We make finding credit cards easy.

Compare the Best Credit Card Offers

Since 2004, Credit Card Depot Inc. has been helping consumers compare credit card applications. We provide vital online credit card offer details so you can isolate the best credit cards on the market. Whether you're looking for a 0% APR credit card to reduce interest expenses or a cash back credit card to earn rewards, Credit Card Depot can help you sort through credit card offer fine print and find the best credit card for your lifestyle.

Best Credit Card Applications

Credit card companies have been generating a lot of headlines lately, and not the type they'd like. While increased regulation over how credit card offers are marketed to consumers will make the process of choosing a credit card simpler in the future, for the time being, understanding credit card applications still requires due diligence. Here, we will look at the key elements you should examine before you apply for a credit card online.

For people who carry balances from month to month, the most important element of a credit card offer is the long term interest rate. This is the APR our credit card balances are charged once 0% APR offers end. Unfortunately, most credit cards offer multiple interest rates for the same cards. These tiered or range bound APRs can be a bit confusing, especially since the lowest APR is generally the advertised APR. Essentially, credit cards that offer tiered rates will offer three interest rates. The lowest APR will be for consumers with the best credit and the highest APR will be for those who just meet approval criteria.

With tiered interest rates, a consumer who does not qualify for the lowest interest rate will be given the second rate offered. Oftentimes, this can be 4% higher than the lowest advertised rate. Unfortunately, the difference between getting the lowest rate and the second rate could theoretically come down to 1 point on your credit score.

The better alternative to tiered pricing is range pricing. Credit card offers with range pricing, such as those from Discover, charge consumers interest rates between, for example, 11.99% and 18.99%. If an applicant doesn't qualify for a 11.99% APR, they may be offered an 12.24% APR. For most consumers seeking the lowest APR, these are the best credit card applications.

0% APR credit cards often have pricing tiers as well. Applicants with the best credit will be given 0% interest rates for 1 year or even 15 months, while those who barely qualify will be given 0% rates for as little as six months. Because you will not know your long term interest rate or the length of your 0% APR when you apply, it is particularly important to wait until your credit card arrives in the mail before initiating balance transfers. I can only imagine how many consumers transferred balances online expecting a 0% APR for 1 year, only to find out they've been given a 0% APR for six months. The thought is sickening. (Credit Card Application Tip: Discover offers the full advertised 0% interest rate period to all approved applicants.)

While long term interest rates and the lengths of 0% APR deals are the most important factors to consider when you apply for a credit card online, other factors such as rewards, annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, and over-the-limit fees should also be taken into consideration. Generally, credit card rewards should be considered a perk and nothing more. Unless you pay your balance in full every month, stick to cash back credit card rewards programs that charge no annual fees. As to the rest of the fees, please avoid them at all costs. Credit card companies love fees and use events such as late payments or exceeded credit limits to raise interest rates into the high 20 percents. Simply use your credit card wisely and you won't have to worry about them.

Lastly, when trying to find the best credit card application, remember that the best credit card for some people may not be the best credit card for you. Select a credit card that fits your credit card usage style and credit profile. If you carry balances from month to month, seek out a low apr credit card that offers a 0% APR. If you pay your bill in full every month, look for a card with a lucrative rewards program. Ultimately, the best credit card is the one that costs you the least money to use. Hopefully, you can find such a card here.

Recent Credit Card Tips, News and Advice

The Longest 0% APR Credit Card Offers: Currently, the longest 0% APR credit card offer last 18 months for balance transfers. Credit cards with 0% rates on purchases are only offering rates that last 12 months.

How Much Can You Save with a 0% APR Credit Card: With a 0% credit card application, the amount you save can add up quickly, especially when you use your 0% APR credit card for balance transfers. With a 0% offer lasting for 18 months, the savings can quickly add up to $100 or more for every thousand dollars transferred. A credit card with a 0% APR on purchase can be equally rewarding, especially if you spend heavily on a big ticket item like a vacation as soon as you get your new credit card. Just be sure to apply for a credit card at least ten days before you need to book a trip or make a large purchase to make sure your credit card offer arrives in time.

Finding the Best 0% APR Credit Card Offers: Because of the CARD Act, credit card companies are now providing much clearer information about 0% APR credit card offers. This makes it easiest to find the best credit card applications to help you save money on credit card interest.

Tips to Find the Best Low APR Credit Card: When you compare low APR credit cards, it is important to closely examine the terms and conditions of the offer. The best credit card applications either offer a single low interest rate or a range of rates. However, most credit card offers only offer three rates and, other than the lowest APR, the second and third rates can be substantially higher.

0% APR on Credit Cards for up to 18 Months: A year ago, 0% APR credit card offers barely lasted 6 months. Recently, however, a number of credit card companies have increased the length of 0% credit card deals. Some cards now offer 0% interest rates for as much as 18 months. However, it is important to read the fine print of these credit card applications before you apply.

Best Credit Card Applications in 2010: Credit card companies are offering long 0% APR credit card offers. However, many credit card deals may not last as long as advertised. If you apply for a credit card that has more than one 0% offer length, you may get a much shorter 0% introductory period than you expected.

The Best Credit Card Offer for You: When you're comparing credit card applications, its important to focus on finding the best credit card offer for you. This means seeking out a low APR credit card if you carry balances or a no annual fee cash back credit card if you want to earn rewards.

Credit Card Depot's Balance Transfer Website: Due to strong visitor interest in balance transfer credit cards, Credit Card Depot Inc has launched a companion website, www.SmartBalanceTransfers.com. At Smart Balance Transfers, consumers can compare current balance transfer offers from all the leading banks before applying online. Additionally, Smart Balance Transfers features in depth articles as well as a balance transfer calculator designed to help consumers make the best balance transfer decision. To learn more about balance transfer credit cards, visit Smart Balance Transfers.

Finding the Best Credit Card Offer: If you're not using a 0% APR credit card, you're probably paying a much higher interest rate than you were a few years ago. And, if the credit card market continues on its current path, you may not be able to access 0% interest rates much longer. Learn more about 0 APR credit card offers and find out how to select the best credit card for your lifestyle.

Cash Advance Credit Cards You Should Know About These Costs: Thinking about taking a cash advance from your credit card? Be careful. Interest rates on cash advances can be nearly double standard rates. If that's not enough to make you think twice, cash advance fees are steadily rising, with some companies now charging 4%. And when you pay your credit card balances, the money you send in goes to the balance with the lowest interest rate, not cash advance interest rate. Learn more about cash advance credit cards.