The Financial Blog

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Following up on the 0% balance transfer credit cards blog; http://www.thefinancialblog.co.uk/balance-transfer-credit-cards here are some of the best 0% purchase credit cards available today.

You’ll need to consider not only the duration of the 0% offer on the purchases you make but also the Typcial APR the card reverts to when the 0% offer comes to an end.

Halifax One Online Special - 0% on purchases for 12 months. 15.9% Typcial APR, Variable. >Click here to apply>

HSBC Bank Credit Card - 0% on purchases for 12 months. 15.9% Typical APR, Variable. >Apply online now>

First Direct Gold Card - 0% on purchases for 12 months. 16.9% Typical APR, Variable. >Goto First Direct and apply>

Bank of Scotland One - 0% on purchases for 9 months. Low 9.9% Typical APR, Variable. >Apply Now>

Tesco Clubcard Credit Card - 0% on Tesco purchases for 13 months. 0% on non-Tesco purchases for 3 months. 16.9% Typical APR, Variable. >Click here and apply today>

I’ve included the Tesco Clubcard Credit Card because it is a very good offer even though the 0% is only available on purchases you make at Tesco stores. The card does offer 0% on any other purchases you make but only for 3 months. This credit card also offers 0% on balance transfers for 13 months, there is a 2.5% handling fee on any balance you transfer.

Don’t forget if you’re thinking of making a big ticket purchase and think you might need more than 10 to 13 months to repay then a personal loan might be a cheaper option for you in the long run, especially if you start paying 15% to 16% interest on a credit card when the 0% offer comes to an end…

So what’s the best course of action for a bank that is losing money hand over fist and needs the government to help it out to avoid leaving thousands of customers in trouble?

That’s right - pay a £59 million dividend to shareholders because of the great job they’ve done!

The dividend was announced in July and Northern Rock have stated that the payout will still stand even though the bank is in crisis.

Surely someone will step in and stop this madness?