Should you opt for an online balance transfer credit card application or opt for the old-fashioned way and mail it in? Balance transfer credit cards are all the rage, and it's no wonder with low interest rate offers abounding and consumers becoming increasingly-conscious of paying down their debt. But what is the best way to apply for a balance transfer credit card? Online or off?

Here are some things to consider.

1. Instant Approval

With the old fashioned balance transfer credit card application, you had to have the application mailed to you (or pick one up at a store or a bank) and then fill it out and mail it back in. Then wait a few weeks for the credit card company to process the application and wait even longer for the reply (or the card) to be mailed back.

Kiss all that waiting goodbye.

Nowadays, thanks to online balance transfer credit card application websites, long waits are no longer the norm. Simply log onto the Internet, find the best balance transfer credit card for your needs and fill out the online balance transfer credit card application. Click the "submit" button and you're done.

Many websites will process your application instantaneously and those who don't can get you a response in as little as a few days. Forget waiting weeks. Your new balance transfer credit card can be in your hands in just a few days thanks to today's online balance transfer credit card application.

2. Better Access to Information

When you have a paper balance transfer credit card application, you can see the terms and conditions of the card (in legal jargon) and a few lines of info regarding the card's benefits, but it's not a lot to go by. With on online balance transfer credit card application, however, you have access to an entire website.

Today's credit card application websites are much more informative than the three-fold pamphlets of days gone by. Many websites offer pages of information regarding the card's terms and conditions, benefits and contact information.

3. Hand Cramps

Of course, filling out on online balance transfer credit card can be a lot faster than filling out a snail mail application. Instead of manually writing all of your information in, you can type it into the application in just seconds (depending on how fast you type).

With today's hectic lifestyles, every minute counts. Faster processing, more convenience, better information -- the list goes on. It's not hard to see why so many consumers are opting to fill out an online balance transfer credit card application rather than the old-fashioned snail mail version.