On Tuesday came into force an amendment to the Tax Code, which introduces the so-called grace period - a grace period that allows for a set period of free credit card. According to experts, the innovation will greatly enhance the interest in credit cards by the public.
At the time, the introduction grace period led to the development of credit card market in Western countries, which has long been a normal tool for attracting customers. Indeed, the existence of favorable conditions of repayment - an excellent opportunity to use the money to the bank almost free. We are in the country until February 1 this year, the classic grace period was technically impossible, as the financial benefits from savings on interest for the use of borrowed funds, was considered income and taxed. Income tax paid to 9.75% for ruble loans, and 9% - for loans in foreign currency.
Course, this resulted in pennies, but the customers of banks are not eager to make it harder to communicate with tax authorities.
Some banks, in particular Russian Bank for Development (RBR), " Vanguard ", Alfa Bank Express , all the same decided to offer some semblance of the classic grace period. But they had to resolve a tax problem in its own way. In particular, RBR, borrowers who, within 30 days to take advantage of reduced cost of credit at 0.1%, the pay with the tax authorities, including income from tangible benefits in the cost of discount rate. In Alfa Bank Express card with the specific conditions of the loan and does not necessarily imply the use of free credit. Customers who within 35 days repay a loan may do so at a lower interest rate - 15% in rubles and 10% in foreign currency (in subsequent periods - 29 and 27% respectively).
Since yesterday the situation of the banks that wish to enter the grace period, much simpler. As told "Izvestiya", the press-service payment system, Visa International, the adoption of amendments to the Tax "will be a powerful incentive for rapid development of the market of credit cards in Russia, because now overcome one of the barriers to mass use." Market participants also predicted a sharp increase in interest to the public credit, as well as their attractiveness has increased significantly. "Credit Cards - the future of our retail credit , - deputy head of confident lending to individuals MDM Banking Tatyana Drozdova. - Site to replace a smaller target loans offered in retail outlets ". After all, free credit, which is now being actively promoted trade networks, are not issued with the help of maps, is still taxed.
Expected and mass suggestion of preferential treatment from banks. The first after the adoption of amendments to the Tax on the introduction on 1 February grace period of up to 50 days, Citibank announced. However, in reality, a grace period will be slightly less. So, if you make a purchase on the map of February 1, at the end of the month you'll receive a statement, and the preferential repayment is within 20 days. In addition, credit card with a grace period provided for higher interest rates. In particular, if the regular credit card would cost at 1.25% per month, according to a credit card with a grace period - to 2% per month. As it is quite natural, as well as with updated credit card banks face high risks, which lay in the cost of credit.
main advantage of the credit card is the possibility of using customer credit funds as needed. If you receive a consumer loan the client receives the entire amount of the loan immediately, and immediately begins to pay interest on it, the credit card holders pay interest accrued on the bank only actually used part of the credit limit.
Deputy Chairman of the Board "Avangard" Valery Torhov:
Credit Card is a convenient way to pay for goods and services. There is no need to worry about how much money in the wallet. And even if you do not live amateur loan, "Credit" may be a fallback solution in case you do not have enough to pay money. Disadvantages - the restrictions that normally determine the banks to get cash.
Deputy Head of lending to individuals MDM Bank Tatyana Drozdova:
only lying on the surface discommode credit card - not all outlets accept "plastic" to pay for their goods or services, but it is safe to say that all more or less the major trading networks can pay by card.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Development Bank Maxim temples:
Unlike consumer credit offered by the shops, the holder can activate the card at any convenient time and location. That is, there is a change of motivation of the "buy coffee makers" to the serious management of their own finances. As always leads to empowerment, and ultimately - to promote a culture of consumption. For less, I would mention the restriction in the amount of use.
