Let's face it - currency isn't green anymore. Currency is a



slab of rectangular plastic decorated in goldfish, landscapes,

paintings or whatever ? sporting a magical black strip on

the rear side. Plastic is convenient, but dangerous. However,

there are instances when credit cards can prove to be necessary.

Emergencies, delayed paydays, holidays ? all can be aided with

a good credit card.

So which ones are the good ones? How can you tell when a credit

card offer will live up to the hype that it's envelope screams

at you? The biggest thing to look at is the APR. People used

to think that the greater the number of benefits offered by a

credit card ? the better the credit card. This is simply not

the case. When it comes down to it, the best benefit out there

is to have low to zero finance charges and interest. A 0% APR

credit card provides this benefit. So do credit card companies

actually offer 0% APR?

When you receive a credit card offer in the mail, the first

thing you should look for is the APR. Likely, it will be

printed in bold and set in a huge font. The offer may read

0% annual percentage rate or APR ? but look closer. Often

the 0% offer is simply a lure to hook consumers and will

only last about six months, and then the APR shoots up.

Whether the credit card shoots up a lot or a little should

be the determining factor on whether or not to sign up for

the offered credit card.

Sometimes, even short-term 0% cards can be very helpful. In

many instances, 0% APR is attractive to people who need to

transfer a balance from a high interest card. Debt consolidation

is a smart and common practice to help higher credit scores

and manage debt effectively.

It's hard to find negatives in 0% credit cards, but they can

prove to be less beneficial for some. For those who pay off

there credit cards every month, and do not have to worry about

carrying a balance ? a rewards card is the way to go.

All in all, there are three options. One, choose a credit card

with the lowest APR possible. Two, go for the card that offers

the best rewards ? as long as you pay it off every month. Or

three, just avoid added debt ? because the absence of a credit

card always will carry 0% APR.

Article written by Cat Tobin.