Why APR matters more than rewards when you carry debt
Suppose one card earns slightly more cash back than another. That can be useful if you pay in full. But if you revolve a large balance, the interest cost can overwhelm the extra rewards quickly. The decision sequence should therefore be: first borrowing cost, then fees, then rewards.
Four APR terms worth knowing
Purchase APR
The rate that may apply when you carry eligible purchase balances beyond the grace period described in your agreement.
Introductory APR
A temporary promotional rate that can be useful for a planned purchase or balance transfer. The permanent rate after the promotion is just as important as the headline offer.
Balance-transfer APR
The rate applied to transferred debt. Transfers may also carry a fee, so both the rate and the fee belong in the comparison.
Penalty APR
Some agreements allow a higher rate after specified events. The exact trigger and rate should be checked in the issuer’s terms.
Use dollars, not percentages, to make the decision
A percentage is abstract. An estimated dollar interest cost and payoff date are easier to act on. That is why this guide links directly to Plandime’s credit card interest calculator.
Calculate your estimated interest →APR explanations should cite primary terms
When Plandime publishes product-specific APR claims, the exact terms should be verified against the issuer’s pricing-and-terms disclosure rather than copied from a secondary review.