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Smart Money

What a balance transfer card can do for you

Last updated

Pauline Hatch      

So, you’ve racked up some debt on your credit cards. What’s the best way to deal with it? While there are many plans of attack for busting credit card debt, you may want to look into applying for a balance transfer card. Offering a period of low or no interest on transferred balances, balance transfer cards could help you pay down that credit card debt faster while saving big on interest.

Balance Transfers 101

Let’s start at the very beginning. Balance transfers, in essence, are a simple concept. You transfer a balance from another credit card onto a new credit card to enjoy a much lower rate of interest on that balance for an introductory period. This allows you to save on interest and potentially pay off your debt faster.

Simple, right? Unfortunately, there’s a bit more to consider when dealing with balance transfer cards. Yes, they can be awesome tools for busting debt and avoiding interest, but they must be dealt with correctly. You need to know how to find the best balance transfer card – and how to use it. Luckily, it just so happens that we have that know-how – and we’re willing to divulge it.

Balance Transfer Benefits: The Big 4

What can a balance transfer card offer you? That is a good question. Why bother applying for a new card if it’s not going to benefit you, after all? Let’s run through the four main advantages of applying for a balance transfer credit card, so you can see whether this type of card could be of benefit to you.

Reduce the amount you pay in interest

It’s no secret, credit card providers make money off the interest they charge. Credit card interest varies according to the card, with basic cards generally charging less in interest, and premium cards with high-end features and rewards charging more in interest. If you clear your balance every month by the statement due date, then the card’s interest rate is unimportant.

However, if you carry a balance, then you are more than likely paying interest on it. Even with a low rate credit card, carrying a balance can get expensive. If, on the other hand, you have a credit card with an interest rate on the wrong side of 20% p.a., that interest could really stack up, making it harder and harder to pay down the overall balance.

Which is where a balance transfer card could come in handy. If your credit card debt is making your eyes water, it may not be the best idea to leave it sitting there on a high interest credit card. Especially if you are only paying the minimum repayment each month. By transferring it to the right balance transfer card, you could save heaps in interest.

Repay your debt sooner

Paying less in interest has the knock-on effect of allowing you to pay down your debt faster. It makes sense. If you are paying less in interest, you can pay off more of what you owe. So, instead of staying in debt, by working hard and being smart with your cards, you should be able to clear your debt sooner.

Consolidate your debt

If you have a number of credit cards, that also means you have a number of credit card bills and monthly due dates. For some people, having numerous debts can be overwhelming. By choosing the right balance transfer card, you can consolidate your card debt so you only have one credit card bill and only one credit card repayment to worry about.

Yes, it will still be the same amount to pay off overall, but with a balance transfer offer, you should be paying less in interest on that overall bill. That means you can concentrate on clearing your total balance, and paying it off before the introductory period ends. Of course, there are factors to consider here, and we’ll get to them shortly.

Get a better credit card

Not all credit cards are created equal. And not every credit card is suited to every credit cardholder. Finding the right credit card is something of an art form – something that CreditCard.com.au is here to help you with. If you have the wrong credit card for you, you could benefit from finding a balance transfer card that suits your needs better.

Busting your Credit Card Debt

Now you know the benefits of a balance transfer card, let’s look at what else a balance transfer card can offer. After all, a balance transfer card is simply a credit card with a balance transfer offer. That means balance transfer cards can come in all shapes and sizes, some with low fees and low rates, some with higher fees and interest and more features.

Aside from its balance transfer offer, a balance transfer card could be combined with other types of offers. You may be able to save money with a reduced annual fee offer. You could save on interest on purchases with a purchase offer. If you opt for a rewards card, you could benefit from a number of bonus rewards points.

In terms of the type of card you choose, this could be a low rate card or a card with a low or no annual fee. You could choose a rewards card or frequent flyer card, or you could opt for a premium card, such as a platinum card. Features on offer could include complimentary travel insurance, hotel stays, travel credit and more.

