Zeroing In On 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

November 10th, 2010 - 

Have you lost count of the number of credit cards you hold? Is your doormat covered each morning in envelopes from companies you have lost track of?

Then you need to look at putting all your credit card debts in one place. If you can transfer your debt to one credit card offering a 0% rate of interest for an introductory period, then even better.

Rest assured that if this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Anyone with a half decent credit history receives numerous invitations to become what is often called a ‘rate tart’ – transferring balances between cards to take advantage of lower rates of interest.

This can be a tempting prospect, especially when the introductory rates are 0% for a limited time period. But there is often more to these 0% deals than first meets the eye.

Get your debts in order with a 0% balance transfer credit card

It is tempting to run up debts on different credit cards. Having a wallet or purse full of credit cards can make you feel wealthy. But beware – the more credit cards and store cards you collect the harder it is to keep track of them.

Monitoring the range of interest rates, minimum payments required and payment dates can eat into your valuable spare time. If you miss payments, the penalty fees are up to 12 a time. The solution is to transfer balances on the cards to one account, minimising the interest rate and administration.

Why pay interest on your debts when you can get if for free

Transferring the balances on your credit and store cards to one account helps you manage your debts more easily. And if you find the interest rate you pay, commonly known as your annualised percentage rate (APR), is rising, then just transfer your balance to another card.

So how do I choose a card?

Without a doubt, paying 0% interest is a lot better than paying the high interest rates charged on some cards, which can sometimes be as high as 29.9%.

The variety of interest rates on credit cards can be staggering. The introductory 0% rate is often offered for between six to 12 months on balance transfers, and sometimes it is just on any new purchases you make with the card.

Sometimes it is even on both!. While you might pay zero interest on the balance transfer, one pitfall to look out for is paying a high interest rate on any new purchases that you might make with your new card. It is always worth shopping around.

Moving cards around sounds too good to be true

In many ways, it is. If you do it too often then you can pop up as a high risk borrower when companies check out your credit history. You also have to take account of the length of the 0% interest rate period, and the interest rate that applies afterwards.

If you fail to pay off your debt, you could be stung by a hefty interest rate when the deal expires.

When is a 0% balance transfer not a free balance transfer rate

Many companies are imposing switching fees now to defend themselves against rate tarts.

You may have to pay a balance transfer fee of up to 3% to your new card provider in order to switch to a cheaper card. If you’re heavily in debt, therefore, it may make sense to consider credit cards that offer low interest rates ‘for life’

Transferring your credit card balance is a solution, not a cure

Putting all your credit card debt on one card is not a long term solution. If you cannot clear your balance each month then you should plan to be debt-free as soon as possible, whether in six months, one year or 10. Balance transfer cards can only give you a breathing space. Your debt still has to be repaid at some stage.

Five things to do before you consolidate credit cards

* Compare the rate of interest you are paying on your credit cards with those available elsewhere in the market

* Double-check whether the 0% interest rate applies to transfer balances, new purchases on the card, or even both

* Look at the rates of interest payable after the 0% period ends and compare charges for late payment, minimum balances payable, etc with those you face with your current credit cards.

* Check what penalties you will pay to your existing credit card lenders to transfer

* Plan how to pay off all your debt over as short a period as possible

* Stick to your budget and don’t be tempted to get into more debt!

What Next?

As we compare all credit card providers you can find the best 0% balance transfer credit cards by look at our best buy tables here:
http://www.moneyexpert.com/Search/Introductory-Balance-Transfer-Credit-Cards.aspx

Understanding The 0% Intro Rates Credit Cards

November 6th, 2010 - 

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Just like there are a lot of flavors to ice cream or a great deal of genres in music and books, there are also a lot of types to choose from when it comes to credit cards. And because credit cards deal with money and finances, just the slightest variation can spell a whole lot of difference in terms of lifes comforts.

Basically, however, there are just two primary classifications of credit cards: the reward type of credit card and the non-reward type of credit card. But what do you think is best for you? Well, the definition of each type should give you a clue then if youre still unsure on which type of credit card you prefer to own.

