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0% Balance Transfers - Too Good To Be True?
by Joanne Hindle
Dated: 11/09/2008

So many people own more than one credit card – are you one of them? If yes, then you more than likely have received phone calls from one of your credit card companies offering you a balance transfer from your other card to theirs? Yes, these calls often do sound rather promising – but, is it beneficial for your situation?

What is Balance Transfer?
All it means is moving your remaining balance from your credit card A to credit card B or the balances from respective credit cards A and B to credit card C depending on the arrangement you think will benefit you best. It's very common for people to do in this world of debts and credit cards. And, it's very easy to be tempted with these better offers. These offers often give a 0% interest rate – but, for a 'grace period' only. This 0% interest rate usually comes to an abrupt end after 2 months or less. 

Benefits of Balance Transfer
The main benefit of a balance transfer is that it gives you reassurance and ease from paying off interests from your other credit cards. Through the 0% interest rate for a 'grace period', you'll be really surprised by how much money you can save simply by not having to pay these interests. It's great to do when you want to consolidate all your remaining balances and debts from your different credit cards – so they're  no longer getting out of hand. Balance transfer is definitely for you if you want to have just one billing from one credit card company. With one balance statement, you can keep track of the interest rate you are paying - and the schedule of the payment as well!

Pitfalls of Balance Transfer
Before giving in to the temptation of 0% balance transfer from credit cards, you have to know better if the transaction is definitely for you or not. True, they offer no or low interest rate but, remember it’s for a short time only – this is where you need to be careful – and make sure you know when the 'grace period' will come to its end.  When it does come to an end, you will then pay the interest rate of that credit card company. Balance transfer is very beneficial to those who always pay on time and pay off the balance in full. If you fail to do this, you could end up back at square one – so make sure you are always on top of your payments then it won't be a problem.

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