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Credit card offers flood our mailboxes at home and online. You can look at these as a nuisance or you can deepen your understanding of what makes a good offer and put those offers to work for you in the most effective way. Consider the following aspects of credit card offers that can work to your advantage.
Low or Zero Percent Credit Cards
Many credit card offers come with a low interest rate, some even with no interest for a period of time. The person who frequently carries a balance on a credit card will find these offers advantageous. Credit card interest rates typically are high, even though the monthly payment may be low. Switching to a low or no interest card can mean significant savings.
Look for the length of time the low interest is offered. Very often, these are introductory rates that change after a certain, limited time. You can end up with a higher interest rate card than you previously had unless you watch this carefully.
Reward-Based Credit Cards
Credit card companies are vying for your business and most offers now come with some sort of incentive. The reward-based credit card programs often are a partnership between the credit card company and a business offering a good or service. A prime example is airline miles offered with each dollar spent through a certain credit card. Other credit card offers earn points toward the purchase of consumer goods or services such as hotel stays.
When managed, these programs are equivalent to 1% to 2% back on your credit card purchases. Be careful that you do not overspend to get a good or service. It is a false savings if you spend more than you would have to get an item through points or miles. Additionally, carefully manage your accumulated points or miles so they don’t go to waste.
Credit Cards for Good and Bad Credit
Interest rates reflect, among other things, the risk a lender is taking in letting you borrow money. If you have a poor credit history and a low credit score, you will still receive credit card offers. These will have higher interest rates and fewer incentives because you represent a great risk to the lender.
On the other hand, if you have excellent credit, you can expect credit card offers with lower interest rates, more incentives, larger lines of credit or all three of these.
In both cases, the trick is to be certain you don’t abuse credit to make a bad situation worse or make your high credit standing lower.
Student or First-Time Borrower Credit Cards
Again, because the credit card industry is a very competitive industry, card companies reach out to students or first-time borrowers even though these two groups usually have no credit history. In this instance, there often are incentives offered such as low initial interest or a reward program.
Used carefully, a credit card can be a sound way for young or first-time borrowers to establish credit history. But do be aware the credit card company wants your business long term, into the time when you are likely to use credit cards more. With little experience in using credit, it is smart for the student or first-time borrower to use a credit card in moderation.
Affinity Programs
Many credit card offers come through organizations you support or to which you belong. A college alumnae society or a charitable group are two examples. The intangible benefit of affinity credit card offers include public association with your group. Some people enjoy having a card with their college colors or logo. More tangible benefits include preferred interest terms for your group or a rewards program that benefits your charity.
Understanding Different Credit Card Offers
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