For a savvy consumer, this can be an excellent method of reducing credit card debt. It leaves the person free to pay down the balance on a credit card without incurring interest charges. Using this strategy, a person could potentially open a new account that offers a balance transfer when the old one expires. Then transfer all of the balance to the new card to begin a new grace period of low or non-existent finance charges.

If you are currently carrying a lot of debt on a credit card with a high interest rate, a balance transfer credit card can be your ticket to a fresh start. Balance transfer cards let you move the balance that you owe on one credit card over to a new card, getting you better rates on the debt that you already have, and better rates for any additional purchases you might make.