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CUTBACK OF INTRODUCTORY OFFERS: When the latest economic downturn took place, issuers were very quick to cut back on the attractive introductory offers on credit cards. Prior to that downturn, many issuers tried to lure new customers by offering 0 percent APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 to 18 months. But when the economy turned sour and banks started to lose money, most issuers slashed those introductory offers. Introductory offers are again plentiful in the credit card industry in 2012. But if an agreement is not reached and banks start to see their profits decrease, it would not be a surprise to see the attractive introductory offers greatly decreased once again.