Usually, interest rates in the range of 1.5% to 2.99% per month are considered as low when it comes to credit cards. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of having a credit card with low-interest rates, who should get a low-interest credit card, etc.
Advantages Of Credit Cards With Low-Interest Rates
There is no denying the fact that having a credit card with low interest rates in quite beneficial. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
- Savings on annual fee – Generally, these cards carry a lower annual fee than most of the other credit cards. The credit card company may also waive the annual fee if a certain amount is spent on the card every year.
- Savings on interest – Since the credit card carries a low interest rate, if the cardholder chooses to use the rollover credit facility, then the interest incurred on the bill will be much lesser. In case the individual is unable to pay the entire credit card bill in one month, the interest charged on the balance will not be exorbitant.
- Come with lower annual percentage rate: Low Interest credit cards come with lower annual percentage rate. This enables those having credit cards with low interest to continue availing lower interest rates even after the introductory period.
- Helpful in paying current credit card debt: With the help of low interest credit cards one can pay off the accumulated credit card debt. This can be done by individuals without needing to pay any extra interest.
Disadvantages of Low Interest Credit Cards
Though there are advantages that can be availed when it comes with having a low interest credit card, it is not free of disadvantages.
Here Are Some Of The Disadvantages That Are Associated With It:
- Not many perks available: Other than getting low interest rates, an individual is not eligible for many perks. Unlike other credit cards, low interest credit cards may not offer individuals extensive rewards, cash back, air miles, offers and discounts.
- Offered to high-networth individuals – Lower interest rates are offered to HNIs to attract them. Banks provide such perks to these individuals to ensure their business comes to them.
- Offered to those who have high credit scores – Moreover, the cards are designed for only those individuals with good credit profiles. If you are an individual who has a clean credit record, has made timely payments on bills and EMIs, and has a good spending pattern, you might be eligible for lower interest rates on your credit card.
- Balance transfers incur a fee: Though low interest cards offer an individual to pay off current debts, one needs to be careful while doing a balance transfer. This is because credit cards having low interest rates charge a fee on all balance transfers. Hence, one needs to be aware while transferring other credit card debt to the low interest credit card.
- Cash advances come at high interest rates: Low interest credit cards come with high interest rates when it comes to cash advances. Hence, it is not quite recommended to go for cash advances on the basis of low interest credit cards.
Who Can Apply For A Low Interest Credit Card?
Banks are willing to take the risk of non-repayment on credit cards when it comes to HNIs and those with good credit scores. In most cases, banks offer these cards to high-networth individuals whom they think are eligible for such benefits.
As already stated, low interest cards are designed for those with strong credit profiles because the risk borne by the banks is much lower. So if you wish to avail low interest rates on your credit card, you need to make sure you check your credit report regularly.
Ensure you pay your credit card dues and any other loan EMIs on time. Have a balance between secured and unsecured debt to ensure your credit profile is favorable. In time, if you are able to secure a high credit score, you can approach your bank to see if you are eligible for a credit card with lower interest rates.
Sbi Advantage Gold & More Credit Card
The Advantage Gold & More Credit Card from SBI comes with a joining fee of Rs.499, regular interest rate of 1.99% and a cash advance fee of 2.5% per month. The card also offers other attractive features such as Cash Point for every Rs.100 spent, up to 2.5% value back with cash points earned from grocery and departmental store shopping and a 50 days credit free period.
Best Low Interest Credit Cards of 2018
HDFC Infinia Credit Card
The Infinia Card from HDFC is a credit card with a regular interest rate and cash advance fee as low as 1.99%. However, the joining fee and renewal is high at 30,000 at 10,000 respectively. The card does not have a pre-set spend limit and also lets you collect 5 Reward Points with every transaction worth Rs.150.
Citibank Rewards Credit Card
With absolutely zero joining fee, the Rewards Credit Card from Citibank offers a regular interest rate of 3.15% and a cash advance fee of 2%. It comes with attractive features such as up to 10X Rewards, every time you shop from some popular apparel and department stores.
