 TITLE: How Long Does a Credit Card Balance Transfer Take? CONTENT: When Does It Make Sense to Transfer a Balance?\n----------------------------------------------\nWhen you are able to receive a lower APR on your debt by transferring your balance, it's worth considering. For example, when a new account offers introductory financing with a 0% APR or a lower than standard interest rate, then it can make sense to do so—as long as you plan to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends. It can also be beneficial to transfer your balance to a new credit card with a standard APR that's less than your current card's rate. And if your credit has improved since you opened your last card, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate on a new account.\nOn the other hand, a balance transfer may not always be the right move. For example, if you're on track to pay off your balance within a few months, it may not be worth spending the 3% to 5% balance transfer fee just to receive a lower interest rate for a short period of time. Before you begin the process of performing a balance transfer, you may want to request a lower interest rate from your current credit card issuer.\nIn addition, if you think you might rack up additional debt on the card you pay off with a balance transfer, then a balance transfer may not be right for you. If your goal is to reduce your debt and the amount of interest you're paying, put the old cards in a drawer and commit to not using them at least until the transferred amount has been fully paid off. END