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0% Credit cards

How do 0% credit cards work Borrow money pay no interest - thats basically what a 0 credit card offers. Before you apply read this as there are many 0% credit cards on the market but they are not all the same. The headline deal may sound attractive but there are many differences between one 0% credit card and another.

Our online credit card best buys

A 0% credit card with 12 months interest-free balance transfer might sound more enticing than a 0% credit card offering only six or nine months interest-free balance transfer but there could be hidden costs which make it less attractive than it sounds on the surface.

Among the tricks that providers of 0% credit cards get up to in order to make their money back are setting your monthly payments against your cheapest debt first - your 0% balance transfer. That means any new spending on the credit card is racking up interest charges until your balance transfer is paid.

Watch out also for 0% credit cards that have high go-to rates. You wont have a 0% deal forever and the card issuers are making it more and more difficult to keep switching so make sure you have a credit card that offers an interest rate that remains competitive after your 0% deal has ended.

There are also a number of 0% credit cards now actually charging a balance transfer fee! They wont charge interest on your balance but for the privilege of switching it to their card youll pay a percentage of the balance although most cap the charge at around £50.

Compare UK credit cards to find the best deal

Moneyextra.com recommends you take independent financial advice before acting on any article

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2009-02-17 00:00:00 © Moneyextra.com