Aussies can save up to $755 by blasting bad debt with a balance transfer deal

By Kelly Emmerton · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

Mozo research has revealed that with Australia’s post-Christmas credit card bill expected to reach a total $33 billion this year, picking up a balance transfer credit card might help Aussies avoid some of the sting.

Compared to a regular card charging interest on a credit card bill, a balance transfer card stands to save Aussie spenders up to $775 for those who use it effectively to blast debt.

“For those who are feeling the Christmas debt hangover, a balance transfer card can be a great way to gain some breathing room and get rid of that pesky balance. Thanks to the interest free period on offer with most balance transfer cards, all your payments will be chipping away at your debt - not going toward interest,” said Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont.

But Lamont also warned cardholders to be careful when taking on a balance transfer and to have a plan in place to pay off your debt within the given interest free period.

“Choosing the right balance transfer deal, with a long enough interest free period that you can comfortably clear your entire balance before the revert rate kicks in is key. Having a plan for how to do that - including knowing how much you should be paying back every month to meet your goal - is also super important,” she said.

Debt-blasting balance transfer cards - rates updated daily

Search promoted credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure.
Balance transfer calculator: how much money could you save?
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We've updated the table to show your savings!(how are they calculated?)
  • NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer

    Spend with confidence with a low 13.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).

    Balance transfer rate
    Purchase rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    Estimated savings
    0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
    13.49% p.a.
    $59 $0 in the first year
    -
    Find out more
    Details
  • Apply By 30 April 2024
    Citi Premier

    120,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within 90 days from card approval. Complimentary features like travel insurance and concierge.

    Balance transfer rate
    Purchase rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    Estimated savings
    0% p.a. for 6 months and then 22.24% p.a.
    21.49% p.a.
    $300 $150 in the subsequent years if you spend $48,000 on eligible purchases or cash advances in previous year., $150 in the first year
    Citi Rewards Program
    Find out more
    Details
  • Bank of Queensland Blue Visa Credit Card

    Balance transfer rate
    Purchase rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    Estimated savings
    0% p.a. for 9 months and then 21.74% p.a.
    0% p.a. for 9 months then 20.74% p.a.
    $60
    Q Rewards
    Find out more
    Details
  • Apply By 14 May 2024
    Virgin Money Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer

    Get in the air with a $129 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher each year. 0% p.a. for 28 months on balance transfers.

    Balance transfer rate
    Purchase rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    Estimated savings
    0% p.a. for 24 months and then 20.99% p.a.
    20.74% p.a.
    $149 $0 in the first year
    Velocity Frequent Flyer
    Find out more
    Details
  • Bankwest More Classic Mastercard

    Earn 1.5 More Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. Plus, if you meet the minimum annual spend, you'll receive a bonus 19,500 points every year.

    Balance transfer rate
    Purchase rate
    Annual fee
    Rewards program
    Estimated savings
    0% p.a. for 6 months and then 19.99% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
    19.99% p.a.
    $100
    Bankwest More Rewards
    Find out more
    Details

Balance transfer tips to help you free yourself from debt

  • Avoid new purchases. New purchases put on your credit card are charged interest at the regular amount, not the 0% balance transfer rate. Plus, your repayments will go toward these new charges first, instead of working to chip away at your debt. That means it’s much wiser to hold off on new spending until you’ve cleared your existing balance.
  • Consider the BT fee. Many balance transfer cards with longer interest free periods up to 26 months also come with balance transfer fees of around 1%-3%. It’s worth checking on this, as these fees can run into the hundreds of dollars if you’re transferring a bigger chunk of debt across.
  • Watch out for hefty annual fees. Another thing to consider is that an annual fee can be another big cost, depending on the card you choose. It’s a good idea to look for an option with a low or no annual fee, or if you do opt for a card with all the features and a price tag to match, make sure you account for that in your repayment plan. Which brings us to...
  • Set a debt repayment plan. Perhaps one of the most important things to do when taking up a balance transfer credit card offer, is to make sure you have a realistic plan in place to pay off your debt. For example, if you’re paying off a $3,500 debt with an interest free period of 12 months, you should be aiming to repay around $300 every month.


Ready to clear your Christmas credit card debt? Check out the balance transfer offers in the table above, or head over to our credit card comparison table to see more options.

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