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The annual percentage rate (APR) varies from card to card. Usually, cards for people with limited and bad credit carry high APRs, and cards for people with excellent credit have lower APRs. The terms and conditions of any card you apply for must disclose the ongoing APR of the card, although sometimes you will see something like this:

  • APR is 10.99%, 15.99%, or 22.99% depending on creditworthiness

If you see that, it means you have to apply for the card to find out what your APR will be. If your credit is excellent, you will most likely qualify for the lowest APR in the range. As for applicants with poor credit, instead of turning down such an applicant, issuers might offer them a card at the highest rate. That should not be a problem if you pay off your card balance in full each month and on time. Since you do not have a balance, you won't be subject to interest charges.

If the card you're applying for has a promotional APR for 6, 12, 18, or 21 months (or another number of months), the terms and conditions will list the ongoing APR that applies after the introductory rate ends. Always make your payments on time, or the promotional rate will end early.