The following is a guest post that explains balance transfer and Purchases Cards.
A balance transfer and purchases card is a special card that gives amazing benefits to the new cardholder. A credit card of this type is perfect for an individual would like to perform a self-service debt consolidation to make payments easier. Additionally, the new cardholder will have a long-term grace period in which he or she will not have interest rates added to new purchases. Balance transfer cards are among the most popular credit cards available today. Their popularity comes from the credit repair services that the debtor can take advantage of during the initial period.
The Process of Balance Transfer
When an applicant fills out a request for a balance transfer card, the lender will ask for account numbers. The applicant can apply to have his or her balances from other lenders transferred to the balance of the new card. If the lender approves the application, it will transfer those balances. The wonderful thing about balance transfer is that the previous balances will have the new interest rated attached. Most balance transfer cards have an introductory interest rate of 0 percent. Therefore, a person who has large balances on other accounts can benefit by bringing the interest rate of his or her multiple accounts to zero for a certain amount of time.
The process saves money for the debtor.
Interest Free Purchases
Another benefit that comes along with balance transfer cards is a 0 percent interest rate on new purchases. Each lender sets a different period for its customers. This interest free period can last anywhere from three months to 18 months. After the initial period, the annual percentage rate increases to the amount the lender has specified in its terms. Smart debtors can use the introductory period to shop freely and pay down the balance quickly. A majority of the payment amount will go to the balance during this time.
Qualifying for Balance Transfer Card
As with other credit card products, balance transfer cards require the applicant to have a certain credit rating. The lenders will consider the applicant’s credit score as well as the other information contained in his or her credit profile. Lenders usually take up to 30 days to make a decision on a credit card. However, some lenders have instant approval systems. Some applicants are able to receive positive decisions the same day they apply.
The Best Balance Transfer Cards
There is a wide variety of balance transfer cards available for consumers. The best cards are the ones that offer the most benefits. An individual conducting a comparison for this type of product should always search for the cards that offer the longest introductory period. Additionally, the consumer should pay close attention to the post-introductory APR. The ideal card will have a lower final APR than its competitors will.