Before you get that balance transfer card you’ve been eying, go over the basics
for wise usage of that card. You probably want the card to help reduce the cost
of your existing credit card debt - so make sure it works our that way in practice!
Good Practices when Choosing a Balance Transfer Credit Card
- Check the balance transfer fee of the credit card offer you are considering. It’s
not only about rate.
- Do a quick calculation of the balance you want to transfer and see what the fee
will be if you do a credit card balance transfer.
- Keep an eye on the Introductory Rate. Know when it is scheduled to increase
and what it will be after it changes.
- Compare the Introductory Rate on balance transfers to that on purchases. Know both
of them and what they will cost you based on your spending patterns.
- The best credit card offers
for you are determined by how you will use your card.
Balance transfer do’s and don’ts
- Make payments on time. Be late on a payment and your attractive rate can
skyrocket.
- Have an exit strategy. Know what you are going to do when the rate increases!
- Pay down your balance over time.
- Stash the new card and don’t use it. That way, you’ll profit from the low
rate instead of racking up a higher balance.
Credit card companies give balance transfer cards to people with excellent credit.
Excellent credit credit card offers that include balance transfers are targeted
at those with high credit scores.
So before you fill out that credit
card application, look at the pros and cons of the credit card you are considering
vis-a-vis your expected usage. Your best credit card deal will be based on the way
you plan on using your card.
Fill out one or two applications for cards that you really want
Firing off a bunch of credit card applications for cards you don’t really want may
affect your ability to get the card you really need.
Once you get your card, use it wisely to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Thanks for checking out CreditCardApplications.com where we match you to YOUR Best Credit Cards.