But, you have credit card debt you want to pay off. How much do all of those extras matter? When you have a chunk of debt to pay off, and you decide a balance transfer card is the best way to do that, it’s usually a good idea to focus on the balance transfer offer over everything else. The extras may be nice, but money-saving should be the main priority.

Want to know how much you could save by switching to a balance transfer card? Using a balance transfer calculator could give you a good idea. Say you have a balance of $3,000 on a card with a purchase rate of 20% p.a. If you switched to a 0% p.a. balance transfer card and paid off that balance within a year, you could save $526 in interest on that 12 month period.

Balance Transfer No-Nos

Not so long ago, ME Bank completed a survey (1) of more than 2,000 credit card holders to uncover more about balance transfers and the way in which customers were using them. According to the survey, around 40% of participants said they applied for balance transfer cards specifically for their balance transfer offers.

However, the survey also found that 29% of all balance transfers weren’t cleared before the interest free period ended. Why? The bank found that these cardholders weren’t changing their spending habits. In fact, 53% of those who accepted 0% p.a. balance transfer offers continued to revolve their debts on a regular basis, compared to 37% overall.

A balance transfer card only works if you make it work. Transferring that balance onto a new card doesn’t make it disappear. It’s doesn’t mean you have the green light to start spending on that old card now that the balance is conveniently somewhere else. If you want to make your balance transfer card work for you, here are some of the biggest no-nos you should avoid.

  • Only paying the minimum: Paying the minimum repayment each month will mean you stay in debt for longer. It’s almost certain you will not clear your balance by the end of the introductory period, and that transferred balance will revert to the card’s purchase rate or cash advance rate, leaving you right where you started before the balance transfer.
  • Racking up more debt on cleared cards: When you clear the balance on a card by transferring it to a balance transfer card, it can be tempting to start spending on it again. Bad idea. If you spend more on that card, you will have to pay off that balance plus the transferred balance, making it even harder to get out of debt.
  • Not paying off the balance by the end of the intro period: Balance transfer periods can last anywhere up to 24 months – and sometimes longer. This can seem like a long time, making you lax in paying off the transferred balance. Before you know it, that intro period is over and your balance starts accruing interest at the card’s much higher revert rate.
  • Choosing a card for its features and rewards: When you get a card with heaps of features and rewards, it’s likely to have a higher annual fee. That annual fee could have been spent paying down your balance. Similarly, using a card to earn rewards means increasing the amount you have to pay off: the new balance plus the transferred balance.
  • Spending big on the new card: New card, new temptation to spend. However, when you spend, you should understand how your payments are allocated. When you make a payment, the card provider automatically puts that towards paying off the most expensive debt first. If you have made new purchases, they will accrue interest at a higher rate than the transferred balance, meaning they will be paid off first. Even if you think you are chipping away at your transferred balance, you may in fact, only be paying off those new purchases.
  • Failing to understand the card’s terms and conditions: There’s no denying it. Credit cards come with a lot of small print. It can be all too easy to gloss over those boring terms and conditions. For example, you may think that you are benefitting from up to 55 days interest free on your new purchases. But, for many cards, if you have a balance transfer, that interest free period does not apply.
  • Creating revolving debt that’s never paid off: You get one balance transfer offer, but fail to pay off the balance. You take out another balance transfer offer when that one ends, but you fail to pay that off as well. You create a revolving cycle of debt that is never paid off, and you stay in debt for years.

Making Balance Transfers Work For You

Okay, okay. That was quite a lot to take in, but don’t let it put you off. While there may be quite a few balance transfer no-nos, there are some simple rules to follow that can make a balance transfer offer work for you. A balance transfer can be an awesome tool, but you need to know how to make that tool work for you and your credit card debt.

Before you apply

Choose the right card: Just as you would with any other credit card, you have to compare balance transfer cards to find the one that works best for you. Consider choosing a balance transfer card with a low or no annual fee, and focus on the balance transfer offer above all else.

