Zero percent balance transfer credit card offers are extremely tempting to people looking to consolidate credit card debt. Beware; the deals are not always as great as they seem at first blush.

Credit Card Balance Transfer Deals

The variety of issues to be considered when looking at balance transfer offers include:

  • Introductory rate for balance transfer
  • Length of time introductory rate remains in effect
  • Balance transfer fees
  • Regular APR
  • Penalties and APR for loans in arrears.

Introductory Rates and Balance Transfers

Introductory rates are called "teaser rates." For example, a 0% APR teases or entices a person in debt to transfer their balance from an 18.9% APR card to the 0% APR card. The teaser rate typically lasts a few months.