Balance transfer credit cards are a useful tool for businesses looking to consolidate debt and save money. They allow you to transfer high-interest balances from one or multiple credit cards onto a single card with a lower interest rate, often with an introductory 0% APR offer. This can help you pay off debt faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay over time, ultimately increasing your bottom line.
In this ultimate guide to balance transfer credit card business, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these cards, including how they work, their benefits and downsides, and how to choose the best one for your business. So let’s get started!
How Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work
Balance transfer credit cards work by allowing you to move your existing credit card balances onto a new card with a lower interest rate. This can help you save money on interest charges while paying off your debt more quickly.
When you apply for a balance transfer credit card, the issuer will typically ask for information about the balances you want to transfer. Once approved, they will issue you a new card with a designated credit limit that matches the total amount of debt you want to transfer.
You’ll then have a set period of time – typically between 6-18 months – during which any balances transferred onto the new card will accrue no interest (or only a low promotional rate). After that time period ends, the regular APR kicks in and any remaining balance will be subject to interest charges.
It’s important to note that most balance transfer credit cards charge a balance transfer fee – usually around 3-5% of the total amount transferred – so be sure to factor this into your calculations when deciding whether or not it makes sense for your business.
Benefits of Using Balance Transfer Credit Cards
There are several benefits of using balance transfer credit cards for business purposes:
Lower Interest Rates
The biggest benefit of balance transfer credit cards is the ability to save money on interest charges. By consolidating your high-interest balances onto a card with a lower interest rate (or 0% APR during the promotional period), you can reduce the amount of money you’re paying in interest charges each month.
Consistent Payments
If you have multiple credit card balances to manage, it can be challenging to keep track of due dates, minimum payments, and interest rates for each account. By consolidating all of your debt onto one balance transfer credit card, you’ll have just one payment to make each month – and it will likely be lower than the combined minimum payments from all of your other cards.
Simplified Accounting
Consolidating your debt onto one card also makes accounting much easier. Instead of tracking multiple payments and balances across several accounts, you’ll have just one set of numbers to work with.
Potential for Improved Credit Scores
If you have high balances on multiple credit cards, it can negatively impact your credit score by increasing your overall credit utilization ratio (the percentage of available credit that you’re using). By consolidating your debt onto a single balance transfer credit card, you may improve your score by reducing this ratio.
Downsides of Using Balance Transfer Credit Cards
While there are many benefits to using balance transfer credit cards, there are also some downsides to consider:
Balance Transfer Fees
As mentioned earlier, most balance transfer credit cards charge a fee – usually between 3-5% – for transferring existing balances onto their card. This means that even if the new card has a lower APR or 0% introductory rate, you’ll still need to pay a fee upfront.
High Regular APRs
Once the promotional period ends on your balance transfer credit card, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the regular APR. Depending on the specific terms of your card (which can vary widely), this rate may be higher than the rates on your existing credit cards – so be sure to read the fine print before applying.
Impact on Credit Scores
While transferring balances onto a balance transfer credit card can potentially improve your credit score, it can also have a negative impact if not managed properly. For example, if you continue to use your existing credit cards and accumulate more debt while also carrying a high balance on your new card, this could negatively impact your credit utilization ratio and overall score.
Choosing the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card for Your Business
If you’re considering using a balance transfer credit card for your business, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right one:
Length of Promotional Period
The length of the promotional period – during which any transferred balances will accrue no interest or a low rate – is a crucial factor in determining whether or not a particular card is right for you. Look for cards with longer promotional periods (12-18 months) if possible, as this will give you more time to pay off your debt without accruing additional interest charges.
Regular APR
Be sure to check the regular APR that kicks in after the promotional period ends. You want to make sure it’s lower than the rates on your existing credit cards to ensure that you’re actually saving money over time.
Balance Transfer Fee
As mentioned earlier, most balance transfer credit cards charge a fee for transferring balances onto their card. Be sure to factor this into your calculations when deciding whether or not it makes sense for your business.
Credit Limit
Make sure the credit limit on any potential balance transfer credit cards is high enough to accommodate all of the balances you want to transfer. If you have large amounts of debt, you may need multiple cards to consolidate everything – but remember that this will also mean multiple fees and managing multiple accounts.
Conclusion
Balance transfer credit cards can be an effective tool for businesses looking to consolidate debt and save money on interest charges. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits and downsides carefully before deciding whether or not they’re right for your business. By considering factors like the length of promotional periods, regular APRs, and balance transfer fees, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve greater financial stability and success over time.
FAQs
What is a balance transfer credit card?
A balance transfer credit card allows you to transfer debt from one credit card to another with lower interest rates or promotional zero-interest periods.
How can someone benefit from a balance transfer credit card?
Someone can benefit from a balance transfer credit card by paying off their previous high-interest debt at a lower rate, saving money on interest charges, and potentially improving their credit score.
What are some of the advantages of having a balance transfer credit card business?
Some advantages of having a balance transfer credit card business are attracting new customers, increasing revenue through sales made on the cards, and establishing long-term customer relationships.
Can anyone qualify for a balance transfer credit card?
No, not everyone can qualify for a balance transfer credit card. You typically need good to excellent credit scores to be approved for one.
Are there any fees associated with using a balance transfer credit card?
Yes, there may be fees associated with using a balance transfer credit card such as balance transfer fees and annual fees that are charged by the issuer. It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying.
How long does it take to complete a balance transfer?
The length of time it takes to complete a balance transfer varies depending on the issuing bank but typically takes around 7-10 business days. It’s important to continue making your monthly payments until the balances have been transferred successfully.
Can you use your balance transfer credit card for purchases?
Yes, you can use your balance transfer credit card for purchases but keep in mind that any new purchases may accrue higher interest rates than transferred balances during promotional periods unless stated otherwise in the terms and conditions.
What is an intro APR period and how does it work?
An intro APR period is a promotional period where the issuer offers a temporary lower or zero interest rate for balance transfers. This period typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the issuer.
What should someone consider before applying for a balance transfer credit card?
Before applying, someone should consider their current and future finances including their ability to pay off the transferred balances during the promo period, any fees associated with using the card, and if they can qualify based on their credit score.
Can interest rates change after an intro APR period ends?
Yes, interest rates can change after an intro APR period ends so it’s important to read over your terms and conditions carefully to understand how your interest rates may fluctuate.