Taking Charge of Your Zero Interest Credit Card
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The biggest names in the credit card industry like American Express, Discover, Citibank, and First USA among others are taking the market by storm with their zero interest credit cards. For people who enjoy an excellent credit rating, zero interest credit cards are a good choice. Not having to pay the additional interest rate on your outstanding balances is undoubtedly a great deal. However, this doesnt mean that you, the card holder, can sit back and relax on your debts. In fact, with a zero interest credit card in your hands, all the more you need to be in control.
Caution: Zero Interest Credit Cards Can Mislead You
Anyone who plans on getting a zero interest credit card should be aware that a single delay with your payment can cost you to lose the interest-free period and get stuck with a much higher rate. So before you get all too excited in applying for the first zero interest credit card you see, ask yourself, are you really ready to take on the challenge? Can you really commit to paying your credit card balances on time all throughout the zero interest period? Can you finish paying off all your balances within that zero-interest period? If not, switching to a zero interest credit card will not be a good idea.
If you answered yes and youre really determined to get off from your credit card debts by paying your monthly balances on time, then great, grab the opportunity that a zero interest credit card offers. But take your time in choosing. Dont judge a credit card deal based on the zero interest alone. Be a wise credit card shopper and examine all other costs associated with every credit card youre considering. Read the fine print no matter how lengthy or how small the letters are. The real costs of your credit card are all disclosed in your credit card agreement.
Also, dont forget to check on your credit report before actually sending out your application. Credit card companies do give out offers to just about anyone, regardless of whether theyre eligible for the offer or not. But getting denied after submitting your application will only damage your credit score all the more. So, dont expect an approval unless youve personally checked on your credit report. If youre sure that you have good credit, thats the only time you should submit your application.
Taking Charge Of Your Credit Card
After going through the choosing and finally getting approved, whats next? Be prepared to take on your responsibility. Pay off as much as you can each month so you can get off from your credit card balance at the soonest possible time. You have to beat the zero interest period before it expires.
It is a good idea to have your credit card repayment plan set up even before you get a zero interest credit card. If the zero interest period runs for 12 months, make it a goal to finish paying off your balances at even less time. For instance, complete your payments within the next 10 months or even less than that if you can.
Lastly, taking charge of your credit card means being in control with your own spending. If you keep charging new purchases on your other credit cards while trying to repay your old balances, youll certainly have a more difficult time keeping up with your payments. So take charge. Know your limits. If you must use your credit card to avoid closing your account, use it only for small charges that you can easily pay off on your next due. Bear in mind that a zero interest credit card will only work if you know how to use it to your advantage.
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