Jul 12 2010

Zero Interest Credit Cards – Should You Apply For One?

Posted by Aaron Cruz in Finance Online

If you are thinking about applying for a zero interest credit card, you need to be clear about some things. In this article, let’s discuss the factors that should affect your decision whether you should get a 0% credit card or not.

Is 0% APR Credit Card for Me?

First of all, why do you want to get a 0% card? Are you going to use it to transfer over your existing balances from a high interest rate card? If so, then you need to be able to find a balance transfer zero interest credit card that will give enough time to completely pay off your balances. Some zero interest credit cards give only a 6-month period before going back to regular rates while others give as long as 12 months to enjoy the 0% interest.

Before even signing up for the zero interest credit card, have you planned on how you can submit your monthly payments on time and finish your payments before the 0% period ends? Know that a zero interest credit card has its rules in allowing the zero interest. If you are late with even just one payment, you may be disqualified from enjoying the zero interest. This means, your zero interest card can charge you with a high interest rate plus a penalty fee in your account.

Choosing a Zero Rate Credit Card – Factors to Consider

Another thing to be concerned about is the annual fee of the credit card. How much would you need to pay each year to be able to use the zero interest credit card? There are credit cards that impose as much as $50 or even more on the annual fee alone. If this is the case, does the annual fee offset the savings you will get by not paying the interest rate for just a limited period?

And what about the interest rate that applies to your purchases. Some credit cards implement more than one APR so the zero interest rate may only apply to your balance transfers and another APR for your purchases. How much interest rate will you be charged each time you use your zero interest card for purchases? Take note that you may be required to regularly use your credit card for purchasing to continuously enjoy the zero interest on your balance transfers.

Obviously, there should be a balance between the savings you get from the zero interest rate with the other credit card fees you will need to pay. If the other costs are just as expensive, you may end up not getting any savings after all.

Finally, are you sure you can get approved? Zero interest cards are offered to everybody but when it comes to granting an approval, only people with excellent credit are accepted. If you send in your application and you get denied, you will only doing damage to your credit score. Thus, it is recommended to check on your credit report first if you have any plans of applying for a zero interest credit card.

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