Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Tips And Tricks About Balance Transfers

Using balance transfers to pay off credit cards is a strategy that many people use. When using this tactic cardholders should use both the old and new card responsibly.

When you use one credit card to pay off another you are doing what is known as a
balance transfer. Many consumers use the balance transfer as a way to keep from becoming delinquent on their credit card payments. Theoretically, you can keep transferring balances between credit cards indefinitely as long as you have a credit card that allows the transfer.

Different credit card issuers have different terms regarding a balance transfer. The most important of these terms are the interest rate to which the balance transfer is subject, the total amount that can be transferred, and any fees associated with the transfer. When you are making a decision about transferring a balance to a credit card these are the primary factors that you should consider. Each of these factors has an effect on the amount you will end up paying for transferring the balance.

The ideal credit card for transferring balance is one that has a zero percent APR, a high limit allowed for the balance transfer, and no fee associated with the transfer. With these conditions in place, you are able to transfer a credit card balance for free.

If you are looking for a way to pay down some of your credit card debt, using a free balance transfer is the best way to do so. By transferring your credit card balances to a credit card that does not have associated interest rate or fees, you can pay off balances easier. You can find a lot of help here http://www.balance-transfer.com/.

When you do a balance transfer, you should close out the old credit card account immediately. Doing this will curb your spending, ensuring that you do not become deeper in debt.

Another rule of thumb to follow when you are working with balance transfers is not to use the new card to make any purchases. Once you have transferred the balance to the credit card, you should put it away. Don?t use the card until you have completely repaid the amount of the balance transfer. If you use the card to make purchases, you have nullified the benefits of transferring the balance to a new credit card.

If you use a zero percent APR credit card for the balance transfer, you must make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions of the credit card. In many cases, you lose out on the advantage of not having an interest rate if you make a single late payment.

You should be aware that transferring balances might not necessarily improve your credit rating or standing with the credit reporting agencies. Since credit bureaus look at your total balances and available credit, juggling debts does not improve your credit score. In fact, if you have too many credit cards open at one time, your credit score could be negatively impacted.

There are pros and cons to using balance transfers with credit cards. Using them responsibly can help a great deal. Abusing the privilege might put you in a worse situation than you began with.

Fruzsina Csery is a freelance copywriter. She occasionally writes for Credit Card Balance Transfer

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Monday, March 3, 2008

All About Credit Card Balance Transfer

In our daily lives, we often encounter problems which concern the family, work, business, and many other things. The most commonly encountered quandary is financial problems.

Most working professionals have credit cards, and sometimes these gives way to debt problems. The best possible solution for most of them is to jump at an offer which promises a lower APR, but you should be extra cautious in dealing with such offers.

A balance transfer simply means moving the balance from your existing credit card to another credit card. This is usually taken advantage by most people because of its very low rate of interest compared to the old card issuer.

There are companies which make credit card their business, and competition among them is becoming more intense. The need to stay in the market and stay competitive as ever, has brought about the introduction of balance transfer among credit cards.

You have to be cautious in any decision that you will make. A good choice is one that offers zero percent APR, but this is just an introductory offer. After a specified period, the interest rate charged changes. So before making an abrupt decision, be sure that you have read all the terms and conditions of the card issuer.

There are certain things to consider for a balance transfer with 0% rate:

- the interest rate after the 0% introductory rate expires
- understand the fees, terms, and conditions
- don't forget the 'fine print'; most people skip that part, but it is equally important to read that part unless you want to pay unexpected fees in the future
- simple reading is not enough, you must 'understand' all the terms, rates, conditions, and other important matters
- take note of the day when the introductory rate will end

Applying for a balance transfer can also save you money. All you have to do is to move all your card balances to the new credit card bearing low rate of interest to achieve utmost savings. Some credit cards offer cash back, points or rewards when you make purchases using your new credit card.

You can make a balance transfer with your bank cards, personal loans, gasoline cards, charge cards, and department store cards.

You also need to close your old credit card. Once you sign up for a balance transfer, you should continue paying your debt while the balance is still pending. Call your old credit card issuer once the balance transfer is confirmed, and make sure that you get a 0 balance from your old company. And finally, you need to close your account.

Once you have your new credit card, don't just make minimum payments. Pay more money each month until your balance reaches zero. You can also make extra payments, and remember to never be late in making any payments. Above all, use your card intelligently.

You should also be aware of the fees being charged for late payments, cash advance fees, flat fees, and fees for balance transfer, and fees charged if you exceed the credit limit.

Keep track of your expenditures so that you can minimize your bill. If you constantly make unnecessary purchases, your debt is sure to grow rapidly. Be responsible in any action that you undertake, and think of its consequences.

