 TITLE: Should I Make a Balance Transfer? CONTENT: Is a Balance Transfer Good for Me?\n----------------------------------\nBalance transfers are especially effective if you have a good enough credit score to qualify for a new card that comes with a low or 0% introductory APR. Typically, balance transfer cards offer low APRs for set introductory periods—0% APR for 18 months, for example—for people with good credit scores.\nBecause the main objective of transferring a balance is to save money on interest over time, the lower your new APR, the better. And while you may be able to get approved for a balance transfer card with fair or poor credit, the APR you end up with may not make the transfer so worth it.\nBefore applying for a balance transfer card, get a free copy of your credit reports and scores so you understand what types of cards you may have better chances of getting approved for.\nWhen considering whether a balance transfer to a new card is a good idea for you, also think about whether you'll be able to pay off the transferred balance before the low APR introductory period ends. If you're pretty sure you'll continue to carry a sizable balance once that promotion ends—and the interest rate increases—a balance transfer may not be the best way to deal with your existing credit card debt. If you have a plan to pay off all or most of your debt during the introductory period, however, a balance transfer card could save you quite a bit in interest charges. END