The reward type of credit allows you to earn reward points every time you use your credit card. The more money you spend using your reward type credit card, the more points you earn. You can redeem all sorts of prizes with the reward points you earn. The downside however to reward types of credit cards is the high interest rates they charge you.

On the other hand, there is what youd call the non reward type of credit cards. Non reward type of credit cards does not, obviously, offer you the chance to earn bonus or reward points. But they do however charge the credit card owner very low interest rates. One particular type of non-reward credit card should be the focus of our article today and thats the credit card that offers 0% intro rates.

Now, now, now, dont get blinded with the fact that there are the words zero percent (0%) attached to the term credit card because all is not what it seems! Im not saying that a 0% intro rate credit card is a curse or a blessing in disguise but only that you should know what youre getting into first before making any decision that could affect your life.

A 0% intro rate credit card basically allows you to enjoy a zero percent interest rate for a certain period of time. The length of that 0% interest period varies and depends on the credit card company youre planning to apply to. But after the period or promo expires, youll be back to the usual rates and those are the rates that you should start comparing.

If and when you do decide to go for a 0% intro rate credit card, just remember to ask what the rates would be after the promo period expires!

Understanding 0 APR Credit Cards

October 27th, 2010 - 

A 0% APR is essentially a credit card offered by credit card companies to their consumers with an annual percentage rate (APR) of zero percent. However, this rate does not exist forever, and after a period that ranges between three to twelve months, credit card companies begin charging higher rates of interest. Therefore, the major factors to be considered are the duration of the no-interest period, and what would be the APR rate after the offer ends.

Advantages of owning a 0% APR Credit card:

Though 0% APR credit cards have a few catches, they can also prove to be advantageous for its users. The best way to assess these cards is by actually using one. If you pay off the monthly balance regularly, then the rate of interest will not be a major concern. Some of its main benefits are as follows:

- Cut down the interest rate: A 0% APR credit card is popular among users with heavy outstanding card balances. It helps them to slash the rate of interest incurred upon their debt.

- Travel benefits: A 0% APR credit cards offer travel benefits to its users. You could profit from this card if you travel by air frequently. Most companies provide bonus air mile benefits on APR credit cards. This could be as much as twenty-five thousand miles, merely by signing up and making your first purchase from this card. The travel facility could also be used for hotel rooms, meals and other additional alternatives. It also provides you with free gas discounts and rebates in purchasing a car.

- Cash back or reward benefits: Low APR credit cards also provide a system where you could get back a percentage of your purchases. You could get a reward of five percent for certain kinds of purchases you make.

- Paying off debt: Transferring your credit card balance that needs to be paid off to a new credit card with 0% APR would be a better money- saving solution, than holding on to the old card with a high rate of interest.

- Start up a new credit history: A 0% APR credit card can be used to establish a new credit history for a cardholder with a previous credit card debt. These cards curb the credit card usage, and initiate the necessity of spending within the budget. However, it might not be issued to people with a bad credit history.

Limitations of 0 percent interest APR credit cards:

A 0% APR credit card often comes with strings attached. Some of the major limitations are as follows:

- Usually, a 0% APR credit card offers the no-interest benefit for only a limited period, such as six months to a year.

- It might not allow you to transfer balances from high interest credit cards during the introductory 0% offer period.

- It could charge expensive fees for the process of transferring the balance.

- Some of these credit cards bear very high penalties for late payments, and automatically transfer you to an inconsistent APR rate.

- It often charges a very high interest rate once the initial offer period expires.

Therefore, although 0% APR credit cards may seem too good to be true, they do have a number of real advantages. While these promotional offers by credit card companies are useful, they need to be taken up judiciously.

True 0% Apr Credit Cards: Do They Exist?

October 18th, 2010 - 

Because credit cards are now becoming more and more popular and competition among credit card institutions are getting stiff, credit card issuers are now finding ways to attract more potential clients to apply for their credit card. In fact, some credit card issuers even send emails and traditional postal mails to prospective clients in order to reach out to people and tell them about their credit card offers.

