How Balance Transfers Impact Credit Scores: Dangers & Insights

How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating

How can balance transfers affect your credit score negatively?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased. Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.

Why Balance Transfers Are So Readily Available

Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.

The so called Credit Crunch has engendered a change in behaviours and has led to banks not only thinking about whom they extend credit to but also how they lend it.

It has also meant these card issuers have had to find new ways to increase custom.

Debt Stressed?

If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!

... start your free debt analysis ...

The market has been hit with a whole slew of prepaid credit cards but also balance transfer offers have become a major marketing tool in the battle for new customers.

What is a balance transfer?

Quite simply, a balance transfer is moving the outstanding balance from one credit card to another that has a lower rate of interest. It is a simple way of reducing your monthly repayments on your card balance.

Why are they so attractive right now?

The credit card marketplace is highly competitive and these transfer is a relatively low risk option for the issuers to attract new customers. The need to attract new customers without creating a whole new generation of credit card owners unable to pay their debts has resulted in very attractive credit cards with transfer offers. Most major US issuing banks now have 0 balance credit cards in their portfolio of financial products. With offers extending from zero interest from 3 months right up to 18 months, there appears to be a credit card war raging with each bank trying to introduce the most attractive transfer offers.

Why balance transfer offers are not a get out of jail free card

The mere idea of reducing your monthly out goings by transferring existing credit card balances to a new card or cards where you can obtain an extended interest free period is very enticing. Prima facie, it seems entirely logical and indeed, eminently sensible. There are however, certain considerations that need to be taken into account before simply responding to the click here or apply now button on 0 balance interest credit cards:

You can adversely affect your credit score

Every time you make an application for a new card or apply for new credit of any form (loan, mortgage, cash advance and hire purchase), there is a note made on your credit file and your score is impacted with a reduction.
If you apply for multiple credit cards or respond to a number of balance transfer offers in a short period of time, there is a significant impact on your credit score.

There are fees involved

No credit is for free; even those deals with 0% interest on balances transferred will have an associated fee - after all, these card provider still has to make money from your transaction even if you are paying zero interest. Typically, balance transfer fees can be between 3-5% of the balance transferred meaning that when your interest free period starts it is with a higher amount that you had on your old card.

The APR after the initial offer period is high

One of the major pitfalls you could fall into is to take advantage of a balance transfer offer only to find that after the offer expiry date, the APR is higher than you were paying on your original credit card from where the balance was transferred.

It is imperative that you read the small print and are fully conversant with the interest rate you will be paying after the interest free period.

What not to use balance transfers for

When you are facing debt issues it is easy to succumb to ways of managing your finances that seem entirely logical at the time. There are two main ways of not managing your finances with balance transfer offers:

Do not use it as an excuse simply to get another credit card

If you are transferring a balance the temptation is there to keep the original credit card thereby increasing the availability of the credit at your disposal. This is a definite no-no unless you can absolutely afford the repayments on all of your cards
Do not use balance transfers as a way to avoid paying your debt.

The attraction of balance transfer offers does actually promote a way of carrying the debt; instead of paying off the debt you merely transfer it from one card to another and repeat after each introductory rate expires

In conclusion, are balance transfer offers and 0 balance transfer credit cards a bad thing? No! Not at all, but like every form of credit, they require close scrutiny before application and responsible management thereafter

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 148

Car Loans Articles

From Fuel to Finance: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Car Costs

When it comes to owning a car in Australia, many of us view it as a symbol of freedom, an essential convenience, or even a reflection of our personal style. Yet, for all the road trips planned and errands run, the cost of owning a car extends well beyond the sticker price. - read more

Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance

Entering the world of car finance can be both an exciting and daunting venture. With a plethora of options for car loans in Australia, it is essential for potential buyers to arm themselves with knowledge to make the best financial decision. A well-informed choice can be the difference between a loan that propels your personal mobility, and one that hinders your financial stability. - read more

Top Tips for Australians Navigating the Online Car Market

The Australian automotive landscape has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of online car sales. The concept of browsing, selecting, and purchasing a vehicle through digital platforms has gained immense popularity, offering consumers a vast array of choices at their fingertips. - read more

5 Strategies for Balancing Your Budget with a New Car Loan

With the excitement of purchasing a new vehicle, the financial responsibilities that come with a new car loan can often be overlooked. Balancing your budget when you have taken on a new car loan is crucial to financial well-being and long-term happiness with your purchase. In this article, we will explore five practical strategies that can help you navigate the common financial challenges that accompany car loans. - read more

The Essential Guide to Securing Affordable Car Finance in Australia

Finding an affordable car finance option can make the dream of owning a vehicle a tangible reality for many Australians. It’s about understanding the intricacies of the loan market, interest rates, and finding a plan that aligns with your financial prospects and constraints. In a society built on the convenience of mobility, securing a car that meets both your needs and your budget is essential. - read more

Finance News

Surge in Electric Vehicle Financing Reflects Australia's Shift Towards Cleaner Transport

26 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2025, Australia witnessed a significant surge in electric and hybrid vehicle financing, reaching a total of $7.37 billion—a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth indicates a substantial shift in consumer preferences towards cleaner transportation options. - read more

Record Surge in Electric Vehicle Loan Applications in Australia

18 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

In a remarkable development, fintech lender MONEYME has observed a substantial 90% month-on-month increase in electric vehicle (EV) loan applications from February to March 2026. This surge underscores a significant shift in Australian consumer behaviour towards electric vehicles, driven by escalating fuel prices and growing environmental awareness. - read more

How Digital Finance is Transforming Car Purchases in Australia

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

The landscape of car purchasing in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of digital finance solutions. Traditional methods of securing car loans are being replaced by streamlined online processes, offering consumers faster approvals and enhanced convenience. - read more

Car Loan Interest Rates Forecast 2026: What to Expect

10 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

As we progress through 2026, prospective car buyers in Australia are keenly observing the trends in car loan interest rates to make informed financing decisions. Several factors are poised to influence these rates, and understanding them can aid consumers in navigating the lending landscape effectively. - read more

How Digital Finance is Transforming Car Purchases in Australia

02 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Click for more Finance News

Need Help Finding a Loan?

Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase

Balloon Payment.:
A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future.