Aaron Ballantyne is the owner of a credit card website with links where you can apply for a credit card which best suits your needs.

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Balance Transfers Primer

Are high credit card fees giving you sleepless nights? Think smart: balance transfers could be an intelligent short-term solution. The following article can be used as an introductory guide and a primer on the use of balance transfers that discusses the intricacies of balance transfer details. Transfer the weight off your shoulders and get a balance transfer credit card with a lower rate of interest. However, make sure to run through the terms and conditions of the new balance transfer card, to make sure you win in the long run.

If you are not really keen on getting a new card, tell your existing company that you want to transfer your balance to another card that offers a much lower rate. Your existing credit card company just might offer you a better deal. If not, then go ahead and call the competition!

So what is so great about balance transfers? Balance transfers to a card with a lower rate can significantly cut down your interest and fees. The most common rate of interest offered by companies on balance transfers is 0% for 3 to 12 months. If you are fortunate and your credit is good enough, you might qualify for a 0% interest card for 12 months on balance transfers and purchases. Be aware, however, that some cards, will link the introductory annual percentage rate (APR) to the billing cycle of the card.

There could be some additional perks available on your balance transfer card as well:
1) Your new card may charge no annual fees.
2) The grace period on payments might be longer.
3) Rewards like cash back on purchases might be available.
4) Discounts from certain retailers, identity theft protection, and even car insurance can be thrown in as well!

How Do I Get One?

You will be required to go through some basic application procedures and paperwork on a balance transfer. You could write a balance transfer on one of the convenience checks that the card issuer will provide after getting approval on the card. These function just like normal checks but there are some things to be aware of, such as expiration dates. Time can cost big money, in this case, with the old interest rates snapping at your heels. How much you can transfer will depend entirely on the credit limit of your new card.

The fees for balance transfers are similar to that of cash advances, but often times, fees will be waived for the very best card offers. If there are associated transfer fees on the card, it is advisable that you avoid transferring small balances, as the transaction fees might undercut your potential savings. Some additional fees on these cards might include:

1) Late Fees: Once the introductory period on your balance transfer ends, you will start incurring finance charges on the remaining balance. Late fees on these card offers are particularly expensive. In order to avoid these exorbitant fees, make sure that you mail payment well in advance of the due date. If you are using an ATM deposit, stay informed about the processing time of your payment. Banks either charge a flat fee, such as $10 or $15, or a percentage, such as 5%, of the minimum payment due, for example

2) Over-Credit Limit Fees: Each time you charge your card beyond the credit limit, the bank has the ability to impose a fee. It is possible that many of these aforementioned fees will gather simultaneously (in addition to interest charges) during the same billing period! Banks usually charge $10 or $15 for this fee or up to 5% of the amount on the exceeded limit amount.

3) Lost Card Replacement Fees: If you ever happen to lose your card, some banks might charge you anything between $5 and $10 for a replacement.

The most important thing to remember regarding balance transfer credit cards is to make all your payments on time and pay off the outstanding balance within the introductory time frame. Usually, there is no grace period offered up for balance transfers and unless you have snapped up an introductory 0% APR, interest will begin to accrue immediately. The calculation can get a little tricky too. Your initial repayments will first go towards clearing the balance transfer amount before making a dent in any outstanding balance created from recent purchases with the card. So if you want to avoid this mess, keep a separate card for balance transfers and another one for regular purchases.

When the Joyride Ends

You should be keenly observant of the expiration date of your promotional offer. Once it ends, you will be charged the normal rate of interest. All remaining purchase and balance transfer amounts will be subject to a much higher APR and significantly higher finance charges.

Your credit history will determine your post introductory APR on your balance transfer credit card. So if this APR is higher than the rate on your old balance transfer card, you could incur more expensive finance charges if you carry a balance from month to month. Just make sure that you transfer your balance to a new card that offers both a lower promotional rate as well as a lower ongoing APR.

Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com for more information on 0% balance transfers.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Guide to Balance Transfers

Are you tired of fighting high credit card fees? Why not lower your interest payments by transferring your balance to another card. Balance transfers are one the smartest and easiest ways to reduce credit card costs. Just be sure you understand the terms and conditions of the new card, so you can maximize your savings.

The guide to Balance Transfers

Tired you from struggle against high payments of a credit card? Why to not lower your payments of interest, transferring your balance to other card. Transfers of balance - one smartest and most easy ways to reduce an expense of a credit card. Only be convinced, that you understand terms and conditions of a new card, thus you can maximize your savings.

Before you run out and switch credit cards, consider, whether you wish to hold your current card. If you do, simply ask lower interest rate. Tell your company of a credit card, that you have found other card with much lower norm, and you should transfer your balance if they cannot reduce you business. However, be it is ready to make so if they refuse your inquiry.

