Despite many card providers suffering falling profits and staggering rises in the level of bad debts, competition is still rife within the market and providers continue to launch headline best buy deals. Andrew Britchford, credit card analyst from Moneyfacts.co.uk explains how consumers can avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with credit card deals and make the best of the offers available. Choosing the right card can be more complicated than you may think.
When choosing a credit card there are many factors to consider in addition to the rate, including introductory offers, balance transfer deals, fees, incentives and, if you dare to venture into the small print, the number of interest free days, repayment order and how the interest is charged. These factors can soon reduce the benefits of an apparently great deal.
Consumers looking for a multi purpose card may find it difficult to find a card that offers competitive terms across the range of account facilities. Providers often dangle one carrot by way of a competitive deal either on balance transfer rates, introductory or standard purchase rates in the hope the consumer will feast upon other facilities,...