The second quarter of 2008 began with bad news for consumers looking to maximize credit card interest and fee savings with 0% APR no fee balance transfers. The last two remaining credit cards that offered 0% interest rates and charged no balance transfer fees changed their offers, leaving consumers with one less way to save money on credit card fees. While this current trend may change, it looks as if consumers will be forced to pay transaction fees for balance transfers during the next few months. This should not be a deterrent. As we will see, 0% balance transfers are still a great way to save substantial amounts of money on credit card interest. However, for the foreseeable future, it will be important to be careful when applying for a new card.

What are balance transfer fees? Currently, all credit card companies charge a 3% transaction fee for every balance transferred. A low fee credit card limits the maximum fee to $75 per transaction. A high fee card has no limit on balance transfer fees. If you wish to save the most money, avoiding high fee cards is key.

Example Let's say we have a $5000 balance to transfer. If we transfer that amount to a credit card with no fee limits, the total fees will be $150. However, that fee would be only $75 if we use a credit card with fee limits. Clearly, the fees can add up.

Should I even bother? The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Balance transfer fees are a nuisance, not a deal breaker. For example, if we were to pay 14% interest on debt of $5000, interest expenses would be close to $750, or ten times the amount of the transaction fee. Even with the fee, total savings will still be $675. That's a lot of money to waste on interest. And fortunately, you don't have to.

Now is the time to stop paying absurd interest rates on your credit card debt and take advantage of a 0% APR balance transfer. Even though you will have to pay a pesky fee, you will ultimately save hundreds of dollars on interest.