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Paying too much in credit card interest is not fun and you will definitely want to look for a way that will help you avoid paying credit card interest while paying off your debt. A balance transfer is that money-saving option to help you. Before we get into the depths of a balance transfer process, you should understand what a balance transfer is.
What is a balance transfer?
A balance transfer is a transaction that allows you to move full or a part of your balances from your credit card (or cards) to another card with a lower interest rate. The point of performing a balance transfer is to pay off your credit card debt at a lower APR or no interest rate. The most reasonable balance transfers are transfers to a new credit card that offers a long 0% intro APR period because this way you will be able to save the most money in the long run. It should be noted that balance transfers cannot be completed between credit cards that are issued by the same bank.
How does a balance transfer work?
Credit card balance transfers are actually rather simple and easy to complete. Here are three steps with all details that outline a balance transfer process. Read on to see what actions you need to take in order to complete a balance transfer.
1. Apply for a new balance transfer credit card
When you are thinking of a balance transfer, a new credit card with 0% intro APR on balance transfers is the best choice. As you are looking for a balance transfer credit card, your first priority should be credit cards with a long 0% intro APR and a low balance transfer fee.
A standard balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount transferred, but sometimes this fee can be up to 5% of the amount transferred. There are only a few credit cards with no balance transfer fee, meaning you don't have to pay any fee to transfer the balance, however, you should note that paying a balance transfer fee isn't always a bad thing.
Depending on the balance transfer credit card you choose, you still can save on a balance transfer even if you pay a balance transfer fee. If not, then that balance transfer credit card isn't a fit for you. If you are not sure where to start and need some help finding the best credit cards for balance transfer, here we've picked up some of the best credit cards for balance transfer below.
Longest 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers
The Citi Rewards+® Card can be a good option for those who want to pay off their debt and continue using the new card for everyday purchases. The card offers 15 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases. Once the introductory rate is over, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable), based on your creditworthiness. Note that the card's balance transfer fee is Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min). On the bright side, there is no annual fee, and the card comes with a point rewards program. The card allows earning points on all purchases, and the points you earn are ThankYou® points, meaning you can redeem them on the ThankYou® portal.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card will be attractive to those who need a 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases. Both introductory rates are given for 15 months and after that the 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR will apply. While the 0% introductory period is long, the balance transfer fee is quite high - 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. However, your savings on interest may still offset the balance transfer fee.
Additionally, the Citi Custom Cash® Card earns up to 5% cash back on purchases made with the card. The card is also a part of the ThankYou® Rewards program, which means you have plenty of ways to redeem earned rewards, including transfer to travel partners.
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers. You'll have more than a year until a go-to APR of 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) comes into effect. The balance transfer fee is rather low - 3% of each balance transfer you complete within the first 4 months of account opening (After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).). There is no annual fee for the card. It also allows to earn cash back on purchases, so this is a good card to keep after the transferred balance is paid off. A decent credit card with a decent rewards program can help you continue building your credit.
2. Request a balance transfer
There are two ways to initiate a balance transfer: when you apply for a balance transfer credit card or when you receive your new balance transfer credit card.
The first option, requesting a balance transfer during credit card application process, is not offered by all issuers, but many balance transfer credit cards allow you to provide credit cards information to initiate a balance transfer. This is a bit risky because your balance transfer request may be rejected if you ask to transfer more than available credit limit on your new credit card.
The second option is not that risky. You already know the available credit limit on your new card and you can simply call the issuer or log in to your online account to initiate a balance transfer. To initiate any balance transfer, you will need to provide the following information: account number for the card from which you wish to transfer, the bank name, and the amount you would like to transfer.
You should remember that you will need to keep making all at least minimum monthly payments on your old credit card from which you're transferring a balance. When the balance transfer is complete, your old credit card won't be closed automatically, the account will remain active until you ask the issuer to close it.
3. Make sure the balance transfer is complete
As a final step of your balance transfer process, you will need to confirm the balance transfer is complete. Most balance transfers can take up to 14 days to complete. So, make sure you continue paying at least minimum monthly payments on all your active credit accounts. A single late payment will negatively impact your credit scores. Once you receive a statement confirming the balance transfer is complete, you can focus on paying off the new credit card, but don't forget about your other active credit accounts. Continue making all monthly payments will all your creditors on time.
