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What is a balance transfer fee?
Learn more about the one-time charge you might pay when you move your debt to a new credit card.
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Balance transfers can be a useful way to consolidate existing debt without the high interest cost. While you'll save on interest with low balance transfer rates, it doesn't mean that balance transfers are cost-free. As well as the standard card fees, you might also have to pay a one-off balance transfer fee. This guide explains what this fee is and how you can confirm what you'll have to pay when you transfer your balance.
What is a balance transfer fee?
A balance transfer fee is a percentage-based fee charged when you transfer your existing credit card, store card, or personal loan debt onto a new credit card. The balance transfer fee is usually 1-3% of the entire balance transfer amount.
For example, if you are transferring $5,000 onto a new card and are charged a 2.5% balance transfer fee, the entire amount of the debt that will appear on the new card is $5,125 (the $5,000 existing debt and the $125 balance transfer fee). Unlike an annual fee, this fee is only charged once when you first move your balance.
Do I have to pay a balance transfer fee?
Not all balance transfer credit cards charge a balance transfer fee, so it's something worth considering when you're comparing your balance transfer options. If you're wondering if your new card will charge a balance transfer fee, you can check the product disclosure statement (PDS), the card review on finder or contact the card issuer to confirm the fee.
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Ask an Expert
Are you aware of any credit cards in the Australian market that currently charge a balance transfer fee? I’ve shopped around and I can’t find any at present…
Hi Ricky
The HSBC Credit Card currently charges a 2% balance transfer fee.
Cheers
Jeremy