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Using a promotional balance transfer to pay off credit card debt
If you’re serious about paying off your personal credit card debt when you take up a promotional balance transfer offer, then you may want to press pause on all credit card spending.
Are you thinking about moving a credit card balance to a new card with a lower promotional interest rate? To make the most of a balance transfer offer like this, you may want to pay off or reduce the balance you transfer within the promotional period – while always being mindful of your other financial commitmentsdisclaimer.
To help you achieve this, there are a few things to keep in mind if you don’t want to end up in more debt than before. Here, we focus on some spending strategies – you can get more tips for managing a balance transfer here.
Consider cancelling your old cards
You could consider cancelling your old credit card (or cards if you have more than one) if you’re transferring a balance over to a new credit card. By doing so, you remove the temptation to use those old cards which might help you to avoid amassing new debt (on those cards, of course). It may also mean that you no longer have to pay fees or charges on those cards, depending on the terms and conditions that apply, which might free up some money to help you save or pay towards the transferred balance.
Re-assess your needs once you’ve paid it off
Once you’ve paid down a balance transfer, it could be a good time to reassess your needs. Is the credit card you transferred your balance to still the right card for you?
Again, check the interest rates, fees and other terms that apply. Some credit cards have a great promotional balance transfer interest rate but revert to a higher interest rate after the promotional period ends. It may be worthwhile shopping around to find a credit card that suits you. You might also want to consider whether ANY credit card is right for you.
And if you do make the decision to start spending on a credit card after you’ve paid off a balance transfer, consider working out a budget to help keep you on track.
Balance transfer basics
Brush up on balance transfers before you make a decision about a promotional balance transfer offer.
Make sure a balance transfer works in your favour
A promotional balance transfer might sound tempting, but there are some things to look out for.
Thinking about a promotional balance transfer offer?
While the promotional interest rate on some balance transfer offers may seem appealing, make sure you read the offer and card terms and conditions.
Information in this article refers to personal credit cards, is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider if right for you.
By providing this information ANZ does not intend to provide any financial advice or other advice or recommendations. You should seek independent financial, legal, tax and other relevant advice having regard to your particular circumstances.
The information is current as at May 2020 and may be subject to change. ANZ recommends you review your personal credit card contract and any relevant offer terms and conditions for information that applies to you.
ANZ interest rates and fees and terms and conditions are subject to change. Refer to the current credit card interest rates, fees and terms for further information and current interest rates, fees and terms.
Applications for credit at ANZ are subject to ANZ’s credit approval criteria, terms, conditions and fees and charges apply. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527.
Interest and other fees and charges payable by specific individuals will depend on how the account is used and the T&Cs, interest, fees and charges that apply.
ReturnFor information about interest-free days on ANZ consumer credit cards, please refer to the credit contract that applies to the relevant account.
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