«If you're lucky enough to qualify for one
of those balance transfer cards, it can be a great option,» McQuay said.
By taking advantage
of a balance transfer card with a 0 % APR, you can put more money toward reducing debt instead of paying interest.
Here are the three key features
of balance transfer cards.
This will make it easier for you to be approved for a card, and may also help you get a lower interest rate for when the interest - free period
of the balance transfer card ends.
The disadvantages
of a balance transfer card come in two forms: credit score reduction and lack of benefits.
For many borrowers with high interest rate student loans, refinancing the loans with a private lender is often a better alternative and a safer way to reduce interest rates without the risks
of balance transfer cards.
Also before you commit check with the card issuer if they allow balances from other cards in their portfolio of credit cards to be transferred to one
of their balance transfer cards — they may not allow that.
In the same way, the advantages
of a balance transfer card may outweigh the expense of a balance transfer fee.
0 % credit cards include a wide range
of balance transfer cards, and many also offer cash back, rebates, reward points, and high credit limits for qualified applicants.
It might seem counterintuitive, but the first thing you should do is contact the issuer
of the balance transfer card and ask for a higher limit.
Similarly, with regards to the balance transfer card, it is crucial that you be consistent and regular with your payments as a default or delay on your end could lead to discontinuance of promotional APR or interest - free periods and charging of interest from the date of issue
of the balance transfer card.
That being said, the use of a credit card to compensate off a credit card should be the last - ditch effort to draw yourself out of credit card debt, and it should be utilised once all other alternatives are exhausted including the option
of a balance transfer card.
Looking into the different types
of balance transfer cards and comparing them against balance transfer checks can make a big decision easier.
Most
of the balance transfer cards will offer you only 6 months, but the longer the introductory period — the better.
With a range
of balance transfer cards up to 30 months, we're bound to have something that fits your needs.
The other important aspect
of balance transfer cards consumers need to understand concerns the fees for card use.
You'll find plenty
of balance transfer cards that accept those with poor credit too.
Consider taking advantage
of a balance transfer card that offers 0 % interest for an introductory period.
[0:35:26.1] DR: I'd actually like to say if you do have a balance in your credit card, there are a handful
of balance transfer cards out there with no transfer fee.
A great card for BB&T bank customers, the BB&T Bright card ranks high on our list
of balance transfer cards thanks to its ultralow APR and lengthy 15 - month interest - free balance transfer promotion.
In the same way, the advantages
of a balance transfer card may outweigh the expense of a balance transfer fee.
How to avoid 5 traps
of balance transfer cards — Paying late and not erasing your debt can be costly mistakes... (See Balance transfer)
See related: Best balance transfer cards, Balance transfer credit card reviews, Balance transfer calculator, 9 things to know about balance transfers, How to avoid 5 traps
of balance transfer cards
A great card for BB&T bank customers, the BB&T Bright card ranks high on our list
of balance transfer cards thanks to its ultralow APR and lengthy 15 - month interest - free balance transfer promotion.
Given the variety
of balance transfer card offers, selecting the best one for you may come down to the fringe benefits more than the specific intro offer.
Make sure to check out our list
of balance transfer cards, and for a second opinion, The Simple Dollar's ranking of balance transfer credit cards.
Most
of the balance transfer cards tracked by CreditCards.com feature similar promotions.
Unfortunately, the vast majority
of balance transfer cards offered by major banks come with a costly balance transfer fee.
The whole aim
of a balance transfer card is to buy you breathing room to pay off your balance so you can start fresh, Thakor says.
Editor's note: See the newer story on this topic, «2012 survey
of balance transfer cards shows offers getting better»
One of the main reasons why a large number
of balance transfer cards don't do very well is because their utility ends with the expiry of their introductory 0 % APR period.
Not exact matches
Best
of all, the
card has no annual fee and often has 0 % APR for the first 15 months on purchases and
balance transfers.
If you're thinking
of consolidating credit
card debt with a zero - percent
balance transfer offer, for example, «scrutinize these deals carefully,» McClary said.
Buying products and services with your
card, in most cases, will count as a purchase; however, the following types
of transactions won't count and won't earn points:
balance transfers, cash advances and other cash - like transactions, lottery tickets, casino gaming chips, race track wagers or similar betting transactions, any checks that access your account, interest, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and fees
of any kind, including an annual fee, if applicable.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit
Card has the shortest intro
balance transfer period
of any
of the
cards on this list.
Tip: To ensure maximum effectiveness
of a
balance transfer, you should avoid making new purchases or cash advances on the credit
card.
If you're looking to consolidate debt, it's best to shop around and consider a variety
of options, which include personal loans,
balance transfer credit
cards, and credit
card hardship programs.
Some
cards don't charge these fees, but others will charge 3 % to 5 %
of the
balance transferred.
However, if you do have an excellent credit score, you may want to consider a 0 %
balance transfer credit
card instead
of a personal loan, as you can save money on interest.
A
balance transfer credit
card typically comes with a zero percent interest rate for a period
of six to 24 months, depending on your credit.
The Chase Slate ® is one
of the few credit
cards to waive the
transfer fee as an intro offer on
balances transferred within the first 60 days
of account opening.
Of course,
balance transfer credit
cards have their drawbacks.
If you're dealing with credit
card debt that seems out
of control, it may be worthwhile to get a
balance transfer credit
card like the Chase Slate ®.
If you
transfer a
balance to the
card within 60 days
of account opening, the
balance transfer fee (usually 3 %) will be waived.
Bottom Line: The Citi Simplicity ®
Card - No Late Fees Ever is one
of the better
balance transfer credit
cards, due to the long 0 % intro APR period.
«The Citi Simplicity is one
of the best
balance transfer cards around.
The Chase Slate ® is one
of the best
balance transfer cards currently available.
This makes the Chase Slate ® one
of the best
balance transfer credit
cards around.
Many
of the
card offers you will see from the different
card companies will come with an introductory APR offer, usually 0 % on either
balance transfers or purchases for a period
of a few months to sometimes over a year.
The
card also has a variable APR
of 18.49 % on both purchases and
balance transfers.