Find the Best 0% APR Credit Card
Let's help you find the best 0% APR credit card for your style of money management. Most people go looking for the lowest rate they can possibly find without doing much comparison. If this was how you were planning on selecting a 0% APR credit card deal take a few moments to read this article. I'm going to ask you three questions you need to answer before you apply for a low interest credit card, and by the end of this article you'll be able to quickly determine if a credit card offer is good for you're spending and money management style.
Do you carry a balance
The first question is do you carry a credit card balance? How much is that balance? Have you had your card down to zero over the last 12 months? Or do you normally always have money on your account that needs to be paid. The best 0% APR credit card deal for someone who always carries a balance is usually a simple card with no frills or rewards. These cards usually also offer the best fixed rate after the 0% introductory rate is over. Look for a card that offers a fixed rate below 10% if possible after the promo period at 0% is complete.
How long would it take you to pay off that balance
How many months will it take you to pay down your outstanding credit card balance? 6 months, 12 months, 2 years? Most people don't enjoy looking at how long it will take them to pay off debt, but this is an important step when selecting the best 0% APR credit card for you. If you know it's going to take you 2 years to pay down your balance, you can use this information when selecting a credit card offer that's right for you.
Here's an example: You need 2 years to pay off your current outstanding balance. You're going to apply for a credit card that offers 0% APR for the first 6 months, but then goes up to 18.99%. How much of that balance can you pay down in 6 months? How does 18.99% compare to your current credit card rate? You need to consider both of those percentages in a decision like this, because if 18.99% is higher then your current rate you aren't going to be saving any money in the long run, in fact it might actually cost you more.
The Best 0% Credit Card is...
The best low APR credit card for some might honestly not be one that offers 0% at all. If you know it's going to take you quite a while to pay off your balance, then you want to have the lowest interest rate possible over that period of time. If you can find a credit card that offers a low fixed interest rate, with no or a higher introductory rate don't shy away from it. Why? Because over the 2 year plus period you need to pay off your balance you'll save the more money in interest charges.
In contrast, if you don't need much time to pay off your balance, or you don't carry a balance what so ever you can be more flexible in which cards you consider. The best 0% ARR credit card for a customer like you might be one that provides cash back, rewards, or other perks after the introductory rate is over.
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