Balance transfer cards that offer 0% interest are the ideal way to pay off credit card debt if you are committed to paying off the balance during the promotional period (anywhere from 6-18 months). However, there are several hurdles to clear before you get one.
First, you must qualify for a balance transfer card, which usually means having a credit score of 700 or higher. Next, there usually is a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% involved.
That could add hundreds of dollars to the amount owed. Then, if you haven’t paid off the balance when the promotional period ends, the interest rate will jump anywhere from 13% to 25%, maybe even higher.
Finally, if you continue using the credit card to pay for shopping, you may end up owing more than what you started with.