What To Look For In A Balance Transfer Credit Card

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

When shopping for a new balance transfer credit card, take the time to compare a number of credit cards, as the terms and conditions of these offers varies greatly. There are numerous things to consider before you take this step of choosing a new card. Be sure to read the fine print.

First, you need to have a plan on why you're applying for this new balance transfer credit card. If it's to consolidate two or three credit card balances from higher interest credit cards to a card offering an introductory 0% APR, there's more you need to know. Some issuers charge a fee for each balance transfer transaction. This can amount up to 3%, or a flat fee of $35.00 for each transfer. So if you have a number of account balances you want to consolidate, you need to figure this charge in also.

Some financial institutions only offer the 0% APR on the balance transfer amount and not on new purchases. So if you've transferred balances to this new credit card, and then you use the credit card for new purchases, when you make a payment it is applied toward the lower APR balance and you're assessed interest on your new charges. It isn?t until the balance with the lower interest rate is cleared, that your payments are then applied toward the newer charges with the higher interest rate.

Another thing to take into consideration is the balance limit on the new balance transfer credit card. Is it enough to cover those other credit card balances you want to consolidate? If the credit limit isn't high enough, they won't transfer the whole amount. In addition, you wouldn't be able to use the credit card as it would take you over your credit limit. Again, read the fine print. Going over your credit limit would take you out of the terms and conditions of the credit card, thus voiding the special introductory offer. The penalties can be steep.

You also need to know if there is an annual fee for this new balance transfer credit card. If there is a fee, that would have to be taken into consideration when determining any savings you might realize by consolidating your debts into a new balance transfer credit card.

Now, don't get me wrong, a balance transfer credit card can be a good thing and work to your benefit. With a definite purpose of eliminating some of your debt and then sticking to your plan, a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR valid for several months, can save you a lot of money in interest payments.