Include the transfer fee, promotional period, post-promotion rate, and required monthly payoff amount.

Why it matters

A 0% headline is useful only if the balance can be reduced before the promotion ends.

What to focus on

  • Add the fee
  • Know the end date
  • Calculate the monthly target
ExampleA $5,000 transfer with a 3% fee starts at $5,150; paying it in 15 months requires about $344 monthly.

Put it into practice

  • Read the offer terms
  • Set a payoff calendar
  • Stop new purchases on the card
Write down one decision and schedule a short review. Small, repeatable steps are easier to maintain than a one-time overhaul.
Educational information only. Money in Reach does not provide financial, investment, tax, insurance, credit, mortgage, or legal advice.