
Corona credit cards offer relief programs to help manage debt, providing a much-needed lifeline for those struggling to make payments. Some cards offer temporary hardship programs that can suspend or reduce payments for up to 90 days.
These programs can be a game-changer for individuals facing financial difficulties, allowing them to catch their breath and get back on track. By temporarily alleviating the burden of debt, these programs can help prevent further financial strain.
In addition to hardship programs, some corona credit cards also offer debt consolidation options, which can simplify payments and reduce interest rates. This can be especially helpful for those with multiple debts and high interest rates.
By taking advantage of these relief programs, individuals can regain control of their finances and start building a stronger financial future.
Credit Card Options
Corona credit cards offer a range of benefits, but one of the most attractive options is the cashback rewards program. Many cards offer up to 5% cashback on certain purchases, such as groceries and gas.
Some corona credit cards have no annual fee, making them a great option for those who want to avoid extra charges. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for example, has no annual fee for the first year.
If you're looking for a card with a long 0% intro APR, consider the Citi Simplicity Card, which offers 21 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. This can be a huge help if you need to finance a large purchase.
The Discover it Cash Back card also offers 5% cashback on various categories throughout the year, such as restaurants and home improvement stores. Just remember to activate the 5% categories each quarter to earn the bonus cashback.
Some corona credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred's 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Managing Debt
Paying off credit card debt strategically is crucial, especially if your income has taken a hit.
It's essential to stay focused on paying off credit card debt and building up emergency savings during this time. This means making the most of your debt repayment plan, even if it's just the minimum payment.
A balance transfer card with 0% introductory APR can be a game-changer, but only if you understand how it works. You can transfer your high-interest debt to a card with no interest for a promotional period, saving you money in interest charges.
For example, transferring a $3,000 balance from a 15.24% APR card to a card with no interest for six months and a 15.24% APR after the intro period can save you $320 in interest charges. The total payoff period would be 35 months, compared to 39 months with the original card.
If you have a good or fair credit score, you might consider the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card. It comes with a 0.99% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, with no balance transfer fee.
A balance transfer fee typically ranges from 2% to 5%, so it's essential to factor that in when deciding whether to transfer your debt.
Here's a comparison of the two scenarios:
If you have a good or fair credit score, you might be able to qualify for a balance transfer card with no balance transfer fee and a longer intro period.
Coronavirus Relief
If you're struggling to pay your credit card bill due to the coronavirus pandemic, don't worry, you're not alone. Many credit card companies are offering some form of financial relief to customers impacted by the pandemic.
To take advantage of these relief programs, you'll need to contact your provider and formally request financial assistance. Be aware that some companies are asking you to visit their websites or use their mobile apps first due to longer-than-normal wait times on the phone.
You can potentially lower or defer your monthly minimum payment, which can give you some breathing room. Emergency forbearance allows you to skip or reduce your payments for a limited time, but you'll need to make up any skipped or reduced payments after your forbearance period ends.
Many credit card companies are also waiving or refunding late fees if you request financial relief because of the pandemic. This can save you some money and help prevent a negative impact on your credit score.
Some credit card companies may also temporarily reduce your interest rates for a hardship, which can help reduce the amount of interest you owe. Keep in mind that the credit card's interest rate will return to normal when the term ends.
If you're unable to pay your bill, it's essential to contact your credit card company immediately. Missing a payment can result in fees or added interest, and it can also negatively impact your credit score.
Here are some common forms of assistance that credit card companies are offering:
- Lowering or deferring your monthly minimum payment
- Waiving or refunding late fees
- Temporarily reducing your interest rates for a hardship
- Establishing a payment plan to pay off existing balances
Coronavirus Relief Programs
Many credit card companies are offering some form of financial relief to customers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. You'll need to contact your provider to formally request financial assistance.
Some common forms of assistance include lowering or deferring your monthly minimum payment, which allows you to skip or reduce your payments for a limited time. You'll need to make up any skipped or reduced payments after your forbearance period ends.
Waiving or refunding late fees is another option, which can save you money if you miss a payment. During the coronavirus pandemic, many companies are waiving or refunding late fees if you request financial relief because of the pandemic.
Temporary interest rate reductions are also available, which can lower the price you pay to borrow money. However, keep in mind that the credit card's interest rate will return to normal when the term ends.
If you're struggling to pay off existing balances, you may be able to secure a repayment plan that works better for your current situation.
To take advantage of these relief programs, you'll need to contact your credit card company and ask about their options. Be aware that many companies are asking you to first visit their websites or use their mobile apps due to longer-than-normal wait times on the phone.
Here are some common forms of assistance that companies are offering:
- Lowering or deferring your monthly minimum payment
- Waiving or refunding late fees
- Temporary interest rate reductions
- Establishing a payment plan to pay off existing balances
Note that the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act places special requirements on companies that report your payment information to credit reporting agencies if they provide payment relief due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chase
If you're a Chase credit card customer struggling to make payments due to the pandemic, you're in luck. Chase is offering a COVID-19 Payment Assistance Program that lets you defer a payment without incurring a late fee. To take advantage of this service, you must enroll in the program. This can provide some much-needed breathing room during a difficult time.
Applying for a Card
Going into the process with the right mindset is crucial. It's best to think of applying for a 0% APR card as just the first step towards easing financial hardship.
Before you apply, consider that a credit card is a tool, not a solution. Applying for a new credit card to ease financial hardship requires four important steps.
Td Bank
TD Bank offers a range of credit cards to suit different needs. Their TD Cares program is a great resource for customers affected by the pandemic, waiving or refunding fees and reviewing payment options.
If you're struggling to make payments, TD Bank may be able to delay them for you. This can provide some much-needed breathing room during a difficult time.
The TD Cares program is designed to help customers financially affected by the pandemic. To find out what options are available to you, simply call the bank to discuss your situation.
TD Bank's flexible payment options can be a lifesaver for those who are struggling. By working with the bank, you can find a solution that meets your needs.
What to Do When Applying for a New Card
Applying for a new credit card can be a great way to ease financial hardship, but it's essential to approach it with the right mindset.
It's best to go in with the mindset that applying for a 0% APR card is only the first of many steps you'll take. This means being proactive and taking responsibility for your financial situation.
There are four important steps you should actively take to ensure the card helps you, rather than harms:
Tell of Your Impact
If you've been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, you're not alone. Many people have lost income due to the pandemic, and credit card companies are offering programs to help.
Most credit card companies are currently offering programs if you've lost income because of the pandemic. Be prepared to provide documentation about your current situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will credit card companies allow you to skip a payment?
Credit card companies usually don't allow skipping payments without a prior agreement, but options like debt settlement plans or forbearance programs may be available. Contact your issuer to discuss possible alternatives to missed payments.
Sources
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/credit-cards-offering-coronavirus-relief-with-fee-waivers-payment-flexibility
- https://money.com/credit-card-rewards-covid/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/applying-for-credit-cards-during-crisis/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-debt-during-coronavirus-relief-options-tips/
- https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/credit-card-relief-during-coronavirus/
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