How To Select A 0% APR Interest Credit Card

August 4th, 2010 - 
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When you are looking for a credit card, you probably already know that you cannot beat a 0% APR interest credit card. After all, what can be better than paying no interest? Of course, this only applies to the introductory offer, but it can sure beat the interest levels you may already be paying on another credit card. Getting the perfect 0% APR interest credit card, however, will not come as easily as that. Here are some other things that you want to look for to make your credit card an even better deal.

0% APR Interest May Apply To More Than One Thing

When you look at the ads for credit cards and you see 0% APR interest credit cards, it may apply to more than one thing. Generally, it applies to the overall interest rate on the credit card. This means that there is no interest charged on a balance during the introductory period. Of course, there will be late fees if you do not make the minimum payment on time.

The other thing it can apply to is the balance transfer option – if it has one. This option on a 0% APR interest credit card means that you can make transfers of outstanding balances from other cards onto this card and pay 0% APR interest. The time frame, however, is what you need to notice, since it may be different than the general introductory offer. Also, check to see if there is a balance transfer fee or not. Some cards can charge up to 4% for this service.

Rewards Available

Just about any kind of reward may be possible with a 0% APR interest credit card. So, if you are looking for air miles, a student card, a business credit card, or any other kind of reward – it can be found somewhere. Rewards means that you can get anywhere from one to six points for every dollar that you charge to the card.

These points accumulate and you can get either rebates in cash amounts, or discounts toward future purchases. Many cards will give you more points toward the purpose of the card (gas card, air miles card, etc.), but many will also give you one to three points for every purchase you make at the grocery store, the pharmacy, and the gas station.

Compare Card Offers

Before you sign-up for the 0% APR interest credit card, you will want to shop around some and see which one may be the best offer for you. There are many offers out there – in the mailbox and online, but not all of them are what you really want. Be sure to look at the various fees, and try to get one that has as few fees as possible. If you have good credit, this will allow you to get a good card and better rates of interest.

Remember to pay for your purchases each month in full and on time. This way you are sure to be able to enjoy the rewards without having fees and charges eat away at your benefits.

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0% APR Credit Cards

0 Balance Transfer Credit Card Are They Worth It

April 8th, 2010 - 
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It’s a plastic ocean out there with numerous banks and financial institutions scrambling to sell you their 0 balance transfer credit card. And there are so many kinds of credit cards available in the market that a credit card user gets intimidated and perplexed about which card to choose.

The result is that he often chooses the wrong card and then regrets his decision when he’s already neck deep in problems with his credit card account.

So, never pick up a 0 balance transfer credit card without considering some crucial factors. Here is a small guide that can help you decide which type of credit card you must pocket.

Guidelines to choosing a credit card

Ask yourself, “Why do I need a new credit card?” Is it because your current credit card carries a higher rate of interest, or is it because you want to use it exclusively for your business, or is there any other reason? Zero in on the reason why you need a new credit card.

Once you have the reason, you must check out what kinds of credit cards are available in the market. Here is a brief dossier:

(i) Regular cards/Business cards are cards that give you a spending limit based on your income tax papers. The business card is just like a regular card, except that it comes with some schemes that dangle carrots before you.

(ii) Charge cards are cards that are linked to your bank account and they charge your account the minute you swipe the card. You cannot carry forward a balance with a charge card.

(iii) Reward cards are credit cards that earn you points every time you swipe them and such points are redeemable for some goodies (air tickets, supermarket goodies, etc.) at selected establishments.

(iv) Then there are cards for people who have a bad credit history. These cards carry a low spending limit and a higher rate of interest. (v) Prepaid cards are another type of credit card that are mostly used by teens and some kids too. The parent makes a deposit and the card is valid until the deposit is used up.

(vi) Secured credit cards require that the cardholder deposit a certain percentage of the credit limit upfront into their bank accounts.

Once you have decided what kind of a credit card is right for you, do a comparison between different brands of cards. Compare their rates of interest (APR = Annual Percentage Rate) and also check whether they carry an annual fee.

What grace period or no-payment period they offer you, how do they calculate the interest, whether the rate of interest is an introductory rate, whether rates of interest will vary on cash withdrawals, billing cycles, penalties on balance transfers, and so on.

Voila, there you are! If you follow these basic guidelines, you will be successful in pocketing the right 0 balance transfer credit card that suits your needs. And that is the easy part,the difficult part lies in maintaining a credit card and keeping your credit history clean.

But, that’s another story!

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0% APR Credit Cards