Tag Archives: balance transfer
4 Things the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Have in Common
Anyone who has ever dealt with balance transfer credit cards knows that some of them tend to outshine the others. In fact, the difference between one balance transfer credit card and another can be like the difference between night and day.
So how do you determine which balance transfer credit cards are the good ones and which aren’t? By looking for these four telltale signs.
1. A Low Interest Rate
Almost all balance transfer credit cards have a low interest rate when you sign up for the card, but the best balance transfer credit cards have interest rates that stay low.
Oftentimes consumers jump at the chance to transfer their credit card balances to a card with a impressively-low interest rate, not realizing that the rate jumps up after six months or so. If you do this, once the introductory period ends, you may be in worse shape than you were before.
If you have a $3,000 balance on your credit card and you’re paying 16.99 percent, it can be tempting to search for balance transfer credit cards with a 0-percent introductory rate. But ask yourself — what is the interest rate going to be when that 0-percent period is over? If it’s higher than 16.99 percent, do you really want to transfer your balance to that card?
Instead of worrying about a low-interest introductory period, look for balance transfer credit cards that offer a low interest rate for the long term.
2. Whatever Happened to Grace?
Do you remember the good old days? Back when a 30-day grace period was the norm? Those days are long gone. Nowadays you’re lucky if you get a 20-day grace period and some credit cards aren’t offering grace periods at all.
Interest isn’t the only thing you should concern yourself with when looking at balance transfer credit cards. Make sure that the credit card you apply for has a grace period of no less than 20 days.
3. They Want You To Pay What?
With balance transfer credit cards competing so hard for business, you’d think they’d be willing to bend over backwards to get your account. Not so…
Surprisingly enough, many balance transfer credit cards charge a balance transfer fee to transfer your debt. Usually the fee is calculated as a percentage of the balance being transfered and, depending on how high your balance is, that fee can amount to quite the pretty penny.
Do yourself a favor — only apply for balance transfer credit cards that don’t charge a balance transfer fee. Regardless of what the other credit card companies want you to think, they ARE out there.
4. The Importance of Online Access
Most credit card companies offer online account access nowadays, but the scope of that online access and what is required to get it often differs. Some balance transfer credit cards make you pay for online account access and others charge you a fee to make payments online.
Before applying for balance transfer credit cards, make sure that the cards you are interested in offer free online account access and don’t make you pay for the privilege of online payments.
With credit card debt becoming the norm and so many companies offering balance transfer solutions, it’s important that you find the credit card that fits you perfectly. Don’t settle for just any old balance transfer card. Pay close attention to the above four tips to find the best balance transfer credit cards on the market.
Capital One Platinum Max(SM) Credit Card – Review
According to the Capital One website, their Platinum Max(SM) Card is “right for people with excellent credit interested in getting a great rate that they can count on”. I agree with this statement as the Capital One Platinum Max Card appears to actually be one of the better cards currently out there on the market. In order to qualify for this credit card, you must of had another loan or credit card for at least five years. You must currently have a credit card with a credit limit greater than $10,000 and never of been more than 60 days late on any payments of card bills, medical expenses, or loan payments. Also, you must of never have of declared bankruptcy to qualify for this credit card. In short, The Capital One Platinum Max is not an easy credit card to be approved for.
Currently the card features a very low 9.9% APR on purchases and balance transfers. This is guaranteed for 3 years and your APR will not increase just because you make a late payment or go over your credit limit. There are no annual membership or balance transfer fees associated with the card. This is in itself a very important and rare feature on any platinum class credit card. The card is a great money saver for folks who like to travel abroad. There are no additional fees on purchases made outside the U.S.A.
Another group of excellent benefits is the exclusive special savings you can enjoy with the use of your card. It is a snap to easily save up to 40% on featured deals and 10% on everything else at Capital One Saving Zone on Yahoo! Shopping. At this exclusive website, cardholders can enjoy huge savings on thousands of brand name items. The store features various types of goods including Bed & Bath, Women’s Accessories, Home Furnishings, Jewelry, and Kitchen Appliances.
At the time this review was written, the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) was 9.9% at the purchase rate and balance transfer rate. There are no balance transfer fees on this card at the time this review was written as well. The card offers a credit limit up to $20,000.00 (min $2,000). One can also expect to receive the best of other platinum card services as well like extended warranty protection for goods bought, accident and travel insurance, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance. Also remember at the present time the card also features no membership of annual fee. If you ever have any questions of concerns with your card you can also simply just call the number located on the back of the credit card for quick and easy help from a professional staff of caring and helpful people 24/7.
Please remember that at the time this review was written all information was true and correct to the best of my knowledge. If you should decide to apply online for this, or any other credit card online be certain that you have read the complete current terms and conditions.