New CardRatings.com List Compares Credit Card Balance Transfer Opportunities

Rhea-AI Summary

CardRatings.com released its annual comparison of balance transfer credit cards, assisting consumers in managing holiday debt. The report discusses vital factors such as interest rates and fees associated with nine credit cards offering 0% introductory rates. Brooklyn Lowery, senior managing editor, emphasizes the importance of acting quickly during the introductory window to avoid high interest rates. The new comparison tool can be found on CardRatings.com, which aims to help consumers make informed choices about credit card options.

Positive

• Provides a comprehensive comparison of nine balance transfer credit cards.
• Highlights 0% introductory interest rates, aiding consumers in managing debt effectively.
• Emphasizes importance of timely transfers to maximize financial benefits.

Negative

• No significant financial metrics or projections provided that specifically benefit investors.
• -

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As millions of Americans look at debt accumulated during the holidays, CardRatings.com, a leader in online credit-card ratings, reveals its latest side-by-side comparison of nine balance transfer credit cards to help consumers navigate key terms and conditions that could affect their ability to climb out of debt.

While balance transfer cards with 0% introductory interest rates can help people who want to retire credit card debt, consumers must understand that it's vital to pay down as much debt as possible before the introductory window closes, in order to avoid potentially high interest rates.

"Our annual assessment of balance transfer cards allows consumers to compare interest rates, fees and other factors side-by-side in order to seize the best option," explains Brooklyn Lowery, senior managing editor for CardRatings. "Most critical, though, is not missing that window of opportunity."

Find the new side-by-side balance transfer comparison here: Balance transfer credit cards 2021 comparisons.

It's important when researching balance transfer credit cards to consider how long an introductory 0% period is needed to pay off the balance interest free and, if applicable, begin to earn cash back and other rewards. Cards geared specifically toward balance transfers rarely charge a fee, but rewards cards that feature a balance transfer offer often do.

Our listing shows comparisons for the following popular cards and more:

Card	Intro offer	Length of BT period	BT fee	BT window	Regular APR	Purchase intro offer	Length of purchase intro period
Citi Double Cash Card	0%	18 months on balance transfers	3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum	Within four months of account opening	13.99% to 23.99% (Variable)	N/A	N/A
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card	0%	12 billing cycles	Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater	Within 45 days from account opening	14.99% to 23.99% (Variable)	0%	12 billing cycles on purchases
Citi Diamond Preferred Card	0%	18 months on balance transfers	3% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum	Within four months of account opening	14.74% to 24.74% (Variable)	0%	18 months on purchases
Mastercard Black Card	0% introductory offer	For first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 45 days after account opening; after intro is 14.99%	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.	Within 45 days of account opening	14.99% (Variable)	N/A	N/A
Mastercard Titanium Card	0% introductory APR	For first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made in the first 45 days after account opening; after intro is 14.99%	Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.	Within 45 days of account opening	14.99% (Variable)	N/A	N/A

"While opening a balance transfer card and making your transfer within the transfer period window is a great first step to paying off debt, there is more work to be done," stresses Lowery. Some tips to maximize benefits of a transfer credit card include:

• Make a plan. It's crucial to figure out how much is needed to pay monthly in order to pay off debt before the introductory period ends. Using a balance transfer calculator can help.
• Don't miss payments. Even if you must sell homemade crafts in order to hit the mark, it's important to do whatever it takes to make the monthly payment on time. Automatic payments help.
• Analyze spending habits. Credit card debt can accumulate out of unforeseen emergencies or by living beyond your means. If "living beyond means" is a consistent problem, it behooves the consumer to spend some time assessing spending habits and budgets.

"The sooner a balance is transferred to a card with a 0% introductory offer, the more value there is from the transfer," concludes Lowery. "The interest is likely high on the existing card, so why wait to transfer?"

Lowery is available for comment and can expand on the importance of understanding how to utilize credit card balance transfers in the most advantageous way. Lowery is the resident credit card expert for CardRatings and specializes in helping everyday credit card users get the most out of their rewards.

About CardRatings
CardRatings is owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNST), a leader in providing performance marketplace technologies and services to the financial services and home services industries. QuinStreet is a pioneer in delivering online marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital media. The company is committed to providing consumers with the information and tools they need to research, find and select the products and brands that meet their needs. CardRatings is a member of QuinStreet's expert research and publishing division.

CardRatings innovated online credit card ratings and has been offering independent ratings and reviews of credit card offers since 1998. The website collects and maintains data on more than 700 credit card offers and carefully compiles objective lists of the top credit cards by card type, making it easy for consumers to find the right card to fit their needs. Sign up for the bimonthly newsletter here.

Twitter: @CardRatings
Facebook: facebook.com/CardRatings

Media Contact
Charlene Arsenault
Media Outreach Specialist
508-832-8918
carsenault@quinstreet.com
LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-cardratingscom-list-compares-credit-card-balance-transfer-opportunities-301207711.html

SOURCE CardRatings.com

FAQ

What does the new CardRatings.com comparison reveal about balance transfer credit cards?

It provides insights into nine balance transfer credit cards, focusing on interest rates and fees.

How does the 0% interest introductory rate help consumers?

The 0% rate allows consumers to pay off debt without accruing interest during the introductory period.

What is the significance of the introductory window for balance transfers?

Missing this window can lead to high interest rates on remaining balances.

Who is Brooklyn Lowery and what is her role in the press release?

She is the senior managing editor for CardRatings, emphasizing the importance of understanding balance transfer cards.

What is the ticker symbol for QuinStreet, the owner of CardRatings?

The ticker symbol is QNST.