Are 0% Interest Credit Cards Too Good to Be True?
The old saying goes that if something looks too good to be true, then there’s a likelihood that it is. The same is true of 0% interest credit cards. With so many banks and credit card issuers looking to lure consumers to their particular brand of card, you can just imagine the tactics and slight-of-hand tricks that some of them will revert to in order to get your business. And while there are some genuinely good offers out there to be had, there are some “pigs in a poke” that you should look out for as well. Let’s look at how to find the best 0% interest credit card that will leave you smiling all the way to the bank – not feeling “fleeced”.
Zero Percent Interest is Not Forever
Keep in mind that credit card companies and banks only make money when you have to pay interest, so don’t ever be under the assumption that a zero percent credit card is going to last forever. But still yet, you want to take advantage of the zero percent APR for as long as possible, so review the terms and conditions of the credit card offer to see that you get a substantial amount of time at zero percent before you start paying interest. Also pay attention to the APR that you will be charged when the introductory period has ended, and if you will be charged interest on any balances that you choose to transfer to the new card. Note: there is one exception to the rule that zero percent interest is not forever. Many card companies will offer you a 0% APR indefinitely on purchases that are paid for within a certain period of time at the end of each billing cycle.
Annual Fees Are For Country Clubs
With so much competition out there, it is hard to believe that some credit card companies are still charging annual fees. But they are – and you don’t want to go with a credit card, even a 0% interest credit card, that is issued by a company that will charge you an annual fee. Annual fees can be several hundred dollars – which can definitely make the savings that you will see from not paying interest look like chump change. Simply put, there’s no need to go with a card that charges you just to carry it.
Perks
Getting rewarded for spending money is important when you are an avid credit card user, and going with a 0% percent credit card that rewards your patronage is a good idea. If you travel, look for a card that features a zero percent interest rate and also gives you airline miles that can be eventually redeemed for a free flight. If you use your credit card to pay monthly bills and then pay the balance off each month, look for a 0% percent credit card that offers cash back. There are always perks that are being offered by credit card companies to keep their cardholders happy and loyal.