This is a form of marketing strategy which is aimed to attract more potential credit card users. Today, one kind of promotional offer that is definitely working is the 0% APR credit card offer. Although this may seem too good to be true, 0% credit card offers really exists. However, before you rush off and apply for this kind of credit card, you need to understand the offer first in order to make sure that you are getting the right kind of credit card.

An APR (annual percentage rate) is what credit card issuers use to compute the total percentage that will be charged on your purchases, cash advances and other fees. In this case, a 0% APR is definitely a very attractive offer. However, you have to face the fact that this kind of offer is only a promotional offer or a marketing strategy and doesnt last forever. Besides, you have to consider that a credit card company will also want to make money for their services and the APR is one of their main money making strategies.

The 0% APR credit card offers that you usually see are just marketing tools that credit card companies use to attract more potential credit card holders. Besides, if you will be offered with 0% APR, you will instantly get attracted by it because of the benefits it can give you. Here are some of the things you should think about in order to find the best deals.

Since the 0% APR is only an introductory offer and doesnt last forever, it is important that you should determine how long it will last. Ask the credit card issuer first how long the introductory 0% APR will last in order to make sure that you will benefit a lot from the credit card. Usually a 0% APR will only last for three months to a full year.

Next, it is also important to know how much APR it will have after the introductory period expires. You dont want to find out late that the credit card will have a high amount of APR after the 0% introductory period expires. It is best to learn how much the APR will be after the introductory offer in order to avoid surprises that you may after receiving a high amount of monthly bills on your purchases.

Knowing about the different features and benefits is also helpful. Try to know if the credit card allows balance transfers from high interest credit cards during the 0% APR promotional period. If it does, you will be able to pay off your outstanding balances with low interest rates.

These are some of the things you should know about 0% APR credit cards. Although this offer definitely exists, it is only offered in a limited period of time. By finding out about the APR after the promotional offer expires and also by knowing about how long it will last, you can be sure that you will be able to find the best credit card deals.

Time To Start Using Those 0% Credit Cards

October 11th, 2010 - 

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It would have been unthinkable just a decade ago, but now it is commonplace in the UK to hear of zero per cent credit cards. Brought about by fierce competition, both from UK and American lenders, and also by historically low interest rates, zero per cent credit cards have become extremely popular. Today, it is almost impossible to find a lender that does not offer some form of zero percent credit card. They simply have to if they want to compete in the business as it is run today. However, before you start signing up for a zero per cent credit card, you should be aware that there are different types of zero per cent card and you will need to be aware of what it is you want to use the card for before you decide which type is right for you.

The first thing to consider is a cash advance. These are typically charged at higher than normal interest rates and it is still extremely unusual to find a credit card that will give you a cash advance at zero per cent. So if you are looking for zero per cent cash, then it is unlikely that a credit card is going to give it to you.

Zero per cent purchases however, is something you might have a better chance of getting. There are now a number of cards on the market place that offer customers zero percent on new purchases. So if you would like to for example buy something large and expensive, and cannot get a good financing deal to fund the purchase, then perhaps buying it on a zero per cent on purchases credit card would be a good way to go. You will be charged no interest at all, and will have the entire interest free period, usually of six to nine months to pay back the amount without incurring any interest charges.

Probably the most common form of zero per cent for a credit purchase is on balance transfers. So if you find yourself paying a lot of interest on existing credit card balances, then you could look into transferring this balance onto a new credit card that offers you zero percent to do so. This has the potential of saving you hundreds of pounds in interest payments.

Finally, if you are one of those customers that are in the habit of paying off your credit card bill in full every month, then you will not need a zero per cent card at all. This is because you already pay no interest. In this case you would be better of looking for a card that offers some cash back or other form of reward rather than a zero per cent interest.

Now is probably the best time to take a closer look at an interest free credit card. More and more credit card companies and banks are now starting to draw back from offering such large introductory 0 per cent deals. More credit card companies are increasingly coming under pressure to reduce the amount of 0% credit card they offer due to the fact they do not make any profit from them.

