Have You Fall For The 0 Apr Credit Card Yet?

June 22nd, 2010 - 

Have You Fall For The 0 Apr Credit Card Yet?

You probably have heard about 0 APR credit card? This is the most common thing that people have heard or read in the advertisements of most credit card companies. If you have been called by some bank representatives offering you this promotion, you might get lured by the seemingly juicy offer.

After all, it could be a lot of savings in the end as you no longer have to pay the APR (stands for annual percent rate). But before the bank representative gets successful by making you lured into applying for their credit card, stop there first and clear things up before signing up with them.

Credit cards with 0 APR are often too good to ignore. They usually come with the agreement that you transfer your balance from another credit card you are using and get the APR with zero interest; or you have the 0 APR on the first year of using the credit card. Added to that juicy offer, the bank will also give you fast approval, plus some other perks. Thinking you would get all tons of savings from this new credit card, before you know it, you let this representative procure your information, as well as your existing credit card information, and let them consolidate your debts to the new credit card company which offered you the 0 APR.

Now, after signing up with them, it could be too late for you. You have not learnt of the hidden charges of your new credit card, so here you are: about to receive future bills with even higher statements. This thing could have been avoided if you have been wise enough to carefully think of the offer thoroughly.

Such offers like 0 APR is indeed very interesting, but that happens too good to be true. The truth about this thing is that credit card companies typically start the offer being effective after people have accumulated so much debt from the holiday rush season shopping spree. And after this 0 APR thing has taken effective, the credit card company may cancel it at anytime of the year. The sad thing about this is, you do not normally notice that the offer is over leaving you with exorbitant prices with the statements.

Some may think the 0 APR offer lasts for years and years. But the fact is, it only lasts for six months or so, but not more than a year. And since, you do not know your 0 APR is over, you still believe you save even when the next bills are higher than the previous ones.

Another thing you should know about 0 APR is the offer which says inclusion of the amount of your balance transfer. Often, the credit card company actually applies the promotion for the purchases you made on your new credit card and not on the balance transfer. This is often something that clients overlook because it is usually not included on the flyers.

If you would not be careful enough, you can be trapped with this fraud claims. While it can be effective on the first season of using your new credit card, it will still get extremely higher and once again you will find yourself in the stream of high debts. To avoid these mistakes, make sure to read all details of their terms and conditions before signing up with them. It would not hurt as well if you can raise all possible questions in regards to the true nature of the 0 APR credit card.

0 Apr Credit Card Is It Really Zero For

March 17th, 2010 - 

0 Apr Credit Card Is It Really Zero For Trouble?

In the financial industry, the number zero can be something thats either totally goodor totally bad. As for 0 APR credit cards, companies are primarily cashing in peoples interest for 0% interest (pun intended). But is everything good and nothing bad about 0 APR credit cards?

The Advantages of Using a 0 APR Credit Card

Balance Transfer You can make use of your new 0 APR credit card as a way of reducing payment for your other credit card debts. You can do this by transferring the balance of your old credit cards to the new one. Of course, make sure that you do get to pay off your debt within the allotted time!

Saving on Purchases Of course, the most obvious benefit in having a 0 APR credit card is being able to purchase anything for zero interest. You can even opt to pay the minimum amount required for several months if you wish, just as long as you do settle your credit card bills before the promotional period ends.

The Disadvantages of Using a 0 APR Credit Card
If youre not careful with the way you swipe your 0 APR credit card, your latest plastic money might just be your downfall.

Zero isnt Forever No-interest-offers dont last forever; when the promotional period ends, your card will just be like any other credit card in which youll be required to pay standard interest rates once more. It could even be worse if your 0% ends up with an interest rate thats twice as much as what youre paying for your other credit cards.

No to Balance Transfer You might belatedly realize that your intention of balance transfer is actually not allowed. Or, it could charge you with very high processing fees before you can be allowed to transfer the balance of your old credit card to your new one. To prevent this from happening, you should read the terms and conditions carefully before applying for a 0 interest credit card.

