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Appreciate Your Money: Shop Around For the Best Credit Card Rate

You work hard for your money and shouldn't have to see it thrown down the toilet. So when you are looking to increase your credit with a credit card, take the time to really shop around for the best credit card rate. It really helps you in the long run.

Here is why and how you need to find the best credit card rate and not fall for every credit card offer you receive in the mail:

Use Common Sense

When you make credit card payments, you are more than likely making a payment on the interest as much or more than the actual principle. Make sure that you can find a credit card with low interest and a card that is compatible with your level of income. Numbers falling between 12% and 18% APR are the best credit card rate for people with median level incomes. Any higher than those rates and you are forking over more money for interest and finance charges than you need to.

Browse the Internet

Everything, including one's credit, is digital these days. The way to find the best credit card rate is to go online and find the average credit card rates for standard, gold and platinum credit cards. The fixed rate for a standard credit card averages around 13.08%, the variable rate is 14.39%. For a gold card, the fixed rate is 11.41% and the variable 13.37%, while the platinum is fixed around10.17% and variable is 13.60%. The higher "level" the card, the more you are able to save on the interest. Rates change, so it's good to check in every so often to decide which one is right for you.

Your Credit Score

Your own financial history can affect getting the best credit card rate. Although the average national credit score is 678, if yours falls under a bit, you may have to apply a few times to get approved. Once you do get approved for a credit card, your monthly payments most likely will be higher than average. The best thing for you to do in this situation, is to keeping paying your bills on time, including your credit card payments, don't go over your limit and let time heal the wounds of your pocketbook.

In the end, the key is being patient when it comes to finding the best credit card rate. You don't want to rush into choosing the first offer that comes your way, as you may end up with high interest, finance charges and high monthly payments. Look around a bit, find a card that's right for you and it will pay off in the end.

Latest News About Credit Cards:

Credit Cards Cut Off Gas Purchases (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

So you're at the gas station filling up your vehicle, and without warning the gas pump shuts off. What? The tank isn't full, and you know your credit card isn't over its limit.

County to accept credit, debit cards (Akron Beacon Journal)

Wayne County commissioners have voted to accept payments from residents in the form of credit or debit cards. Plastic can now be used for the payment of court costs, fines, real estate taxes, personal property taxes, recording fees, auto title fees, vehicle registration fees, and any other fee, cost, assessment, fine, penalty or other expense owed to a county office. The only exceptions are dog ...

Credit Cards Stolen (WSAZ NewsChannel 3 West Virginia)

Police in Huntington are on the lookout for two men who they say broke into a car and stole credit cards and then used them at Wal-Mart.

Stolen Credit Cards Caught Being Used On Surveillance Video (KKTV 11 Colorado Springs)

A woman's car is broken into, her wallet is stolen and the crooks rack up $1,000 on her credit cards in just two hours. Their crime is all caught on tape.

Questionable purchases made on Knox Co. credit cards (WATE 6 Knoxville)

Knox County staff are prohibited from making "split purchases" and personal charges on county-issued credit cards, but that's what an audit uncovered recently.

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