No Credit Check :: Articles
SHARE

Share this article!

How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating

How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating

Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased.
Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.

Why Balance Transfers Are So Readily Available

Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased.
Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.
The so called Credit Crunch has engendered a change in behaviours and has led to banks not only thinking about whom they extend credit to but also how they lend it.
It has also meant these card issuers have had to find new ways to increase custom.
Debt Stressed?
If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!
The market has been hit with a whole slew of prepaid credit cards but also balance transfer offers have become a major marketing tool in the battle for new customers.

What is a balance transfer?

Quite simply, a balance transfer is moving the outstanding balance from one credit card to another that has a lower rate of interest. It is a simple way of reducing your monthly repayments on your card balance.

Why are they so attractive right now?

The credit card marketplace is highly competitive and these transfer is a relatively low risk option for the issuers to attract new customers. The need to attract new customers without creating a whole new generation of credit card owners unable to pay their debts has resulted in very attractive credit cards with transfer offers. Most major US issuing banks now have 0 balance credit cards in their portfolio of financial products. With offers extending from zero interest from 3 months right up to 18 months, there appears to be a credit card war raging with each bank trying to introduce the most attractive transfer offers.

Why balance transfer offers are not a get out of jail free card

The mere idea of reducing your monthly out goings by transferring existing credit card balances to a new card or cards where you can obtain an extended interest free period is very enticing. Prima facie, it seems entirely logical and indeed, eminently sensible. There are however, certain considerations that need to be taken into account before simply responding to the click here or apply now button on 0 balance interest credit cards:

You can adversely affect your credit score

Every time you make an application for a new card or apply for new credit of any form (loan, mortgage, cash advance and hire purchase), there is a note made on your credit file and your score is impacted with a reduction.
If you apply for multiple credit cards or respond to a number of balance transfer offers in a short period of time, there is a significant impact on your credit score.

There are fees involved

No credit is for free; even those deals with 0% interest on balances transferred will have an associated fee - after all, these card provider still has to make money from your transaction even if you are paying zero interest. Typically, balance transfer fees can be between 3-5% of the balance transferred meaning that when your interest free period starts it is with a higher amount that you had on your old card.

The APR after the initial offer period is high

One of the major pitfalls you could fall into is to take advantage of a balance transfer offer only to find that after the offer expiry date, the APR is higher than you were paying on your original credit card from where the balance was transferred.
It is imperative that you read the small print and are fully conversant with the interest rate you will be paying after the interest free period.

What not to use balance transfers for

When you are facing debt issues it is easy to succumb to ways of managing your finances that seem entirely logical at the time. There are two main ways of not managing your finances with balance transfer offers:
  1. Do not use it as an excuse simply to get another credit card
    If you are transferring a balance the temptation is there to keep the original credit card thereby increasing the availability of the credit at your disposal. This is a definite no-no unless you can absolutely afford the repayments on all of your cards
  2. Do not use balance transfers as a way to avoid paying your debt.
    The attraction of balance transfer offers does actually promote a way of carrying the debt; instead of paying off the debt you merely transfer it from one card to another and repeat after each introductory rate expires
In conclusion, are balance transfer offers and 0 balance transfer credit cards a bad thing? No! Not at all, but like every form of credit, they require close scrutiny before application and responsible management thereafter

Published:Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 148

Share this article:

Need a Bigger Boat?
We provide direct access to the best Boat Loan rates and options in Australia through our national panel of specialist marine finance brokers. Simply complete our quick & easy Boat Loan quote enquiry form to see if you qualify - and to gain access to the best Boat Loan offers from our broker panel.
Free Superannuation Advice
If you are thinking about rolling over or consolidating your super accounts, need investment advice, help setting up or administering a self-managed fund, we can help save you both time and money. Our national panel of Superannuation Specialists are standing by, ready for your questions!

Finance Articles

Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan Budgeting Basics to Keep Your Credit Score Healthy While Seeking a Loan
Understanding the nuances of financial health is a crucial component in the journey of loan acquisition. It is the bedrock on which potential borrowers build their case for credibility and reliability. Among the myriad of factors influencing your fiscal stability, credit scores stand out as a beacon indicating your creditworthiness to lenders. A robust credit score simplifies the path to securing loans, garnering favorable interest rates, and negotiating better terms. - read more
How to Use Loan Comparison Tools Effectively - A Guide for the Credit-Conscious How to Use Loan Comparison Tools Effectively - A Guide for the Credit-Conscious
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Understanding Your Credit Footprint: Borrowing Strategies to Keep Your Score Intact Understanding Your Credit Footprint: Borrowing Strategies to Keep Your Score Intact
Understanding the mechanics behind credit scores is pivotal for anyone navigating the intricate world of finance. A strong credit score does not only unlock the gates to a plethora of borrowing options but also secures favorable interest rates, which can save you a substantial amount of money over time. It acts as a financial passport, one that enables you to achieve milestones such as purchasing a home or car with ease. - read more
Simple Tips On Getting Your Loan Simple Tips On Getting Your Loan
So, you want to get a loan? Here are some simple tips that might help you make more informed decisions about the type of loan you buy, and from whom. - read more
Maximizing Your Money: Top Financial Tips for Young Adults Maximizing Your Money: Top Financial Tips for Young Adults
Financial literacy is a critical skill for young adults, as it provides a strong foundation for achieving financial stability and independence. Unfortunately, personal finance education is not always a part of the high school curriculum, leaving many young people lacking the essential knowledge needed to manage their finances. Although some states have made progress by requiring personal finance or economics courses for high school graduation, there is still a significant gap in financial literacy among this age group. - read more
How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating
Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased. Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history. - read more
Handling Financial Situations As a Married, Unmarried Or Divorced Woman Handling Financial Situations As a Married, Unmarried Or Divorced Woman
Whether you are in a committed relationship or are a happy single person, you should make it a top priority to understand your finances. This article will highlight some of the key points that you need to understand to take control of your finances and your financial goals. - read more
Good Debt Versus Bad Debt Good Debt Versus Bad Debt
Some people see debt as a curse. Others see it as a friend. Debt can make you miserable, or it can be used to make you wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. The trouble is, how do we know what is good and what is bad? - read more
Credit Card Secret Guarantee Credit Card Secret Guarantee
Most people use credit cards in some form or another but few truly appreciate one of the special features of credit cards that make using their credit card to insure their purchases. - read more

