Following new regulations made by the Competition Commission, retailers have had to reduce the annual percentage rates (APRs) on their store cards to below 25 per cent, however, many have continued to hover just below this rate, it has been reported.
According to Fool.co.uk, a number of store cards offer only just below 25 per cent APR, including Jaeger’s card (24.9 per cent), Russell and Bromley (23.9 per cent) and Marks and Spencer (23.9 per cent).
The research found that some companies even increased their rates after the new rules came in, such as Marks and Spencer which hiked its rate by four per cent.
Ed Bowsher, savings expert at Fool.co.uk, said: “Store card-holders should be aware of the high interest rates which come hand in hand with introductory offers - and should remember that these cards are designed to make you spend, rather than help you save money.”
According to Halifax, the average balance on a credit card at the end of the month stands at £1,859.
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