Things to Consider When Taking Advantage of 0% Intro APR Credit Card Balance Transfer Offers

All across the United States, consumers who are smart with their finances are taking advantage of zero percent credit card offers, and for good reason. By signing up for a 0% intro APR credit card deal, consumers with credit card debt and a good credit score can literally pay no interest on their lingering credit card debt for 12 months or more.

Here are some important things to remember when taking advantage of zero percent intro APR offers:

1. Many credit card companies will offer you an interest free period as a way of introducing you to their credit card. It is very important that you know and understand what the interest rate will be once that free period is over. If you are forced to pay a significantly higher interest rate after the free period you will likely wind up with a much worse deal than you had intended. If at all possible try to pay off your total credit card balance before the interest free period comes to an end. Try to find a balance transfer deal that gives you at least 6 months 0% introductory APR so that you don't wind up making balance transfers too often.

2. Be sure that you read through all the fine print very carefully. A lot of the 0% balance transfer credit card offers include a catch: if you use the new card to make a purchase while you are in the interest free period, the APR or Annual Percentage Rate can often be quite high, even as high as 25%! Additionally, payments that you make on your new credit card with a low or zero percent intro APR will be applied to the transferred balance first, which often means you?ll get hammered with high interest charges for purchases and cash advances. A balance transfer can be a really good way to help you save money over the long term, but if you need to make new purchases you will be much better served by using cash, a pre-paid credit card, or your bank debit card.

3. Try to avoid using the convenience checks. Many credit cards will include convenience checks along with your regular credit card statements. A convenience checks is usually equivalent to a cash advance, and cash advances almost always carry the highest interest rate. Sometimes a credit card will give you a good interest rate if you use their convenience checks for making balance transfers. Just be sure that you read the fine print thoroughly so that you fully understand the terms before using their convenience checks.

   There is good news about convenience checks. Some credit card companies will provide you with blank checks that are covered under their 0% intro APR balance transfer offer. These blank checks can be very useful as you can use them for whatever you want. A lot of consumers use these blank checks as a method of obtaining an interest free loan, but they can also be used to open a high-yield savings account or to purchase a certificate of deposit. Keep in mind that once the 0% introductory APR period is over interest charges will begin to accrue so it is recommended that you pay off the balance before, or as soon as, the interest-free period ends.

   If you are not absolutely certain as to whether the checks you receive are included in the 0% introductory APR offer then take a few minutes and call the credit card company to ask. Whenever you call your credit card company, be sure to jot down the name of the person you speak to in case the representative makes a mistake.

4. Don't get carried away with your credit card applications. Regardless of whether or not you are approved or rejected, if you file too many credit card applications within a short time period your credit rating could suffer a downgrade.

5. Many credit card companies own multiple credit card brands. Before submitting an application for a balance transfer, be sure that you are dealing with a credit card company that is different from the one you want to transfer a balance from. If you try to transfer a balance from one account to another, and one bank controls both credit card brands, then your application will almost certainly be rejected. Remember that inquiries into your credit report may have a negative effect on your credit rating; this is especially true if the inquiry results in an application being rejected.

   If you already have two different credit cards that have been issued by the same bank or credit card company, you can usually consolidate the balances into one credit card account. If you have questions about this call your credit card company to discuss consolidating your credit cards.

6. It is very important that the account to which you?ll be transferring your balance has a high enough credit limit so as to avoid getting into trouble with fees. Some credit cards charge a fee for transferring balances, and if your new account?s credit limit isn?t high enough, you may get hit with an over-the-limit fee after e.g. the balance transfer transaction fee is added in. When shopping for a zero APR offer, try to find one that doesn?t charge a fee for transferring balances. If you go with an offer that does charge a balance transfer fee, then do your best to find out what your new account?s credit limit will be.

7. Always pay all of your bills on time. This may sound obvious, but it is very important. Credit card companies will offer the best terms to applicants with the best credit rating scores. Having a high credit score will also minimize the chances of having your application for a credit card rejected.

   All the best 0% APR credit card offers can be found at http://www.BalanceTransfer.cc. Information about new business credit cards can be found at http://www.BusinessCreditCards.cc

Balance Transfer Tips

The most expedient and convenient way (but not necessarily the most effective as we shall see later) of reducing the interest on your card is to get balance transfer, which basically means paying off one card with another. Obviously you need another card to do this and there is really no objection to this (unless you simply must abuse it.) Of course cards with no annual fee are best, but even a small annual fee is okay when you're saving more anyway. The number of card offers these days that have low or no interest periods makes this fairly easy. Here are a few things to take note of:

1. Balance transfer offer periods usually start on the card activation date, not the date you actually do the transfer. Once this period (usually about 6 mouths) is finished, the remaining transferred amount and any further transfers revert to the standard balance transfer rate.

