Understanding
Credit Cards
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Transferring Credit
Card Balances
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Key questions to consider when choosing a credit card:

• Is there an introductory rate, what is it, and how long does it last?
• After the introductory interest rate, what will my rate be?
• Is there an application fee?
• Are there processing fees?
• Is there an annual fee?
• Is there a late fee?
• Is there an over-the-limit fee?
• Are there any other fees, like account-termination fees or balance-transfer fees?
• When and how can a variable rate be changed?
• When and how can a fixed rate be changed?
• What is the grace period before interest is applied?
• How will you inform me of any changes in my contract?
• Will the company inform me if I am about to go over my limit?
• If I go over my limit, what happens?
• What is the company policy if I have trouble paying my bill?

Checklist for Comparing Credit Card Offers
Review your basic goals for using a credit card and use the following table to compare terms for credit card offers:

Card Name	Annual Fee	Grace Period	APR	Maximum Credit Offered	Perks/Benefits