Why Use Transfer of Balance?

Transfers of balance can give to holders of a card set of advantages. Transfer of balances to lower credit card of norm can resolutely reduce your interest rate and payments. Charge of the companies of a credit card variable interest rates on balance passes also purchases. The most general norm - 0 percent for six within 12 months.

For example, the Limit of Prosecution Renumerates MasterCard and Platinum Choice Citi, MasterCard do not charge any interest within 12 months on transfers of balance and purchases. The found out Platinum Card and Visa Hess from Prosecution lower introduction norm after eight and six months, accordingly

Some cards connect introduction annual norm of percent (APR) with periodicity of exhibiting of accounts. Card GM and the Fifth Third Cashes of Bank Renumerate MasterCard, accordingly, charge APRIL for 0 percent for first six and four cycles.

Transfer of balances can give also to you access to a lot of privileges. For example, you can be able to receive a new card which has no annual payment, longer period of grace of payment or cashes back on purchases and other awards. Some cards also offer insurance of a car hire, the program of protection of larceny of identity and the money saving the discounts.

How To transfer Balances

The companies of a credit card usually use low transfers of balance of the interest rate to involve new clients. There are three main ways to transfer balance on a card. One way, simply filling the documents provided your new letting out card. Or you can contact the company of a credit card to which you wish to transfer balance and to arrange for transfer of balance.

You can move also the balances, writing transfer of balance or checks of convenience. These simple tests look also the certificate as regular tests. You simply write, that test transfers to quantity of balance and sends it to the company from which you wish to transfer balance. Some tests have a deadline of the expiration so make sure, that you use them within the limits of corresponding structure of time. If you will not be, you will be charge a regular set of the interest rate for your card.

Irrespective of what method of transfer you use, you can pass only so much, how many your limit of the credit on a card which you transfer, allows.

Operational Cost and Other Payments

Banks in general consider transfers of balance as cash advance payments and have similar operational payments. There is no payment for the balances transferred in reply to special offers. But for Platinum Choice Citi and many other things the companies, an operational payment for transfers of balance - 3 percent of quantity of each transfer of balance, with minimal and a maximum for 50 $ for 5 $. Keep in mind, that small quantity of the capital, probably, it is not necessary to pass, because the operational payment can move your potential savings.

In addition to standard operational expenses, banks also collect special payments which can take you unawares. Some of the most general special payments include:

Last payments - Some banks wait some days prior to an estimation of last payment, but many impose it day after payment should. The companies or charge a rent, type 10 $ either 15 $, or percent, type 5 of percent, the minimal due payment. To avoid last payments, mail from your payment, thus it arrives to a plenty of time before it should. If you pay your account in a branch of bank or the trading automatic device, learn, how it will be long required to process your payment. Sometimes the payments made in a branch or the trading automatic device are not given on credit within several days.

Payments "on a limit of the credit" - the Majority of cards estimates a payment if you charge more than your limit of the credit. These payments are collected each time when you are run through your limit, thus you could be amazed with several of them during the same period of billing. Banks typically charge 10 $ or 15 $ for this payment or up to 5 percent of quantity which you are on your limit. These payments - in addition to percentage payments.

The lost payments of replacement of a card? If your card has been lost or stolen not time, and you require in new, some companies will accuse you for replacement. These payments - a range from 5 $ up to 10 $.

Creation of Payments
After you transfer balances, be convinced, that have made all your payments completely and in time or you will be automatically amazed with higher payments. In general, there is no period of grace to compensate transfers of balance, thus interest will collect immediately. (no interest actually will collect, if you will have introduction Apr for 0 percent),

Doing payments, it is important to understand, that payments by which you do, all over again will be applied to balances with lower or promoting balances and then are assigned to above APRs. It means, what you will pay in cash for transfers of balance for 0 percent before you even concern balance of regular purchases? Which can be charged on norm 9 - 18 percent. As a word of advice, consider use of a various card for your regular purchases and will pay balance every month. Hold your transfers of balance limited to a separate card.

From the Promoting Ends of the Honeymoon

You should hold a close eye for the promoting period. As soon as it expires, normal interest rates will be applied. Standard variable APR will be applied to Platinum purchases Citi (8.99 percent) to all remaining purchase and quantities of transfer of balance. Similarly, standard variable APR will be applied to cash advance payments (19.99 percent) to all remaining cash quantities of progress. If you non-payment under the agreement of a card of Platinum Citi, the company can immediately increase APR on all balances? Inclusion of any promoting balances? To variable norm by default 28.99 percent.

