The plastic Grinch - getting rid of Christmas debt with a balance transfer credit card

By Ceyda Erem · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

It’s usually at this point during January that we start taking down the Christmas tree and stuffing cardboard boxes with ornaments and decorations before sending them on a one-way ticket to the attic. But despite your efforts to make your home a Christmas-free zone, there’s still a reminder that hangs around - your credit card bill. But getting rid of that post Christmas debt is possible and it all starts with the help of a balance transfer credit card.

Balance transfer credit cards to help blast debt - 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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I can repay
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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
    -
    Go to site
    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

Step 1: Hash out the details 

Going into anything blind is never a good idea so make sure to be specific with how long you intend to use the balance transfer card for. The general time period for these cards starts at 6 months and can be upwards of 24 months, that is, before the revert rate kicks in. Just remember, the larger the debt, the longer you’ll need to hang onto the card.

Step 2: Compare your options 

Now comes the time to get specific with the type of card you want. There are a number of different balance transfer cards floating around, which can be overwhelming when you only need to pick one. Luckily, Mozo’s balance transfer comparison tool makes it easy to compare features of different cards, helping you find your new plastic match. It’s a good idea to look for a card with a lengthy BT period, low annual fee and low revert rate.

Step 3: Go hard or go home 

Your main mission in life is to now blast debt within the BT period. Although you do have the option of making the minimum repayment each month, this is generally not a good idea as you still may have a heap of debt left over once the BT period ends. You’ll need to work out how much you can afford to repay each month (our debt repayment calculator can help you there) while still being able to stay on top of other bills and everyday spending.

One way to stay consistent and never miss a repayment is by setting up a direct debit, which subtly forces you to pay debt off faster.

Step 4: Leave the card at home 

A balance transfer card is designed to help you ditch debt, not bring on any more. Do yourself a favour now by not spending with the BT card to prevent the following:

  • Going further into debt as you’ll need to pay of these new purchases first before tackling past spending
  • Acquiring new debt will be charged at the card’s purchase rate, which can hit over 20%

Step 5: Seriously, leave the card at home 

Withdrawing money on your BT card also spells trouble - you’ll have to pay the cash advance rate from the day you make the withdrawal until it’s paid off in full.

Step 6: Remember the revert rate 

All good things must come to an end and that includes your BT card’s interest-free period. This rate will be much higher, so you’ll need to be financially ready just in case you think that you won’t pay off the debt in time. Another way to combat this by selecting a balance transfer card with a low revert rate.

Step 7: Stay put 

Moving debt around from one card to another is not good for your credit score. So stay put, pay off the balance in full each month and kiss credit card debt goodbye.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards

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