Choose the right offer: There are heaps of balance transfer offers out there, but the key is to pick the right one. A 0% p.a. balance transfer is usually best. Try to choose an intro period that will provide sufficient time for you to clear your transferred balance.

Understand fees: In most cases, you will have to pay a one-off balance transfer fee. This will usually be a percentage of the transferred balance, and will be added to the total amount to be paid off. Take this fee into account when working how much the balance transfer could save you overall.

Understand transfer limitations: Your credit limit will be determined by the card provider when you apply for the card. However, you may only be allowed to transfer a balance up to a certain percentage of that credit limit. This can range between 70% and 95%.

Know what happens at the end of the intro period: Find out what rate the transferred balance will revert to at the end of the introductory period if you fail to pay it all off. Choosing a card with a lower revert rate could be a good idea if you think you may have trouble clearing your debt before the offer ends.

Using the card

Consider your spending: As we explained before, when you make a payment on your card, that payment will go towards paying off the most expensive debt first. On a balance transfer card, that will usually mean payments go towards paying off new purchases before balance transfers. Think about whether you can afford to pay off all that new spending while also paying down your transferred balance. You may consider not spending on the balance transfer card at all, and using another card for day-to-day spending until you pay off the balance transfer.

Consider rewards: Rewards cards reward spending, which, as we’ve already mentioned, is not always a good idea on a balance transfer card. Think about whether rewards are a priority, or whether you want to focus on paying down your transferred balance first. Working on building your rewards points balance could be better left to afterwards.

Understand your card: Reading the small print may be tedious, but it will help you better understand your credit card and its balance transfer offer. This may involve understanding how your payments are allocated, or how your interest free days work. Interest free days can provide a great way to save on interest on purchases, but they may not be available until you clear your balance transfer.

Repaying the balance

Focus on repaying the transferred balance: Don’t fall into the trap of only making the minimum repayments. Create a budget to work out how much you can afford to pay back each month, then, look at the length of the balance transfer offer and your total debt. If possible, pay off an equal amount each month so that your total balance is cleared by the end of the intro period. Setting automatic repayments after payday can provide an easy way to pay without you having to put in too much effort.

Case Study

Last year, Rebecca spent $10,000 on her credit card, taking a trip, buying a new holiday wardrobe, and buying herself a few little treats. She didn’t want to stay in debt forever and knew a balance transfer card could help her save on interest while she cleared that balance.

Rebecca worked out she would need a little over a year to clear the balance, so chose a card with no annual fee, with a 0% balance transfer offer over 14 months, and no balance transfer fee. By repaying that debt over the introductory period, she will have saved $2,035 in interest over 14 months.

Time to Compare

Why do credit card providers attach balance transfer offers to their credit cards? It’s certainly not out of the good of their hearts. No, balance transfer offers are designed to entice new cardholders. So, it’s up to you to take advantage of them. That means knowing what’s on offer, knowing what you need, and finding the right card for you.

When you compare balance transfer cards on CreditCard.com.au, here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind to ensure you get the best card and the best offer for you:

  • Length of the balance transfer introductory offer: Try to choose an offer that will allow you to clear your debt before the end of the intro period.
  • Balance transfer rate: While many options offer 0% p.a. on balance transfers, some offers provide an introductory rate of up to 6% p.a. Use a calculator to work out which offer would work best for you over the introductory period provided.
  • Balance transfer revert rate: This is the rate your transferred balance will revert to if you fail to pay it all off within the introductory period. If you think you may not be able to clear your transferred balance, this rate is important.
  • Transfer limit: Find out how much you are allowed to balance transfer. This may be between 70% and 100% of your approved credit limit.
  • Limitations on transfers from certain providers: Introductory balance transfer offers are limited to new customers. That means you can’t transfer a balance onto a card from your current provider to get that intro balance transfer rate. This may also apply to new cards under one umbrella group, such as Bank of Melbourne and St.George, as they’re both owned by Westpac.
  • Fees and charges: Check whether a balance transfer fee will be applied, and how much it will be. In terms of annual fees, make sure that the annual fee won’t exceed your interest savings before you apply. Try to avoid all unnecessary fees, to concentrate on paying off your balance.

