While they may say you can never be too rich or too thin. I say your credit card’s balance transfer promotion can never last long enough. Just think of it! A year or two of 0% interest on the debt you consolidate from your other credit cards.
Balance transfers provide an excellent opportunity to chop down the forest of debt you’ve accumulated without the drag of demon interest. Of course, a deal this good can’t go on forever. But just how long can it last?
Most Issuers Offer 21 Months or Less
The harsh reality is that it’s hard to find balance transfer promotions lasting longer than 21 months. But you may be able to find a longer balance transfer promotion from a local credit union. Also, a few banks offer balance transfer periods of up to three years, but not at 0% — the promotional rate is usually 4.99% or something similar.
Virtually all credit card issuers extend their balance transfer promotions for 12 to 21 months. Of course, not all credit cards offer this perk, but if your goal is to reduce your debt, you have plenty of balance transfer cards from which to choose. In fact, there are enough balance transfer cards to fill an article, which is why we invite you to continue reading.
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Best 21-Month 0% Balance Transfer Cards
The following cards currently offer new cardmembers 21 months of 0% interest charges on transferred balances. One large financial institution, Citibank, dominates this market segment. We rate the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card as the best credit card in this group.
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
- With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
- No Annual Fee – our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% 12 months on Purchases
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0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
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18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
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$0
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Excellent, Good
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Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee… Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balances transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR Period 12 months on Purchases
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0% Intro APR Period 21 months on Balance Transfers
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19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
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$0
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Excellent, Good Credit
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Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
Be sure to read the fine print explaining how these interest-free promotions work. These cards provide the 0% introductory rate only on balance transfers you complete within a short period, typically within four months of account opening.
Best 18-Month 0% Balance Transfer Cards
Discover joins the balance transfer bandwagon when the promotional period drops to 18 months. That’s still a lengthy interval for a 0% APR, and these cards may offer a broader range of perks in addition to balance transfers.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 6 months
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0% Intro APR for 18 months
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17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
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$0
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Excellent/Good
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Chase Slate Edge℠
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
0% Intro APR Period 18 months on Balance Transfers
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19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
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$0
|
Excellent, Good, Fair
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Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
This group of credit cards offers rewards in the form of cash back or travel points. They are excellent cards even if you do not need a balance transfer promotion. But the Discover it® Balance Transfer card may not be your best choice unless balance transfers are your primary objective, as the other Discover cards (such as the Discover it® Cash Back) offer a variety of perks that may suit you better.
Best 15-Month 0% Balance Transfer Cards
You’ll have more choices if you’re willing to settle for cards with a 15-month balance transfer promotion. These cards make sense if you have a moderate amount of accumulated credit card debt, as their promotional periods are six months shorter than the 21-month cards.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
- If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
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0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
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18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
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$0
|
Excellent/Good
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Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
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Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
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0% for 15 months
|
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
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$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
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Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
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0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
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20.49% – 29.24% Variable
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$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% – 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- Terms and conditions apply.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
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0% Intro APR for 15 months
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17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
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$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
- Ideal for those seeking a premium travel card that doubles as an everyday workhorse, paired with elevated service beyond the ordinary. Leave behind the hassle of juggling various cards and monthly statements, while finding peace of mind with protection benefits that exceeds standard credit cards.
- Flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Earn one point for every dollar spent. Straightforward redemption without needing a high-maintenance reward strategy. No foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and no need to chase down transfer partners to escape very low point values.
- Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Just pay for airline purchases with your Mastercard Black Card and we will automatically apply the credit to your account. That’s it. No need to activate or designate an airline. The credit amount is available in full at the start of the calendar year.
- Up to a $100 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
- 24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incure no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
- Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
- Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
- Annual Fee: $495 ($195 for each Authorized User). Terms and conditions apply.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening.
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21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
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$495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
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Excellent
|
The Mastercard® Black Card™ is the only card in this review that charges an annual fee, and a steep one to boot. It can be a good choice if you’re looking for a premium card with fancy perks — we suspect most of its cardmembers don’t shell out the big bucks for its 15-month balance transfer promotion.
What Is a 0% Balance Transfer Card?
A 0% balance transfer credit card is a traditional bank credit card that has a promotional offer for new customers. This promotion provides interest-free financing on balance transfers for six to 21 months, although the best balance transfer card may occasionally have a longer promotion period.
Many cards offer 0% financing promotions on new purchases instead of, or in addition to, balance transfer promotions. Each card’s mix of costs and benefits is unique, so the length and terms of the introductory promotions depend on the card you choose.
