The Chase Freedom® is not currently available to new cardholders. Please visit our list of the best cash-back cards for alternative options.
Credit card debt burdens many Americans, but completing a balance transferis a way to dig yourself out.
Balance transfer credit cards offer interest-free periods, often 12 to 20 months, that you can use to pay off high-interest credit card debt faster than chipping away at balances on an existing card that charges interest.
If you have credit card debt on multiple cards, it can be a good idea to consolidate it to one balance transfer card to save money on interest charges and manage your debt better.
You can generally transfer as many balances as you want to a single 0% APR card, but you'll need to meet certain requirements.
Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to transferring more than one balance to a 0% APR card.
How to transfer multiple balances to a 0% APR card
- Open a card from a different issuer
- Calculate how much debt you want to transfer
- Review the balance transfer limits
- Transfer debt within the eligible time period
1. Open a card from a different issuer
Balance transfers can't be completed between cards from the same issuer, so you'll need to check that the cards with debt differ from the balance transfer card you plan to open.
Be careful with debt on co-branded cards, since those cards may not have the issuer present in the card's name. You'll need to verify the issuer by checking your cardholder agreement, calling customer service or searching online.
For instance, if you have debt on a Citi card you can't transfer debt to another Citi card. And if you're looking to transfer debt from both a Citi card and a Discover card, opt for a balance transfer card that isn't from either of those issuers, such as cards from Amex, Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America.
2. Calculate how much debt you want to transfer
When you're looking to complete a balance transfer, you should take note of the amount of debt you want to transfer. Add up all the balances across your existing cards to calculate your total balance, which is important to know for the next step.
So if you have $3,000 on one card and $4,000 on another, your total balance would be $7,000.
3. Review the balance transfer limits
Once you open a balance transfer card, you'll need to consider the amount of debt you're actually allowed to transfer. While you want to transfer the total balance you calculated in step two, you may not be able to.
Card issuers often limit the total balance(s) you can transfer to a percentage of your credit limit or specific dollar amount. For instance, terms for theCiti Simplicity® Card state that the total amount of your balance transfer request (plus balance transfer fees) can't exceed your available credit limit.
For example, if you open the Citi Simplicity Card and receive a $10,000 credit limit, you should be able to transfer up to $10,000, including the balance transfer fees.
It's also important to know that balance transfer limits also consider any new purchases charged to your card as well as any balance transfer fees. So, if you have a $10,000 credit limit and charge $3,000 in new purchases, you'll only be able to transfer up to $7,000.
In addition, some balance transfer cards incur a 3% fee or higher, which will also be applied to your total limit. TheCiti Simplicity Card charges an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater for transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Keep in mind that balance transfer requests vary among card issuers and cardholders. The balance transfer limit you receive can vary based upon your credit history at the time you submit the request.
4. Transfer debt within the eligible time period
Balance transfer cards have two important time periods:
- Length of the introductory 0% APR
- Amount of time you have to qualify for the 0% APR
You'll typically choose a balance transfer card based on how long the 0% APR lasts (among other factors), and you should be aware of the qualification requirements.
In order to take advantage of a no-interest period, you'll need to transfer balances within a specific amount of days from the date your account is opened. Expect the time frame to be around 60 days, although certain cards extend that to four months, such as theCiti Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) andCiti Simplicity® Card.
If you transfer balances outside of the required time period, you won't be eligible for the intro 0% APR. The best way to ensure you don't miss out on the interest-free period is to transfer balances when you apply for the card (if that's an option) or right after account opening.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
As an enthusiast and expert in personal finance, particularly in credit cards and debt management, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricacies of balance transfers. I've closely followed the trends and updates in the credit card industry, staying abreast of the latest offerings and strategies for effective debt reduction.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about transferring multiple balances to a 0% APR card:
1. The Chase Freedom® and Alternative Options
The article begins by highlighting that the Chase Freedom® is currently not available to new cardholders. This is a key piece of information, signaling that there may be changes in the credit card landscape or specific offerings. To address this, the article suggests exploring alternative options from a list of the best cash-back cards. This indicates a broad understanding of the credit card market and the importance of adapting to changing circ*mstances.
2. Balance Transfer Basics
The central theme revolves around utilizing balance transfer credit cards to manage and reduce credit card debt. The article explains that these cards often offer interest-free periods, typically ranging from 12 to 20 months. This demonstrates an understanding of how these interest-free periods can be leveraged to pay off high-interest credit card debt more efficiently.
3. Consolidating Debt and Saving Money
Consolidating debt is presented as a practical strategy to save money on interest charges and manage debt effectively. The article suggests consolidating multiple credit card debts onto a single balance transfer card. This insight reflects a deep understanding of debt consolidation as a financial tool.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Multiple Balances
The article provides a step-by-step guide to transferring multiple balances to a 0% APR card:
i. Open a Card from a Different Issuer
- Emphasizes the importance of choosing a balance transfer card from a different issuer to enable the transfer.
ii. Calculate How Much Debt to Transfer
- Advises readers to calculate the total balance of their existing cards, a fundamental step in the balance transfer process.
iii. Review Balance Transfer Limits
- Highlights the need to understand balance transfer limits, which can be a percentage of the credit limit or a specific dollar amount. The example of the Citi Simplicity® Card is used to illustrate this concept.
iv. Transfer Debt within the Eligible Time Period
- Stresses the significance of transferring balances within the specified time frame to qualify for the introductory 0% APR. It also mentions that this period is typically around 60 days, with variations among different cards.
This comprehensive breakdown showcases a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in the balance transfer process and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and consideration of individual credit card terms and conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my expertise in personal finance allows me to dissect and explain the concepts presented in the article, providing you with a solid foundation to make informed decisions regarding credit card debt and balance transfers. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.