Low Inro Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Cards?
Balance transfer credit cards are a wonderful method of saving money and in many cases, gaining valuable points, rewards and cash back bonuses.
By transferring your credit card balance from an existing credit card, you may end up saving hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars!
Dealing With Debt
Self help tips!
Having trouble paying your bills? Are you receiving notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
You're not alone. Many people face financial crises at some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or simple overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. The fact is that your financial situation doesn't have to go from bad to worse.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Developing a Budget
The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your "fixed" expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums.
Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest.
The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.
Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
Credit Counseling Tips
If you're not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can't work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can't keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization.
Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that just because an organization says it's "nonprofit," there's no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or pressure consumers to make large "voluntary" contributions that can cause more debt.
Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs.
Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops.
Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.
Negative Credit Information?
When negative information in your report is accurate, only the passage of time can assure its removal. A consumer reporting company can report most accurate negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for 10 years.
Information about an unpaid judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer. There is no time limit on reporting information about criminal convictions; information reported in response to your application for a job that pays more than $75,000 a year; and information reported because you've applied for more than $150,000 worth of credit or life insurance.
There is a standard method for calculating the seven-year reporting period. Generally, the period runs from the date that the event took place.
Credit Accounts Closed?
Maybe Not!
Many people are surprised to find accounts they thought were closed are still listed as open. If you find this, contact the creditor and officially close the old, inactive account.
Credit Scores Information
There are many types of credit scores. They are developed by independent companies, credit reporting agencies, and even some lenders. As a rule, the higher the score, the better.
Each credit reporting agency calculates your score and each score may be different because the credit history each agency has about you may be different.
Lenders may make a credit card or auto loan decision based on a single agency's score, although others such as mortgage lenders often will look at all three scores.
Your credit score changes when your information changes at that credit reporting agency. This is good news! It means you can improve a poor score over time by improving how you handle credit.
Many insurance companies use something similar when setting your insurance rates, called a “credit-based insurance score.” You may be able to improve your insurance score by improving how you handle credit, which in turn may lower your premium payments on auto or homeowners insurance.
Some credit scores offered to consumers are just estimates and are different from the credit risk scores lenders actually use, although they may appear similar. Consumer reporting agencies and other companies sometimes use an estimated score to illustrate a consumer's general level of credit risk. How might you tell whether a score is estimated? Ask the company if the score is used by most lenders. If it isn't, it is likely to be an estimated score.
What's NOT in Credit Scores?
By law, credit scores may not consider your race, color, religion, national origin, sex and marital status, and whether you receive public assistance or exercise any consumer right under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act or the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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Balance Transfer - Low Intro APR Cards
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| Discover® More(SM) Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Earn more cash in more ways than anyone else(SM)*
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online*
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners*
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
- 0% Intro APR for 12 months on Purchases and Balance Transfers
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| Blue from American Express® |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
As Low As 11.49%* |
None* |
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- 0% APR on purchases for up to 12 months
- No Annual Fee
- Low Balance Transfer APR - 2.99% for 12 months
- Earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, merchandise, and unique entertainment experiences.
- Membership Rewards Express® program
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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| Blue Cash® from American Express |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
As Low As 12.49%* |
None* |
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- Earn up to 5% cash back on everyday purchases - even gas!
- No Annual Fee
- 0% Intro APR for up to 12 months on purchases
- Low Balance Transfer APR - 2.99% for 12 months
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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| Discover® Open Road(SM) Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Double Cashback Bonus on grocery store purchases in November and December*
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
- Save at the pump and everywhere else.*
- 5% Cashback Bonus® on gas and auto maintenance purchases
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at top online retailers*
- Up to 1% Cashback Bonus on all other purchases
- Unlimited cash rewards
- Increase, even double, the value of your rewards when you redeem for gift cards from our 100 Cashback Bonus Partners
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| Chase Platinum Visa® Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
12 Months* |
9.99%* |
None* |
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- 0% Intro APR for up to 12 months
- The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history
- No Annual Fee
- FREE Online Account Access
- FREE travel services including Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance
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| Discover® Motiva(SM) Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 3.99%* |
6 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Double Cashback Bonus on grocery store purchases in November and December*
- Cash Rewards for your good credit management!*
- Get a Pay-On-Time Bonus(SM) equal to a full month’s interest every time you make 6 on-time payments in a row—twice a year, every year
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® at top retailers through our exclusive online shopping site
- Up to 1% Cashback Bonus on all other purchases
- Unlimited cash rewards
- Increase, even double, your rewards when you redeem for gift cards from our 100 Cashback Bonus Partners
- 3.99% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
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| Chase PerfectCard™ MasterCard® |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
6 Months* |
9.99%* |
None* |
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- 6% rebates on ALL eligible gas purchases at ANY gas station for the first 90 days
- 3% rebates on ALL eligible gas purchases at ANY gas station after the first 90 days
- 1% rebates on ALL other purchases made anywhere else
- 0% Intro APR for up to 6 months*
- No Annual Fee
- Earn rewards wherever the road takes you with the Chase PerfectCard.
