Transferring Balances of High Interest Rate Credit Cards

You just received the latest bill from your present credit card company. The balance is huge not to mention a high interest rate. When you signed up for the credit card, you didn't take into consideration the high interest rate. Now you realize it is going to take you forever to pay off the balance. Is there anything you can do? Yes, there is. Most credit card companies today offer one if not more credit cards that allow you to transfer the balance of your present higher-rate credit card over to one of their lower-rate credit cards. The new credit card company may offer you the same low introductory interest rate (usually lasting between 6 and 12 months) on the balance transfer as the one for purchases then raise to a standard interest rate (the standard interest rate should be lower than the interest rate of your present credit card) after the introductory period. Or, they may offer you a fixed rate (the fixed rate should be lower than the interest rate of your present credit card) for the balance transfer. With each new credit card you are considering transferring your balance to, calculate the total interest you will have paid when the balance is paid off. Then, choose the credit card with the lower amount of interest paid.