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You've got to admire credit card companies. When it comes to hiding how much their products really cost customers, they're almost as talented as budget airlines.

In the same way that a £1 flight can end up costing you £60 with luggage fees and taxes, picking the wrong 0% credit card can cost you dearly.

Credit card companies try their best to charge you at every step, and sell the money you borrow from them for as much as they can. They will borrow from savers by paying them 5-6%, but lend that out on cards at 20%. Well, someone has to pay for the marble encrusted offices.

Withdrawing cash on credit cards is incredibly expensive, and typically means you'll pay fees and charges for months afterwards. Make sure you don't use your credit card to buy foreign currency: the same high charges apply.

Equally, be wary when spending money overseas and on foreign websites, transferring balances to low rate or 0% deals, and using credit-card cheques.

10 minutes spent making sure you understand the small print may save you a packet. As will researching the best 0% credit card for you - feel free to use TheRateTart credit card guide for a comprehensive breakdown of the things you need to know.