Zero Percent Credit Cards

When searching for a 0 apr credit card, one with 0% annual percentage rate (apr) for a trial period, one of the best ways to find a good deal is to compare the credit card rate of several sites. One way to find reliable sites is to start with a bank credit card. Bank of America, Citibank, and many others offer endless resources online for credit card comparisons. You can find out annual fees, interest rates, balance transfer rates, and interest-free periods for each card to get the best credit card rate.



If you want to apply online for a 0 apr credit card, you will find the convenience of Internet shopping a great benefit. No need to wait for offers to arrive in the mail or to call various lenders for their current terms and policies. All the information you need is at your fingertips on the computer. The bank credit card offers should be up to date with current interest rates listed and all the policies and terms available to read online.



With new safety features, a bank credit card website is usually secure enough for your personal information that you must include on an application. But always look for the little gold lock symbol in the lower right hand corner of your computer screen to be sure that a site is secure before you enter anything on a form.



Applying online for the best credit card rate is great for people who dont have a credit history or who havent established a good history. These people may not receive credit card offers in the mail and need a place to look for good deals. Also, you can compare rates until you find that 0 apr credit card youre looking for. This type of card is great for balance transfers. You wind up with one payment instead of several each month, and you get a grace period of anywhere from six to twelve months during which you do not have to pay any interest on either your transferred balances or your new purchases.



But beware. Many lenders offer a 0 apr credit card as an incentive to get you signed up. Be sure to note when this trial period ends; usually after the rate rises youre stuck paying much higher interest than with most other cards. Remember that you can find a credit card that has lower interest after your trial period ends, so do not stop making notes about cards you like just because you have found your no interest card. You will need another one in less than a year usually.



Some no interest cards even come with cash back rewards. These cards give you a percentage of your purchase amount back each month. So you not only get no interest, but you earn points with every dollar you spend that you can use toward purchasing name brand merchandise, travel perks, and entertainment.



Overall, when looking for a 0 apr credit card or just trying to find the best credit card rate with your credit history, remember to keep trying until you find one that suits all your needs.






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Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards - Applying For A Low Introductory Rate Card

There are various credit card offers available. If you are an extensive credit card user, you are likely familiar with the different types of offers and rewards. One widely publicized credit card is the zero percent interest cards. Although these particular credit cards have several perks, they also have certain advantages and disadvantages.



Types of Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards



When applying for a zero percent interest credit card, it is important to know which charges qualify for zero percent. For example, if applying for a balance transfer with zero percent, the low introductory rate only applies to the dollar amount transferred from another credit card. On the other hand, some zero percent interest cards apply to new purchases.



How Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards Work



Zero percent interest credit cards are just like other credit cards, the only difference is that these cards come without the high interest. Zero percent cards are not permanent. Most credit companies offer the introductory rate for 12 - 15 months. During this period, all monthly payments are applied toward reducing the principle balance.



Applying for a zero percent interest credit card has several advantages. However, these cards also come with certain pitfalls. For example, if obtaining a credit card with a low introductory rate, timely payments are extremely important.



Some credit card companies allow a few mistakes. On the other hand, credit card companies offering zero percent will not tolerate irresponsible credit users. For example, if payments are a day late, the credit card company may revoke the introductory rate period and charge a much higher rate.



Benefits of Zero Percent Interest Cards



If hoping to consolidate and reduce credit card debt, zero percent interest credit cards can help. Because interest is not applied for the first 12 - 15 months, you can easily combine all credit card balances onto one card, and dramatically reduce the balance. Moreover, zero percent interest cards are perfect for financing home improvement projects or taking a vacation. To avoid paying a higher interest on purchases, the key is paying off the credit card before the introductory rate period ends.






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Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards How To Get Approved

Zero percent interest is a very attractive credit card feature that gains a lot of attention. Although credit cards have the potential of becoming a dangerous tool, they do have practical uses. For example, credit cards allow easy transactions when purchasing items online. Furthermore, credit cards are great to have when having cash flow problems.



However, because of high interest rates, many consumers avoid using credit cards. Fortunately, there is a way to take advantage of credit cards without getting hit with a high interest rate.



What are Zero Percent Interest Credit Cards?



