When you’re on the hunt for a credit card, there are many things to consider—the rewards program, perks, fees, and perhaps most importantly, the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). If you’re carrying a balance or considering using your card for a cash advance, APR becomes the deciding factor in just how much you’ll end up paying in interest. Today, we’ll talk about 10 credit cards with the highest APRs out there, so you know what you’re getting into and can make better choices for your financial health.
What Is APR and Why It Matters
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of borrowing on a credit card, expressed annually. It represents the interest rate you’ll pay if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month. Essentially, APR is the price tag on credit card debt, and when you use your card to make a purchase or withdraw cash, you might be looking at sky-high interest charges if you aren’t careful.
The APR for purchases and cash advances can vary significantly, and it’s important to know that rates for cash advances tend to be even higher than those for regular purchases. This is why understanding your card’s APR can help you make better decisions about when and how to use your credit card.
How High APR Affects Your Wallet
APR isn’t just a number—it’s an indicator of how much you’ll pay if you decide to carry a balance. A card with an APR of 29.99% on cash advances, for example, means that every $100 you withdraw could cost you an additional $30 in interest over a year. It’s critical to understand these numbers, especially if you think you might not be able to pay your card off in full every billing cycle.
A Look at the 10 Credit Cards with the Highest APRs
Below, I’ve compiled a list of 10 credit cards that have some of the highest APRs in the market. Knowing these details will help you weigh the pros and cons before applying for one of these cards.
1. Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa Signature Card
- APR on Purchases: 24.74%
- APR on Cash Advances: 29.99%
This card has a high APR, and if you’re not paying off your balance monthly, it’s going to cost you dearly. With rates this high, avoiding carrying a balance is crucial.
2. Credit One Bank Platinum Visa
- APR on Purchases: 28.99%
- APR on Cash Advances: 29.99%
Credit One targets those with fair or poor credit, but be mindful of the high interest rates, which can quickly outweigh the benefits of getting approved with lower credit scores.
3. First Premier Bank Mastercard
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 36%
This is one of the highest APRs on the market, targeting individuals with poor credit. The interest here can make small balances grow very quickly if you’re not paying them off right away.
4. Total Visa Unsecured Credit Card
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 34.99%
Another card for those building credit, but the interest rates are eye-watering. While it can be useful for rebuilding credit, make sure you’re avoiding carrying a balance.
5. Surge Mastercard by Celtic Bank
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: Up to 29.99%
This card offers instant decisions, but comes at a high cost. Interest charges accumulate rapidly if you’re not careful.
6. Indigo Platinum Mastercard
- APR on Purchases: 24.9%
- APR on Cash Advances: 29.9%
This card is often used by those with less-than-perfect credit, but the high APR can make it an expensive way to rebuild your credit.
7. Reflex Mastercard by Continental Finance
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 29.99%
If you’re using this card, it’s essential to budget for monthly payments to avoid getting crushed by interest costs.
8. Milestone Gold Mastercard
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 24.9%
High APRs and limited benefits make this a card best used only if you’re confident you’ll pay off the balance in full each month.
9. Avant Credit Card
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 29.99%
The Avant Card is often marketed as a way to rebuild credit, but with an APR approaching 30%, it can be costly if not managed well.
10. Merrick Bank Double Your Line Visa Credit Card
- APR on Purchases and Cash Advances: 29.2%
Although this card may help you improve your credit with responsible usage, the APR can make any balance incredibly expensive to carry.
Strategies to Tackle High APR
Seeing these rates might make you want to run the other way, and in many cases, that’s not a bad idea! But if you already have one of these cards or are considering applying for one, here’s how to navigate the high APR waters.
1. Pay Off Your Balance Every Month
The simplest way to avoid paying interest is to pay off your balance in full each month. High APR cards only become a burden when you carry a balance, which leads to interest being charged on what you owe.
2. Consider a Balance Transfer
If you already have debt on a high-interest card, consider a balance transfer to a card with a lower introductory rate. Many cards offer 0% interest on balance transfers for a set period, allowing you to pay down your debt without the added burden of interest.
3. Use Cash Advances Sparingly
Cash advances often come with sky-high APRs and additional fees. As a rule of thumb, avoid using your credit card for cash advances unless absolutely necessary. If you must, try to pay it off as quickly as possible to reduce the overall cost.
4. Budget with High APR in Mind
It’s all about making your spending plan fit your income. If you’re using a card with a high APR, be strategic—make sure it’s only used for purchases you can pay off before interest starts accruing.
Choosing the Right Card for Your Needs
Choosing a credit card is a significant decision, especially when high APRs are involved. While the cards mentioned above may be useful in certain circumstances—like rebuilding credit or gaining quick access—they can also be a trap if not used properly. Understand your needs and ensure the perks of any card outweigh the high interest costs.
If your goal is to build credit, consider using the card for small purchases each month and paying them off immediately. This will help boost your credit score without costing you a fortune in interest.
Final Thoughts
APR is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a credit card. The cards with the highest APRs might offer easy approval for people with less-than-perfect credit, but the tradeoff is often the crippling interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance. Understanding how APR works and being strategic about how you use your card is essential to staying on top of your finances.
While credit cards can be a useful tool in your financial toolbox, make sure you wield them wisely—the cost of missteps can be significant. Stick to your payment schedule, budget for the costs involved, and always consider alternatives like balance transfers if the interest gets out of control. By staying informed and proactive, you’ll be in a better position to navigate the complex world of credit cards and APRs.
