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Friday, December 22, 2006

How To Compare Credit Card Offers

By Joseph Kenny

Getting the credit card you want makes having the right one worthwhile. So many different offers make it necessary, though, to compare credit card offers before you sign on the dotted line. Here are a few tips about things to look for that will help you get the right one.

Go For 0% APR Interest

One of the best cards will give you an introductory period of anywhere between 12 to 15 months. Note that some cards, though, only give you the introductory offer for either 3 or 6 months - that is hardly a serious offer these days. With the longer time period you can have no interest on things that are charged to the credit card. This means savings for you and the option to make payments as long as the introductory offer lasts. Just be sure to make your payments on time.

Balance Transfers

A good credit card will give you this option, but if you have no existing credit card balances - then you probably will not need it. If you do, though, this feature allows you to transfer those balances onto this new credit card. Look to make sure that the 0% APR interest actually applies to the amounts transferred, though, since many cards have a different rate of interest for transfers. You also want to see if there are any fees for the transfers, since some cards can charge you up to 4% for the privilege.

Interest Rate

Getting the card you want means comparing credit card offers on the interest rates. Some are low interest, and others are higher. The interest rate refers to the amount of interest you will pay after the introductory time limit is expired. But this rate can also kick in if you are ever late - even on a single payment. The better your credit rating is - the lower level of interest that you will be able to get. If you are in the habit of paying your credit card bills always on time and in full, though, you will never need to worry about the interest rate - since you will never pay interest (on most cards).

Rewards

There are many types of rewards you can get with credit cards, but be sure to compare and get one to meet your needs. Also check to see what kind of rebates / discounts / cashback you get with ordinary purchases - it can all add up.

Other Fees

Many credit cards carry a number of fees with them. Be sure to compare your credit card offers in relation to the fees on them. Some cards have almost no fees attached, and other cards can almost drain you dry from an excess of fees. These fees may be listed as annual fees, minimum balance fees, activation fees, monthly maintenance fees, late fees, and many more.

By making sure that you compare credit card offers - at least six to ten different ones, you will be able to select the one that is best for you. Read the fine print carefully since signing may by itself put some charges onto an account you have not even used yet.

Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Guide, offering the latest 0% credit cards, visit today for introductory 0% balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today.

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

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