Finances

What is a balance transfer credit card?

Savings may be substantial if high-interest debt was transferred to a credit card with a 0% introductory APR.

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Discover all you need to know below

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It is possible to transfer outstanding debt from one account to another. Learn more about what is a balance transfer credit card.

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Transferring high-interest debt to a credit card with a 0% introductory APR might result in significant savings.

What does Balance Transfer mean? Why should I do One?

The term “balance transfer” refers to a specific sort of credit card transaction in which existing debt is transferred to a new cardholder account.

Paying down high-interest debt in this way can result in significant interest savings.

One possible interest-free repayment strategy involves transferring debt to a credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.

However, there are fees and restrictions associated with transferring a balance. A balance transfer fee is typically assessed, ranging from three percent to five percent of the amount transferred.

Furthermore, you may not be able to transfer your entire sum if the limit on your balance transfer card is low.

The Process of a Balance Transfer: How does it work?

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Now that you have learned what a balance transfer credit card is let’s look into the procedure to make one.

  • Step 1: Cet a new card that offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfer. Or, use an existing offer on a card you currently have. Institutions usually require Good or exceptional credit (usually, a FICO score of at least 690);
  • Step 2: Start the remittance process. Give details about the debt you wish to transfer, including the issuer’s name, the debt’s amount, and the account details, if you choose to do this online or over the phone;
  • Step 3: Overall, give the money time to transfer. After the issuer approves the balance transfer, they typically pay straight to your old account to settle any outstanding balance. Your new account will reflect your previous balance plus the applicable balance transfer fee.

Lastly, settle the debt. After transferring the balance to the new card, you must start making monthly payments.

You can save Money by paying it off within the initial 0% APR period.

How to Choose the Right Balance Transfer Credit Card

As previously stated, Money can be saved through balance transfers. Let’s pretend you carry a $5,000 balance on a credit card with a 20% APR.

However, there are a plethora of nuances and expenses that come with such moves.

For example, if you want to preserve your 0% APR promotion after the transfer, you must make your minimum monthly payment on time each month.

Also, keep an eye on the APR. Is the new card’s regular interest rate higher than the rate at which your existing amount is accruing interest?

The perfect credit card debt transfer would have three large zeros:

  • Balance transfers are eligible for an initial 0% APR.
  • Costing $0 yearly to use.
  • A balance transfer costs zero dollars or the ability to avoid paying one.
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Are There Other Options?

Credit card balance transfers may be worthwhile, according to the opinions of some financial experts.

However, only if you can pay the transferred debt in full during the introductory APR period.

If the cardholder anticipates a high-interest rate on their amount once the promotional period ends, they would be better off getting a personal loan.

It typically has rates that are either lower, fixed, or both.

However, if the institution requires collateral for the personal loan, the customer may feel uneasy doing so.

Made the balance transfer: what should I do now?

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To make sure the balance transfer works for you, here’s what you should do:

Don’t go crazy with your new credit card.

You may be subject to a different interest rate on purchases made immediately using your new credit card.

The buy rate’ is an interest rate that is typically substantially greater than the balance transfer rate.

Reduce your outgoings and prioritize paying down the balance.

Deactivate your current card.

It is important to terminate your previous card before transferring a balance. That way, you can resist the need to rack up more debt.

Preserving Your Credit Rating

Credit card balance transfers and new credit card applications both show up on a consumer’s credit report.

Multiple applications in a short period of time can have a negative impact on your credit score.

You should probably try to pay off your credit card instead of transferring the balance again if you have already done so in the past.

Controlling your financial life and learning more about finances can be a helping tool through this journey. Keep an eye on OK Save Money content and get the best tips!

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About the author  /  Giovanna Klein

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