- What are balance transfers?
Credit card companies offer a range of features that are designed to attract new customers. A number of providers offer 0% interest periods on balance transfers allowing money owed on other credit or store cards to be transferred to a new card with a lower rate of interest. This gives you time to pay off your debts without allowing them to spiral out of control by high interest payments.
- What kind of offers can I expect to find?
Many of todays providers offer 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 6 months allowing debts to be transferred over with no interest paid for the period specified. Some people follow the 0% cards, transferring their debt from card to card when each period expires to avoid incurring interest. However, most credit cards that offer this feature are subject to an annual fee that is paid upon opening the account regardless of how long you plan to keep the card.
If do not plan to 'chase' the 0% rates then you must always be aware of the standard APR offered after the introductory period. Any balances remaining after this point will be charged at this rate.
- What should I be aware of?
Some providers offer credit cards that charge no annual fee, but beware, these often come with a catch. This can be in the form of a reduced number of interest free days, some offering none at all. This means that you will pay the standard interest rate on any purchases you make, with interest instantly applied. The longer you take to pay the balance, the more interest you will accrue.
Providers will always supply clear instructions of the rules and regulations that apply to a card on application. Make sure you read the documentation before applying for a card to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions.
One of the great things about some of the credit cards currently on offer is that you can get a 0% interest free period on balance transfers without having to sacrifice low purchase rates. Ideally these cards are used to pay off balances before they begin to increase with interest, but if you can clear your debt within the interest free period you are free to take advantage of a low rate on spending for the remainder of time with up to 55 interest free days.
- Repayments - how do they work?
Credit card companies require a minimum payment that is to be paid each month. This is the minimum amount you are expected to pay each month, and failure to make this payment will lead to charges applied to your account and can have a negative effect on your credit history.
It is recommended that you pay off more than the minimum amount, as your repayments will seem never-ending. For example, if you had a $2,000 debt on a card with a standard interest rate of 15.9 per cent, it would take you over 29 years to clear with a 2% $5 minimum payment. However, if you bumped up your monthly payments to $100, you would be debt free in just two years.
- Is a balance transfer credit card my best option?
Balance transfer cards are most suited for people that wish to clear their existing debts. A good technique for ensuring the debt is cleared within the interest free period is by dividing the amount owed by the number of interest free months. For example if you owe $1,600 and you transfer the debt to a card that offers 6 months 0% on balance transfers, you should divide $1600 by 6 months, then set up a monthly bank transfer of $266.66.
See our Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards.

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