ComputerHunter.org

 

Balance Transfers Introduction



Credit card balance transfer involves using a credit card to pay off the amount outstanding on one or more credit/store cards. The total debt then moves to one card.

The main benefit of balance transfer is a money-saving one. In the competitive credit card market an increasing number of companies are offering a 0% interest rate for a fixed period on balance transfers made by new customers. This allows new cardholders to make considerable savings in interest repayments. Interest free periods vary and certain credit card issuers extend the 0% interest rate offer to cover new purchases, it is worth taking great care to compare balance transfer offers well before deciding which one to choose.

Some companies offer lower than average interest rates on transferred balances for the life of the balance transfer. This may be good news for card users who are not planning to pay back credit card debt in the short term.

Transferring credit card balances is usually a simple process. Once a card application is approved it usually involves a phone call to the new card issuer to transfer the balance(s) from the other card(s). Many credit card companies also offer an on-line service, making it even easier to transfer balances via the Internet.

There is usually a window of time after a new card is approved during which balance transfers attracting the promotional interest rate must be made.

A word of caution regarding balance transfers. Minimum monthly payments still need to be made. Fall behind with minimum payments and fines can be made and interest free offers withdrawn. The same can happen if credit limits are exceeded.

In a market full of balance transfer deals, offers vary greatly. It is important to double-check the details carefully before signing on the dotted line. For example:

  • Are there any additional fees to be paid when balances are transferred?
  • Do I need to make a minimum monthly spend using the new card to qualify for the promotional balance transfer rate?
  • How soon after my credit card is approved do I need to make the balance transfer?
  • What interest rate is charged on new purchases made using the card? In particular, 'Balance transfer for life' cards often put payments towards clearing the low interest balance transfer and not the recent purchases that attract higher interest
  • Do I get charged interest on new purchases from the time the purchase is made?
  • What does the interest rate revert to after the promotional period has finished

Before taking up a balance transfer offer, also take time to consider the amount you need to move and how much you intend to pay off and purchase each month. That way you can be sure that you choose the right card for you.


The latest balance transfer offers in the UK at the moment can be seen at www.1st-uk-credit-cards.co.uk/summary_by_Transfer_Rate.html


Phil Edwards is a Business analyst in the city of London, freelance writer for several finance magazines and websites and co-owner of 1st UK Credit Cards and 1st UK Loans







Google News - Top Stories

Times Online

Alaska Inquiry Concludes Palin Abused Powers
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By SERGE F. KOVALESKI Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office by pressuring subordinates to try to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired, an investigation by the Alaska Legislature has concluded.
Video: Alaska Panel Finds Palin Abused Power AssociatedPress
Palin abused her power, legislative inquiry finds Los Angeles Times
CNN International - Washington Post - San Jose Mercury News - Houston Chronicle
all 3,670 news articles


Sydney Morning Herald

Paulson Indicates Need to Purchase Bank Equity `Soon as We Can'
Bloomberg - 42 minutes ago
By John Brinsley and Rebecca Christie Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson indicated that pumping government funds into banks is a priority and said financial markets will remain volatile.
US planning to buy equity in financial institutions Reuters
Treasury Weighs Investing In Banks Washington Post
International Herald Tribune - MarketWatch - CNNMoney.com - Bizjournals.com
all 1,736 news articles


ABC News

McCain Mum on Former Pastor
Washington Post - 2 hours ago
By Steven A. Holmes and Michael D. Shear As John McCain's campaign hits hard at some of Barack Obama's past associations, one person closely tied to the Democratic candidate is conspicuously absent from the attacks: the Rev.
Video: McCain Links Obama To Ayers CBS
McCain TV ad raises Obama's links to ex-radical International Herald Tribune
Rutland Herald - Columbus Dispatch - The Associated Press - Boston Globe
all 4,927 news articles


CBS News

Gay Marriage Is Ruled Legal in Connecticut
New York Times - 57 minutes ago
In Hartford, Crystal Pretzman of Willimantic, Conn., celebrated the State Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Gay marriage upheld in Connecticut by state high court San Jose Mercury News
Connecticut court overturns gay marriage ban Reuters
International Herald Tribune - The Associated Press - Boston Herald - BBC News
all 1,481 news articles


Boston Globe

On Obama, Acorn and Voter Registration
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By STEPHANIE STROM Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign on Friday stepped up its efforts to tie Senator Barack Obama to a community organizing group that has been accused of involvement in problematic voter registrations in several hotly ...
Campaigns clash over vote irregularities Chicago Tribune
GOP Alleges Nonprofit Voter Fraud CBS News
Boston Herald - The Patriot-News - PennLive.com - The Associated Press - OCRegister
all 1,061 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base