📊 Comparison
APR Comparison
Calculator
Two cards, two APRs — which actually costs less? The answer depends on your balance habits, not just the rate. Compare your real scenarios here.
Better Card for Your Situation
Card A
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Card A — Annual Interest
$0
On your carried balance
Card B — Annual Interest
$0
On your carried balance
Card A — Net Cost
$0
Interest + fee - rewards
Card B — Net Cost
$0
Interest + fee - rewards
Full Cost Comparison (Annual)
Card ACard B
Annual interest (on carried balance)——
Annual fee——
Rewards earned (annual spend)——
Net annual cost——
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher APR always mean a more expensive card? ▾
Not necessarily — it depends on whether you carry a balance. If you pay your balance in full every month, APR is irrelevant (no interest ever accrues). A card with a 29% APR and 3% cash back is better than a 15% APR card with 1% cash back if you're a responsible payer. APR only matters if you carry a balance. If you do carry a balance, the APR is the most important factor — rewards rarely offset significant interest charges.
How much can rewards actually offset interest costs? ▾
Very little at typical balances. On a $2,000 carried balance at 22% APR, you pay $440/year in interest. Even 3% cash back on $18,000 annual spend earns $540 — barely covering the interest. The math is clear: if you carry a balance, eliminate the debt first, then use rewards cards and pay in full. Rewards are only genuinely valuable to people who pay their balance in full every month.
What's the difference between purchase APR and balance transfer APR? ▾
Purchase APR applies to new purchases. Balance transfer APR (often 0% promotional) applies to transferred balances. Cash advance APR (usually highest, often 25-30%) applies to ATM withdrawals. These three rates can be completely different on the same card. Also watch for penalty APR — if you miss a payment, your rate can jump to 29.99% and may never revert on older accounts.