A Step-by-step Guide: How to do a Balance Transfer

While it’s important to remember that the process of completing a balance transfer will vary according to the card you apply for, here is what you may expect:

Step 1. Choose a balance transfer card. Now you know what to look for, you can easily compare the options on CreditCard.co.au to find the balance transfer card that will work for you.

Step 2. Apply. With online application on most credit cards, you can usually apply for a credit card in around ten minutes. You will need to fill in all required information regarding your personal details, your employment, and your assets and liabilities. You will also need to prove your identity, usually with your driver’s license. There will be a section on balance transfers. Complete this to provide all necessary information regarding your current credit card (or cards), and the balance transfer amount.

Step 3. Approval. Depending on the card provider, you may receive a response in regards to your approval within 60 seconds, or it may be up to two business days, or longer. With an instant approval credit card, you will receive notification of the application status on your screen after applying. With other credit cards, you may receive notification by email.

Step 4. Debt transfer. Once you have been approved, your new card provider will use the details you provided to process the balance transfer from your old card onto your new card. The card provider will usually provide an estimation of how long this process will take. If you have online banking set up, you can keep an eye on the transfer.

Step 5. Your new card arrives. Your new credit card will arrive in the mail, usually within two weeks. You may be able to set up a PIN online, or this may arrive separately. If you have decided not to use the card for new purchases, you may choose to keep the card somewhere safe rather than in your wallet to avoid the temptation to spend.

Step 6. Close the old credit card account. Whether you close the old card account is up to you. However, by closing the old account you can avoid the temptation to spend on it, plus you’ll no longer have to pay an annual fee for that card. Make sure the transfer has been processed before closing the account.

Wrapping Up Balance Transfers

That’s it. It’s about time to wrap up balance transfers. If you’ve got debt on your credit cards that you’d like to pay off, a balance transfer card could be for you. Be sure to check out the options on CreditCard.com.au and stick to the guidelines we have outlined here, and you could clear that credit card debt in no time.

Photo source: Pexels
Pauline

Pauline Hatch

Pauline is a personal finance expert at CreditCard.com.au, with 8 years in money, budgeting and property reporting under her belt. Pauline is passionate about seeing Aussies win by making their money – and their credit cards – work smarter, harder and bigger.

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19 comments (showing the latest 10 Q&As)

Antonella Theodore

Antonella Theodore

15 March 2024
What's best transfer option with no interest for up
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    20 March 2024
    Hi Antonella, if you're looking for a balance transfer credit card you can compare them on this comparison guide. Click the toggles to order the cards according to what you're after (if you want a long 0% balance transfer term, click the 'balance transfer' button and it will sort from longest term to shortest).
Michele

Michele

19 July 2023
I already Have a Bankwest Breeze Mastercard, could I transfer my Latitude debt as a balance transfer ?
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    20 July 2023
    Hi Michele, it states in their terms that balance transfers may be requested when applying for a credit card. But since you mentioned that you’re already a current Bankwest Breeze card holder, I suggest giving Bankwest a call directly to see what options are available for you. Alternatively, you can check out a range of balance transfer credit cards for some other options.
Michaela

Michaela

16 June 2023
Hi. I owe $6000 on a NAB credit card. I also have zip accounts. I really want to pay off the credit card as all I'm doing is paying the interest each month. How would you suggest I can pay this off. Thank you xx
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    16 June 2023
    Hi Michaela, that’s great to hear you want to pay down your credit card debt. Providing your credit file is in good standing, you’ll need to compare cards that allow you to move more than just existing debt. The good news is that there are cards that allow that. We’ve gone into depth about the process of balance transferring buy now pay later balances. We hope that helps you out.
Noelle

