What to Watch out for in Credit Card Balance Transfers

May 26
08:00

2009

Joe Owens

Joe Owens

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You can transfer the balance from your old card to a new card. If you do not know what credit card balance transfers are then read on: There are so many people whose credit debt is big for them to pay off considering the mounting late fees and interest rates?

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Introduction to Balance Transfers

If you do not know what credit card balance transfers are then read on: There are so many people whose credit debt is big for them to pay off considering the mounting late fees and interest rates? You can transfer the balance from your old card to a new card. This might sound ludicrous at first blush, What to Watch out for in Credit Card Balance Transfers Articles but many people have been using this with great success, cutting down their interest rate in the process. You see, since so many credit cards exist in the market, they would do anything for you to move your account to their card. This is why they offer low (up to zero percent) interest rates in the first year or six months when you transfer your balance to their card.

What to Watch Out For

There are of course some dangers when doing this. First of all, you have to read the terms religiously. These zero percent starting rates might jump up to nearly thirty percent interest in a flash. These are usually triggered by late payments. However, some card companies simply increase the rate right after you finish your credit card balance transfers to their bank. Transfer fees might also be hidden somewhere in the terms and conditions. If the transfer fee is too big, it might not be worth the effort at all. So again, study the terms and conditions of the card you are transferring to.

Another thing that people should remember is that the credit transfer strategy cannot be done for an indefinite period. Eventually, you will need to stick to one card and pay of your debt. It could be a good idea to ride a few cards before finally settling on a card. But you should already be paying off the debt in each card little by little. In the end, if the lenders see that you have been jumping from card to card without paying, then your next transfer might not be accepted. If that ever happens, you might get stuck on a card and its interest rates will go up in time.

What to Avoid

Some mistakes you make might also be detrimental to your financial status. A common mistake people make when transferring their balance is that they fail to pay the minimum of their old card while there are processing their credit card balance transfers. You are mistaken if you think your old balance will no longer grow. After the transfer is complete, make sure that you close your old account. There are some people who are too lazy to close their old account. So what happens is that thy mistakenly use their old card again. They forget that the interest rates are still high and end up with two cards that have big debts.