One of the most important factors when deciding which credit card to choose is a comparison of the APR, or Annual Percentage Rate. This is the cost of credit, the actual interest rate, determined on an annual basis and expressed as a yearly rate. By comparing the APR of credit cards, you can determine which card will cost you most, barring fees such as late payment charges, ATM fees, or cash advance charges. The APR offers a standardized way to compare yearly interest rates, whether the interest is computed on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. Under the federal Truth in Lending Act, credit card companies must provide you with information about the APR. If you understand the APR, you have a better chance of making your money work for you. When it comes to calculating the APR, you will have to do a little math, but it is well worth the effort to know exactly where you stand, financially speaking.

If you look at your credit card statement, you