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Member since 3/16/09
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 4/3/09 7:34 PM ET
I know much depends on individuals credit scores, but that aside, I am just wondering if any of you have financed your Bernina purchases with a Bernina credit card and if you thought it was worth it. I checked out the application online because it said, "great financing options available" or something to that affect. It looks just like a regular credit card to me with an interest rate that is higher than my standard credit card. For those of you who didn't pay all cash up front, what kind of financing deals did you experience and what makes the Bernina card any better than a standard card?
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Krista
  
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 90
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Posted on: 4/3/09 7:50 PM ET
In reply to arcticmama
The BCC is a great deal when you purchase something during a promotional period in which the interest rate is usually 0% if you spend a certain amount, and for a certain period of time.
I used it to purchase my first Bernina. The idea was to pay the bill before the interest came due, that is what I did and I appreciated it. It's easier for me to pay the card than it is to save my money for 12 months. I know, very sad.
  
Member since 3/16/09
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 4/3/09 8:08 PM ET
That's what I was hoping. I wouldn't feel bad at all about charging it with a 0% interest rate. Any idea when they offer these promotions or how to find out? The nearest dealer is 500 miles away but I'll be heading there in May. I suppose I could ask the dealer to let me know if a special is coming up.
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Krista
  
Member since 12/1/07
Posts: 244
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Posted on: 4/3/09 8:37 PM ET
In reply to arcticmama
I don't know if this is true or not, but my dealer told me there would be no more zero interest promotions. I have a BCC & have used it to buy software & a machine, both with zero interest promotions last year.

If there really is no more of those wonderful zero interest promotions, I don't know whether the GE Bank (the BCC issuer) has any higher interest than any other card.
  
Member since 8/11/06
Posts: 348
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Posted on: 4/3/09 9:15 PM ET
In reply to arcticmama
Quote: arcticmama
Any idea when they offer these promotions or how to find out?

You can go to berninausa.com and sign up for their newsletter. They will send you email notifications of the promotions.
  
Member since 3/16/09
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 4/3/09 10:03 PM ET
Thanks. I signed up for their news letter and will start saving my cash in case there are no more 0% offers..=(
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Krista
  
Member since 3/16/09
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 4/3/09 11:46 PM ET
I'm so excited! I talked directly with a dealer and let her know I was shopping around for the Aurora 440. I asked her about financing and she said I could get 0% financing and 25% off the machine if I purchased it by April 30th. No interest and no payments for 12 months -of course i will make payments though...She said after April 30th there wouldn't be any more special financing. Don't know if that is for all Berninas or just hers but I am taking advantage of this deal!
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Krista
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
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Posted on: 4/4/09 11:06 AM ET
In reply to arcticmama
The only thing I would caution about is if there is any possibility you will be applying for or trying to refinance a home mortgage.

I know someone who was denied a refinancing of their home mortgage, a few months ago, because they had bought a TV from a big box store with one of those "put it on our credit card at 0% interest and pay it off in 18 months" type offers. They are well within their 18 months to pay off, and there are no problems with that account. They have stellar credit, but in today's market mortgage companies are acting squirrelly about anything and everything. And who hasn't taken advantage of those "put it on our credit card and take 18 months to pay this off at 0%"?

If you don't anticipate any sort of mortgage finance/refinance applications before your balance is paid off, then there should be no problems with the credit card option for the new machine.
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 3/16/09
Posts: 48
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Posted on: 4/4/09 11:42 PM ET
Thanks for that caution Doris. Thankfully my husband and I own a house with a good interest rate so we wont have the need to refinance. Wow,though , I would have never thought of that. Just goes to show that paying cash is always the best option.
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Krista
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 4/5/09 10:30 AM ET
In reply to arcticmama
Maybe the idea behind having a brand name on a cc is to get you to purchase more from the store. Maybe there is some rebate or points for using the card.

GE Money Bank must be providing credit to many merchants.

We have purchased PCs, HDTV, a sewing machine, an embroidery machine and a serger all at different times and from different merchants with their own "brand" or "store name" on the complementary credit card, which we have never used.

All where GE Money Bank plans at 0% int if paid by the due date and none had a hidden fee, which some cc companies charge upfront and add to the total purchase price.

Haggle for a price before you say charge it!
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
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