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The Disadvantages of RFID Credit Cards
RFID credit cards are taking the nation. Also known as Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short, these cards allow you to make purchases with your credit card without even having to type in a pin number, swipe your card through a reader, or even sign for the sale. Instead, a coil radio transmitter insider your cardimagine how small it must be!sends out a tagged radio signature, that then gets transformed by the way you move your finger over the card.
In essence, your personal way of “swiping” your card with your finger gives the signal a distinct “shape” that acts like an electronic fingerprint. In theory, no one else could have this electronic fingerprint. Its not so much theory anymore. Some credit card companies are already experimenting with RFID technology. You can use them at gas stations, convenience stores, maybe even vending machines.
But is this technology as secure as all the experts say it is? It may be, but the thought of not signing for your purchase may make you have the heebie-jeebies. Also, usually with regular credit cards, the cashier is supposed to look at your card and compare signatures, to make sure you are you, each and every time you make a purchase. With RFID cards, you forgo this extra step of security.
Another issue with RFID cards, and one you wont hear the credit card companies make, is that RFID cards make it possible to too easily to spend and drive up your debt. If all a person has to do is wave their card at the fast food restaurant, to get gas, to buy that expensive new flat-screen televisions set, then chances are they may start waving their card more and more. In the long run, that will make a ton more money for the credit card companies. But for the buyer, that could mean a long lifetime of living in debt.
Another potential issue with RFID technology is that it could be the next wave of the future for everything from passports to security to get into buildings. It could be used possibly to even track your movements throughout the day, the week, and the year. Just imagineyour car, every building that you enter into, your house, your workall of them have RFID security technology. That makes for a chance for Big Brother to keep an eye on you. A scary thought, and pretty far-fetched, yes, but a possible reality none the less thanks to RFID.
Finding Good 0 APR Credit Card Offers
While most of us wish that we could find credit cards that only had 0% APR, they cant really exist because the credit card companies wouldnt make any money. However, if youre looking to save money with a lower interest rate, there are ways to find great deals on APR percentages.
Balance transfers
The trick with getting a 0% APR is to find a credit card that allows you to transfer other balances under that initial lower APR interest rate. While there is usually a time limit to these kinds of offers, they can help save you a lot of money in the long run. And if you think about it, these offers are much like getting the 0% APR on that other card, its just a matter of where you send the bill to.
Talking with the cards that you have
You might not know this, but if youre a good customer for your current credit card company, you may be able to ask for a limited 0% APR period as well. If youve been paying your bills on time and keeping a fairly low balance, many companies are willing to reduce or negate the interest rate for a while. They want your business, so theyre usually willing to give you a deal to keep you using their card.
Going online
There are many credit card company comparison sites that will allow you to see which card companies are offering 0% APR for the first year of use or for limited time periods. And while this isnt a permanent solution, you can see which cards are willing to take you on as a customer for a lower interest rate.
A word of caution
While its safe to say that youre aware of the fact that 0% APR periods can be short, you need to be certain that you understand what the card company defines as a period. In most cases, the first purchase starts the cycle of interest free credit balances, as opposed to the first billing cycle end.
Look to see what the interest rate will be when the trial period is over. If the interest jumps dramatically, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise if youre still carrying a balance. And the truth is that many of these credit card companies will increase their interest rates from 0% to 15% and even 24%.
Also realize that there might be restrictions in getting the 0% APR. If you make certain purchases or dont make a payment within a certain time, you might revoke your right to that lowered interest rate. Read the fine print.