What Kind Of People Get 0% Credit Cards?
Because credit companies offer 0% credit to entice borrowers to use their cards, many people get them in order to transfer other, higher interest, credit cards. This pays off the balance on the other credit card and essentially moves it to the credit card with no interest. This doesn’t stop interest charges you have already incurred but will stop more interest charges for the pre-set time the card allows. If you have had problems with debt in the past, you may want to use the 0% card to help pay off your debt.
If you want to make a large purchase such as an appliance, furniture or electronics, charging these on the 0% credit card can be helpful. This will allow you to pay back the entire amount without interest, as long as you pay off the balance within the specified no-interest time frame.
When shopping for a 0% credit card check to see which ones fit your needs. Some offer 0% on transfers only, some offer 0% on new purchases only and some offer both. Next, look at the amount of time the 0% interest will last. Typically, the interest free period is from six to nine months but you can find cards with up to 12 months. It is also possible to ask for an extension. There have been cases where the credit card company has extended the 0% period for a full year, making the interest free period 2 years.
If you are planning a big holiday trip, you may want to use a 0% card. You can charge the airfare, the rental car, hotel and all the other associated costs and have 6 months or more to pay back the amount without interest being added. You can also get a 0% card that offers travel benefits such as fly miles or points. Some offer one mile for every £1 spent on the card. Others offer other incentives especially for travelers. You can research and compare the credit cards online, making the process easy. Many cards now have an online application as well.
Eligibility for offers for 0% credit cards usually (but not always) depend on the credit score of the applicant. If you have a high credit rating, you're much more likely to qualify. It's worth applying, though, because usually they'll offer you a low-interest credit card even if you don't apply for the zero-interest offer.
Some of the top no interest credit cards offered in the UK include Citi Platinum Select Card, which offers 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for a period of 12 months. They offer ?0 liability on unauthorized purchases and do not charge any annual fee. The 0% card has a regular APR of 10.74%. Chase Platinum Credit Card, too, offers 0% credit cards for 12 months or for 3 months, depending on the credit history of the applicant.
Blue from American Express features a 0% introductory APR up to 15 months and charges no yearly fee. The card's regular APR is about 11.74% and applicants do not have to have an exceptional credit record in order to get this credit offer.
There is also Blue Cash from American Express, which offers 5% cash back on all qualified purchases. This offer for their 0% credit cards is for six months and they do not charge an annual fee.
With Value Miles Platinum Visa Card, (a frequent flier credit card), the card holder can earn one value mile for every dollar spent. With 24,000 miles you earn can get an airline ticket for any nearby destination. They also do not charge yearly fees and the 0% interest applies to the first 12 months.
HSBC Platinum Master Card offers 12 months of 0% APR and it benefits include unlimited purchase protection and insurance for travel accidents. Their regular APR is 10.74%.
Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card offers a ?50 gift card and for every ?1 spent on purchases in drugstores, supermarkets and gas stations can card holders get 5 reward points and 1 point for every other purchase. Of a similar type is the GM Flexible Earnings Card, which offers 0% introductory APR for a year which presents a full one-percent cash back choice, otherwise the cardholder can choose a one-percent earnings towards any new GM vehicle.
Other companies that offer 0% credit cards also include Starbucks Duetto Visa for six months and Northwest Airlines- WorldPerks Visa Platinum Card, which has a credit line up to ?7,500 and a 15,000 miles annual WorldPerks travel reduction. The Northwest card does charge an annual fee of ?55, though.
Copyright 2008 0% Credit Cards UK Guide Articles By Kate Spencer. All rights reserved
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