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Jetski Loans Australia :: Articles

How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating

How can balance transfers affect your credit score negatively?

How Credit Card Balance Transfers Can Damage Your Credit Rating

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased. Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.

Why Balance Transfers Are So Readily Available

Since the banks and finance providers have been castigated for the way they seemingly indiscriminately awarded credit to people who could ill afford it, the chances of being accepted for loans and credit cards have decreased.
Concurrently, there is a greater focus on individual's being aware of how credit works and what their financial behaviors means in terms of a credit score and history.
The so called Credit Crunch has engendered a change in behaviours and has led to banks not only thinking about whom they extend credit to but also how they lend it.
It has also meant these card issuers have had to find new ways to increase custom.
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The market has been hit with a whole slew of prepaid credit cards but also balance transfer offers have become a major marketing tool in the battle for new customers.

What is a balance transfer?

Quite simply, a balance transfer is moving the outstanding balance from one credit card to another that has a lower rate of interest. It is a simple way of reducing your monthly repayments on your card balance.

Why are they so attractive right now?

The credit card marketplace is highly competitive and these transfer is a relatively low risk option for the issuers to attract new customers. The need to attract new customers without creating a whole new generation of credit card owners unable to pay their debts has resulted in very attractive credit cards with transfer offers. Most major US issuing banks now have 0 balance credit cards in their portfolio of financial products. With offers extending from zero interest from 3 months right up to 18 months, there appears to be a credit card war raging with each bank trying to introduce the most attractive transfer offers.

Why balance transfer offers are not a get out of jail free card

The mere idea of reducing your monthly out goings by transferring existing credit card balances to a new card or cards where you can obtain an extended interest free period is very enticing. Prima facie, it seems entirely logical and indeed, eminently sensible. There are however, certain considerations that need to be taken into account before simply responding to the click here or apply now button on 0 balance interest credit cards:

You can adversely affect your credit score

Every time you make an application for a new card or apply for new credit of any form (loan, mortgage, cash advance and hire purchase), there is a note made on your credit file and your score is impacted with a reduction.
If you apply for multiple credit cards or respond to a number of balance transfer offers in a short period of time, there is a significant impact on your credit score.

There are fees involved

No credit is for free; even those deals with 0% interest on balances transferred will have an associated fee - after all, these card provider still has to make money from your transaction even if you are paying zero interest. Typically, balance transfer fees can be between 3-5% of the balance transferred meaning that when your interest free period starts it is with a higher amount that you had on your old card.

The APR after the initial offer period is high

One of the major pitfalls you could fall into is to take advantage of a balance transfer offer only to find that after the offer expiry date, the APR is higher than you were paying on your original credit card from where the balance was transferred.
It is imperative that you read the small print and are fully conversant with the interest rate you will be paying after the interest free period.

What not to use balance transfers for

When you are facing debt issues it is easy to succumb to ways of managing your finances that seem entirely logical at the time. There are two main ways of not managing your finances with balance transfer offers:
  1. Do not use it as an excuse simply to get another credit card
    If you are transferring a balance the temptation is there to keep the original credit card thereby increasing the availability of the credit at your disposal. This is a definite no-no unless you can absolutely afford the repayments on all of your cards
  2. Do not use balance transfers as a way to avoid paying your debt.
    The attraction of balance transfer offers does actually promote a way of carrying the debt; instead of paying off the debt you merely transfer it from one card to another and repeat after each introductory rate expires
In conclusion, are balance transfer offers and 0 balance transfer credit cards a bad thing? No! Not at all, but like every form of credit, they require close scrutiny before application and responsible management thereafter

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 148


Jet Ski Loans Articles

Understanding the Weather: Predicting Conditions for a Safe Jetski Experience
Understanding the Weather: Predicting Conditions for a Safe Jetski Experience
Weather plays a pivotal role in almost all outdoor activities, but when it comes to jetskiing, it does more than just influence the level of enjoyment—it dictates the safety and viability of taking to the water. For enthusiasts of this thrilling water sport, knowing how to read and understand weather conditions is not just a skill, it's a necessity. - read more
Make a Splash Without Sinking Your Budget: Affordable Jetski Financing Options
Make a Splash Without Sinking Your Budget: Affordable Jetski Financing Options
Imagine the splash of water on your face and the adrenaline rush as you glide over waves at exhilarating speeds. The thrill of owning a jetski offers a unique brand of excitement and freedom found only on the open waters. However, before you can make waves, it's essential to navigate the sea of financial considerations that come with purchasing such a prized possession. - read more
Cruising Through Loan Applications: Tips for Swift Jetski Financing in Australia
Cruising Through Loan Applications: Tips for Swift Jetski Financing in Australia
Nothing quite matches the exhilaration of skimming across the glistening waters of Australia's coastlines on a personal jet ski. The freedom to explore hidden coves, the adrenaline rush of high speeds, and the joy of shared adventures with friends and family—these are just a few thrills that come with jet ski ownership. - read more
Your Checklist for Buying a Pre-Owned Jetski in Australia
Your Checklist for Buying a Pre-Owned Jetski in Australia
Australia’s sun-kissed beaches and meandering coastlines are a paradise for watery adventures, and lately, jet skiing has been making waves as one of the nation's fastest-growing aquatic sports. The thrill of skimming across the surf at exhilarating speeds is an irresistible allure for adventure-seekers and marine sports aficionados alike. Not only does this activity offer a unique blend of excitement and physical activity, but it also allows folks to explore the stunning Australian waters in an entirely new way. - read more
The Top Jet Ski Brands in Australia: Which One Is Right for You?
The Top Jet Ski Brands in Australia: Which One Is Right for You?
When it comes to purchasing a jet ski, choosing the right brand is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. There are various jet ski brands available in Australia, each with their unique features and specifications. - read more

Finance News

Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output
Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion Economic Output
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's marine industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, achieving an economic output of $229 billion in 2023. This represents a 19% increase compared to two years prior, as reported by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The sector now supports 712,000 full-time equivalent jobs, marking a 52% rise in employment. - read more
Australia and Vanuatu Strengthen Ties with $325 Million Nakamal Agreement
Australia and Vanuatu Strengthen Ties with $325 Million Nakamal Agreement
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to bolster regional partnerships, Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, a $325 million bilateral treaty aimed at enhancing economic, security, and cultural cooperation. Named after Vanuatu's traditional communal meeting place, the 'nakamal,' this agreement underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. - read more
Austal Limited Boosts U.S. Shipbuilding with $100 Million EFA Loan
Austal Limited Boosts U.S. Shipbuilding with $100 Million EFA Loan
05 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Austal Limited, a prominent Australian shipbuilder, has secured a $100 million loan from Export Finance Australia (EFA) to enhance its shipbuilding operations in Mobile, Alabama. This strategic funding is earmarked for the development of the Final Assembly 2 (FA2) project, a significant initiative aimed at increasing Austal's capacity to construct vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. - read more
EU's Strategic Investment in Australian Critical Minerals
EU's Strategic Investment in Australian Critical Minerals
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The European Union (EU) is set to make direct investments in Australian critical minerals projects, aiming to secure essential resources vital for industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and defence. This strategic move follows discussions between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King, highlighting the EU's commitment to diversifying its supply chains and reducing reliance on unstable external sources. - read more
Strengthening Pacific Ties: The Nakamal Agreement
Strengthening Pacific Ties: The Nakamal Agreement
27 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to bolster regional partnerships, Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, a $325 million bilateral treaty aimed at enhancing economic, security, and cultural cooperation. Named after Vanuatu's traditional communal meeting place, the 'nakamal,' this agreement underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. - read more
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