Credit card companies bring back 0 percent introductory rates

Credit card companies are bringing back an incentive that had all but disappeared during the recession: introductory interest rates as low as 0 percent are now being offered for new customers.

It comes with grace periods that run from six to 18 months.

A market research company examined direct-mail credit card solicitations. It found, in 2009 only 40 percent teased customers with reduced introductory rates, but that figure has risen to 80 percent in 2012.