Credit cards are sometimes be useful to spread costs and manage debt. So if you are looking for a card, the following options might be useful.
0% on new purchases: Useful if you’re planning on buying big items, such as important electrical equipment. These cards allow you to spread the payment over a number of months instead of straight away. As long as you pay off the minimum amount each month and the outstanding amount before the 0% deal expires, this could be a useful card.
0% on your balance transfer: These cards are usually used if you already have an amount on another card that you want to transfer over. This allows you to move the amount you owe onto a new card and pay no interest for a certain length of time helping to spread the cost (however you will usually incur a balance transfer fee for moving money onto these cards).
0% on your balance transfer and purchases: Some cards offer both features in one - worth considering if you’re switching and have existing amounts, but still want to secure 0% on purchases. Again it’s worth noting that there’s usually a fee to transfer money onto the card.
Reward cards: Some cards offer a bonus feature whereby they allow you to earn cash back, points or air miles as you spend. Each card will have its own unique terms and conditions, however, so be clear on the small print.
Low life-time rate cards: An alternative to 0% cards, these offer the simplicity of charges that have a consistent, low rate for as long as it takes to clear the amount owed. While it means you’ll never be ‘borrowing money for free’, it also means you’ll avoid big APR charges and bill shocks.
Cards from your bank: These usually have their own benefits and conditions, with introductory offers or rewards.