If you have a credit card and pay an a ual fee for the privilege, then perha you are paying too muc
If you have a credit card and pay an a ual fee for the privilege, then perha you are paying too much for your card. Although there are some cards that give you a lot of benefits and so an a ual fee is worthwhile, for most everyday cards there is no need to pay an a ual fee. If you want to know if you should pay an a ual fee or not, then here are some ti about credit card a ual fees.
New card fees
If you are looking for a new card, then there is really no need for you to have to pay an a ual fee. Although some cards offer many benefits, there is usually an alternative card that offers no fee. Most card companies have moved away from charging a ual fees to new customers because they know that it makes their card unattractive. If you are a new customer then steer clear of cards with an a ual fee.
Existing customers
Most people who are paying an a ual fee started out on a credit card that charged no a ual fee. However, credit card companies ca ot offer you the incredible introductory rates forever, and may end up charging you an a ual fee after a while. If this ha e you need to think about whether you want to pay the fee and stick with your card or change card i uer to one that doe 't charge you a fee.
No balance leads to fees
Amazingly, the people who end up paying the a ual fees on cards are often the people who never use their cards. The card company ca ot make money off someone who carries no balance or pays their balance off during the grace period. Therefore, they charge them a fee in order to make some money. If you pay off your balance each month, make sure you don't fall victim to this trap.
Fees for poor credit
Another reason why you might be charged an a ual fee is if you have a poor credit rating. There are some card companies that charge large fees for a credit card if you have poor credit, which can often leave you with virtually no balance left. However, there is no need to pay these fees if you have poor credit. If you shop around then you should be able to find a credit card with no a ual fee at all.
Should I pay?
In general, there is no reason why you should have to pay an a ual fee for a normal credit card. The card company makes money from interest and other fees, so there is no need for an a ual fee. Unle you are getting a higher-level gold or platinum card or a card with many extra features, you shouldn't have to pay an a ual fee at all. However, you should always way up paying an a ual fee agai t the cost of interest. If the interest is very low then paying an a ual fee might not be as expe ive as a high interest card with no a ual fee.
New card fees
If you are looking for a new card, then there is really no need for you to have to pay an a ual fee. Although some cards offer many benefits, there is usually an alternative card that offers no fee. Most card companies have moved away from charging a ual fees to new customers because they know that it makes their card unattractive. If you are a new customer then steer clear of cards with an a ual fee.
Existing customers
Most people who are paying an a ual fee started out on a credit card that charged no a ual fee. However, credit card companies ca ot offer you the incredible introductory rates forever, and may end up charging you an a ual fee after a while. If this ha e you need to think about whether you want to pay the fee and stick with your card or change card i uer to one that doe 't charge you a fee.
No balance leads to fees
Amazingly, the people who end up paying the a ual fees on cards are often the people who never use their cards. The card company ca ot make money off someone who carries no balance or pays their balance off during the grace period. Therefore, they charge them a fee in order to make some money. If you pay off your balance each month, make sure you don't fall victim to this trap.
Fees for poor credit
Another reason why you might be charged an a ual fee is if you have a poor credit rating. There are some card companies that charge large fees for a credit card if you have poor credit, which can often leave you with virtually no balance left. However, there is no need to pay these fees if you have poor credit. If you shop around then you should be able to find a credit card with no a ual fee at all.
Should I pay?
In general, there is no reason why you should have to pay an a ual fee for a normal credit card. The card company makes money from interest and other fees, so there is no need for an a ual fee. Unle you are getting a higher-level gold or platinum card or a card with many extra features, you shouldn't have to pay an a ual fee at all. However, you should always way up paying an a ual fee agai t the cost of interest. If the interest is very low then paying an a ual fee might not be as expe ive as a high interest card with no a ual fee.
