What different scores mean
9+
Excellent
These cards offer the lowest ongoing purchase rates, high number of interest free days, and competitive introductory and ongoing annual fees.
7+
Great
Reasonable ongoing purchase rates and fees, with the potential for additional perks.
5+
Standard
Low interest rates, but watch out for above average ongoing fees.
0+
Basic
These are generally cards with low interest rates, however could charge high ongoing fees.
Number crunching the Finder Score
- 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the lowest ongoing purchase rates, high number of interest free days, and competitive introductory and ongoing annual fees.
- 7+ Great - Reasonable ongoing purchase rates and fees, with the potential for additional perks.
- 5+ Satisfactory - Low interest rates, but watch out for above average ongoing fees.
- Less than 5 – Basic - These are generally cards with low interest rates, however could charge high ongoing fees.
Tell me more about the low rate credit card score
Finding the perfect low rate card is about more than just the rate (although that is the most important thing).
That's why we created the Finder Score. It's an easy, data-driven way to judge credit cards at a glance.
- Every month, our insights team analyses over 300 credit cards.
- We assess ten features for each card, rating each feature.
- Then these ratings are combined via a weighted methodology to create a simple score out of 10.
We give different scores for different categories. So a card might get a 9 in the low rate category but an 8 in the balance transfer category.
The Finder Score is designed by our insights and editorial team. We score credit cards objectively. Commercial partnerships don't affect the scores at all.
Remember that Finder Score is just one factor to consider. Look at other aspects like fees, features, benefits and risks to make sure a product is suitable for you. Double-check details that matter to you before applying or buying.
Low rate credit cards - score weightings
| Feature | Definition | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Rate | Interest rate on new purchases | Lower rates score higher | 70% |
| Interest Free Days | Number of days with no interest charged on new purchases | Higher number of days score higher | 10% |
| First-Year Fee | Annual fee charged in the first year of ownership | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 10% |
| Ongoing Annual Fee | Annual fee charged from the second year onwards | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 10% |
More guides on Finder
-
Credit card instalment plans: Split your bills, ease your wallet, and keep the fun rolling
How you can manage repayments and get a low or 0% interest offer with a credit card that offers instalment plans.
-
Cash advances interest rates and fees
A credit card cash advance is when you withdraw money or get a “cash equivalent” like gift cards – and it typically attracts high rates and fees.
-
How the interest-free period on a credit card saves you money
Most credit cards offer interest-free days on purchases – here's how they actually work.