The Woes Of Credit Card Holders And Salvation From 0%

October 8th, 2010 - 

The Woes Of Credit Card Holders And Salvation From 0% APR Cards

A typical American household has over nine credit cards. You may be dragging a debt of $6,000, but many are worn out in the struggle to pay their credit balances of over $25,000. In 2006 alone, less than 42% of credit card holders paid their credit in full per month. If you are one of these deadbeats, read on.

The siren call of credit card companies

The offers of credit card companies are hard to resist. If you are getting your first credit card, you may have been enticed by the tantalizing baits of:

“freedom to earn triple rewards”
“get started with cash back when you apply now”
“the more you spend, the more you earn points or cash”
“low fixed rate with reward points”
“no penalty rates, no rate hikes for late payment”

The benefits also include car rental insurance and travel accident insurance and the convenience of paying for anything you might need if you happen to be in any other part of the globe.

Now who wouldnt fall for these tricky words? And the credit card companies also tell you that you wont lose a thing when you switch from earning cash to points and back. True, but ask other credit card holders if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. You may be getting some sad details.

Vicious Cycle

Credit card holders carry the burden of paying off loans, and before they can reach the finish line, they go again using their credit cards left and right, until they go bust.

This overwhelming cycle goes on without respite. Only those who take the bitter lesson start to think smart, spend less (unless it is necessary), and pay their credit cards debts on time to beat interest pile up.

There are stories of people who prefer to disappear from the face of the earth when they can no longer manage their debts. This act of desperation may not speak for all credit card holders, but this shows how difficult it is to cope with a life riddled with debts.

How to get back your sanity

Here are some useful tips to help you to organize your credit card debts before running to the mortgage companies:

Get all your credit cards and check the balances you have from each card. List all the current balances and get the minimum payment for each card. Rank each balance according to the lowest and highest interest rates.

Pay the credit with the lowest balance and go upwards to the next credit card with the second lowest balance. But dont expect to be debt-free in a year. It may take longer if you have maxed out on the number of credit cards.

Credit card holders tips

One technique is to apply for a 0% APR credit card and try to transfer your high balance to that new card. You can make minimum payment for the duration of the 0% APR.

Calendar the due date of the balance so you can transfer to another 0% APR card, BUT PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME to avoid interest rates that go as high $30 per month.

If you are getting a 0% APR card, read the small print and digest the facts about balance transfer fees. If the fee is less than your current charges, then get it.

People are wising up. Its about time to know the game that credit card companies are playing. So play smart and avoid the woes of majority of credit card holders.

The Tales Of The 0% APR Credit Card

October 2nd, 2010 - 

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People used to think that they had enough on their benefits with their credit cards. They thought that the rewards they get and the low interest they have is already enough to last a lifetime.

However, there are instances when they get to have the chance of seeing promotions like 0% APR. Now, this is really something. But the question is, is it true? Is there a great probability that credit card companies can actually offer a 0% APR?

For most financial experts, they contend that it is, indeed, possible. In fact, credit card companies would definitely go for this kind of scheme just to get the consumers on their hook.

That sounds too good to be true, indeed. But the question is how come they can offer something so good just like that?

Normally, 0% annual percentage rate or APR lasts only for 6 months. The countdown starts from the day the credit card is claimed.

In most instances, 0% APR are attractive to people who would want to have a balance transfer. This is because they would want to consolidate all of their debts into one payment only. And because they have a huge pile of debt, they would rather go to a credit company that can offer them lower interest rates.

With things like 0% APR credit card, who can resist them?

Moreover, with the 6-month timeframe, people will get to have the chance of paying their standing debts for a whole six month-period only. That would be a lot of savings.

But then again, 0% APR credit cards are not at all beneficial to everybody. As they say, there is always an exception to the rule. This refers to those who do not accumulate interest charges simply because they have outstanding balance. So, they wouldnt feel the necessity of getting a 0% APR credit card.

The best credit cards for these types of people are those that offer rewards and cash backs instead of lower rates.

All of these boil down to one point, that people must be aware on how these wonderful offers can provide them the benefit that they want.

Indeed, there are lots of rewards and 0% APR credit card out there. But if it will not work for those who do not really them because of the mentioned situations, then its best not to have them at all. Besides, the best 0% reward is not to have a credit card at all.