Rebates are automatically credited toward future purchases made on your card.
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| Discover® Business Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
12 Months - P* |
13.99%* |
None* |
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- Earn $100 Cashback Bonus when you apply now**
- 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases and 3.99% intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers
- 5% Cashback Bonus® on office supplies, 2% on gas, up to 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 5 to 20% Cashback Bonus at top retailers through Discover’s exclusive online shopping site
- No Annual Fee
- Fee-free Purchasechecks that earn Cashback Bonus®. to pay merchants who don't accept credit cards
- Free employee cards with customizable limits and monthly reporting on their spending
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| Clear from American Express® |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
As Low As 13.49%* |
None* |
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- No fees of any kind. No annual fee, no late fees, no over-limit fees, no balance transfer fees, no cash advance fees.
- 0% intro APR for up to 12 months.
- Automatic Rewards. You'll get an American Express branded shopping card worth $25 delivered straight to your door every time you spend $2,500.
- Pay in full, or carry a balance.
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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| Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| N/A* |
N/A* |
14.49%* |
$95* |
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- Earn up to 25,000 bonus miles -- enough for a total of $250 off Delta flights
- Use miles to pay for any Delta seat, anytime - - no black out dates and no seat restrictions
- 25,000 miles may also be redeemed for a domestic economy award ticket
- Earn SkyMiles for every eligible dollar you spend
- No annual fee for the first year, then $95: $45 if you are a qualified American Express Cardmember
- Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
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| Advanta Customizable Platinum BusinessCard with Unlimited Rewards |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| N/A* |
N/A* |
7.99%* |
None* |
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Whether you want to showcase your business using your logo, a favorite photo or simply by putting your business name at the top of the card, Advanta provides you with three ways to promote your business every time you use your card. - 0% APR for 15 Months on Balance Transfers, 7.99% Fixed APR thereafter*
- 7.99% Variable APR (based on Prime) on Purchases
- NEW! Unlimited Rewards*
- Earn cash back, travel, merchandise and more
- No Annual Fee and No Limit on the points you can earn
- Get employee cards with no fee and set spending limits per user
- $0 Fraud Liability
- Personalized card -- your company name on the card, plus logo or other image!
*see Terms & Conditions for important information, benefits and limitations
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| Discover® Business Miles Card |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
12 Months - P* |
13.99%* |
None* |
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- 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases and 3.99% intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers
- 12,000 Bonus Miles*
- Earn 5 to 20% Cashback Bonus at top retailers through Discover’s exclusive online shopping site
- No annual fee
- Earn Double Miles on travel and gas*
- Travel with no restrictions – book any airline, any date, any seat
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| Advanta Platinum BusinessCard with Unlimited Rewards |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
0%
BT Only* |
15 Months* |
7.99%* |
None* |
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- 0% APR for 15 Months on Balance Transfers, 7.99% Fixed APR thereafter*
- 7.99% Variable APR (based on Prime) on Purchases
- NEW! Unlimited Rewards*
- Earn cash back, travel, merchandise and more
- 1 point for every dollar in purchases
- No blackout dates on air travel
- No Annual Fee and No Limit on the points you can earn
- Get employee cards with no fee and set monthly spending limits per user
- $0 Fraud Liability
- Personalized card - your company name on the top of the card
*see Terms & Conditions for important information, benefits and limitations
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| Discover® More(SM) Card - Clear |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Earn more cash in more ways than anyone else(SM)*
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online*
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners*
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
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| Discover® More(SM) Card - American Flag |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Earn more cash in more ways than anyone else(SM)*
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online*
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners*
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
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| Discover® More(SM) Card - Sealife Collection |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
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- Earn more cash in more ways than anyone else(SM)*
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online*
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners*
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
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| Discover® More(SM) Card - Wildlife Collection |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
Up to 12 Months* |
10.99%* |
None* |
|
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- Earn more cash in more ways than anyone else(SM)*
- Unlimited cash rewards, automatically
- Up to 20% Cashback Bonus® when you shop online*
- Double rewards with more than 100 Cashback Bonus Partners*
- Customer Service in less than a minute, anytime you want
- 0% Intro APR for 6 months on Purchases, and 12 months on Balance Transfers
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| Chase Platinum MasterCard® |
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Intro
APR |
Intro
Period |
Regular
APR |
Annual
Fee |
| 0%* |
12 Months* |
9.99%* |
None* |
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- 0% Intro APR for up to 12 months
- The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history
- No Annual Fee
- Interest-free grace period when you pay your bill in full each month
- FREE Online Account Access
- FREE travel services including Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance
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