PostHeaderIcon Zero Interest Credit Cards: Avoid These Traps

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Are you looking for a 0 credit card offer?  Here are a couple of tips to avoid getting in over your head.  Here’s the most important news – interest free credit cards are not really interest free.

In fact, most of the time, 0 balance transfer credit card could cost you more than if you apply for a credit card without the promise of an interest free period.  Also, do not forget about the possibility of choosing a rewards card.  If you can find a rewards card that you will actually use, sometimes this can be a better alternative than a 0 APR credit card.   

So, take a few minutes and consider how to apply for a credit card that best suits your spending habits.

Zero Interest Credit Cards Are Not Interest Free

Check the fine print on any interest free credit card application and you will quickly discover that an interest free credit card is really not interest free at all.  The terms and conditions of the 0 balance transfer offer usually disclose that the interest free period last only a short period of time and there is usually a surcharge of 3-5% on the transfer itself. 

Of course, after the expiration of the 0 interest period, you will be charged interest on the original amount, the surcharged amount.  Often, the rate you will pay after the balance transfer period ends is quite high.

So, if you carry a balance on your credit card, these charges can add up to a large amount of money if you fail to check the terms and conditions (particularly the APR) before you apply for a credit card with a 0 balance transfer option.

Choose The Credit Card Application That Best Suits You

Every consumer needs to carefully choose to apply for a credit card that best reflects their own unique financial situation.  

Consumers who regularly carry a balance or anticipate a large installment purchase may be better off with a traditional credit card that has good terms and a low APR.  If you will look for a rewards card that is of interest to you, you might come out better off.

Ultimately, you have to apply for a credit card that will make the most sense for you.

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