A balance transfer card accepts the balances from your other credit cards — up to your new card’s credit limit — and lets you pay down the balance over the promotional period without interest. Credit cards usually charge a 3% to 5% transaction fee for each transfer.
Balance transfers are beneficial if your current credit card balances incur high interest rates. By moving your balances to a 0% interest card, your money reduces your principal balance without the drag of interest charges slowing your progress.
A balance transfer is a type of debt consolidation. An added benefit of balance transfers is that you won’t have to juggle multiple monthly card payments. A single monthly payment is easier to budget for and remember.
Aside from the 0% intro APR, a balance transfer credit card works just as any other unsecured credit card. You can use it to charge purchases, take cash advances, and carry a balance from one month to the next.
Because cards offering this promotion usually require cardmembers to have good credit, you should expect handsome benefits and rewards from your card.
Be sure to read your card’s terms and conditions before you apply to ensure you understand the rules regarding the promotional period. Doing so can eliminate future surprises. For example, some balance transfer cards cancel the promotion if you miss a payment date.
How Do I Do a Balance Transfer?
Moving your existing balances from your old cards to a new balance transfer card is relatively easy, though the process may vary slightly from one card issuer to the next. Once the issuer approves your card application, you can request transfers online or over the phone.
Gathering the necessary information before contacting your card issuer is helpful.
For each credit card, you’ll need the account name, account number, and the amount you wish to transfer. Be sure to let your issuer know you will use your card’s 0% intro APR offer.
The online transfer dialog or your customer service rep will walk you through the transfer process step by step. After the issuer approves your request, it will contact your existing card companies to arrange the balance transfers.
Assuming that you’ve transferred all your balances, you’ll now make all future payments on the transferred balances to your new card issuer. But if your balance transfer pays off only a portion of your credit card debt, you must make monthly payments to your new and old cards.
Balance transfers take time, sometimes weeks, to complete. One of the biggest consumer mistakes when transferring balances is to stop payments on their old accounts.
You may face a late fee and damage to your credit score if you don’t make a monthly payment while the balance transfer is still taking place.
The time it takes to complete your credit card balance transfer will depend on your new and old card issuers. According to our research with each of the major credit card issuers, here’s how long you can expect your balance transfer to take:
- American Express: A minimum of five to seven business days and a maximum of six weeks
- Barclays: Up to four weeks
- Bank of America: Up to two weeks
- Capital One: Between three and 14 days
- Chase: Between one and three weeks
- Citi: Up to two weeks
- Discover: Between one and two weeks
- US Bank: Up to two weeks
- Wells Fargo: Between one and five business days
Factor in these time frames when planning your transfer strategy. The credit card company will issue you a refund if you overpay the amount you owe on an old card.
To avoid this potential issue, consider scheduling your balance transfer for the beginning of a billing cycle so you can clear your balance before the next bill is due.
Remember that most balance transfer offers only work for the balances you transfer within a short period (often 60 to 90 days) after you activate your card. This means you may get as many as 21 months of interest-free financing, but only on balances you transfer within three months of your card’s activation.
Your window of opportunity for 0% balance transfers varies by card. Before applying for a balance transfer card, check with the card issuer to learn how much time you’ll have to transfer balances and still enjoy the promotional rate.
How Much Can I Save With a Balance Transfer?
A balance transfer is a credit card transaction in which you move debt from one or more credit cards to your new credit card account. Depending on the card issuer’s terms, you may also transfer other types of debts.
Transferring debt from one credit card account to another may seem like an empty gesture because you still owe the same amount of money. But, if you’ve got good credit, you may qualify for a new credit card with a 0% introductory APR.
The following chart shows the potential savings you’ll accrue from a 12-month balance transfer offer:
A 0% APR means you’re now borrowing money from your new credit card issuer for free.
The 0% introductory interest rate makes balance transfers attractive if you want to get out of debt. Moving high-interest debt to your new balance transfer card can pay off big time.
The chart indicates that transaction fees reduce your net savings from balance transfers. These fees usually range between 3% and 5% of your transfer amount. Additionally, most balance transfers charge a minimum transaction fee of $5 to $15 for each transfer, which may increase your costs when you transfer a small balance.
Sometimes, you can negotiate with your new credit card issuer to reduce or eliminate the fee. Here are a few negotiating tips that may help:
- Look for deals: Call the card issuer and ask if the issuer is currently offering new cardmembers any deals that may eliminate your balance transfer fee. Ask to speak to a supervisor if the customer service rep does not have the authority to waive fees. Speaking directly with a supervisor may increase your odds of success.
