Credit Cards

By Joseph Kenny

Using introductory rate credit cards has become a popular way for UK borrowers to manage credit card debt. Introductory rate credit cards offer borrowers a preferential interest rate when they first sign up for a new card. There are three main ways in which this can happen. All of the ways offer significant advantages for credit card borrowers.

0% Balance Transfers

The one that is most appealing to consumers is the 0% balance transfer offer. This offers a nil rate of interest on balances transferred to a particular credit card. There is usually a limit to how long this offer applies, but this can vary from three to 12 months, so most people will be able to find an offer that suits them.

The trick to using 0% balance transfers effectively is to move balances from card to card before the expiry of the offer period. This is known as rate surfing. Credit card companies don't like it, because it loses them hundreds of thousands in interest. For consumers, however, rate surfing offers the chance to clear some or all of an outstanding debt. This is because payments to 0% cards reduce the debt each month instead of being applied to interest.

Fixed Low Balance Transfer Rate

Another typical introductory credit card incentive is a fixed low interest rate for the lifetime of a balance transfer. That means that the lower interest rate will apply for as long as the debt remains on the credit card. For example, if the standard variable interest rate is 13.9%, a credit card issuer might offer a reduced rate of 4.9%.

This is a good option for borrowers who have a loan or debt on which they are paying a higher interest rate. Transferring to this kind of deal can save consumers hundreds of pounds and can help them to repay debt more quickly. With this kind of deal, there is little advantage to rate surfing unless another card issuer is offering a better preferential rate.

Permanent Low Rate

A third type of credit card incentive offers a low rate on spending on the card. This is usually a few percentage points below the standard variable rate. This type of offer can be a good option for consumers who spend regularly on their credit cards. This is because most balance transfer offers have higher rates for other types of transactions such as purchases, cash withdrawals and credit card cheques.

Other Features Of Introductory Rate Credit Cards

As if low rates were not enough, many credit card issuers offer other incentives to new customers. These include:

- the ability to contribute to charity by using a particular credit card

- discounts off purchases from particular manufacturers

- cash back on purchases

- additional insurance on purchases or travel

Many credit card companies have got wise to rate surfing and now apply a one-off charge for balance transfers. It is worth shopping around to get the best combination of interest rates and other incentives.

Joe Kenny writes for the Card Guide, a UK based credit cards site, visit today for introductory balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today.

Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny

Posted by Orce Dimitrov at 2:06 AM | Permalink | Comments

By Joseph Kenny

We've all been tempted by 0% credit card interest rate offers. These offers are usually for short periods of three to 12 months and there are usually conditions attached. For example, the preferential rate may apply to balance transfers, but not to cash withdrawals. The low interest rate may not apply to credit card cheques or purchases either.

People who are carrying a large debt will want to make the most of 0% interest rate offers. Here's how to keep your credit card interest rate at 0%.

Researching 0% Credit Card Deals

First of all, it is best to research the credit card thoroughly. Consumers need to find out:

- what period the 0% interest rate is for

- whether it is for balance transfers only

- whether it applies to other spending on the card

- what the rate is for cash withdrawals or credit card cheques

- whether there is a balance transfer fee

- what other incentives there are for using the card

Answering these questions will help consumers to decide which 0% credit card is right for them. It is especially important to pay attention to the period that the incentive offer lasts for. To keep paying 0% interest, consumers will need to apply for a new 0% credit card a month to six weeks before the old offer runs out. This leaves time to get the card, activate it and transfer the balance without incurring any additional fees from the current credit card company.

Rate Surfing Benefits

Moving from card to card, or rate surfing, is a common way of keeping interest rates low and paying off as much of a debt as possible. Using a 0% card means that any money paid is reducing the outstanding debt rather than paying interest. This is good news for consumers' long term financial stability.

Of course, there's no guarantee that consumers will be able to get another card. This will depend on their credit profile. The best way to maintain a good credit profile is to have some credit card debt (but not too much) and to make all payments on time. This will show credit card companies that you are a good credit risk.

Watch Out For Balance Transfer Fees

Credit card companies do not like credit card tarts, another term for rate surfers, because they lose hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of income that they would normally gain from interest. As a result, many credit card companies take their money up front by charging a balance transfer fee of around 2% of the balance transferred. Even with this fee, savvy consumers should be able to shop around for the best rates and pay much less interest than they would normally have done.

In addition to the incentive of a 0% interest rate, consumers can also benefit from other rewards. These include points that can be used for travel, earning vouchers, cash back and charitable contributions. This means that consumers can reduce their outstanding debt and gain a reward as well.

Joe Kenny writes for Credit Card Guide, offering the latest information on 0% credit cards in the UK, visit them today us to apply for a credit card balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today.

Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny

Posted by Orce Dimitrov at 1:51 AM | Permalink | Comments