Finance News

Australia Gears Up for Comprehensive Financial System Resilience Assessment in 2025 Australia Gears Up for Comprehensive Financial System Resilience Assessment in 2025
27 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is positioning itself to inaugurate a widescale diagnostic of the nation's financial heartbeat in the year 2025. This financial health check aims to meticulously analyze the repercussions of unanticipated events on the country's financial stability beyond merely scrutinizing the banking sector. - read more
Climbing Mortgage Arrears Signal Heightened Financial Strain Climbing Mortgage Arrears Signal Heightened Financial Strain
26 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

Australian households are navigating a more complex financial landscape as mortgage arrears have climbed to a peak not seen since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from Fitch Ratings. The Fitch's Dinkum RMBS index has indicated that, as of the last quarter of 2023, households are falling behind on mortgage payments more frequently, sparking concerns about financial resiliency amid ever-tightening economic conditions. - read more
New Investment Approach for Australian New Homebuyers New Investment Approach for Australian New Homebuyers
25 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

Recent statistics have highlighted a notable shift in the strategies Australian first-time homebuyers are using to infiltrate the challenging property market. Analysis of 2023's purchasing trends indicates an emerging investor mentality among new buyers. - read more
Rentvesting Trend: First-Time Buyers on the Property Ladder. Rentvesting Trend: First-Time Buyers on the Property Ladder.
24 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

New insights from financial data show an intriguing pattern among Australian first home buyers in the recent year, with investment-savvy superstars choosing to become landlords right from the start. A striking one in five opted to dive into the property market, not for immediate residence but investment potential in 2023, indicating a significant shift in home ownership approaches. - read more
Australia Braces for Economic Shift as Rate Cuts Loom Amidst New Challenges Australia Braces for Economic Shift as Rate Cuts Loom Amidst New Challenges
21 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

Rising tensions within various sectors of Australia's economy signal a possible series of interest rate reductions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Significant indicators, including increased unemployment rates, forecast a shift in monetary policies possibly leading to a period of lesser rates as experts observe a pre-emptive response to economic stagnation under the current administration. - read more
Steady Rates Persist as RBA Eyes Inflation Moderation Steady Rates Persist as RBA Eyes Inflation Moderation
20 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

In a recent monetary policy review, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has upheld the current cash rate at 4.35%, indicating a possible plateau in monetary tightening. This update aligns with widespread market analyses and fuels conversations about potential rate reductions in the coming year. - read more
Mortgage Pressure Soars: A Deep Dive Into Affordability Crisis Mortgage Pressure Soars: A Deep Dive Into Affordability Crisis
18 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

New data sheds light on the ever-increasing challenges faced by New South Wales families grappling with housing affordability. The latest figures paint a bleak picture as home loan repayments consume a substantial portion of household incomes. - read more
New South Wales Faces Steepest Climb in Mortgage Payments New South Wales Faces Steepest Climb in Mortgage Payments
17 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

The landscape of housing affordability across Australia has seen New South Wales (New South Wales) residents bearing the heaviest burden, with new data indicating a significant portion of family incomes consumed by mortgage obligations. - read more
New Mortgage Rate Shifts at Ubank Preempt RBA Decision New Mortgage Rate Shifts at Ubank Preempt RBA Decision
15 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

Ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) anticipated meeting, Ubank, a subsidiary of the National Australia Bank, has adjusted its interest rates on home loans. While the RBA paused rate increases at the previous meeting, Ubank made a proactive move, updating its financial products' pricing last Thursday, much to the surprise of borrowers. - read more
Australian Government Announces Significant Tariff Cuts to Aid Businesses and Households Australian Government Announces Significant Tariff Cuts to Aid Businesses and Households
15 Mar 2024: .Paige Estritori

The landscape of Australian trade is poised to undergo a transformative shift with the government's decision to eliminate close to 500 import tariffs, marking this development as the most extensive tariff removal initiative in over 20 years. The new policy, which is set to commence from July 1, promises to alleviate some of the financial burdens both for businesses and consumers. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Mortgage:
A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.


Quick Links: | Personal Loans | Car Loans | Bike Loans | Boat Loans | Truck Loans | Home Loans | Business Loans | Debt Consolidation