If you have been shopping around for a Low Interest Credit Card you will notice that the UK market is awash with Credit Card companies offering low rates to entice you to apply for their Cards.
There has never been a better time to consolidate your credit cards and get a far better interest rate. There are many offers out there but they all offer pretty much the same thing. The only thing that varies is the APR the 0% balance transfer period and possibly reward points for using the card.
With all these cards on offer you can be very selective and apply for a card that suits your needs and spending habits.
Looking to consolidate you existing credit cards?
Points to consider:
How long is the 0% balance transfer period for?
These can usually range between 6 and 9 months. These periods of 0% interest may seem attractive but make sure you know what the APR will revert to after the period comes to an end. Read the fine print as some credit card companies will expect you to spend a min amount to secure this low rate. Don't fall for this as there are many that do not expect you to spend anything.
Do you plan on clearing the balance within the 0% period?
If you do not plan on clearing the balance it may be worthwhile getting a card that has a low balance transfer rate for the life of the balance. Some credit cards will set a low interest rate until you pay off the balance in full, whether it takes 6 months or 6 years. This way you don't have to worry about paying a sudden increase in interest rates at the end of an introductory period.
Once you have established how to manage your credit card debt you will be in a much better position to choose the right credit card. The UK is in the grip of a huge debt epidemic and it's important to ensure that you are paying the least amount of interest on your debt. Also ensure that you are making your monthly payments. If you can afford it try and pay more than the minimum required every month as the longer it takes to pay off your card the more the credit card companies will make off you through interest charges.
Many people will transfer their credit card balances every time the 0% introductory period runs out. A term used for this is a "Card Tart" and as far as I know it's not illegal. The amount of times you apply for a credit card in a 12 month period may have an adverse effect on your credit rating so beware you are not damaging a perfectly good credit history by continuously applying for a 0% credit card.
Grant Marwick is a freelance writer and owner of http://www.only-credit-cards.co.uk where you will find advice and more articles on Low interest and 0% Credit Cards
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
You're probably thinking "Tell me something I don't know" but... Read More
Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether... Read More
How Lenders Operate ? And How They'll Make a Tidy... Read More
WHAT IS HIRE PURCHASE/CONDITIONAL SALE?Although people often talk about "buying... Read More
Do you know the costs associated with your credit card?... Read More
Credit cards can be a very quick way of getting... Read More
How do these people get my name? If you have... Read More
If you want to purchase a new home or refinance... Read More
Chances are you've gotten your share of offers like this... Read More
The three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union... Read More
I AM THE CONSUMER. AND I HAVE LOW-RATE SUPER-POWERS!Note: The... Read More
In the high tech world of today, credit card fraud... Read More
Credit counseling is an option you might want to consider... Read More
By far the greatest invention the banks have ever come... Read More
It's no surprise that thousands of Americans are victimized by... Read More
What Are Possible Signs of Fraudulent Transactions see at Web... Read More
There are always some companies that have past due invoices... Read More
As a consumer you've learned the importance of establishing a... Read More
Have your read your credit card contract through completely? Do... Read More
Did you apply for a personal loan only to be... Read More
Credit Cards are essential for any consumer today. However, when... Read More
What is a balance transfer ? A balance transfer can... Read More
Sure, there are a lot of problems with credit cards,... Read More
There is no end to the amount of pain that... Read More
Like me, you've probably been offered a fair old number... Read More
With all my bills who would possibly want my credit?... Read More
Ah, the sweet rewards of using credit!Not only do you... Read More
A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings... Read More
What you might not know about credit.Some people don't know... Read More
#1 Make sure mistakes aren't hurting your credit.Reviewing your credit... Read More
With so many low interest credit cards on offer, how... Read More
If you have considered credit counseling as an option to... Read More
The Beginning of the Credit Card EraIn 1951, Diners Club... Read More
With interest rates rising, low or zero percent credit cards... Read More
A credit report is basically a file about you kept... Read More
If you've ever applied for a credit card or loan,... Read More
When you apply for a loan or a mortgage, the... Read More
So you ordered a copy of your credit report to... Read More
Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are... Read More
Your credit rating affects many areas of your life. Opening... Read More
Credit Worthiness is an important business and personal asset each... Read More
Credit cards can be a very quick way of getting... Read More
As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly... Read More
If you have been shopping around for a Low Interest... Read More
One of the easiest ways to borrow money of a... Read More
Do you know what your credit card is truly costing... Read More
By Federal law, you are entitled to one free credit... Read More
Lenders are quite fussy about what they like to see... Read More
Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card,... Read More
Credit cards are just so convenient, aren't they? There's no... Read More
Your credit is the most important thing you have other... Read More
Credit card companies make their money on the 85% of... Read More
What are the avenues available to businesses with weak credit... Read More
As of Thursday, December 1, 2004, one-third of Americans will... Read More
With today's credit card companies, there are many opportunities to... Read More
Check 21 is the common name for the Check Clearing... Read More
Most people who carry major credit cards are well aware... Read More
Everyone hates late fees and being late will cost you... Read More
A lot of people have bad credit. It is unfortunate... Read More
Now in a world with so many easy to get... Read More
You've just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your... Read More
For people with a spotty credit history or bad credit,... Read More
Your credit history is important; in fact, in this day... Read More
There are no secrets to repairing your credit. Many shady... Read More
If you begin foaming at the mouth once a month... Read More
Credit card companies want your business. After all, lending money... Read More
Credit |