Credit Cards Compare credit card interest rates and deals

The great credit card tradeoff

Most of the time, there’s some major trade-offs you need to make when choosing a card. If you want low rates (a great idea if you don’t pay your card off), then it’s unlikely you’ll find card with rewards, and vice versa. You’ll also find that the card with rewards, frequent flyer points or perks generally come with higher rates and annual fees. Like many things in life, you can’t have it all in the one card, but by using our credit card comparison you can find some of the best deals if you choose your priorities wisely.

Carrying out an interest rate comparison

One feature of a credit card that can make a big difference to your final decision is the interest charged on balances. Simply put, when you spend money on a credit card, you're essentially borrowing money from the company. If you don't repay this amount on time, then you will be charged interest.

This shouldn't, however, be confused with the annual percentage rate (APR) that is charged by your provider. This is a key piece of information you should think about when performing an interest rate comparison.

Instead, the APR is the yearly interest rate that is applied to your credit card. It's not uncommon for providers to offer a different APR for any purchases you make, and a separate one for any balance transfers you carry out.

When you carry out a credit card comparison, make sure you take into consideration any introductory rates that are on offer. Some companies will give a low rate credit card when you first open the account, which then shifts after a certain period of time.

Understanding rewards credit cards

If you plan on using your credit card on a regular basis, then it might be worth your while to look into one that offers rewards. Many of the biggest providers will give cashback on certain purchases, or allow you to accumulate points that can be used in certain stores.

One of the most popular types of rewards credit cards are those that provide frequent flyer points. You'll be awarded points based on the amount you spend, which can then be built up and eventually spent on flights with major airlines.

If you are interested in rewards credit cards, then be sure to read the terms and conditions linked to these accounts. As with any financial product, it's a good idea to be fully aware of what you are signing up for well in advance.

Choosing your next credit card

No matter what you want from your credit card, it's essential to carry out an interest rate comparison and see which products are out there. If you do need more information on what's available, then be sure to read the RateCity Credit Cards Guide

It provides an insight into what the different types of credit card are all about, as well as handy tips to help find the right one for your specific requirements.