Perhaps you have seen a credit card offer featuring 0% percent interest. These types of credit cards are offered by several big name credit card lenders including Citi, Discover, and American Express. If you have good credit, a 0% interest credit card has many perks.



Of course, the rate does not always remain at 0%. This is called an introductory rate. In other words, you can expect to pay 0% on all purchases for the first six or twelve months. At the conclusion of the interest-free period, applicants will pay a higher rate.



How to Get Approved for a Zero Percent Interest Credit Card



To get approved for a zero percent interest credit card, you must have good credit. Each lender has a different definition of good credit. Before applying for a zero percent interest credit card, contact the creditor and inquire about their credit approval guidelines. This way, you avoid unnecessary credit inquiries.



Also, before submitting application, carefully read the terms of agreement. This section includes pertinent information such as late fees, over-the-limit-fees, penalties for late payments, etc. If acquiring a 0% interest credit card, do not submit late payments. By doing so, the creditor may immediately end the interest-free period. Moreover, being late on another credit account provides creditors just cause to end a 0% interest agreement.



Advantages of Zero Percent Interest Cards



Zero percent interest credit cards are ideal for financing large purchases in which you plan to payoff in a few short months. These cards are more practical than using high interest credit cards or obtaining a personal bank loan.






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Your Credit Score Can Be Destroyed By Simple Credit Inquiries

What you don't know about credit inquires can destroy your credit score and effect what you can qualify for. Whether you are shopping for a cell phone, car, home loan, insurance, or just curious about wanting to see what you could qualify for, a credit inquiry can cost you points on your credit score. Even a reduction in credit points may seem trivial. A change in credit points over a 30 year period can cost 1000's if not 10,000's of dollars in higher interest payments. Furthermore to some it can mean the difference of being able to qualify for a home, car, or other financing that is necessary in today's world. Usually a credit inquiry will result in a less than a five point reduction in your credit score. However with multiple inquiries comes the likelihood that the score will plummet and the interest rates for purchases will go up. This will result in the consumer with a lower credit score to make higher payments for home, car, of other credit purchases.



There are several different credit inquiries. An inquiry for a specific purchase will have a freezing point for a 2 week period. In other words if you were shopping for a car you could have your credit pulled, (also called an credit report inquiry) at several car lots during a two week period and it would only count as one inquiry. This type of inquiry usually results in less than five point drop in the credit score. This is because the credit bureau considers all the credit inquiries done in the two week period for the same credit purchase to only affect the credit score once.



The second type of credit inquiry is when a person is attempting to obtain different types of credit that is not related, such as car financing inquiry and purchase of a cell phone. These two items are not related. When an inquiry is placed on the credit report it will cause the score to go down. This results in the score going down twice because of the different types of credit inquiries. Applying for credit to see what you can get and trying for different types of credit can lower your score significantly enough not to qualify for credit purchases at all.



Another common credit inquiry is when a marketing company purchases a list from the credit bureau. Then the company uses that targeted list to send out unsolicited pre-approved credit offers. These offers usually come by mail and this type of inquiry does not affect your score. The credit bureau's theory is it would be unfair to penalize a person who hadn't inquired about a credit purchase and had no control of receiving the unsolicited offer. Even though these offers do not affect your credit score they can be an annoyance. This type of offer can be used by potential thieves as a source for identity theft or credit fraud. For that reason any unsolicited credit cards should not been thrown in the trash prior to shredding them completely.



Reviewing your own credit from credit bureau sources will not affect your credit score. Your credit request (for simply review) does not hurt your score. It is your right to know what is in your complete credit file. The information on these credit reports are identical to what a lender, underwriter or creditor will see. However the credit scores on these credit reports can vary because of the way credit bureaus interpret your score. When considering a purchase of a home or car it is always best to check with a professional in that field of financing. That expert can help you determine the score that is relevant to your purchase and which credit bureaus will be used.



Your credit score can be destroyed by simple credit inquiries. The way to avoid loosing credit points is to have your loan approved for a car, home, or other credit purchase prior to going on a shopping spree. The difference in a credit score going down even 5 points could result in getting a less desirable interest rate, the credit lender requiring more down payment, or even denial of your desired loan.



Credit Inquiries are supposed to remain on your credit report for up to two years. The fact is you may have to ask the credit bureaus/creditors to have them removed after their expiration. The below numbers are directly to the credit bureaus and will allow you to order your credit reports directly. Reviewing credit through these sources are the best as they won't lower your credit score even when viewed often.



