Finance;

Imagine being in this business: you borrow money at 5.5%, then lend it out to the same people at 19% to 20%. That's a nice return if you can get it, and many banks do -- via the credit cards they put in the hands of their depositors. If you're one of those card-carrying depositors, however, you'd be well advised to shop around for low-interest cards.

Why pay Citibank 19.8%, for example, when Simmons First National Bank, in Pine Bluff, Ark., charges only 10.5% and accepts applications nationally? On a constant unpaid balance of $3,000, you would pay Citibank $594 a year in interest, but Simmons First National only $315. By collecting half a dozen of the right cards, you could amass $20,000 in credit for use in your business at a rate less than 3 points above prime. You might even use one to pay off your Citibank card balance each month.

For a list of low-interest credit cards available nationally, send $8 to the Bank Credit Card Observer, Consumer Survival Kit, 3086 Old Lincoln Highway, Suite 6, Kendall Park NJ 08824.

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