Variable Apr, vs Regular Cards?

[creditnocash]

What are the benifits, what are the cons? 

discover offered 0% for first 15 months then 9.99 variable which is prime + 6.25% and citi offered 0% for first 15 months, then 13.99%apr variable. 

my current lowest card is at 12.99% non variable. 

[longtimelurker]

What exactly does non-variable mean?   That it doesn't adjust with an index, but can the issuer adjust the rate from time to time?  I would assume so, since this is for an indefinite period and unsecured, and it would be strange to have  a fixed interest rate for ever.

If it really is fully fixed, then I guess the trade off is similar to that with mortgages.  With adjustable rates, you are sharing some of the risk, so initial rates can be lower.  With fixed, you have a guaranteed APR so there will be no surprises if interest rates soar.

[SnackTrader]

Yes to longtimelurker's second paragraph.

Fixed means interest rate can never go up unless you fail to make payments. Variable means the interest rate will change as the index to which the card is attached changes. Keep in mind that we are in the lowest interest rate period in over a decade, so fixed is considerably less risky in this environment for the consumer.

However, the easiest fix is to never carry a balance. Never pay interest on a credit card, you can always find a lower interest rate somewhere else.