Over the past two years, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates substantially. Consequently, credit card annual proportion rates have followed suit. Nearly all credit cards tie their interest rates to the prime rate, that has doubled to eight percent from four percent throughout the string of rate hikes that began in 2004. This has led to interest rates on credit cards rising by 30% or more. Since August of 2006, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates steady, and many economists believe the subsequent move may be a discount in rates. But, the rate reductions have yet to start, and credit card interest rates remain relatively high.
For those that carry balances on their credit cards, high interest rates have resulted in higher monthly bills, with many seeing their minimum payment increase substantially. Fortunately, now, additional than in recent times, 0% credit cards provide a safe harbor from high rates. There are two basic types of zero percent credit cards: those that supply a zero percent rate after all transfers, and people who offer a 0% on purchases. The best credit cards provide zero percent interest on both. How abundant savings can these credit cards offer? Let's take a look at the math.
Let's assume you're carrying a balance of $10,000. If you simply pay the minimum each month, you'll accrue close to $2000 in interest over the course of a year, because of daily compounding balances (too unhealthy savings accounts don't pay that sort of interest). With a 0% balance transfer, you can expect to save all of that money, plus, you'll be given time to pay down that debt. When the 0% amount expires, not only is there a likelihood your interest rate can be lower, but, if rates don't go down, you'll forever transfer the balance to another 0% credit card. And, if you create a minimum payment of one hundred fifty dollars a month, your balance at the end of the year will be nearer to $8200, instead of $12,000. That's quite a difference.
Now, if you're fortunate enough to have no mastercard debt, a 0% interest rate will be handy tool to avoid interest expenses on new purchases and liberate some money within the short term. Would like a replacement fridge? Have to repair your automobile? Want granite counters for the kitchen? With a zero percent credit card, you'll be able to defer the price of those expenses for a year whereas making the foremost of high interest rates. How? By placing the cash that may have left your bank account into a high-yield savings account and taking advantage of rewards credit cards.
Let's assume you'll make $10,000 of purchases over the following few months. Using a credit card with a zero percent interest rate and 1% cashback rewards, coupled with a high-yield savings account with a 4% interest rate will put regarding $500 further in your pocket over the course of the year.
After all, not everyone pays their balance in full each month. With average credit card interest rates within the 12% to 15% range, carrying a monthly balance of only one thousand dollars can value close to one hundred fifty dollars a year. Saving $150 in interest charges may not be a fortune, but its surely enough to search for a pleasant dinner with a good bottle of wine.
No matter how you utilize your credit card, a zero percent interest credit card can have a positive impact on each short and long term money flows. Given that the alternative is paying a ton of than 12% in interest, selecting a 0% mastercard during this atmosphere of high interest rates is a no-brainer.
Reduce debt by up to 60%, grab your FREE debt reduction guide at
http://www.debtreductionnow.info. Discover more about
best credit card transfer deals at
http://www.debtreductionnow.info/blog.
Loading...