Figuring out how you will pay for holiday
purchases is as important as selecting the right gifts. For example, if
you prefer to spread out payments, a no-annual-fee card with a 0%
introductory interest rate could be just the thing.
Citibank
offers three no-fee cards with a 0% rate on purchases and balance
transfers lasting from 15 to 18 months. (You pay a 3% balance-transfer
fee.) The Citi Diamond Preferred card (full rate: 11.99% after 18
months) provides access to personalized concierge services that can
help you book hotel rooms and flights. The Citi ThankYou card
(full rate: 12.99% after 15 months) awards one ThankYou point for every
$1 spent. Points may be redeemed for gift cards, travel rewards or cash.
The interest rate on the Citi Simplicity card (full rate: 12.99% after 18 months) won’t increase even if you pay late.
If you pay off your entire balance each month, you may prefer a
rewards card that offers a 0% intro rate plus a 5% rebate on varying
categories of purchases. The new no-fee U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
card (0% for six months, then 13.99%) allows cardholders to select two
purchase categories each quarter for which they will earn 5%. You may
also choose a category that will earn you 2%. All other purchases earn
1%. The no-fee Discover More
card (0% for 15 months, then 10.99%) offers a 5% cash-back bonus on
purchases in categories that rotate quarterly. With the no-fee Chase Freedom
card (0% for 15 months, then 12.99%), you earn 5% on up to $1,500 spent
on airline fares and hotels -- and at Best Buy and Kohl’s through the
end of December.
