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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5 Things You Should Know About 0 APR Credit Card

April 25th, 2010 - 
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5 Things You Should Know About 0 APR Credit Card Offers

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If you have received one of these offers in the mail, you know how tempting they can be. They claim that you will pay no interest on any purchases or balance transfers in the first period of owning your card. But there are some things about these offers you need to know before you sign on the dotted line and let them pull your credit report

1.The 0 APR offer is for a limited time.

Most credit card companies that offer the 0 percent interest rate deal only offer it for a limited time. This means that you will pay 0 APR for six months, nine months, or up to a year. You need to check the fine print for this information and be careful to notice it when the time is up.

2.The 0 APR offer might not apply to everything you put on the card.

Many cards offer 0 APR on all balance transfers and any purchases made during the introductory 0 percent interest period. But some only offer the 0 APR on balance transfers, and you pay a very high interest rate on any purchases.

3.The 0 APR offer might be null and void if you are not on time with your payment.

Most of these credit card offers are contingent on your being an exemplary member. This means that you have to pay your minimum payment on time every month during the introductory period or else you automatically lose your nice 0 APR and move up to a rate that usually ranges from nineteen to twenty-one percent interest.

4.The 0 APR offer might carry a ridiculously high interest rate after the introductory period is over.

Again, the rate of interest for these cards after the 0 APR is over usually runs from nineteen to twenty-one percent.

5.The 0 APR credit card will not repair your credit.

Remember that consolidating your cards or transferring your loan balance will help you pay off the balance without interest, but it will not remove the damage already done to your credit.

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0% APR Credit Cards: The High Interest Rate Solution

December 20th, 2009 - 
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Over the past two years, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates substantially. Consequently, credit card annual percentage rates have followed suit. Nearly all credit cards tie their interest rates to the prime rate, which has doubled to 8% from 4% during the string of rate hikes that began in 2004. This has led to interest rates on credit cards rising by 30% or more. Since August of 2006, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates steady, and many economists believe the next move may be a reduction in rates. However, the rate reductions have yet to begin, and credit card interest rates remain relatively high.

For those who carry balances on their credit cards, high interest rates have resulted in higher monthly bills, with many seeing their minimum payment increase substantially. Fortunately, now, more than in recent years, 0% credit cards offer a safe harbor from high rates. There are two basic types of 0% credit cards: those that offer a 0% rate on balance transfers, and those that offer a 0% on purchases. The best credit cards offer 0% interest on both. How much savings can these credit cards provide? Lets take a look at the math.

Lets assume youre carrying a balance of $10,000. If you simply pay the minimum each month, you will accrue close to $2000 in interest over the course of a year, thanks to daily compounding balances (too bad savings accounts dont pay that type of interest). With a 0% balance transfer, you can expect to save all of that money, plus, youll be given time to pay down that debt. When the 0% period expires, not only is there a chance your interest rate will be lower, but, if rates do not go down, you can always transfer the balance to another 0% credit card. Plus, if you make a minimum payment of $150 a month, your balance at the end of the year will be closer to $8200, rather than $12,000. Thats quite a difference.

Now, if youre fortunate enough to have no credit card debt, a 0% interest rate can be handy tool to avoid interest expenses on new purchases and free up some cash in the short term. Need a new fridge? Have to fix your car? Want granite counters for the kitchen? With a 0% credit card, you can defer the cost of these expenses for a year while taking advantage of high interest rates. How? By placing the cash that would have left your bank account into a high-yield savings account and taking advantage of rewards credit cards.

Lets assume you will make $10,000 of purchases over the next few months. Using a credit card with a 0% interest rate and 1% cashback rewards, coupled with a high-yield savings account with a 4% interest rate can put about $500 extra in your pocket over the course of the year.

Of course, not everyone pays their balance in full each month. With average credit card interest rates in the 12% to 15% range, carrying a monthly balance of only $1000 can cost close to $150 a year. Saving $150 in interest charges may not be a fortune, but its surely enough to buy a nice dinner with a good bottle of wine.

No matter how you use your credit card, a 0% interest credit card can have a positive effect on both short and long term cash flows. Given that the alternative is paying more than 12% in interest, choosing a 0% credit card in this atmosphere of high interest rates is a no-brainer.

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