Noelle

4 April 2023
Hi . I owe $18,686.68 on Anz credit card. I pay $374 every month. Interest on cash charged $312.61 on purchases $1.81 . I need advice
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    6 April 2023
    Hi Noelle! A balance transfer could help you pay off your debt without getting whacked by interest every month. Since you have an ANZ card, you’ll have to look for a non-ANZ card (you can’t balance transfer between the same brand). Choosing one with a low fee and a long interest-free period will give you more time to pay it off. Some balance transfers have a fee and some don’t (usually around 1-2%, which in your case would add $187 or $374 to your balance). Have a look at the Balance Transfer Cards Comparison guide for a snapshot of some of the the offers (and more info about how to pay off your debt and avoid interest). The Virgin Money Low Rate card currently has a 36-month balance transfer offer and a $99 annual fee but there are quite a few cards to check out. Just make sure you’re eligible and you’ve checked your credit score before you apply – you don’t want to hurt your score by getting declined. I hope that helps Noelle, and good luck!
Kathlyn Dowling

Kathlyn Dowling

26 March 2023
I need help with two balance transfer for approximately $20,000
    Pauline - CreditCard.com.au

    Pauline

    27 March 2023
    Hi Kathlyn, you can indicate your requests upon application of a new credit card. Below are the steps indicated in this article on how to do a balance transfer. 1. Choose and apply for a balance transfer card. 2. Wait for the application result. 3. When approved, the new card provider will use the details you provided to process the balance transfer/s from your old card onto your new card. 4. Your new credit card will arrive in the mail within a couple of weeks. 6. You may choose to close your old credit card account. Hope this helps!
Mr Paul Penman

Mr Paul Penman

24 June 2021
Hi Roland, I'm interested in transferring from a Bendigo Bank platinum rewards card to a Virgin Money card. With the Bendigo card I get free travel insurance. Does the same deal apply with the Virgin card? Cheers mate, Paul.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    24 June 2021
    Hi Paul, at the time of writing there's only one Virgin Money credit card that offers complimentary travel insurance is the Virgin Australia Velocity High Flyer Credit Card. It also offers a range of retail insurances too.
Bill

Bill

28 April 2021
My wife & I are aged pensioners requiring a balance transfer credit card to reduce our debt. Have you any suggestions? Any advice would be much appreciated.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    4 May 2021
    Hi Bill, thanks for your question. We've written a piece on credit cards for pensioners, that you can find here. It's packed full of information and specifics from specific banks including CBA, Westpac and more. I hope this has helped you out!
Ross McALinden

Ross McALinden

25 January 2021
I have a personal loan of $3500 and want to go to a interest free card to pay this debt. How is the best way to go about this.
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    26 January 2021
    Hi Ross, only Citi issued credit cards can take non-Citi personal loan debt as part or all of the balance transfer. Check out an offer like the Virgin Flyer.
ANDREW

ANDREW

7 January 2021
Hi, I have an existing citibank card which is max's out. I have sold a vehicle and have 18k in my savings account. If I pay it into my city account how do I get them to offer me a balance transfer option. Ie I want to transfer my other cards into the city card. Citi are not currently offering me a zero interest option
    Roland B Bleyer - CreditCard.com.au Founder

    Roland

    7 January 2021
    Hi Andrew, the balance transfer option is only available with Citi at the time of application. Therefore you will not be able to do a 0% balance transfer on your current card. You will need to apply for a new balance transfer offer to take advantage of this feature. Being maxed on your card drives negative credit reporting. This will impact your ability to get approved on a new application. Everytime your credit limit is 85% used and above this is automatically noted.
<a href=Why do Australians Switch to Balance Transfer credit cards? | Bigtime Daily" />

Why do Australians Switch to Balance Transfer credit cards? | Bigtime Daily

31 August 2019
[…] market is as open as any other market and we help consumers to save millions collectively – with balance transfer cards being one of the most sought after […]

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