Your postintroduction APR will depend on your history of the credit. If this interest rate will be considerably above than norm on your old card, and you have a remaining balance you'll wind up losing money. Of course, you could transfer always your balance to a new card with lower promoting norm. Only be afraid to confuse itself in a vicious cycle which could have unpleasant consequences later.


The owner of a site devoted information on credit cards and offers.
On our site you will find more detailed information
With best regards George Khorde
E-mail: info@credit-box.com

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Successful Credit Card Balance Transfers

Credit card balance transfer is a good way of consolidating your credit card debt. It is also the best way to evade the possible problem that your debt can give. With the high demand of these credit card transfers, companies are competing with one another to get the business.

Before you go into credit card balance transfer, you must learn some pointers to be able to appreciate its function. Here is a checklist of the things you should keep in mind to enjoy the best that it can offer.

1. Carrying out your credit card balance transfers should always be on time, it should not overlap on periods from one to the next as it can bring more money charges on your account.

2. You should always make sure the availability of the zero credit card money transfer is on time. There is no use for applying for an offer after the expiration date.

3. If your credit card issues free interest rate, make sure that it is true. Read the small printings on the promo sheet to know exactly the process of their promo.

4. It is crucial to transfer a credit balance. You should transfer all the balances to normal interest card as the store cards have the tendency to have a higher APR rate.

5. A zero interest or low interest card must be easily identified. You should trust a source where you can have a comparison of two credit cards. You should choose a source that does not advertise a particular credit card; aside from the comprehensive description of comparison, the source must also help you make a good decision. You can check a financial broker for this matter.

6. Always remember the expiration date of your zero balance rate credit cards so you can apply for a new credit card balance transfer before it expires.

7. Choose a flexible and quick interest free credit card balance transfer.

You are sure to get the best credit card money transfer by following the pointer sited in this article. You also have to follow the nine steps for you to get the right procedures in money transferring.

1. Find a lender that gives free interest rate or those that have zero introductory balance transfer rate.

2. You must shop for a credit card wisely. Always be aware of all the things about your chosen credit card.

3. Once the new credit card arrives, call the one who issues the card and tell about your plan of money transferring from your previous credit card. They are the one who will arrange it for you.

4. You will be offered with many privileges you do not need, such as insurance plans. Just tell them that you do not need it now.

5. If the balanced is successfully transferred, never use your previous credit card again. Destroy the card after closing the account to avoid the temptation to use it again.

6. Remember that your new account has a zero introductory balance transfer rate, so you will need a minimum rate to repay it every month during the period.

7. Manage your debt better this time, after getting a new credit card.

You need to learn all of these to transfer successfully a balance to a new account. Make sure to follow the directions carefully for more positive results.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Credit Card Balance Transfers

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Monday, December 3, 2007

Balance Transfer Disasters

 

There has been a rapid growth in the availability of zero per cent rates in the credit card industry. These have been caused by the combination of very low national interest rates, and the injection of fierce competition from American lenders such as Capital One. The UK credit card industry is now recognised as one of the most sophisticated and competitive credit card markets in the world.

One of the most popular innovations in the past number of years has been the introduction of the zero per cent balance transfer. This has revolutionised the finances for many indebted customers. How it works is if you have very high interest charges on one of you?re out standing credit card balances, then you can transfer it to a new credit card. In exchange for getting your business in this way, the new credit card provider will give you a zero per cent interest rate on the sum transferred for a period of usually, six to nine months.

While taking advantage of these zero per cent offers is highly advisable, as it can save you literally hundreds on interest charges, there are still precautions that you should take if you wish to avoid some costly mistakes. The first thing to realise is that there are different types of zero percent. What you will most likely come into contact with is zero per cent on balance transfers or zero per cent on purchases. You must not confuse the two.

If you have zero per cent on balance transfers then that will not mean you have zero per cent on purchases, so any purchases you make during your zero per cent period will not be at zero per cent but at your standard rate. This can be very important if we look at the situation using an example.

Supposing you have five thousand pounds on a credit card a 15%. If you transfer this to a card that gives you 0% on balance transfers for nine months you will save hundreds on interest. However, supposing the new card has a standard rate of 15% also. Now, if you have your five thousand on it safely at 0%, but suppose you make one hundred pounds worth of purchases. And then you pay back one hundred pounds; the one hundred you pay back will be applied to the first one hundred of the five thousand-balance transfers. This will leave you with 4,900 left at zero per cent on the balance transfer, and 100 as a purchase that attracts the standard 15%.

In this way you can quickly see how a zero per cent balance transfer can become a 15% purchases balance.

Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb. For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk and http://www.creditcards2go4.com.

info@creditcards-gb.co.uk

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