What is a Credit Card Interest Rate & How it Works?

While a credit card is known to be one of the most convenient financial tools in cases of financial emergencies, it also has its own sets of drawbacks. One of the major ones is a credit card interest rate. Every credit card comes with an interest rate. But what is it?

What is a Credit Card Interest Rate?

A credit card interest rate is a finance charge that the credit card issuer charges for every transaction you make that does not fall into the interest-free category. The interest charges on credit cards vary from one credit card issuer to another. The main feature of this finance charge is that, unlike annual maintenance fees, these charges are usage-based. This means that you have to incur these interest rates on your credit card only if you have unpaid credit card bills.

When and How are Credit Card Interest Rates Calculated?

As we mentioned before, if you have paid the entire due amount of your credit card bill, you won’t be charged any credit card interest rates. However, there are five cases in which you can incur interest charges on your credit cards. Let’s have a look at the possible scenarios in which you may be charged with credit card interest rates:

1. Case 1: No credit card payment made

   If you skip an entire month’s credit card payment, the bank or the credit card issuer will charge you the interest rate on the total amount due for the month, along with new transactions made on the credit card. This period starts from the date of the transaction till the time all the previous dues are paid off.

   For example –

   Let’s assume you have a total amount due of ₹5,000 in the month of July, where the statement was made on 15th July, and the minimum amount due is ₹250 (5% of the total amount due) dated 15th July. If you pass the due date of 3rd August without making a payment, ₹5,000 are carried forward. Now, let’s assume you don’t pay the bill for July and make transactions of ₹1,000 on 7th August and ₹500 on 10th August. For this, the interest rate will be charged on your next statement, which is made on 15th August.

   Here’s the calculation of interest rate:

   Interest on ₹5,000 for 30 days (10 July to 10 August) – ₹147.94

   Interest on ₹1,000 for 9 days (7th July to 15th August) – ₹8.87

   Interest on ₹500 for 6 days (10th July to 15th August) – ₹2.95

2. Case 2: Only the minimum amount due is paid

   If you have made a transaction and paid only the monthly minimum amount due for your credit card bill, the interest rate will only be charged on the remaining amount in the bill and also any new transactions made before the full payment of the bill due.

3. Case 3: Less than the minimum amount due is paid

   If you pay less than the minimum amount due on the credit card, you will incur interest charges on the remaining bill balance and all new transactions made till the entire balance is paid back in full.

4. Case 4: When cash is withdrawn

   If you use your credit card to withdraw cash from the ATM, you are taking advantage of the cash advance facility the credit card issuer provides. This withdrawn amount will be applicable for interest charges from the withdrawal date till the amount is fully repaid.

5. Case 5: Carry forwarding the outstanding

   If you have failed to repay the previous month’s outstanding amount in full, the remaining amount is carried forward to the next billing cycle. In these cases, the interest rate is charged on the outstanding amount and any new transactions made until you clear all previous dues.

Factors Affecting Credit Card Interest Rates

While your credit score plays a major role in influencing the interest charge on your credit card, other factors also play a significant part in deciding the financial charge. Let’s take a look at them:

1. 

   Credit Worthiness

   The credit card issuer utilises your income, credit history, and other financial data to determine your creditworthiness. This information determines the APR they will offer the credit card at and helps them evaluate your risk factor.

2. 

   Card Type

   While some credit card issuers have fixed APRs, some offer varying APRs, changing over time. This varied APR may come in the form of different credit card types or levels you may have to reach after certain criteria are fulfilled.

3. 

   Fees

   Some credit card companies may offer additional charges on their credit cards, such as the annual maintenance fees. The existence of such a charge may impact your credit card interest rate.

4. 

   Rewards

   When you make timely payments or reach a certain spending limit, some credit card issuers offer rewards on such milestones. Completing these milestones may end up reducing your interest charge on credit cards.

Interest Rates on Top Credit Cards in India 2024

Let’s take a look at some credit card charges in India provided by the top credit card issuers:

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What is a Credit Card Interest-Free Period?

The interest-free period on a credit card is the span between the end of your billing cycle and the payment due date. Typically, card issuers provide up to 50 days of interest-free time. However, not all purchases benefit equally from this period; it depends on when you make the transaction. Here’s an example to clarify:

Imagine your credit card statement is generated on the 20th of each month, with the payment due on the 10th of the following month. If you buy something on the 10th of the prior month, you’ll enjoy the full 50-day interest-free period. But, if you make a purchase on the 10th of the current month, just 10 days before your statement date, you’ll only get a 10-day interest-free period. Likewise, a purchase on the 19th would grant you just 1 day of interest-free time.

Keep in mind that the interest-free period doesn’t apply in these situations:

• 

  Cash withdrawals

• 

  Any transaction if you carry a balance
  into the next cycle.

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