Credit Card Balance Transfer Guide

Balance transfer cards offer 0% APR for 12–21 months, letting you attack debt without interest accruing. The transfer fee is typically 3–5% of the balance transferred ($30–$50 per $1,000). Example: transfer $8,000 at 3% fee = $240 cost, but saves $1,400 in interest at 21% APR over 18 months. Requirements: good credit (670+), enough credit limit, and a plan to pay it off before the promo period ends. After the promo period, the rate jumps to 19–29% — often higher than where you started.