 TITLE: What Happens After a Balance Transfer? CONTENT: The strategy behind a balance transfer is fairly straightforward: You pay off the balance on one or more existing credit card or loan balances using a new credit card.\nAs long as the interest rate on the new card is lower than the older one, you'll save some interest charges, but you'll really save big if the new card offers a 0% annual percentage rate (APR). This \"teaser rate\" is temporary, and typically lasts just six to 12 months before the card's standard interest rate is applied to all outstanding balances. If your credit is very good or exceptional, you may see offers for balance transfer cards with considerably longer introductory periods; at least one credit card issuer recently touted a 21-month intro period. END