| Today's lifestyle mandates the need for a credit card | | | | real saving in the long run. However, there is a |
| for most consumers for shopping online, making | | | | common pitfall to this, as many borrowers may find |
| reservations for hotels, airlines or rental cars, and | | | | themselves buying more just to gain the points and |
| they permit the budgeting of purchases that may | | | | this would defeat the purpose of saving on the |
| not be possible on a cash only basis. Before applying | | | | rewards. |
| for a credit card, it is wise to investigate the many | | | | No matter how attractive a credit card special offer |
| credit card special offers available. | | | | may appear, it is vital to read all the fine print to |
| The consumer with an excellent credit history will | | | | prevent finding yourself in trouble later due to |
| naturally qualify for the most attractive offers, but | | | | unexpected fees. Some cards charge an annual fee |
| even with a poor credit history it is possible to | | | | just for having the card, but they will sometimes |
| improve your financial condition by applying for a | | | | waive this fee on request, especially for the |
| higher interest card and paying off the balance | | | | borrower that normally carries an outstanding |
| monthly, thereby accruing no interest but repairing | | | | balance, thereby paying monthly interest. |
| your credit. | | | | Other fees apply for late payments or exceeding the |
| One of the most appealing offers is the 0% interest | | | | card limit amount, so it is important to be financially |
| on purchases for a limited period. This period can | | | | responsible in these areas because even one violation |
| vary from six months up to fifteen months and | | | | can allow the card company to place you in a high |
| sometimes also applies to balance transfers from | | | | penalty interest rate category. It is even possible to |
| other credit cards made at the time of application. | | | | receive a notice of rate increase for no reason, but |
| This offer is an excellent choice for a planned | | | | this can be prevented by notifying the company that |
| purchase that can be paid off in full within the | | | | you refuse to pay the increased rate on the balance. |
| specified 0% time period, creating an interest free | | | | However, if you choose to do this, it will effectively |
| loan. However, this offer may have a higher interest | | | | cancel your use of that card, but will still allow you to |
| rate after the introductory period and this must be | | | | pay off the balance at the lower rate. |
| taken into account. But for the consumer who | | | | Credit card special offers can be a great tool for the |
| typically carries a balance on their card, this offer will | | | | consumer if used wisely. If you carry outstanding |
| immediately cost less in interest and can be a | | | | balances on one or more cards, the balance transfer |
| substantial savings. | | | | offers can help to consolidate these into one monthly |
| A longer term special offer that may be a good | | | | payment and usually saves interest over the long |
| choice is the rewards program, which allows you to | | | | term. Introductory low or 0% rates immediately save |
| accumulate points based on the amount charged to | | | | money, but temporarily. Reward programs can save |
| the card. These points may be in the form of cash | | | | a small percent on other purchases if you don't make |
| back, gifts, household goods discounts, gasoline | | | | charges just to gain points. The bottom line is to |
| purchases, hotel stays or airline tickets. If you | | | | take advantage of the credit card special offers, but |
| typically use a credit card for everyday purchases | | | | do so only after comparing the different benefits and |
| and pay off the balance each month, this could be a | | | | educating yourself to any possible pitfalls. |