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Are Zero Percent Credit Cards a Blessing in Disguise?

By James Strathman
Nov 7, 2009
Do you ever wonder why you get so many zero percent credit card offers in the mail? These types of offers are so popular that many people receive multiple offers from several companies on a weekly basis! Sometimes, children in the household will also receive these types of offers. It seems that companies due mass mailings when they send out these offers to consumers.

Credit card companies extend these types of offers for a variety of reasons which include attracting potential business and gaining a new customer that will transfer a higher interest rate balances. More often than not, these offers are a successful advertisement and the company will gain new business. The customer gets to take advantage of a great interest rate and the creditor gets more money. It can be a win-win situation for both parties involved.

High interest rate credit cardholders are attracted to these offers like bugs are attracted to bright lights. This is simply because it offers an opportunity to pay down financial debt. People who are interested in applying for credit cards are also potential candidates. Generally, a zero percent interest offer will have a specific time limit which in most cases is anywhere between three to six months.

One rule of thumb is to budget your finances so that you are able to pay off the total statement balance on your card before the promotional time frame ends. If you do not, you will end up paying a much higher interest rate on your purchases. It is extremely important to do your research and pay attention to details; many cards will attach fees to balance transfer transactions. Being aware of this specific information will help you make the right choice.

Now that you have some general knowledge of zero percent credit cards, do you know when to use them? Well, if you are going to be financing a large purchase and intend to have it paid off within a few months, a zero percent credit card would be perfect to use. You will avoid accumulating interest charges on the purchase which will allow you to make direct payments towards the 'actual' cost of the purchase. If you wait to pay the purchase off, you will be paying more money over time due to the interest.
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