0 interest credit card is not just for Christmas

0 interest credit card is here to stay. Now that we are well into the new year, we've learned (again) to learn of the festival. Zero interest credit is a good idea, but why not extend it beyond your present credit card to the next and the next. This seven point checklist will ensure the clever consumer of having that constant low in April the credit for the coming year. 

1st Read the fine print. Make sure that the games offer the credit card's advertising copy. In particular, check for clauses that differentiate between purchases and money transfers, or even cash payments. Make sure the card does not determine the relationship between purchases and cash, charging an excess if the cash activity rises above the purchase activity (which is usually the way it is biased, but check to ensure). 

2nd Keep to the agreed credit limit as specified in the agreement. Do not exceed the balance limit as specified on your original agreement, or that you could trigger additional charges. 

3rd At least pay the minimum fee in full. Better yet, set up a standing order or direct debit with your bank. You can arrange to have minimum paid directly and electronically from your bank account each month. 

4th Avoid late fees by paying on time. There is a danger for people who benefit from a 0% interest credit cards, they will tend to be satisfied with it, and forget to pay it. Yes, it happens. But each time a payment is received late credit card providers can and will charge a late fee. This can add up, especially if someone is habitually late. Again, an automatic direct debit from your bank account is the best answer. 

5th Factor in any extras in the agreement, as indicated in small letters (as you've read). For example, an annual tax to be used to offset 0 in April, some 0% cards in April to do this, but others do not. Remember that whole concept in April would create a level playing field with regard to extra fees were involved. By paying an annual fee for your card, you do not just get a 0 short in April. 

6th Make sure that you have in mind a new low interest or 0 interest credit card waiting by where you can transfer the balance on your current credit card. Why has 0 April credit for 6 months or 12 months when you can get it for years? Always check the press and financial columns for new deals and credit card deals with this in mind. Join an Internet forum that specializes in such cases. 

7th Make sure you transfer the balance on your existing credit card to your new credit card in full and on time. In particular, allowing time to process the balance transfer and for all the involved paperwork (yes, even in the Internet age there is still a certain amount of associated paper!) And carefully check that the opening balance allowed on your new 0 rate Credit is at least equal or greater than the balance you want to transfer from your existing credit card, or the deficit is going to cost you money!