Credit Card rates are the main issue when deciding on a Credit Card.

Credit card rates can vary quite rapidly between card issuers, so if you are looking for a credit card, the best advice is to shop around, do as much research as you can before making that final decision and making that application.

Most credit card rates will start at 0% Apr but the length of time this rate lasts will vary from 6 months to one year. 

This 0% Apr will mainly be for balance transfers of outstanding amounts you may already have on other credit cards, but a few of the lenders are now offering this 0% Apr on all purchases you make with their credit card within the first six months.

Credit card companies rates are mostly variable and can be anything from 11.9% Apr up to 22.9% Apr. 

The higher APRs are normally on cards issued to people with poor credit history or are self-employed with no proof of income.

Some credit rates are slightly higher than others but offer the card holder a lot more benefits like air miles, discounts on certain goods or free travel insurance, so you need to be aware of these free offers as they normally mean you will actually be paying for them at a higher rate later on, so ask yourself do you really need them. 

Credit cards like, personal loans, mortgages etc are dependent upon the bank rates and these are based on the base rate the Bank of England sets each month, so if the base rate goes up not only will all of your variable loans, mortgages etc rise but credit card rates will also go up. 

So when you use your credit card to make your next purchase keep in mind that if you are unable to pay off your credit cards outstanding monthly amount then the credit card rates on your card come into play and that item you have just purchased is going to cost you a lot more than it was initially purchased for.

Credit card rates are very important, so make sure you get the best rate for you when you next apply for a credit card.