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Date Published : Wednesday, April 09, 2008
A recent study found that the number of households expecting to have increased credit card debt in three months' time has increased "massively" over the past year.
The Dun and Bradstreet survey noted that, especially among the young, Australians are using credit cards more and more to service debts both in the short-term and in the long-term.
As a result, the low interest credit card market is beginning to tempt some people who, a year ago, would not have considered looking for a good credit card offer.
Many credit cards on the Australian market offer incentives for people to sign up to that service. This honeymoon period often takes the shape of interest-free deals on purchases or a temporary suspension of regular account fees.
If consumers have a large credit card debt, a honeymoon period can ease the burden and help them pay it off during that time. The best way to use a credit card is to pay it off in full each month so that people avoid interest charges. If consumers are in a position where they are unable to do this, a honeymoon period might help you get back on track.
Current credit cards which offer a honeymoon period include the St George Vertigo MasterCard, which offers customers a zero per cent charge on balance transfers for the first six months, a 55-day interest free period on all purchases and St George reward points.
Compare credit card offers.
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