The Real Truth Behind 0% Apr Credit Cards

September 29th, 2010 - 

Take a quick look through your wallet. How many credit cards do you have? Are you one of those credit card fanatics? Are you like one of those individuals who get hold of as many credit cards as possible? Firstly you better make sure you understand that this may get you into a serious financial bind. Sure, credit cards are a great way to deal with unforeseen expenses, and at times can save your butt. On the other hand, these tricky little plastic cards can also trick you into spending carelessly. We all know their typical spiel. Every credit card company knows exactly what you want to hear. Hence thats the reason why your mailbox is constantly filled with offers for 0 apr credit cards. They simply love to pitch that; don’t they? The truth is we all light up at the number 0. It instantly tells us that we have nothing to lose. Ha! Now thats a good one. But, while these 0 apr credit cards start out benign, they soon turn sinister. All of a sudden the apr hits the roof, and you’re shelling out loads of cash for interest rates each month.

Have you checked your mailbox today, did you notice any pitches for 0 apr credit cards? Im sure my guess is there was at least one in the box. Now, the question is; are you going to slit it open and read the whole deal, or simply tear it apart and toss it away? Now don’t get me wrong, sure we all fancy a credit card or two in our wallets and purses. At times those 0 apr credit cards can be helpful if we get in a bind. The trick is using it wisely. In other words, it basically implies not using it unless you really have to. And I mean have to! You dont need to simply stick something on your 0 apr credit cards if have the cash to pay for. No need to constantly fight the monthly credit card payment? Or perhaps, you are one of those exceptional folks who pay their credit cards off completely every single month. If you are, then hats off to you. You’re one of few. Though a lot of us, or probably the majority of us claims that this is how we will do it, we actually don’t. Trust me, the credit card companies depend on this. After a while, you’ll probably want one of the 0 apr credit cards for some emergencies. The trick is staying strong and not using it for casual shopping. There are loads of online resources for those seeking current deals on 0 apr credit cards. Its simple to pop open Google and do a quick search regarding 0 apr credit cards. Nevertheless, be prepared, because loads of them are about to pitch to you.

The Big Secret Of 0 Apr Credit Cards: Debt Reduction

September 23rd, 2010 - 

The Big Secret Of 0 Apr Credit Cards: Debt Reduction

Americans have fallen into the debt trap to an extent that our grandparents could never have imagined. We have to have everything, and we have to have it now. As a consequence, many of us are drowning in credit card debt. Here is a possible solution.

The days of low prime rates are over now, and 0 APR credit cards are harder to find. Not impossible, though. Many companies still offer 0 APR credit cards for limited period only so that they can attract new customers. This initial period of up to 12 months can save you buckets of money if you have high interest credit cards.

This is how to you can handle it: First, transfer your balance from your high interest credit card to your new one. This will lower your monthly payments and save you money every month. Second, dont go shopping yet. Rather, take these savings and pay down the balance on your credit card. Now youre paying principal instead of interest. Do this for the entire initial period and youll be surprised at how much you can pay off your balance.

Third, dont use your new credit card to spend more money, because when the higher interest rate becomes applicable you could end up with an even higher balance that you had before. Once the 0 APR period ends, you can take advantage of the extra money provided by lower payments, right? Maybe. Since youve gotten so used to high credit card payments, why not delay your gratification a step further and continue to make payments at the same amount, thereby paying off the debt faster? In this way your new credit card can be used to motivate you to eliminate your long-term credit card debt. Note that your 0 APR credit card should never be used to spend more only to lower your debt. Once the higher interest rate kicks in, your new line of credit is a useless to you as your old one was.

What debt management offers you is freedom after all, which would you rather have, peace of mind, or more stuff that you probably dont need anyway?

The $10,000 Credit Card Challenge

September 20th, 2010 - 

Thinking about conquering your mountain of debt but too scared even to give your debt much thought? Read this real-world scenario of how one person erased $10,000 of credit card debt within a few years.