- Threaten not to apply: Banks are generally greedy for new business, which you may be able to use to your advantage. Tell the account rep that the balance transfer fee is a dealbreaker preventing you from applying for the card.
- Research the competition: Mention to the supervisor that you found a competing issuer offering free or reduced balance transfer fees. The supervisor may have the authority to match a competitor’s promotion.
If all else fails, you can apply for a different credit card, pay the balance transfer fees, or consider another option for eliminating your debt. For example, you could use a personal loan to consolidate your debt, but first check if this option is less expensive than balance transfers.
Is a 0% Balance Transfer a Good Idea?
It’s always a good idea to reflect upon the pros and cons of any financial move. Here are some factors to consider before you perform your first balance transfer.
Pros
Here are some benefits to consider if you’re not sure whether a balance transfer credit card is right for you:
- You’ll save money: Moving your debt to a credit card that has a zero interest rate can save you a bundle. According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate is 20.09%. And credit card interest rates can climb much higher if the prime rate rises. The savings potential with a balance transfer card can be significant if you obtain a card with a 0% intro APR and aggressively pay down your debt.
- You will reduce debt faster: A 0% introductory rate on a balance transfer card will help you pay down your debt. Your entire payment goes toward your principal balance each month when you pay no interest, even if you make the same monthly payment. A 0% balance transfer card will reduce your debt faster if you can increase your monthly payments.
- You will consolidate payments: A balance transfer card can move outstanding debt from several credit cards onto one new account. This will reduce the number of creditors you must pay each month — making it easier to manage your budget. Making one monthly payment on time is easier than making several payments on time.
- You may improve your credit scores: A new balance transfer card may help your credit scores. If you don’t close your pre-existing credit card accounts, your credit utilization ratio (i.e., credit used divided by credit available) should decrease, a positive for credit scores. This strategy only works if you don’t use your new card to finance a shopping spree.
None of the above advantages are automatic. But a good balance transfer card may allow you to enjoy most or all of these benefits.
Cons
Here are a few drawbacks to consider before applying for a balance transfer credit card:
- Balance transfer fee: These fees are typically 3% to 5% of your transfer amount. Suppose the balance transfer fee is 5%, and you transfer $10,000. You’ll pay $500 to move your debt to the new account, which will offset your savings. Consider using a balance transfer calculator to make sure the math works. Naturally, saving thousands of dollars in interest at the cost of $500 is a winning strategy.
- Credit problems may disqualify you: Virtually all 0% balance transfer cards require applicants to have a good to excellent credit rating. You may be unable to qualify for a balance transfer card if you’re struggling with low credit scores or poor credit history.
- You may have to change your habits. Paying your statement balance on time each month is the best way to manage a credit card. It makes little sense to obtain a balance transfer card, move all of your debts to it, and then continue to overspend on your original accounts. Furthermore, late payments may damage your credit scores and prompt the issuer to cancel the 0% APR deal.
For these reasons, you should only apply for a balance transfer credit card if you’re confident you can use it wisely.
What Happens When a 0% Balance Transfer Expires?
You will not have to pay any interest on the transferred balance for the life of your promotion. But this great deal will eventually expire, at which time your card reverts to its regular APR.
After the 0% rate ends, you’ll start paying interest on any transferred balances you didn’t repay before the promotion expired.
Use your promotional period responsibly and pay off as much of the debt before the 0% rate ends so you avoid the card’s regular APR.
Do Balance Transfers Hurt Your Credit?
Balance transfers can help or harm your credit — it depends on your behavior after you transfer debts to the new card.
Opening a new credit card increases the amount of credit at your disposal. Additional credit improves your credit utilization rate — so long as you do not build a large balance immediately.
You calculate your credit utilization rate by dividing your current credit card balances by the total amount of credit available from your credit cards.
Suppose you have a credit card with a $2,000 credit limit and a $1,000 balance. Your credit utilization rate is 50% — meaning you are currently using 50% of your available credit.
If you add a credit card with a $1,000 limit, you’ll increase your available credit to $3,000, and your credit utilization rate will decrease from 50% to 33%.
The following chart shows the benefit of adding a balance transfer card and moving your other balances to it:
The amount you owe counts for 30% of your FICO credit score. The lower your utilization rate and other debt, the better your credit score.
This benefit requires you not to add too much new debt to your overall balances. Otherwise, your credit utilization will rise, and your credit scores will suffer.
