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When you receive a balance transfer offer in the mail, it might seem like a gift. These offers typically let you transfer the balance from one credit card to a new credit card, which has a lower interest rate. While transferring your balance does have some benefits, you must read the fine print on the offer. You might be surprised when you discover the details regarding that transfer because not all balance transfer credit cards have the same benefits.

Total Amount Allowed

Before you consider shifting your balance, you should look at the total amount allowed. Some balance transfer credit cards limit your first transfer to $1,000 or less. If you have a higher amount on a higher interest credit card, you might not save much by transferring such a small amount. This small amount can also impact your credit score. The main credit bureaus look at the ratio you have of debt to available credit. Opening a new card that you instantly fill with a balance transfer can lower your credit score because it decreases your debt to available credit ratio.

Balance Transfer Fees

You should also read the fine print for any fees relating to that transfer. Some credit card companies offer low cost balance transfers, but the company buries the information on fees in the terms of the contract. The company can add these fees in one of two ways. The first method involves charging a set fee based on the size of the transfer, which the company adds to your total amount. For example, if you transfer $1,000, your credit card balance shows a total of $1,100. The other method requires that you pay the fee upfront. For example, if you want to transfer $2,000 onto the card, the company makes you pay the fee for that transfer before it approves the transaction.

Length of Rate

The most important thing to keep in mind is the length of the terms. Most balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory rate that only applies for the first six months or the first year after making the transfer. If you do not pay off the card during that time frame, your interest rate suddenly rises. You might find that your interest rate doubles after the introductory period. Before you transfer your balance, make sure that you can pay off the total amount of the transfer within the introductory period.

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Q: What You Need to Know About Balance Transfer Credit Cards?
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What are some things to know about a Credit Card Transfer Balance?

A few things to know about credit card transfer balances are first, that your new rate may be an introduction rate. Second, you can transfer other balances to the same new card. Third, there is often a "balance transfer fee" associated with these types of transactions. Last, remember that in our post recession economy it is getting harder to secure credit. So, one trying to get a new credit card to do a balance transfer onto may find it more difficult to get approved for a new card than in times past.


Can your friend transfer balance from her account to pay off your credit card account?

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What is the downside to choosing to transfer a credit card balance to a different card?

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