Chase Platinum

0% Introductory APR for up to 12 months on all purchases and balance transfers*
No Annual Fee
Interest-free grace period when you pay your bill in full each month
Get great Platinum privileges

Choose all the privileges of Platinum, with a 0% APR for up to 12 months.
Now that's interesting. Apply Now!

0% Introductory APR for up to 12 months on all purchases and balance transfers*

• The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history
  
• No Annual Fee
  
• Interest-free grace period when you pay your bill in full each month

• FREE Online Account Access
  
• FREE travel services including Auto Rental Insurance and $500,000 Worldwide Travel Accident Insurance
  
• Zero Liability on unauthorized transactions**
  

DID YOU KNOW?

	If interest rates have dropped by a percentage point or more since you got your first mortgage, refinancing could save you big bucks. And if you have enough equity so that your new mortgage is for less than 80% of your home’s value, you’ll be able to stop paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which will save you even more. Mortgage refinancing could also result in lower monthly payments, depending on factors such as: if any ‘points’ are paid to lower the interest rate on the new mortgage; how much cash is taken out at the time of refinancing; the duration of the new mortgage and whether the new mortgage is a fixed-rate, adjustable-rate or variable-rate loan. “A vast majority of people close their loans, make their payments and don't worry about it again,” says Bob Cannon of BancMortgage Financial Corp. “They don't refinance when they should be looking at it.” Even if you have bad credit and have to pay somewhat higher interest rates, mortgage refinancing will still cost less than other forms of borrowing because the loan is secured by your home. And if you use the money wisely, you can get out of credit trouble and raise your FICO score. This will qualify you for better rates in the future. Your FICO score is computed and tracked by the three major credit bureaus: Trans Union, Equifax and Experian. Your score is updated quarterly and is negatively affected by such things as: late or missed loan payments, filing for bankruptcy, having too much debt compared to your income, and credit card balances being too close to their limits. Fixing Bad Credit If you are a homeowner, mortgage refinancing can go a long way toward improving your financial situation. Here are a few other positive steps you can take to speed up the process: Credit card discipline - Reduce the number of cards in your wallet or purse to one. Take it out only when necessary and pay it off each month. Credit union membership - If you aren’t already a member, join a credit union. They’re a good source of loans for purchases like a car or a home. Automatic savings - Have your bank automatically deposit a set amount from your paycheck into your savings account or retirement plan. Avoid credit repair scams - There’s nothing a credit repair company can do that you can’t do yourself with a little research and effort. Many of the homes on your block have probably been refinanced in the last few years. Now it’s your turn. For more information on bad credit mortgage refinancing and a quote based on today’s best rates, visit http://www. badcreditmortgagerefinancingnow.com.

0 APR credit cards are here to stay. Now that we're well into the New Year we've learned (again) the lessons of the festive season. Zero interest credit is a nice idea, but why not extend it beyond your present credit card to the next, and the next. This seven point checklist will assure the clever consumer of having that constant low APR credit for years to come.

1. Read the small print. Make sure it matches the offers on the credit card's advertising copy. In particular, check for clauses that differentiate between purchases and cash transfers, or even cash withdrawals. Check that the card doesn't stipulate a ratio between purchases and cash, charging an excess if the cash activity rises above the purchase activity (that is usually the way it is biased, but check to make sure).

2. Keep to the agreed credit limit as specified in the agreement. Do not exceed the balance limit as specified on your original agreement, or that'll be the trigger for extra charges.

3. Pay at least the minimum charge in full. Even better, set up a standing order or direct debit with your bank. You can arrange to have the minimum paid directly and electronically from your bank account every month.

4. Avoid late fees by paying on time. There is a danger with people who have the benefit of a 0% APR credit card that they will tend to become complacent about it and forget to pay it. Yes, it does happen. But every time a payment is received late credit card providers can and will charge a late fee. This can add up, especially if someone is habitually late. Again, an automatic direct debit from your bank account is the best answer.

5. Factor in any extras in the agreement, as stated in the small print (which you will have read). For example, an annual charge may be applied to offset the 0 APR. Some 0% APR cards do this but others do not. Bear in mind that the whole APR concept was meant to level the playing field as far as extra charges were concerned. By paying an annual charge for your card you are not truly getting a 0 APR card.

6. Make sure you have in mind a new low interest or 0 APR credit card waiting by to which you can transfer the balance of your present credit card. Why have 0 APR credit for 6 months or 12 months when you can have it for years and years? Always check the press and financial columns for new deals and credit card offers with this in mind. Join an Internet forum that specialises in such matters.

7. Make sure that you transfer the balance of your existing credit card to your new credit card in full and on time. In particular, allow for time to process the balance transfer and for all the paperwork involved (yes, even in the age of the Internet there is still a certain amount of paper involved!) and be careful to check that the opening balance allowed on your new 0 APR credit card is at least the same or exceeds the balance that you wish to transfer from your existing credit card, or the shortfall will cost you money!