High Penalties Many 0 APR cards charge you high penalties if youre a delinquent payer. Worse, they can even cancel the zero interest offer at the slightest infraction you commit.

Uncontrollable Swiping Many individuals, upon getting their hands on their new 0 APR credit cards, are struck with swiping fever and end up shopping more than they need and certainly more than they can afford.

Tips for Choosing and Using a 0 APR Credit Card
No credit card is perfect. You need not feel bad just because you now know the limitations and problems you might face when using a 0 APR credit card. With the right attitude, youll still be able to take full advantage of a 0 APR credit card without having to suffer any of its disadvantages.

READ the terms and conditions carefully. Know what its interest rate would be when the promotional period ends. Know if youre allowed to make balance transfers and what repercussions youd face if you unintentionally fail in paying on time.

CHOOSE the 0 APR credit card that best fits your needs and budget.

DISCIPLINE is the key to beating the temptation of overspending. If you really want to indulge yourself with your new credit card, at least make purchases that are necessary, useful, and will last for a long time.

Hope you enjoy yourself with your new credit card!

0% APR Credit Cards Make It Possible To Save Money

February 9th, 2010 - 

0% APR Credit Cards Make It Possible To Save Money

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I’m sure you’ve seen direct mail offers, promotional brochures and Internet ads announcing:

“0% APR credit cards. Limited time offer. Apply today!”

You can’t beat that for a credit card. That’s just like buying something with cash. A great deal, especially if you don’t have cash on hand. But you may be wondering, “How can the credit card companies and banks make money if they aren’t charging interest?” Well, read on to find out whether or not these 0% APR credit card offers are just pulling your leg.

Deal Or No Deal

Every time you buy something using 0% APR credit cards, you pay absolutely no finance charges or interest rate charges on your entire credit card balance. Just think… you can refurnish your home, pay for your child’s college tuition or go out on a spending spree without paying a penny more.

However, most 0% APR credit cards offer only “introductory rates” at 0%. This low rate may be limited to a specific time period, such as 3 months or as long as a year. In addition, 0% APR credit cards often allow you to transfer balances (up to a specific amount) from another credit card to take advantage of the zero interest deal. Once the introductory rate period ends, then the APR can go through the roof.

Okay, so maybe you can’t get 0% interest into eternity. But, if you play your card right, you can still reap the benefits of these unique offers.

Making Zero Interest Work For You

You may already have several credit cards and can’t imagine what you’d do with another. After all… personal finance experts advise against having too many credit cards. Before getting a 0% APR credit card ask yourself, “What is the APR on my credit cards?” and “Do I carry a balance on my cards from month to month?”

The average interest rate for credit cards is around 14%. On the low end, you may have a card that charges as little as 5% interest, whereas cards for those with bad credit or no credit can be a whopping 29%. Retail credit cards tend to have a high interest rate around 19%, even if you have A1 credit. If the interest rates on your cards are up into the teens, then you definitely need to consider other options (a 0% APR credit card), unless you pay off your balances on a monthly basis.

Don’t throw money out the window and into the pockets of the credit card companies. If you have high interest cards and pay only the minimum balance, then it can take years to pay off. $1000 spent could nearly double to almost $2000 by the time it’s paid off. The best thing to do is transfer the balance to a 0% APR credit cards.

Where To Find 0% APR Credit Cards

If you have good credit, chances are you’ve already been bombarded with mail offers. You might even find these special values available through organizations you belong to or companies that you do business with regularly. Other sources include your local banks and credit unions. And don’t forget to search the Internet. It’s a great place to comparison shop for numerous credit cards. Keep in mind that you usually need to have good credit to qualify for a 0% APR Credit Card.

0% APR credit cards allow you to avoid finance charges altogether. If you are in debt, this is especially helpful in that you can pay down your balance much more quickly. But be sure you don’t end up in a situation where you transfer balances from one card only to fill the old card back up again with new purchases. If you’ve been thinking about making a large purchase but don’t yet have the funds and don’t want to take out a loan, then a 0% APR credit card will be like paying cash. Just be sure to pay off your balance before the introductory rate ends and finance charges begin.