The Amazon Prime Store Card is an example. You can choose per transaction either 5% cash back or 6/12 (sometimes 24) months interest-free financing, depending on the size of the purchase. (You can only use the card at Amazon, though, and there's the Prime membership fee.) I've bought several plumbing fixtures and a laptop without paying any interest this way.
This is effectively how the low fed-funds rate trickles down to the consumer - there are 0% financing opportunities everywhere.
Ultimately, these deals are subsidized by people who get charged with massive deferred interest payments because they don't plan properly, and that sucks for them, but as you say, it's a great way to start experiencing the benefits of a purchase instantly.
Even better is to use the financing opportunity on something that makes money. I've furnished apartments using 0% financing, and I'll get anywhere from 50%-100% increase on rental income for a furnished apartment - while paying no interest on the loan! It's like putting extra money in your pocket every month for free.
>This is effectively how the low fed-funds rate trickles down to the consumer - there are 0% financing opportunities everywhere.
Indeed, and it's important to point this out to those who insist "Average Joe" doesn't benefit.
Three of the largest investments people will make in their lives are 1) their home, 2) their education and 3) their vehicle. All 3 are generally financed, and financing rates are at historic lows.
