GUIDE深度 · Deep dive
Hidden Costs of Balance Transfers
A 0% balance transfer is not free: expect a 3-5% fee, a 12-21 month promo, and a high APR afterward. Compare the fee, how much you can repay during the promo, and the remaining balance.
Compare total cost
Transfer fee = balance times fee rate; the remainder accrues at the new APR after the promo.
If you cannot repay during the promo, the transfer may not pay off.
Credit impact
A new account/hard pull can lower scores short term; do not open several at once.
Keeping old accounts open can help credit length.
FAQ
Is the transfer fee worth it?
Compare the fee with the interest you avoid and how much you can repay during the promo.
What happens when 0% ends?
The remaining balance accrues at the then-current APR, which can be high.