Ever wonder how some people deep in credit card debt manage to come out on top financially? This is the hypothetical but realistic story of Emily, one person who dug herself out of $10,000 in credit card debt in just a few years.

Never a big spender, Emily was shocked when she noticed that her two credit cards had a combined balance of $10,000. What happened?

* Emily took a lower-paying job when the economy went bust at the turn of the millennium.

* Hoping her lower income would be temporary, Emily didn’t sell her house to get one with a lower mortgage. She didn’t sell her expensive car to buy a cheaper one, since she would get much less than she had paid for it. In reality, the thought of driving a less-nice car was painful

* Emily paid only the minimum monthly credit card payment most months. She was paying interest, and interest on interest, buying the privilege of having the credit card company hold onto her debt another month.

* When one of Emily’s credit card balances got within a few hundred dollars of the credit limit, her interest rate on the card skyrocketed from 17 to 27% .

Loans: Emilys Salvation?
Emily considered taking out a loan to pay off her credit card debt. She owned a condominium whose property values had increased 40% since she bought it, so she could easily get a good low-interest second mortgage.

But a loan scared Emily: it would mean admitting her debt would not go away soon. Besides, Emily wanted to get rid of her debt, not trade (her unsecured debt for secured debt). Plus, she knew that if she ever couldn’t pay the second mortgage, she would lose her house, while failing to pay credit card bills would just mean a ruined credit rating.

For about a year, Emily argued with herself over whether to take out a loan to pay off her credit card. Then catastrophe hit: her beautiful car was totaled in an accident. While shopping for a new car with friends, Emily finally had to admit to herself that buying another car like the one she had had would be financial suicide.

Finding an Answer
Emily cried and cried as soon as she got home from the car dealership that day. It wasn’t just that she would have to admit that she wasn’t someone who could afford the car she had been driving. When Emily’s parents were her age, they had already bought a five-bedroom house; Emily’s one-bedroom condominium was already a stretch. If she ever got married to a man with the same financial picture as she had, she wasn’t sure they’d be able to afford children. Growing up, her parents had always told her she’d do better than they had. What went wrong?

Emily did not have to think hard about what went wrong. Her father had been able to pay for college with what he earned at summer jobs, and then got a manager-level job straight out of school. Between college and graduate school, Emily had accumulated $70,000 in student debt that she was still slowly paying off. Houses in Emily’s town, even adjusting for inflation, cost several times what they did when Emily’s parents bought one. Cars had leaped in price about as much. The only thing that hadn’t gone up was income.

Unable to cope with having less than her parents had, Emily had used her credit cards.

Solving the Problem
Emily knew that since her lack of financial skills had dug her into her rut, she would need outside help to dig herself back out.

She had heard about credit counseling services that took large chunks of the payments you made against your debt, so she was careful. She found a counseling agency that was a member of the Better Business Bureau, American Association of Debt Management Organizations and whose credit counselors are certified through the National Institute for Financial Counseling Education. Doing a quick search on the web, Emily verified that these were organizations with real standards and not just empty names.

Here’s what Emily got from the credit counseling service:

* Relief. Emily was relieved to learn that her $10,000 credit card debt is in fact about average for Americans. The credit counseling agency showed her that even if she didn’t have the advantages she hada decent job and home equityshe would be able to rid herself of her debt if she just faced up to it.

* Surprise. The agency urged her to put money away for a rainy day fund, even as her credit card interest mounted. But once she started saving, she felt amazing. She realized she had been under enormous stress from always being one paycheck away from poverty.

* Understanding. The counselor understood Emily’s reluctance to take out a loan, and helped her create a budget that would let her pay off her consolidated debt within a few years. Besides the car, all Emily had to give up were smaller expenses.

* Clarity. With her finances planned, Emily could think much more clearly about her financial situation. She figured out how much more money she would have to make to have her desired lifestyle, and aggressively pursued a new job. Starting fresh with her new coworkers, Emily focused on meeting people who were less materialisticand even met her fianc.

Though her fianc has no better financial prospects, Emily’s confident they can afford to give their children all the essentials she had, even if in a smaller house.

After all, Emily knows that solid finances are just as good a shelter as a roof over your head.