Are you trying to pay off your credit card debt but can’t keep up with the hefty interest payments? If so, a credit card with balance transfer at zero per cent interest could ease your burden significantly. Balance transfer is a feature that helps you transfer the debt you have racked up on your current card to one with lower or zero interest rate. This means that the new credit card will give you an interest break for a fixed period of time such as 3 or 6 months, hence saving you a considerable sum of money in interest.
Say for instance the outstanding balance on your existing credit card is AED 20,000 and the annual interest rate you pay on this is 35% (Annual Percentage Rate). When you transfer the outstanding amount to a credit card with 0% balance transfer, you can repay your outstanding debt without any interest until the deal expires which could be 3, 6 or even 12 months.
[Related: The pros and cons of 0% balance transfers ]
But before you jump aboard the balance transfer train, remember that most credit cards with a balance transfer option will carry a balance transfer fee. This is usually charged as a percentage of the transferred amount. Balance transfer is a smart way to get rid off your debt as long as you pay off your outstanding dues within the interest free period, after which the regular interest rate will apply. Also remember that the 0% interest is only applicable on the balance that you transfer to the new card and will not apply on new transactions on the card.
Citibank Citi Simplicity Card
If you’re looking for an interest break to ease your debt payments, Citibank Citi Simplicity card can help you save. Transfer your balance to this card and get an interest free window for the first 6 months. However, you will be charged a service fee of 1% of the amount transferred.
ADIB Cashback Visa Platinum Card
ADIB offers the option to transfer your balance to ADIB cards at 0% profit rate for either 3 or 12 months. If you opt for the 12 months option, you can transfer up to 50% of the card limit. And in case of the 3 months option, you can transfer up to 100% of the card limit. However, there will be a balance transfer fee applicable of either 3% of the amount transferred or AED 300 whichever is higher.
HSBC Platinum Select Card
The HSBC Platinum Select card offers balance transfer at 0% interest rate for the first 6 months. A processing fee of 1.99% of the transferred amount or AED 200, whichever is higher shall be applicable. Keep in mind, the minimum amount you can transfer should be at least AED 4,000 and the maximum amount you can transfer can be up to 95% of the available credit limit.
[Compare balance transfer cards in the UAE]
Standard Chartered Titanium Card
When you transfer your balance to Standard Chartered Titanium credit card, you will be paying no interest rate for 6 months. So if you manage to clear the bulk or even all of your outstanding debt within this period you will be able to save significantly on interest payments. This card lets you transfer up to 90% of the credit card limit. Keep in mind, the processing fees applicable on this card is 4% of the balance transferred or AED 300 whichever is higher.
RAKBANK Red MasterCard Credit Card
RAKBANK’s Red MasterCard credit card offers you the option to transfer your outstanding balance and pay 0% interest for a period of 3 months. A one time processing fee of 1.95% is applicable when you transfer your balance.
Looking to apply for a new loan, credit card or bank account? We’ve got you covered! Compare hundreds of credit cards, accounts, personal loans, car loans and mortgage products in the UAE.