Know The Credit Card Company's Secrets!

Nowadays, almost everyone can get a credit card. Most people get offerings in the mail to apply for them all of the time! Many of these credit cards have very low introductory rates, but then shoot up later, often without you even realizing it! After all, who is going to read all of the fine print on the back of the application? Not many people! In a way, it almost seems deceiving.

The most favorable credit card rates can be found in mid-size regional banks. If a person has a decent credit card history, he or she can apply for a "better rate" card - even if the bank is out of state. They won't come to you though; you have to go to them to apply.

Start by looking at the mid-size banks in your area. If their rates are all too high, you can explore other banks in other low interest states. To find these states you can go to your bank and check out the "American Financial Services Association's Annual Summary of State Consumer Credit Laws and Rates". Or you can go online to explore. One thing to keep in mind when doing your research for low interest states; don't assume that every bank in these states will give you a low credit card rate. Sometimes banks will move their credit card operations to higher rate states that have less restrictive interest regulations. Make sure you find out the credit card rates after you've located a lower rate bank!

Another "secret" that the credit card people don't want you to know is that many of the high-fee, high interest banks try to entice and sign up potential credit card holders by offering special credit card enhancements. These extra services can be almost anything; ranging from insurance and catalog shopping discounts to travel services and rental car discounts. They will also offer "deals" on anything that you can think of, from new cars to pest control!

The reality of these offerings is that you can find just as good or better prices in the city where you live. People living in rural areas might like the idea. But these folks generally can drive to the nearest large city, or shop online for the same savings. These credit card enhancements are usually not worthwhile, and you're still paying those high interest rates!

Remember when using your credit card, that the costliest cash is when you use your card for a cash advance. You will get no "float" or grace period (during which your cash advance or loan is effectively interest-free), and an extra fee will be tacked on to your usual interest charge! If you really need the money it would be cheaper in the long run to take out a collateralized bank loan, even if it will probably be more trouble to arrange.

Use these tips to look around for a lower interest rate credit card from a low interest bank. Don't just sign up for any credit card, especially from the offers you receive in the mail, without first learning what the interest rates will be. If you are careful, and shop around, you should be able to secure a credit card with a rate that you can live with.