Not all banks are equally honest and reputable, some of them can use various tricks when advertizing their credit card offers. These are the popular ways how banks attract consumers to disadvantageous credit card deals. Keep them in mind!
When you see ads of credit card offers, banks try to assure you that they lost sleep over taking a special care of your needs and interests. They introduce the cards they issue as having the lowest imaginable APR and fees, and the rewards will double-cover your credit card expenses. Do you usually believe it is true? And can these incentives be really true?
Actually, even the most reputable banks can send their clients card offers with suspicious perks. On their way to great profits, some credit issuing companies place their operation centers in the states as South Dakota or Delaware (known for having less strict consumer protection laws). Plus, there is often a promotion of credit card offers which can be appealing by the zero interest rates and breath-taking rewards. how can a consumer reveal the dirty tricks some companies practice? There are some receommendations for you to pay attention to.
* "You are pre-approved!" Mind it that banks can be especially inventive with pre-approved credit card offers.
On the one hand, a person with negative or damaged credit can be pre-qualified for a plastic with a sky-high APR and huge fees. On the other hand, you can be pre-qualified for a credit card you are not eligible for: the bank looked through the credit reports, but missed some details.
* Fees that are suddenly modified or introduced. Some credit issuers imply new fees and charges under certain circumstances you can hardly find clearly disclosed - fine print, you know. So, even if the application terms do not include any balance transfer fee, the latter can be charged if, for example, you transfer your balance from a card issued by another lender. Don't be lazy and read everything in detail.
* You were cheated about the interest rate, grace period or the like. First of all, check the terms and conditions of your credit card deals - probably, your grace period is disabled in case you pay off the balance on a monthly basis. If you simply do not have access to the services promised, wait no longer and cancel the card.
* Catchy teaser rates. You may be offered a super-low or absolutely zero APR, but they in most cases come out of effect very soon. Such kind of deals can be very much attractive, especially for those who are eager to transfer the existing debt to a less expensive card. There are two dangerous consequences of applying for these cards.
The incredibly low interest rate period can cease in several months quite unexpectedly, or can be applicable only under special terms. So it is of extra importance to read the fine print. Besides, after the low APR ends, with a considerable balance on now expensive card, you can be offered another alluring deal. Regular balance transfer credit card deals are sure to lower your credit score and are costly, as fees are often charged for this service.
So, here is the conclusion: read the fine print and find out what interest is charged for purchases, balance transfers etc. After several minutes of calculation you will easily understand whether the deal is worth taking or not.
As you see, there are different tricks offenders use to make fast money. And when you see your card is not the one you were promised to be given, think: is this deal worth the fees and rates you pay?
