There
are many different types of credit cards to choose from including
low interest, balance transfer, instant approval, reward, airline,
corporate, prepaid, and even student credit cards. Obviously, you
consider many factors when determining the best offer for you.
Chief
among these factors are all the different rates associated with each
offer including the APR (annual percentage rate), the annual fee if
there is one as well as other cardholder benefits.
Bear
in mind
Benefits
that 0% cards should include
There
ought to be 0% introductory APR for at least the first 12 months and
no annual fee. A typical example would be the HSBC Bank Platinum MasterCard
Special
schemes like a rebate program, whereby cardholders earn a cash award
that varies according to the amount spent annually. For instance,
a cardholder may be awarded a 0.25% rebate for the first $1,000; 0.5%
for amounts over $1,000 and up to $3,000; and 1.5% for purchases over
$3,000 up to $10,000. An additional rebate may be added for any billing
period in which the account carries a balance, so that only those
who spend up to $10,000 a year and carry a balance will be able to
take advantage of the 2% cash back rebate. A good example of this
is the Chase Bank Cash Plus Visa
If you
have a good credit history, the introductory rate for purchases should
be long-term, say 15 months.
Look
for benefits like purchase protection, smart card technology, discounts
at certain merchants and retailers, a year-end financial statement,
and various travel and emergency assistance services.
Watch
out for schemes like optional free rewards programs. For every dollar
spent on your card, for example, you earn one point. Earned points
can be applied to a variety of services and products. There is no
yearly limit or expiration on points earned. As an example, Blue from
American Express offers you this benefit.
Looks like a good deal
Several
zero interest cards offer merchandise rewards on items such as toys,
DVDs, clothing, jewelry, household items and gifts. You can also receive
travel rewards on items such as theme park tickets, hotel stays, and
cruises. Plus, of course, there will be 0% introductory APR for a
certain period on card purchases and balance transfers.
There
are cards that offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance
transfers for up to 12 months, a high credit limit and no annual fees.
You can also get a customized card with your business name plus online
account management benefits
Many
card companies offer zero interest cards for those with "bad
credit". So you can spend within limits and re-establish your
credit. Usually, such cards do not run credit checks and avoid credit
turndowns. There is also usually no application fee involved. Moreover,
on-time payments are reported to one or more than one major credit
bureaus on a regular basis.
Other
cards offer unsecured cash advance loans up to a certain amount. Along
with that, there may be offers of "guaranteed emergency cash"
that you never have to pay back, and guarantees of no turndowns, no
annual fees and no credit checks
However,
it is important to read the fine print before you make a decision,
so that you aren't caught in a loophole later!
Author
- Marcus Grant
0Interest dot Org
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