Applying For a 0% Intro Rate Credit Card

May 12th, 2010 - 
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When it comes to credit cards, the reward credit cards are usually much more popular because more often than not, consumers are dazzled by the concept of earning points and winning prizes for themselves just by using their credit cards. But you see, thats simply considering one side of reward credit cards and thats the nice side, by the way. The other side would be the high interest rates that reward type of credit cards charge its users. So you see, youre not winning those prizes for free or at least not completely unless you have the means to pay for your purchases before the cut-off period or before you get charged with interest.

This article, however, shall enlighten consumers about the less popular type of credit card and that would be the non-reward credit card. A non-reward credit card does not allow you to earn air miles or win gift certificates and other cool prizes for yourself just by swiping your credit card as often as you can. Rather, a non-reward credit card lets you purchase everything you want with a lower interest rate compared to reward type of credit cards.

Of all non-reward credit cards being offered in the market, its the 0% intro rate credit card that creates the most buzz because of two magic words zero percent! And thats right credit card companies kid you not with their zero percent interest rate offer! But of course, thats not all there is to it. Though we have nothing against 0% intro rate credit cards, we do suggest that you apply for a 0% intro rate credit card only when its the type of credit card that would best suit your needs.

A 0% intro rate credit card would be most suitable to a type of user who can not afford high interest rates like whats being charged by reward credit cards, thats for sure. Secondly, a 0% intro rate credit card would also be most suitable to someone who has pressing needs to buy or acquire something but has not enough money to go through with the purchase. Because of their very situation, having a 0% intro rate credit card would be of most help since even with the required monthly payments, they still wouldnt pay as much as they would with other types of credit cards.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and a 0% intro rate credit card is unfortunately no way different. As it is only an introduction rate, once the time allotted for it elapses, you shall revert to paying for normal interest rates.

But thats a long time coming and you dont have to worry about that yet. Whats important is to be able to buy what you need and applying for a 0% intro rate credit card is the key!

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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