A stack of credit cards.
A stack of credit cards.

Balance Transfers: Playing the Credit Card Game

Article
January 1, 2024

It Rains, It Pours: How to Avoid High Credit Card Interest Rates


Life can be unpredictable – one moment everything seems fine, and then suddenly you're hit with a wave of expenses. The bills add up quickly from a kitchen remodel to replacing a broken washer and dryer. Unfortunately, you've maxed out your credit card and missed the no-interest payment period. But don't worry, there's a way to avoid paying high-interest rates on your credit card balance.Want to know how?

Fine, we’ll spill the beans... our VISA Balance Transfer Offer!

How does balance transfer work?


A balance transfer occurs when you take the existing balance from one line of credit and put it on another line of credit. In doing this, your previous card shows a zero balance. All credit used then appears on your new card.

But doesn’t that just shift the problem?


Not exactly. Just make sure you find one that has no balance transfer fees.Couple that with a card that has no interest for a while, and you’re doing well.

What does it mean?


Once you’ve transferred your balance to your new card with deferred interest, you can start making monthly payments without that interest charge wafting over your shoulder. It’s a simple way to take some of the pressure off you.

How long can I do this for?


For as long as you can get a new card to transfer your existing balance to.Ideally, you wouldn’t have to do this very much, if at all. But if you still haven’t been able to pay off the full balance of your card, look for another card with a balance transfer offer. You get the new card, and you continue to pay it down.

A caveat


The only slight impediment is that there is no guarantee that a financial institution will extend the amount of credit you need to cover the full balance transfer. Just ensure this is doable before applying for a new card.

INTERESTED IN A BALANCE TRANSFER WITH. DIRECT FEDERAL?

  • 0.00% APR* for first 6 monthly billing statements
  • After 6 months, pay just  The Wall  Street Journal Prime Rate +1.74%, until transferred balances are paid in full.
  • NO balance transfer fee, annual fee, over-limit  fee, or cash advance fee!

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