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Keeping up with which credit card payment is due on what date can be stressful. To avoid late fees, missed payments and a calendar full of due dates, consider opening a card with a great balance transfer program. There are several different cards available that offer favorable interest terms and additional bonuses for signing up. Below are some of the best credit card options available for balance transfers.
Discover it®
This card offers the biggest sign-up bonus on the market right now. In terms of balance transfers, Discover has one of the simplest websites to navigate.
While they do charge a 3% fee for all transfers, they also offer 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months and a 0% interest rate for all purchases made in the first 6 months. In the long run, the 3% you pay may be a drop in the bucket compared to the interest costs you save. Once the introductory 18 months has passed, standard interest rates between 10.99% - 22.99% will apply, depending on your creditworthiness. This card also allows non-credit card debt transfers such as student loans and various payment plans, which is helpful for consolidating non-credit card debt.
The Discover it® card also offers new members a hefty sign-up bonus that doubles all of the cash-back rewards earned over the course of the first year the card is in use. In addition to the welcome bonus, cardmembers can earn 5% cash back in rotating categories and 1% cash back on everything else. One more bonus feature to this card is the fact that cardholders are not charged an annual membership fee.
Chase Slate®
Like the Discover card, the Chase Slate® also has no annual membership fee, which is a big plus. This card may be the best option for those looking to transfer several balances because Chase does not charge a balance transfer fee within the first 60 days of opening the card. Additionally, they offer a 0% APR promotion for the first 15 months of purchases and balance transfers. After the promotional period, a variable interest rate of 12.99% - 22.99% will apply.
One downside to the great offers available on this card is the $15,000 balance transfer limit, no matter what your credit line is. However, if you're looking to pay down several smaller debts, this is a cost-effective option. Be careful, though, because you cannot transfer non-credit card debt onto this card. If you're looking for that type of debt consolidation, you may need to look elsewhere.
Citi Simplicity® Card
The Citi Simplicity® Card offers the best terms for balance transfers and penalties. If you qualify for this card, it is very handy for balance transfers. You can consolidate every type of debt, including credit cards, student loans, auto loans, store cards and payment plans, making this an excellent option for those with balances in a variety of places. While they do charge a 3% balance transfer fee, it is usually well worth the interest saved.
The most appealing feature of this card, however, is its lack of penalties. They offer a 21-month period of 0% interest for balance transfers, which is longer than any other card on the market. They also have no annual membership fee, no late fees, and no penalty rate hikes for missed payments. Citi Simplicity® also offers its members the opportunity to view their FICO credit score via their online account, which is helpful to keep up your credit profile. The only major downside to this card is its lack of rewards programs and loyalty benefits. If you're just looking for a great deal on balance transfers, this is the card for you. Otherwise, it might benefit you more to find a card with a shorter intro APR period and better rewards.
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers great sign-up bonuses in the form of a $100 bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months. For those looking for a quick reward as well as great balance transfer terms, this card is a solid contender.
For balance transfers, the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card is currently offering a promotion of 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers through September 2016. There is a 3% balance transfer fee, but the lack of annual membership fees and foreign transaction fees may make up for that. Once the introductory period runs out, the card balance is subject to a variable APR of 12.99% - 22.99%, which is standard for most of these cards.
The American Express Blue Cash EveryDay® Credit Card
American Express is no longer just for the top-tier spenders. The Blue Cash EveryDay® Credit Card is actually a great option for those who qualify. They offer a $100 statement credit bonus after you spend $1,000 in the first three months of opening the card, which is good for those who plan to use their card a lot. Their rewards program is fantastic too, especially for consumers who spend a lot of money at grocery stores and gas stations. They offer 3% back at supermarkets and 2% back at gas stations, which is a good return on money that was going to be spent anyway.
Unlike many of their other cards, the Blue Cash EveryDay® card does not have an annual fee attached. They also offer new members a 0% APR introductory period on balance transfers as well as purchases for the first 15 months. Once the introductory period is over, the interest rates will vary between 13.24% - 22.24%, depending on your credit history. Unfortunately for card members, there is no grace period for late payments, and the penalty APR spikes last for at least six months. If you're forgetful with payments, this may not be the best option.
Balance transfers are a good way to consolidate debt and keep your finances more organized. Any of these cards are a solid option for reducing the stress of keeping track of multiple lines of credit.