Trans Union 1-866-887-2673



Equifax 1-800-685-1111



Experian 1-888-397-3742



Another good reason to review your credit report inquiries is to protect your credit from identity theft or credit fraud. By reviewing your credit you can see recent inquiries for credit purchases. Should you notice names of unfamiliar creditors, it could be an early sign of identity theft or credit fraud. Simply call the all three credit bureaus and have them place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will stop most credit theft. Today credit fraud and identity theft are more prevalent than ever before.






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Your Credit Scores Again

It's important for every consumer to learn what a credit score is and how to improve it. Most consumers do not know what their credit scores are, but these scores are used in dealings with such diverse agencies as credit card companies, home equity lenders, auto loan lenders, and finance companies when considering appications for credit or loans.



Credit scores are usually calculated by a computer model created, most often, by Fair, Isaac & Company (or "FICO," leading to the common generic term "FICO score"). A credit score is intended to be a predictive summary of a loan applicant's credit history. A low score can mean denial of a credit card or loan, or if the application is accepted, a higher interest rate. Also, some lenders use credit scores and other information to set the "price" for processing a loan. Statistically, low credit scores also correlate with other risky behaviors such as fraud and auto accidents.



There a many factors affecting the final credit score. Payment history accounts for 35%. A credit score is negatively affected by a history of late payment of bills, accounts sent to collection agencies, or declared bankruptcy. The more recent the problem, the lower the score -- a 30-day late payment a month ago has more effect than a bankruptcy five years ago.



Outstanding debt accounts for 30%. If the amount owing is close to the consumer's credit limit, this will likely to have a negative effect on the credit score. A low balance on two cards is better than a high balance on one.



Length of credit history accounts for 15%. The longer the accounts have been open, the better.



Recent credit report inquiries account for 10%. If the applicant has recently applied for many new accounts, that may negatively affect the score. Promotional inquiries do not have any effect.



Types of credit in use accounts for 10%. Loans from finance companies generally lower the credit score. FICO finds this more important when there is less of other types of credit information about the applicant upon which to base a score.



Although this is a general guide as to what credit scoring companies deem important, it should be noted that some companies may consider different factors.



Credit scores range from 300 to 900, with an average of approximately 750. According to the model, as the score increases, the risk of default decreases. Studies by the loan industry show a direct correlation between low scores and high default rates. Therefor, it may be difficult for an applicant with a low score to convince a creditor to offer an affordable loan, or even any loan at all. But just as credit history can vary from credit bureau to credit bureau, so can a credit scores. It is possible to have a high score with one credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and a low credit score with another, just as it is possible to have a clean credit history with one bureau and a sullied record with another.



However, extremely wide-ranging credit scores are uncommon, though variations of up to 100 points have been noted by some lenders. To get an accurate picture, lenders often take the average of all the applicant's scores. Narrow ranges of 20 or 25 points are more common.



Consumers may obtain their credit scores from credit bureaus by paying a fee (the Federal Trade Commission sets the fee). The bureau must provide the score, the range of possible scores under the scoring model used, four key factors that affected the score, the date on which the score was created, and the name of the entity that provided the score (such as Fair, Isaac). Note that the score and the scoring model provided may vary from those a given lender uses. Federal law allows consumers three freee credit reports every year. If you get your credit score from one or more credit scorers, remember that the score may vary from one credit score company to the next.



Fair, Isaac offers several reccommendations to consumers seeking to improve their credit scores. Pay bills on time; make up missed payments and keep all payments current. Maintain low balances on credit cards and other "revolving debt". Maintain the "balance-to-limit ratio" of credit cards below 50%. It is usually better to carry smaller balances on several cards than to pile everything onto one card. Apply for a new card if necessary, rather than piling all purchases onto one.



Pay off debts rather than transferring them to a new account. Don't close a rarely-used credit account without opening a new one, as a history of wisely-used credit boosts the credit score. However, do not apply for new, unneeded credit cards just to increase available credit.



Loan applicants should not give up seeking credit just because of a low credit score. Sometimes credit reports contain errors, and it is possible to obtain a copy of the report, fix the problem, and explain the situation to the lender. The majority of lenders will override credit scores if they feel an applicant is a good credit risk despite a low credit score.






