Sunday, August 8, 2010

ZERO APR CREDIT CARDS

Let me first start off by stating that there is no such thing as a 0% APR credit card, but rather a card that's going to give you 0% for a balance transfer.

Whats the difference between a balance transfer and regular APR based credit card?
Well, with a balance transfer, you're going to find out that you're going to get an introductory rate. With this introductory rate, you're going to get 0% for a certain amount of time. This amount of time is going to vary from 6 to 12+ months. Every bank is going to be different.
With the APR on your credit card, this is the interest rate that you're going to pay when you don't pay your balance off in full. For example, if your APR is 15% and you have a $500 balance. Let's say you pay $250. You interest rate will now be applied to that extra $250 for the year and it's distributed throughout the months. So, technically, you're not really paying 15% a month.

Where can I find a 0% credit card?
You can usually find these through just about any credit card that you apply for. Sure, you may be able to get this offer with a card that you already have, but you're going to find out that it may not work. You can always try and call up and ask. The worst thing that they are going to say is, "no."

Who has the best cards offering these rates?
From what I have seen when working with cards, there are a few card companies that have great promotional offers. There are a wide selection of cards, so I would choose wisely on what works best for you. Don't just choose a card for its balance transfer, but rather for a card that's going to give you great rewards as well.

The card companies that are going to offer 0% are the ones that offer rewards. It's going to be rather rare to find a 0% rate on bad credit cards, as well as other bad / prepaid related cards. These cards are generaly geared toward those with high risk, so you won't have any luck in that ballpark.
With so many cards out there, do your homework and find a card that's going to work for you. While you can't get 0% on loans, you can always get it on a balance!

ZERO INTEREST CREDIT CARDS

For people who enjoy an excellent credit rating, zero interest are a good choice. Not having to pay the additional interest rate on your outstanding balances is undoubtedly a great deal. However, this doesn't mean that you, the card holder, can sit back and relax on your debts. In fact, with a zero interest credit card in your hands, all the more you need to be in control.

Caution: Zero Interest Credit Cards Can Mislead You

Anyone who plans on getting a zero interest should be aware that a single delay with your payment can cost you to lose the interest-free period and get stuck with a much higher rate. So before you get all too excited in applying for the first zero interest credit card you see, ask yourself, are you really ready to take on the challenge? Can you really commit to paying your credit balances on time all throughout the zero interest period? Can you finish paying off all your balances within that zero-interest period? If not, switching to a zero interest will not be a good idea.
If you answered yes and you're really determined to get off from your debts by paying your monthly balances on time, then great, grab the opportunity that a zero interest offers. But take your time in choosing. Don't judge a deal based on the zero interest alone. Be a wise shopper and examine all other costs associated with. Read the fine print no matter how lengthy or how small the letters are. The real costs are all disclosed in your agreement.
Also, don't forget to check on your credit report before actually sending out your application. Credit companies do give out offers to just about anyone, regardless of whether they're eligible for the offer or not. But getting denied after submitting your application will only damage your credit score all the more. So, don't expect an approval unless you've personally checked on your credit report. If you're sure that you have good credit, that's the only time you should submit your application.

Taking Charge Of Your Credit Card

After going through the choosing and finally getting approved, what's next? Be prepared to take on your responsibility. Pay off as much as you can each month so you can get off from your balance at the soonest possible time. You have to beat the zero interest period before it expires.

It is a good idea to have your repayment plan set up even before you get a zero interest credit card. If the zero interest period runs for 12 months, make it a goal to finish paying off your balances at even less time. For instance, complete your payments within the next 10 months or even less than that if you can.
Lastly, taking charge means being in control with your own spending. If you keep charging new purchases on your other credit cards while trying to repay your old balances, you'll certainly have a more difficult time keeping up with your payments. So take charge. Know your limits. If you must use to avoid closing your account, use it only for small charges that you can easily pay off on your next due. Bear in mind that a zero interest credit card will only work if you know how to use it to your advantage.