Credit Card Sleight of Hand: Weasel Wording Saugerties NY

Credit card companies are experts in that age-old marketing trick: Weasel wording. Weasel wording is language deliberately crafted to be vague enough to make it possible to “weasel out of” any implied promises and commitments advertised. Weasel wording is a time-honored tradition used not just in advertising, but also in contractual agreements, and in—surprise, surprise—political speeches.

No wonder that credit card companies love weasel wording and use it liberally in both credit card offers and the terms and conditions of credit card agreements. Here are a few examples of credit card weasel wording.

When looking over credit card offers, pay careful attention to how the offer is phrased.

Fine Print: 0% APR for up to 12 months; APR as low as 10.99%; credit limit as high as $10,000.

What it means: That’s anybody’s guess. There is no way of knowing the real terms offered until the card arrives in the mail. With this wording, the actual terms of the credit card will depend on the credit score of the person applying for the credit card. You could end up with what could be a card with a 21.99% APR, a three-month 0% APR, and a credit limit of $1,000. To avoid getting a card with poor terms, instead apply for credit card offers that clearly state the terms, leaving out weasel phrases, such as up to, as low as, and as high as. ...

Click here to read the full credit card article from CreditCard Guide.