2. Balance transfers at a later stage are still useful to eliminate cash out interest that may have been 'sandwiched' between purchase transactions. Learning not to get cash out is a good move in the long-run, but this will solve those impulse hiccups.

3. Transferring a whole card account balance frees your initial card to enable you to make use of the 'interest free days' or 'grace period' facility. (See Report.)

4. Depending on the credit card company's policy, you can do balance transfers over the phone, online or only by having a form sent out and sending it back. This last takes longer of course (though you could use fax if you're in a hurry) so allow for this extra time. On new card applications this is rarely a problem anyway as they'll ask you during the application process whether you want to do one (or you can wait until your card is activated if you like.)

William Ember is author of the Credit Card Conqueror Report which provides detailed and practical plans on how to save money on credit card interest and other charges (and in some cases pay none at all!) The report is available free from his website

Balance Transfer Credit Cards - Which One For You?

If you have any kind of existing credit card balances, balance transfer credit cards may be just the thing you need to reduce your credit card debt. They can also help you save money in other ways, too. Here are some ways that a balance transfer credit card can save you some money.

0% APR Interest

The first way it can save you money is that, hopefully, the new card gives you a 0% APR interest introductory offer for balance transfers. You will need to double-check the fine print on the credit card to be sure that this rate applies to balance transfers. Most often it applies to the interest rate on your purchases, and only on some cards will it apply to transfers. If you also get that rate of interest on your transfers, then be sure to notice how long that you get that rate for. The rate on balance transfers is often different than the length of the introductory offer.

The 0% APR interest generally applies to your purchases made during the introductory time period. This gives you great savings over that time frame, but be sure to pay off the balance each month - and on time, for the best savings. Any late fees take away any savings you get, otherwise, and you may actually end up paying more than if you had made your purchase at retail prices.

Balance Transfer Fees

Another thing you need to look for is to see if there are any fees associated with the transfers. Some balance transfer credit cards will charge up to a hefty 4% of any amount transferred to the card. While this figure may sound good when compared to the interest on the other card, keep in mind that many cards will not charge anything.

Rewards

Choose your balance transfer credit card on the basis of this option, too, since you can definitely save some money here, if you get the right card. Rewards come in many types, but if you get one that is geared to your needs (most expenses per month), then you will probably be able to save considerably. A card with rewards on it means that you get either discounts on future purchases, rebates or cash back. This amount of savings can certainly add up after a while, and can put a smile on your face when your bill comes each month.

Remember to compare a number of balance transfer credit cards in order to see what kinds of deals are available. Also, be sure to look at the various fees, so that you do not lose the value of your rewards. There can be many fees on a credit card, but by shopping around, you may be able to get one that does not have very many, or, has fees that you can avoid with prompt and full payments. Get as low of an interest rate on the card as you can for the time after the introductory time period runs out ? or get a new card.

Joe Kenny writes for the Credit Card Guide, offering the latest 0% credit cards, visit today for introductory 0% balance transfers and start clearing credit card debt today. Visit today: http://www.cardguide.co.uk/

Credit Card Balance Transfer: The Best Offer You Should Look For

In today's society, people purchase all their everyday needs by using a credit card. You can pay for everything by using a credit card, such as your groceries, electric bills, and even gas for your car. Just imagine, by just having a credit card, you can purchase anything you want without having to carry cash around.

Basically, what a credit card offers is that you don't have to worry about not having the cash, worry about the credit card bills you have to pay after a month.

It is a fact that credit cards are a very useful tool that you can use today. However, owning a credit card also has its risk. Since people don't have to worry about purchasing things with a credit card, they tend to overdo it. Sometimes people get that urge to buy that new pair of shoes they really want but don't have the money for it. They tend to use their credit cards for it.

Because of this uncontrollable spending, people get into credit card debt. With a high interest rate credit card, this can be bad news. You will likely end up paying more on interest rather than paying the actual debt itself. So, one way to get rid of this debt is through credit card balance transfers.

Credit card transfer is one of the best ways and the easiest way to avoid high interest on your monthly credit card bills. If you have a number of credit cards, you can basically use the other credit cards to pay for your debt.

The first thing you need to do is choose the credit card with a low interest or zero interest rate. This credit card is the best card to transfer your balance to. With a low interest or zero interest rate, you will certainly save a lot of money and is the best way to get rid of the debt.

However, credit card balance transfer also has its drawbacks. Some companies charge a credit card balance transfer fee that can be as high as four percent of the debt. You should also make sure that you pay on time to avoid rise in interest rates. Also, you have to watch out for hidden fees, make sure that the credit card you are transferring your balance to doesn't have hidden fees that you will be required to pay for.

