Balance Transfer

What is a balance transfer and how does it work?

A balance transfer is just a credit card transaction in which debt is transferred from one account to another. If done wisely, it can significantly reduce interest charges for customers paying down high-interest debt.

Balance transfers work by first applying for a new credit card with a reduced initial APR, then starting a balance transfer and repaying the balance. It can also make bills easier to manage by combining many accounts with different creditors into a single card with a single payment.

The following are the steps you need to take to transfer your balance:

1. Use an offer on a card you already own or apply for a card with an introductory 0% APR offering on balance transfers.
2. Start the balance transfer process. If you're doing this over the phone or online, you'll need to submit details about the debts you want to transfer, including the account number, issuer name, and amount due.
3. Wait for the transfer to be completed. The issuer will often pay off your previous account instantly when the balance transfer is approved. Your new account will reflect that previous balance in addition to the balance transfer fee.
4. Reduce the outstanding balance. You'll be obligated to make monthly payments on that account once the balance is transferred to the new card.

A credit card debt can be transferred to a new card, but not from one card to the other provided by the same institution. You can also transfer debt other than credit card debt, including that from personal loans, straight to a balance transfer credit card. The amount you pay with the cheque will be added to the balance on the balance transfer card, and interest will be charged at the initial APR.

When to choose a balance transfer option?

TPaying off your debt as soon as you can is the best, most affordable option if you can afford to do so and can pay off a debt in 3 months or less or if you can't qualify for a zero percent APR deal. Additionally, a personal loan might be an excellent option if you want a bigger amount and don't mind paying interest;

If you need months to pay off high-interest debt and also have an excellent credit score to get approved for a card with a 0% initial APR on balance transfers. With such a card, you might significantly reduce your interest costs, giving you an advantage when it comes to paying off bills.

In conclusion, a balance transfer to the card is a wise decision if you have a balance on a high-interest credit card that you won't be able to pay off shortly, with manageable debt, and reasonable spending restraint. If you find a card with a good balance transfer rate and no transfer fees for a reasonable time period.

Points to consider when choosing a balance transfer

The majority of balance transfer deals are quite alluring, and many of them include low or no interest rates or even eliminated fees for a specified period of time. However, consider your options and determine when to take action before deciding on an offer and transferring your amount.

• Duration of introductory offer: The best balance transfer cards provide a 0% introductory APR on transferred balances for up to 21 months or more.
• Costs: Transfer fees for balances range from 3 to 5 percent of the transfer amount. Consider any additional fees, such as whether the card has an annual charge.
• Intro APR on Purchase: Several balance transfer cards also have a 0% intro APR on purchases; however, this is probably less significant if you're trying to pay off current debt.
• Regular APR: Take note of the rate of interest that will apply to any outstanding amounts and future balances once your introductory period has ended. Compare it to the current credit card interest rate.