What is APR in Credit Card and its types? Let’s find out

When applying for a credit card, one term you’ll often encounter is “credit card APR.” APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is a critical factor that influences your borrowing costs. It refers to the annual interest rate levied on your outstanding credit card balance. Understanding APR can help you manage your finances more efficiently.

Now, let’s talk about credit card eligibility criteria. 

To apply for a credit card in India, you have to be an Indian citizen between the ages of 18 to 70 years. The documents needed for credit card include a PAN Card, residential proof, identity proof, and a passport size photograph.

One of the best options available in the market today is the Airtel Instant Credit Card. It offers a higher credit limit, ensuring you have ample credit when needed. Moreover, it provides significant annual savings for cardholders. With low joining fees and annual fees, it is a cost-effective choice. The Airtel Instant Credit Card operates with a 100% digital process, making it easier for users to manage their finances online.

Let’s delve into the different types of APRs:

• Purchase APR: This is the rate charged on purchases made with the card, if not paid in full by the next billing cycle.

• Balance Transfer APR: Charged when you move a balance from one card to another.

• Cash Advance APR: This applies when you use your credit card to withdraw cash.

• Introductory APR: Often a low or 0% APR offered for a certain period when you first get the card.

• Penalty APR: This is a higher rate applied if you miss payments.

Let’s explore the features and benefits of understanding APR in credit cards:

Transparency: APR provides clarity about the actual rate of interest you will be charged, making it easier to compare different credit card offers. 

Informed Decision Making: By understanding the APR, you can make informed decisions about which credit card to choose, how much to spend, and how to manage repayments.

Cost Management: Knowing the APR helps manage costs. Cards with lower APRs mean lower interest costs, making them a more affordable option if you plan to carry a balance.

Budget Planning: With a fixed APR, you can predict your monthly interest charges, which aids in budget planning.

Avoiding Debt: Understanding how APR works can help prevent unnecessary debt. If the APR is high, you might think twice before making a large purchase that you can’t pay off immediately.

APR types in credit cards include:

The documents needed for a credit card typically include your PAN Card, proof of residence, identity proof, and a passport-sized photograph. Also, you need to be an Indian citizen aged between 18 and 70 years to be eligible.

Features of A Credit Card 

One must also consider the various features a credit card offers. For instance, the Airtel Instant Credit Card provides a higher credit limit and substantial annual savings. With low joining and annual fees and a 100% digital process, it offers convenience and savings.

Understanding How APR is Calculated on Credit Cards

Understanding how Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is calculated can be crucial in managing your credit card debt effectively. APR is the yearly interest rate that your credit card issuer charges on any balance you carry beyond the grace period. Here’s how it works:

Daily Periodic Rate (DPR): The APR is divided by 365 to get the DPR. For instance, if your APR is 14%, your DPR would be 0.038356% (14 divided by 365). 

Calculation of Interest for the Billing Cycle: The DPR is multiplied by the number of days in the billing cycle and then by the balance you owe each day. This is summed up for the entire billing cycle to get your interest charge. 

For example, if you have a daily balance of $500 for a 30-day billing cycle, your interest for the month is calculated as follows: $500 (daily balance) x 30(days) x 0.038356% (DPR) = $5.75

Variable APR: Some credit cards have a variable APR, which is often tied to a financial index like the U.S. Prime Rate. If the index rate changes, your variable APR will change in tandem.

Remember, if you pay off your balance in full within the grace period, you won’t have to pay any interest. However, if you carry a balance into the next billing cycle, you’ll be charged interest based on your APR.

Knowing how APR is calculated can help you understand how much you could potentially pay in interest and enable you to make informed decisions about your spending and repayment strategies. It also highlights the importance of paying your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

Lastly, while applying for a credit card, make sure to consider not only the APR but also the other fees and benefits. Look at the big picture to truly understand what a credit card offer entails. By doing so, you can select the best credit card that aligns with your financial goals and spending habits.