 TITLE: Should I Make a Balance Transfer? CONTENT: What to Consider Before Making a Balance Transfer\n-------------------------------------------------\nWhile the basics of balance transfer cards are simple, some of the finer details aren't. Let's say your card has an introductory APR of 0% for 12 months on transferred balances. This means that any balances you transfer to the new card will be charged 0% APR for 12 months. Simple, right? Yes, if you only plan to use the card to transfer a balance and pay down your debt.\nWhen you dive into the fine print, however, you may find that some cards have different APRs for new purchases. Certain cards also stipulate that if you make any new purchases, you'll have to pay your balance in full each month—including the transferred balance—to avoid incurring interest.  \nAlso consider the fees and other details associated with transferring a balance to certain cards. Balance transfer cards typically charge a fee of 3% to 5% on the transfer amount, with some stipulating a minimum charge, such as $20. Some cards also have clauses that strip you of your introductory APR if you make any of your payments late.\nBecause the objective of transferring a balance is to save money over time, researching the fees and costs associated with the specific cards you're considering is crucial to making the transfer worth it. Read through each card's fine print, and make sure you know all the specific details before sending in any card applications. END