Purchase/Balance transfer

If you are purchasing a credit card to transfer a balance then consider how long you will realistically need to pay off the balance. Many credit providers offer an interest free period on balance transfers for six to nine months. If you think you will need longer to pay off the balance, then you should look at the Typical APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on cards.
This is also true if you are using your credit card to purchase goods; from everyday household and domestic items, to more expensive items such as cars or holidays, you will need to consider the Typical APR on cards. APR is often between 14.9 per cent and 15.9 per cent, however this can be lower or higher depending upon the card provider. For advice in deciding what kind of credit card to choose see “Applying for a credit card”.