Sometimes applying for a credit card is all about timing. Yes, you understand that having a credit card is a long-term relationship and responsibility. But if you time a new credit card application when you happen to want to finance a new (and large) purchase, you might be able to find an unbeatable deal that wouldn’t have existed a few months ago and that might not exist a few months into the future.

Let’s see what’s out there on the market this month for consumers like you who might be interested in making a large purchase with a credit card, but who are waiting for the right offer to come around. Here are four of the best credit card offers currently available that could be a good fit for long-term financing.

1. Westpac 55 Day Credit Card

Why it’s a great pick: This is one of those limited time “can’t beat it” offers if you want to make a purchase in the very near future and you can pay it off over the course of a few months. With the Westpac 55 Day credit card, you can do that for free for five months. That’s right — 0% interest on purchases for your first five months. There is no better offer around. And when I say “free,” I mean it. Even the annual fee is waived for the first year!

2. Bankwest Lite Credit Card

Why it’s a great pick: The interest rate on the Bankwest Lite credit card doesn’t quite match the previous offer, but it isn’t bad. The regular purchase rate is 10.75% — very reasonable. But hold on. It gets better. For your first 12 months you’ll get a purchase rate of just 5.99%! With a reasonable $59 annual fee, this money-saving offer is definitely worth considering.

3. Aussie MasterCard

Why it’s a great pick: The Aussie MasterCard might still cost you money in interest, but it currently features the lowest regular purchase rate around at just 9.99%. The low $49 annual fee also won’t add too much to the debt you’re financing. Just consider how many cards have interest rates twice as high and you’ll appreciate the value.

4. Virgin No Annual Fee Credit Card

Why it’s a great pick: The interest rate on this credit card is a bit higher at 16.99%. But it has two things going for it. First, there’s the $0 annual fee, meaning you won’t immediately add to your purchase balance. Then there’s the fact that your big purchase can help you earn rewards points (plus a bonus 1000 Velocity Rewards points on your first purchase if you make it before 31st March 2011). If you’re going to spend a lot on a big purchase anyway, why not get a little something extra out of the deal?

These are by no means the only credit card offers worth considering if you plan to purchase and finance a large ticket item in the near future. But they’re good examples of what you can find when you know what to look for. And what should you look for? Aim for low interest rates, low or no annual fees, and a rewards programme if possible.