 TITLE: How to Choose the Right Balance Transfer Credit Card CONTENT: How to Get the Most Out of Your Balance Transfer Card\n-----------------------------------------------------\nTo use a balance transfer credit card for its ideal purpose—getting rid of debt—make sure you pay enough each month to eliminate your balance by the end of the introductory period. That likely means making more than the minimum payment. Also, set up monthly automatic payments for a specific amount through your credit card issuer so you never miss one. That will keep your credit score strong and give you continued access to the 0% APR offer, which some issuers eliminate if you pay late.\nIt's also important to keep your previous credit cards open, even if they no longer have balances. Closing credit cards shortens your average age of accounts, which could have a negative effect on your credit score. Also, in most cases, keeping accounts open with zero balances will lower your overall credit utilization rate, or the amount of available credit in use. Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your FICO® Score—the second-largest share, after payment history—and keeping your utilization rate low can have a positive impact on your credit.\nIn the end, if you use a balance transfer credit card to lower your total debt, your credit score will likely improve. Make sure to continue that positive financial behavior by keeping balances low and paying all bills on time long after the debt on your balance transfer card is gone. END