 TITLE: Bad Credit? Here’s What You Need to Know About Balance Transfers CONTENT: How to Pay Down Debt Without Transferring a Balance\n---------------------------------------------------\nYou may choose not to transfer a balance to a new credit card at all. Perhaps you'd like to avoid adding a new card to your wallet, or your credit score disqualifies you.\nIf you'd like to attack debt on your own, consider looking for ways to add to your income or reduce expenses so you can apply more resources toward your balances. You can also try these alternatives:\n*   **A debt consolidation loan**: This method also transfers a credit card balance, but it's shifted to a personal loan instead of another credit card. You can combine other types of debt within the loan too. If you qualify for an interest rate that's lower than what you already pay, you could see savings similar to a balance transfer credit card, but you'll still need to apply and get approved for the loan. You likely won't get an APR of 0%, but make sure the rate you're quoted is low enough to save you money.\n*   **Call your credit card issuer and ask for a lower interest rate**: Your issuer is particularly likely to agree if you've made all your payments on time and you've been a customer for a while. Try again in a few months if you're not successful right away.\n*   **Work with a nonprofit credit counseling agency**: These organizations can offer a free initial consultation on your debt situation and suggest payoff strategies. Search for a certified counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling when you're ready to get started. END