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Your Debts and Debt Collectors

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) applies to personal, family, and household debts. This includes money you owe for the purchase of a car, for medical care, or for charge accounts. The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices while collecting these debts. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:



Debt collectors may contact you only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.



Debt collectors may not contact you at work if they know your employer disapproves.



Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you.



Debt collectors may not lie when collecting debts, such as falsely implying that you have committed a crime.



Debt collectors must identify themselves to you on the phone.



Debt collectors must stop contacting you if you ask them to do so in writing.



Solving Your Credit Problems



Your credit report can influence your purchasing power, as well as your opportunity to get a job, rent or buy an apartment or a house, and buy insurance. When negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. A consumer reporting company can report most accurate negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for 10 years. Information about an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer. There is no time limit on reporting information about criminal convictions; information reported in response to your application for a job that pays more than $75,000 a year; and information reported because youve applied for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance. There is a standard method for calculating the seven-year reporting period. Generally, the period runs from the date that the event took place.



If you are having problems paying your bills, contact your creditors immediately. Try to work out a modified payment plan with them that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Dont wait until your account has been turned over to a debt collector.



Here are some additional tips for solving credit problems:



If you want to dispute a credit report, bill or credit denial, write to the appropriate company and send your letter return receipt requested.



When you dispute a billing error, include your name, account number, the dollar amount in question, and the reason you believe the bill is wrong.



If in doubt, request written verification of a debt.



Keep all your original documents, especially receipts, sales slips, and billing statements. You will need them if you dispute a credit bill or report. Send copies only. It may take more than one letter to correct a problem.



Be skeptical of businesses that offer instant solutions to credit problems: There arent any.



Be persistent. Resolving credit problems can take time and patience.



There is nothing that a credit repair company can charge you for that you cannot do for yourself for little or no cost.



If youre not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But not all are reputable. For example, just because an organization says its nonprofit, theres no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, or hide their fees by pressuring consumers to make voluntary contributions that only cause more debt.



Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.



Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting.



Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.






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Your First Credit Card

If you have never been in debt before or you are young, then getting a credit card can be hard. Strangely, lenders trust people who have been in debt and paid it back more than people who have never had any debt. Although it may seem hard to get a card if you have not gotten one before, there are some ways to get a credit card. If you are unsure about how to go about getting your first credit card, then this article might be able to help you.



Check your credit report



The first thing you need to do is to check a copy of your credit report. This will tell you if you have any problems with credit, and if there are any errors you can clear them up. If your credit rating is good then you should have no problem getting a card.



Apply to your bank



Once you have established that your credit rating is good, then you should apply for your card. The first place you should start is with your bank. If you have a full-time job and have had no credit problems, then you bank is likely to give you a card with a low limit of probably a few hundred pounds. Now that you have a card you can use it and if you pay your bills on time then slowly your credit limit will get better.



Store cards



If your bank will not give you a credit card, you can improve your credit by getting a store card. Although these cards have very high rates, if you spend a little on them and pay it back then you credit will quickly improve.



Dont over apply



One thing that you should avoid is applying for lots of cards at once. If you do this then the credit process will be started for each and your credit rating will be further weakened. Applying for lots of cards makes you look financially unstable and will harm your chances of getting one good card.



Beware of unbeatable offers



If you are applying for a card you might feel the best option is to take one of the amazing deals you get in the post every day. These deals offer you really low interest rates and tell you that you have been pre-approved already. All they mean by this is that you are pre-approved to apply, but you can still be turned down and even if you arent you are unlikely to get the rates they quote. If you are going to pay your balance each month then the interest rates at first do not matter. Apply to a company you know and trust and that will be fair when you want to renegotiate terms.



Secured cards



One of the best ways to get your first card is to get a secured credit card. This involves you paying a money deposit that is frozen whilst you have the card. This reduces the risk for the lender, and if you show that you can pay your bills then you can get upgraded to an unsecured card quickly.



Never pay fees



One thing you should avoid when getting your first card is to actually pay for it. Although secured cards require a deposit, there are other companies that charge myriad fees before you get hold of the card. If this is the case you may find just the fees eat half of your balance up, which almost defeats the point of getting the card. Even if you are getting a card for the first time you should not have to pay for the privilege.






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