Adding a balance transfer card helps your credit score the most if you use the card to eliminate your existing debt. Consolidating and repaying your credit card balances will significantly improve your credit score.
And, since you won’t pay interest on the transferred balances during the promotion, you can eliminate your debt faster and get your credit score back on track sooner. The key to maximizing your benefit from a balance transfer card is to avoid using your emptied credit cards until you’ve paid off your balance.
You may be tempted to cancel the credit cards that you just paid off through balance transfers. But when you close a credit card, you decrease your available credit and increase your credit utilization rate.
Closing credit cards may also reduce the average age of your credit accounts. The age of your accounts makes up 15% of your FICO score.
You are best served by shelving your old cards for a while. You may have to charge something to these cards at least once a year to keep the accounts active. Pay those charges immediately and return the card to the shelf.
Your credit score will benefit from your discipline.
What If I Don’t Qualify For a 0% Balance Transfer?
Several reasons can account for a credit card issuer rejecting your application for a balance transfer card. You may be under 18 or live outside the US. Perhaps you don’t have a bank account or steady income. But the most likely reasons are your poor credit score or high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
Here are a few tips to reduce your debt, some of which can help boost your credit score and decrease your DTI ratio. But if you choose to take the settlement or bankruptcy options, your debt reduction will come at the cost of a dramatically lower credit score.
Personal Loan
You can use a personal loan to consolidate your debts. Use the loan proceeds to pay off your credit cards and, if possible, your other debts.
You can then devote your energy to paying down the personal loan. This strategy should help your credit score improve.
Credit Card Payoff Calculator
You don’t need a balance transfer card to reduce your debts. Consider using a credit card payoff calculator to help you schedule your payments in the most cost-efficient way.
To use the calculator, enter each credit card’s balance, minimum monthly payment, and APR. Then enter the amount you budget each month for credit cards.
The calculator will estimate how long it will take you to repay your balances, including the principal and interest components. It will also sequence your payments so you repay the cards in the least costly way — a strategy called the avalanche method.
This method enables you to pay back the high-interest card first while making the minimum payments for the other cards. This schedule assumes you do not add new unpaid balances to the credit cards.
Alternatively, you can adopt the snowball repayment method, which is generally more expensive than the avalanche method, because it doesn’t repay the card with the highest interest first.
Debt Settlement
In a debt settlement, you negotiate with creditors to have them reduce the amount you owe. This strategy is expensive, risky, and applies only to unsecured debt.
In a nutshell, debt settlement works this way:
- You hire a debt settlement company.
- You stop repaying your debts and funnel your payments into an escrow account that the settlement company administers.
- The settlement agent negotiates with your credit card issuers and other unsecured creditors. The agent tries to strike deals with your creditors to have them forgive some of the money you owe.
- The agent collects a portion of the money you save.
Debt settlement is tricky. There’s no guarantee of success, but your credit score will suffer whether you succeed or fail. The agent’s fee takes a substantial portion of your forgiven debt (typically up to 40%). Don’t expect your creditors to forgive more than 30% of your debt, if they forgive any amount at all.
If you win some concessions, you may have to pay income tax on the debt your creditors forgive. Creditors can ignore your settlement attempt and sue you in court to recover their debts.
If you choose this course of action, work with a reputable debt settlement company. Debt settlement remains on your credit reports for seven years and reinforces a bad credit score.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process in which a court restructures or discharges your unsecured debts.
In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court completely dismisses your debts after selling off your assets to pay what you can. The court permanently discharges most unsecured debts not covered by your asset sale, except for child support, alimony, court fees, and some tax debts.
Under this bankruptcy, cosigners may have to repay your debts. Chapter 7 bankruptcy remains on your credit reports for 10 years.
Chapter 13 allows you to restructure your debts under the court’s supervision. The restructuring will enable you to repay your debts in a way you can afford over a period of three to five years.
The court discharges any debt remaining after the repayment period ends. Chapter 13 remains on your credit reports for seven years and helps contribute to a bad credit score. This chapter protects most cosigners from creditors.
While bankruptcy is unpleasant, it can be a legitimate tool to help you survive major financial devastation. It can put you back on the path to financial stability.
Consolidate Your Debt With a 0% Balance Transfer Card
Despite some possible drawbacks, consolidating debt with a 0% balance transfer card is an excellent way to regain control of your finances. Our review of balance transfer cards identifies the best options for 15 to 21 months of no-interest credit card repayment.
Using a balance transfer card responsibly can improve your credit status, reduce your debts, and spend less on interest. It’s a good thing.
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