First Citizen Citibank Titanium Credit Card
With zero joining fee as well as renewal fee, Citibank First Citizen Titanium card is available with a regular interest rate of 3% and a cash advance fee of 2%. Credit cardholders can avail reward points, vouchers and other first use benefits at some stores.
ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card
The ICICI Bank Instant Platinum Credit Card is available at a regular interest rate of 2.49% and a cash advance fee of 2.49%. There is no joining fee or renewal fee on this card. Cardholders can avail interest-free credit of up to 48 days on purchases made using the card.
Kotak Velocity Platinum Credit Card
The Velocity Platinum Credit Card can be availed at a low interest rate of 3.10% pm. Joining fee of Rs.499 is waived for the cardholders of this card. The renewal fee of this card is Rs.499, while the cash advance fee is 2.5%. Other attractive features include a 2.5% fuel surcharge discount in all petrol pumps in India.
First Citizen Platinum Credit Card
The First Citizen Platinum Credit Card from Citibank is available at a regular interest rate as low as 2.5% pm and a cash advance fee of 2%. With this card, you can earn up to 5% on your shopping expenses at Shoppers Stop. Both joining fee as well as renewal fee of this card stands at Rs.1500.
Jet Airways Citibank Titanium Credit Card
Citibank offers the Jet Airways Titanium Credit Card with 2.5% regular interest rate per month and 2% cash advance fee. The card comes with a facility to earn double JPMiles on Jet Airways tickets. On this card, you can earn 1000 JPMiles for every first time use of the card each year.
SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card
The Advantage Platinum Credit Card from SBI can be availed at a low interest rate of 1.99% pm and a cash advance fee of 2.5% pm. Although both joining fee and renewal fee is quite high at Rs.2999, you can earn up to 5X Cash Points from your shopping at Departmental Stores, Dining or International spends.
ICICI Bank Instant Gold Credit Card
With a regular interest rate as low as 2.49% pm and cash advance fee at the same rate, the Instant Gold Credit Card from ICICI Bank is a great choice if you are looking for credit cards with low interest rates. It does not require any joining fee, neither does it have any renewal fee, making it all the more affordable.
SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card
The SBI Advantage Plus Credit Card charges a meagre joining as well as renewal fee of Rs.500. It also comes with the minimum regular interest rate of 1.99% pm and a 2.5% pm cash advance fee. Additional feature includes a credit free period of 50 days.
TATA Empower Credit Card
With absolutely zero joining and renewal fee, the TATA Empower Credit Card comes with a low regular interest rate of 3.35% pm and 2.50% pm. Along with the affordable charges on the card, cardholders can avail up to 4% value back at Tata stores and its partner stores and products.
HDFC Regalia Credit Card
At a low regular interest rate of 1.99% pm and a 2.5% cash advance fee, this luxury card makes an attractive deal. Offered by HDFC, the Regalia Credit Card requires cardholders to pay a joining fee of Rs.2500 and a renewal fee of the equivalent amount. Additionally, it grants a welcome benefit of 2500 Reward Points.
HSBC Platinum Credit Card
The HSBC Platinum Credit Card comes at a regular interest rate of 3.10% and 2.5% cash advance fee, per month. Cardholders can also get 8000 Reward Points as a welcome gift. Apart from these charges, the card incurs a joining fee of Rs.6000 and a renewal fee of Rs.2000. The card’s Reward points can be redeemed for air mileage points.
HSBC Gold Credit Card
Cardholders of HSBC Gold Credit Card can enjoy a low monthly interest rate of 3.3% and a cash advance fee of 2.5%. HSBC does not require any joining fee for this card, however renewal fee of Rs.2000 is charged by the bank at the time of card renewal.
HSBC Classic Credit Card
With attractive features such as Zero lost credit card liability benefit, the Classic Credit Card from HSBC offers a regular interest rate of 3.5% pm and a cash advance fee of 2.5% pm. The card does not incur any joining fee but a renewal fee of Rs.700 is charged by HSBC upon card renewal.
However, there are ways to lower the interest rate on your existing credit cards, they are:
- Always pay your bills on time and if you maintain it for a decent enough time, you can request the bank to further lower your present interest rate.
- By making your payments in full or excess, you could create a good record with a company and avail a low-interest rate.