Free Credit Forever With 0% APR Credit cards
Credit forever at 0% with 0% APR Credit Cards
Credit card companies are always looking for new ways to attract customers, and 0% APR credit cards are one of their most popular incentives. These credit cards typically offer a preferential interest rate on balances transferred to the card. With some credit cards, the 0% interest rate is also available for spending on the card, making it a very attractive offer.
New customers can apply for the credit card online or fill in an application form. Once they meet the lending criteria, they will find it easy to get a 0% APR credit card, which they can then use to manage their level of debt.
Credit card debt consolidation is a popular use for 0% APR credit cards. Over the long term these low rate credit cards can be used to completely eliminate credit card debt. This can be done through a practice known as rate surfing.
Rate Surfing With 0% APR Credit Cards
Rate surfers are also known as credit card tarts, serial switchers and credit card jumpers. Whatever the name, it refers to the practice of moving balances from one card to another to take advantage of 0% interest rates. It works like this.
The cardholder applies for and gets a 0% interest rate credit card. The cardholder transfers outstanding balances from other credit cards, store cards or loans to the 0% credit card. The cardholder makes payments as usual, at anywhere from 2% to 5% of the outstanding balance. These payments help to clear the debt as no interest is being paid.
Once the preferential period for 0% APR credit cards begins to run out, it's time to switch to another deal to continue the credit card debt consolidation process. At least six weeks before the end on the preferential rate period, the serial switcher should apply for a new 0% card. Once it arrives, all the cardholder has to do is transfer the outstanding balance to the new card and start the process again.
Although this is a good way to eliminate credit card debt, there are risks. Many credit card companies have cottoned on to the practice of rate surfing and now charge a fee for balance transfers. There are still a few fee free balance transfer cards, though, so it is worth shopping around.
Rate surfers also need to be very organised, particularly if they are managing several 0% APR credit cards at once. It is essential to keep track of the dates when the offer period ends, so no interest is paid. It is also advisable for rate surfers to pay 0% APR credit cards on time, to avoid damaging their credit rating.
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