Credit Card Essentials

Taking your first plunge into the world of credit cards? Get familiar with a few credit card essentials first. Be better prepared when your understand important points like how to choose a credit card, the most important points about credit card management and the difference between variable and fixed interest. A bit outdated from an appearance standpoint, but really effective in terms of evaluating a credit card offer is the Federal Reserve checklist sheet for choosing a credit card.

We offer a general credit card guide of credit card related terms. Below are a collection of additional resources which will help you better understand credit cards, before you apply!

Understand the pros and cons of bad credit credit cards.

Caught in a bad credit situation? Know the credit card essentials of bad credit credit cards before you decide on the right one for you. Get a free copy of your credit score and get familiar with the difference between a balance transfer credit card and a secured credit card.

Know the key points about low interest credit cards.

There are many low interest credit cards available. Make the right choice by familiarizing yourself with such credit card essentials such as grace period, fixed vs. variable interest rates, annual percentage rate, debt consolidation, balance transfers and periodic rate.

Citi® Platinum Select® Card

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Editor's Rating: 9.5
Consumer Rating: (13 ratings) 9.5

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Intro APR:	0%
Regular APR:	As Low As 7.49%
Annual Fee:	None

Intro Period:	up to 12 Months
Balance Transfer:	Yes*
Credit Needed:	Good

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0% APR* on balance transfers and purchases for up to 12 months
No annual fee
Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
$0 Liability on unauthorized purchases
Secure, free online account management

Capital One ® Platinum Prestige Visa®

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Editor's Rating: 9.0
Consumer Rating: (4 ratings) 9.8

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Intro APR:	0%
Regular APR:	8.90%
Annual Fee:	None

Intro Period:	Until October 2009
Balance Transfer:	Yes
Credit Needed:	Excellent

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Save with a 0% intro APR until October 2009 on purchases and balance transfers
Then enjoy a variable APR, now 8.9%
Save time and money by transferring higher-rate balances so you can make one easy payment each month
No annual fee

First PREMIER® Bank MasterCard®/Visa®

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Editor's Rating: 9.0
Consumer Rating: (5 ratings) 9.6

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Intro APR:	See Terms
Regular APR:	See Terms*
Annual Fee:	See Terms*

Intro Period:	See Terms
Balance Transfer:	See Terms*
Credit Needed:	All Types

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Low APR on purchases
Reports monthly to 4 Major Credit Bureaus
A Credit Card for Those with Less than Perfect Credit!
Quality Customer Service
Accepted where you see the MasterCard or Visa logo

Orchard Bank Classic MasterCards

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Editor's Rating: 7.0
Consumer Rating: (8 ratings) 7.4

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Intro APR:	0%
Regular APR:	7.90% - 15.99%
Annual Fee:	$0 - $79

Intro Period:	6 months
Balance Transfer:	Yes*
Credit Needed:	Bad

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0% Introductory APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, for qualified applicants*
Acceptance at millions of locations worldwide, including website purchases and reservations
Your account information is updated and at your fingertips 24/7 so you can manage it your way
Email and text messages to remind you of your upcoming payment due date with online enrollment