New credit card deals start today!
Here we go, just in time for the New Year balance transfer frenzy, as people suddenly realise they’ve overspent on Christmas yet again, credit card companies are already offering some enticing new deals.
New credit card deals have been released today from Natwest, RBS and MINT. From what I can see these cards are good offers in terms of balance transfer rates but if, like 60 per cent of people already in debt, you’re likely to continue shopping in the January sales you might want to think twice about these credit cards because they also feature a competitive 6 month interest free period on purchases.
So, from today the Natwest credit card is offering 13 months interest free on balance transfers. The balance transfer fees are 2.5 per cent if you apply in a branch, or 2.9 per cent if you apply via direct mail, online, or via telephone. There is also 6 months interest free on purchases. The Typical APR is 12.9 per cent variable for new customers but if you have a Natwest current account you can apply for an 11.9 per cent Typical APR, variable.
Considering the average Typical APR on a credit card in the UK is 16 to 17 per cent these are very competitive offers from the Royal Bank of Scotland group.
RBS - The Royal Bank of Scotland credit card is offering exactly the same deal, because Natwest is part of the same group of companies.
The MINT credit card, is offering 0 per cent on balance transfers until 1st March 2009 (so 14 months worth if you apply for the card and transfer a balance before January 08), and 0 per cent on purchases until 01st August 2008. The Typical APR is 12.9 per cent variable with a balance transfer fee of 2.9 per cent. Click here to apply online!
All the cards above from the RBS Group have online account management available and offer up to 56 days interest free period on purchases. Don’t forget the rates offered are subject to status you could be offered a different rate dependent on your credit rating.
As I said previously, just be very wary of credit cards offers like this if you already have a balance to transfer and it is your intention to take advantage of the 0 per cent offer to try and clear some of your debt…
There is always the temptation to spend more if the credit card has a 0 per cent purchase rate too. Unless of course you have no debt and can afford to take advantage of the interest free January sales shopping.