Balance Transfer in India — When to Move Your Credit Card Debt

## How Indian balance transfers work Most major Indian banks offer balance transfer via: - **Online application:** Net banking → Credit Cards → Balance Transfer - **Customer service:** Call the card helpline - **SMS/email offers:** Pre-approved offers sent to existing customers Typical terms in India: - Transfer fee: 1–2% of transferred amount - Promotional rate: 0% for 3–6 months, or 12–15% APR for 6–12 months - Post-promo rate: Standard card rate (30–42%) ## When balance transfer makes sense Math check before applying: 1. Transfer fee in rupees (say ₹1,600 on ₹80,000) 2. Interest you'll pay in promo period = ₹0 (if 0%) or reduced rate 3. Interest you'd pay staying on current card for same period 4. Saving = (3) - (1) - (2) If saving is positive AND you have a realistic plan to pay off during promo, proceed. ## The one rule After balance transfer, never use the new card for new purchases. New purchases on balance transfer cards often don't get the 0% rate — they accrue standard interest immediately, and your minimum payments go to the 0% balance first (per most card agreements), meaning the high-interest new purchases grow. ## Banks known to offer balance transfer in India - HDFC Bank: Balance Transfer on EMI option - SBI Cards: Balance Transfer at 0% for 90 days - Axis Bank: Balance Transfer at reduced rate - Citibank India (now Axis): Had competitive BT offers Rates and availability change — always check current offers directly with your bank.