Certain low interest or zero interest credit cards has expiration periods on the low or zero interest rate introductory periods. It is important that you should learn when the introductory period will end to help your prepare for another credit card balance transfer to another card with low interest or zero interest rate.

In order to get the best credit card offers, you have to shop around for it. It is a fact that there are a lot of zero interest and low interest rate credit card offers, but you should also keep in mind that these offers are usually offered on a limited time only. Make sure you read the small print in order to understand the promo and know when the introductory period will expire.

As much as possible, you should always consider the credit limit on the card you are considering to transfer the balance to. When it exceeds the credit limit, you will likely pay additional charges and will also make the interest rate rise. These are the things you should remember when making a credit card balance transfer.

James has written many articles about the benefits of business and college student credit card offers and runs a website on locating the best credit card offers for your lifestyle

Balance Transfers Credit Card "Primer"

Credit card features are composed of the APR (annual percentage rates), balance transfer fees, interest rates, late fees, and so forth. The APR is a primary feature to reflect on while searching for balance transfer cards. Credit card companies are competitors; therefore, the companies will strive to offer special deals on credit cards. Some of the deals include 0% introductory rates and low interest rates, particularly for balance transfers. In your search for the best balance transfer credit cards, be sure to take maximize the advantage of the offer by using the card strictly for balance transfers. If you use the cards to make purchases, please keep in mind that the credit card issuers profit from the corresponding financial charges that you might incur while using this type of card.

Introductory Periods

For a few of the balance transfer cards, lenders will add zero percentage introductory rates for up to 15 months. Some credit card lenders will determine the zero introductory rates from your credit rating. If you have six months, one year, or 15 months of 0% on your balance transfers be sure to pay off the debts before the date expires.

Balance Transfer Fees

Balance transfer fees consist of a percentage of the full amount that is financed and transferred to the card. The fees typically average around 3 percent of the amount transferred. The purpose of comparing cards is primarily due to the fact that some credit card lenders will essentially surrender the normal fees during the introductory trial.

Transferring the Balance on Credit Card Dates

Very few of the available balance transfer credit card offers will not require a transfer fee. The balance transfer credit cards that provide the most benefits are those cards that enable you to complete balance transfers during the entire introductory period. The cards that require you to start balance transferring upon receipt of the card do not allow the flexibility that the latter card allows. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, since you can look for clauses, stipulations and/or restrictions on balance transfers. The most important thing to consider is understanding, the types of balances transferable, before accepting the card.

The balance transfer credit cards nowadays have select programs that offer rewards. Comparing the cards will help you find the better cards that suit your needs. Look through the clauses when considering rewards balance transfer cards, since some card lenders will not apply the points to the balances transferred. Still, this could be the better choice!

For more information on balance transfer credit card basics, Bert Wills recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you have a number of credit cards and you'd like to consolidate your payments, a balance transfer credit card can be the right decision for your finances. Not only are many balance transfer credit card companies offering lowered or even zero percent interest rates, but you might even be able to finally pay down that debt that you've accrued.

1. Determine the amount you want to transfer

While most balance transfer credit card companies are willing to transfer larger balances for those with a good payment history, for those that do not have excellent credit, you might find that only small amounts will be transferred. And while this helps, it might not reap the rewards that you were expecting. Talk with the balance transfer credit card before deciding to sign up for their card to be sure that the amount you want to transfer will be allowed.

2. Find out the restrictions

Most of the time a balance transfer credit card company will allow you to enjoy a low or zero percent interest rate when you follow their rules. This means that you should work to understand their rules before signing up. You might not be able to purchase anything on the card for a certain amount of time, or you might have to purchase something within a certain amount of time.

3. What is your time limit?

While it would be nice if balance transfer credit card companies could give consumers unlimited time to enjoy the lower interest rates, this isn't the case. Find out how long the introductory balance transfer credit card interest rate is good for--the longer the better.

4. Can you get money back?

Some balance transfer credit card companies also offer you money back for new purchases on their card. While you probably won't get that cash back on the transfer, you can begin to reap rewards for future use. If you think that you may keep the balance transfer credit card for a while, this is a good thing to investigate.

5. What is the annual fee?

When you're trying to limit your payments, you'll want to be sure that the balance transfer credit card doesn't start off with an annual fee as well. Many balance transfer credit card companies do not make a customer pay a fee initially, but some might charge the customer after the initial time period is over.

A balance transfer credit card can help you reduce your monthly payments and get you on the road to a debt-free life, but only if the card is working for you and not against you.

Beth Derkowitz recommends Find Credit Cards for finding the best balance transfer credit card for you