Individuals with debt are a common case, but the troubling issue that haunts us is the inability to pay off our debts. Balance credit cards are one of the most effective tools to help you pay off your debts and save money. However, there are certain ways to efficiently use these tools to ensure you get the maximum benefits. In this blog, I shall highlight some of the pros and cons of balance transfer cards to pay your debt consolidation loan.
Pros of a Balance Transfer
- Pay Off Debt More Quickly
A balance transfer credit card can be used as part of a responsible debt-reduction strategy. I suggest that one should always keep a record of the terms and expiry of the rates. Also, it is beneficial to pay a lower interest on credit card debt as it will help you pay your debts much quicker than expected. You should consider automating payments to ensure that you are never late and that your final planned payment on your transferred debt consolidation loan is received before the rate expires.
- Save Money on Interest
Your ability to save money on interest is the reason why we prefer balance transfer. Balance transfer cards often include a no- or low-interest promotional period during which you can transfer balances from previous cards and pay off the new card at a significantly cheaper rate.
Your balance transfer credit card issuer may send you cheques or allow you to pay down your other card balances immediately. Ideally, you’ll pay off the new balance before the card’s usual annual percentage rate (APR) kicks in, saving you the most interest.
- Consolidate Your Debt
A balance transfer credit card can also serve as a debt consolidation tool. You will benefit by merging your debt into a single account as you will receive lower interest, which will help you pay your dues easily and on time. You can consolidate numerous accounts and due dates into a single payment, usually with a cheaper interest rate. Streamlining your financial life will help you make sure your payments are always on time.
Cons of a Balance Transfer
The appealing prospect of a low or 0% interest rate can make it difficult to perceive the disadvantages, but here are a few to consider:
- Balance Transfer Fee
You will normally pay a fee ranging from 3% to 5% of the deposited money. In most situations, there is a minimum balance transfer fee, and the reduced percentage often applies only to balance transfers performed shortly after you open the credit card.
- Low Interest Rates Are Temporary
The length of the promotional interest rate period might significantly impact whether it’s worthwhile to pay the fees to commence a balance transfer. The promotional term on balance transfer cards normally lasts 12 to 21 months.
- You May Need a High Credit Score
You must have a good or exceptional credit score to access a debit transfer card. If you don’t have that yet, I am certain that a debt consolidation loan may be a better alternative, especially if you can qualify for a lower interest rate than you’re now paying on your other debt.
Conclusion
If you wish to save income with interest while paying off your debt consolidation loan, there are certain obligations that you must abide by. Having a credit score of 670 or more, a better method of paying your dues before APR expires will help you get better interest.
I believe that though debt transfer cards are not the only tools to pay off your debts and save money and that not everyone is eligible, it is worthwhile to consider them.
