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Basically what the term ‘balance transfer credit cards' refers to is the matter of how you can transfer the remaining balance on any of your credit cards to another. You may wonder why you would have to do this, and if you are wondering, then you are going to want to read on so that you can learn more about this.
About The Matter Of Balance Transfer Credit Cards
There are certain credit card companies out there that you can choose from which offer the option of balance transfer credit cards, and this means that when you sign up for one or more of these balance transfer credit cards, that at any time you are able to put the balance that is left on one credit card onto another.
This is helpful in a variety of different situations, for instance if you were going to lend one of your credit cards to a friend or someone in your family but you only wanted a certain amount of money on it, then you could transfer that exact amount of money from one of your other credit cards onto that one.
You just want to make sure that there is a limit as well on the card if you are lending it out to someone, because even if you completely trust them, you never know, and you certainly do not want to end up with a huge bill at the end of the month, especially one that you yourself did not even make.
However you do not need to get this specific type of credit card in order to be able to transfer balances, although you will have to speak to your credit card company and ask them whether or not they offer this option first, because they may not.
You really just have to make sure that you are fully aware of everything that is happening, so that you are informed and knowledgeable and so that you thus know what is going on with your credit cards.
You have so many different options when it comes to credit cards, and so regardless of what qualities you are looking for, you should be able to find the perfect credit card for you.
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.