Credit cards come with a host of functions and added benefits – a very good explanation why credit cards are a well known phenomenon. If you are searching to apply for a credit card anytime quickly, here are 10 points you definitely want to know. These points will give you a improved understanding of how credit cards operate and what you can anticipate from them.
Annual fees on credit cards
All credit cards offered by banks (at least a main percentage of them), come with an annual fee. The annual charge largely varies from one particular card to yet another, even in the case of cards supplied by the exact same bank. Commonly, Premier cards that supply superior added benefits than typical cards come with a higher annual fee.
Though the Primary card pretty much certainly comes with an annual charge, supplementary cards also come with an annual charge in most situations. In some cases, the annual charge on the supplementary card is waived for the very first year or so – this is to preserve the card much more competitive and in-demand. Certain banks waive the annual fee on the principal card as properly – for the 1st year, or initially two years, or longer.
Annual price of interest
All transactions you make employing your credit card attract a specific price of interest known as the annual percentage rate of interest (APR). The interest rate is dependent on the bank that’s supplying the card and the type of card. The interest rate for most credit cards is Singapore is among 23% p.a. and 30% p.a.
Banks let for an interest free of charge period of about 21 days from the release of the statement (once more, this depends on the bank and the kind of card) and do not charge an interest if the quantity is repaid in complete within this interest free of charge window. If the quantity isn’t paid ahead of the end of the interest free of charge period, interest charges will accordingly hold applicable.
Cash advance charges
Credit cards allow buyers to make emergency money withdrawals from ATMs. These money advances carry a handling charge of about five%-six% of the withdrawn quantity, besides interest charges that fall in the variety in between 23% and 28% p.a. Interest on money advances is computed on a day-to-day basis at a compounding rate until the amount is repaid in complete. Money advances are commonly a risky phenomenon, mostly taking into consideration the higher interest charges. So if you withdraw dollars utilizing your credit card, it is advisable that you repay the quantity in full at the earliest.
Minimum month-to-month payments
As a credit card consumer, you are necessary to spend a minimum amount each and every month – or the complete amount if that is possible – amounting to 3% of the total monthly outstanding balance. Minimum payments will need to be produced by the payment due date if late payment charges have to avoided. The minimum payment in your credit card monthly statement can also contain pending minimum payments from prior months, late payment charges, money advance charges, and overlimit fees, if they hold applicable.
Late payment charges
If the minimum quantity is not paid by the payment due date, banks levy a specific fee, generally referred to as the late payment fee. The late payment fee for credit cards in Singapore can be anywhere in the variety involving S$40 and S$80, based on the bank offering the card.
Overlimit costs
Overlimit fees hold applicable and are levied by the bank if the allocated credit limit is exceeded. Overlimit fees can range amongst S$40 and S$60 for credit cards in Singapore.
Cashbacks and reward points
An aspect that tends to make credit-cards a pretty fascinating phenomenon is the reward points/cashbacks that can be earned on purchases. Distinct cards are structured differently and allow you to earn either cashbacks or reward points or both, on your purchases. Some cards permit you to earn reward points on groceries, while some other let you earn cashbacks or reward points on air ticket bookings, retail purchases, etc. Cashbacks and reward points are capabilities that are precise to certain credit cards and the extent of rewards depends on the type of card and the bank providing the certain card. Reward points earned on purchases can be converted into fascinating vouchers, discounts and attractive purchasing/retail acquire/on the web bargains from the card’s rewards catalogue.
Balance transfers
Particular credit cards enable you to transfer your whole credit card balance to that certain credit card account, enabling you to consolidate your debt. Balance transfer credit cards come with an interest no cost period of 6 months – 1 year, based on the card you have applied for. In the case of balance transfer cards, banks charge a processing fee and may also charge an interest (unlikely in a majority of cases). Just after 신용카드 현금화 수수료 (six months – 1 year based on the card), typical interest charges on the card are applicable for transactions and cash advances.
Air miles programmes in Singapore
Particular credit cards (largely premium credit cards) offered by some banks in Singapore allow you to earn air miles by converting your reward points earned on purchases using the card. Normally, air miles cards come with a greater annual fee owing to their premium nature. As a customer of a premium credit card, you can accumulate adequate air mile points to fully offset your subsequent trip!