Silly question about credit cards (0%)

kitschkitty

I was talking to my friend about finding better credit card deals and she asked me a question, I don't know the answer to, so I'm hoping you knowledgeable folks here can tell me.

If you are accepted for a new 0% credit card (also this question regarding cash back cards to please), is it only on purchases from retailers?

Only my friend wanted to pay her council tax bills with the credit card, for several months, which means she could balance all her accounts, then in the remainder of the 0% period she could pay off the balance on this card.

Now I said wouldn't it be "swings and roundabouts" and to just use it for say food shopping, rather than involving bills, but she said that as she knew the exact amount the council tax is each month she could be sure to balance her accounts accurately and without having to think or worry about it.

YorkshireBoy

Some Councils accept payment for Council Tax by credit card. Some even don't make a charge for doing so. Does your friend's council fit into either of the above?

If she has a short term cashflow crisis, then this will certainly help (on a 0% on purchases card).

sdavies13

I have done this with my council tax, however my sister cannot do this as her council will not accept payment via credit card (only debit, direct debit, or bank transfer).

kitschkitty

Hi, Thanks for the replies, we hadn't even thought to check if the council accept credit cards - turns out they do!

I just didn't know if paying a bill was considered any differently to a purchase in a shop, and if it would not fit in line with the terms & conditions of a 0% credit card.

chattychappy

It will go through as a purchase. If the council make a charge for the facility, that will be part of the "purchase price".

Not a silly question at all. Silly not to ask and get a shock later!

It used to be that all transactions were purchases, except for cash withdrawals and equivalent (eg buying foreign exchange). Nowadays gambling is also treated as a cash advance. I think pretty much everything else is treated as a purchase.