card different from a regular low interest card is the ability to transfer these balances – not all credit cards allow you to do so.  

Low interest balance transfer cards allow you to transfer debt from higher rate cards, in order to cut down on your interest accrual overall. These often come with other perks too, such as waived balance transfer fees and 0% introductory periods. What you’re left with is a card built for consolidating credit card debt.  

One interesting example of a low interest card for balance transfers is the Upgrade Card. While it’s technically more of a credit line than a traditional credit card, it has a similar function. Depending on your credit score, this card can offer you APRs even lower than some of the lowest rate cards. To use it, you simply borrow funds from the credit line to pay off your high-APR cards and loans. Then, you can pay back the Upgrade at your much lower rate. 

Low APR FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about low-interest credit cards:

How long do intro APR offers last?

• Introductory APR offers typically run between six months to twelve months, though there are some offers of fifteen months or more. The longest initial APR period we’ve seen is around 21 months with Barclaycard.

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

• According to the BestCards Average Credit Card APR research, the average APR for a low-interest rate credit card is around 13%. This rate considers the APRs for different credit scores, as well as the variance between larger financial institutions and smaller credit unions.

Are there any fixed-rate low APR credit cards for bad credit?

• Yes. There are several secured credit cards that offer exceptionally low-interest rates for people with bad credit. Both Green Dot and First Progress offer two secured cards with APRs under 14%:
  • Green Dot primor® Secured Visa® Gold Card – 9.99%
  • Green Dot primor® Secured Visa® Classic Card – 13.99%
  • First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card – 9.99%
  • First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card – 13.99%

Find the Lowest Interest Rates for Your Wallet 

If you need help finding the best credit card with a low interest rate, the BestCards team has the resources you need. Not only do we provide in-depth reviews for over 800 cards, we also have credit card advice and tips to give you the extra confidence you need when comparing offers. Start your hunt for a low rate card today!