--- title: "Credit card balance transfers can strengthen your finances" description: "Transfer high-interest credit card debt to a low-rate Navy Federal Platinum Card and gain more time and flexibility to pay it off." date: "2026-08-05" modified: "2026-08-05" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/sponsored-content/credit-card-balance-transfers/" categories: - "Sponsored Content" --- # Credit card balance transfers can strengthen your finances ![Focused Man Managing Finances on Laptop at Home]() *Sponsored content by Navy Federal Credit Union.* Debt can feel overwhelming, especially when interest rates are high. If done responsibly, a balance transfer can help manage debt. And now Navy Federal Credit Union members can transfer the balance from a high-interest credit card to a card like the [Navy Federal Platinum Card](), taking advantage of a low interest rate that offers the time (and breathing room) to pay it off. ### What are balance transfers? A balance transfer allows cardholders to move outstanding debt from one or more credit cards onto a new card, usually with a lower interest rate. The card receiving the transfer will usually offer a low introductory APR which will reduce the amount of money paid over time in interest. Again, that’s an introductory rate; pay attention to the interest rates after that initial period. Some balance transfer cards will also charge a transfer fee, which can get pricey, so you want to look for one with a low or zero percent transfer fee. The Navy Federal Platinum card offers a 0.99% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on balance transfers made within your first 60 days. After that, a variable APR applies—currently between 10.24% and 18%—but this card has zero balance transfer fees or annual fees.1 For those who know their debt amount (and we all should), some simple math can help you choose the right card to transfer to, based on how quickly the debt can be paid off. ### Set up a budget and a payment plan. The first thing to do is to select a card. Look for low transfer fees, low interest rates, and a lengthy introductory APR. There are trusted [credit card payoff calculators]() available to help create a monthly budget based on a timeline for paying off the full amount. Just input a maximum monthly payment amount to see how long it will take to pay it off. Use a [budget worksheet]() or calculator to come up with an individual plan. With a budget in hand, the next step is to *automate payments.* It’s much easier to stick to a payment plan if the money transfers immediately after payday. It’s also important to get in the habit of tracking spending. Little habits add up; it is much easier to change those habits seeing the results in black and white (or red). Reduce any temptation to use that payment for trivial or impulse purchases. Remember: that introductory APR will only last so long and then the interest costs will rise. ### Learn how credit ratings impact balance transfers (and vice versa). Strong credit may be required to qualify for a balance transfer, but there are ways that can help improve your credit score: - Make payments on time—utilize autopay to help. - Don’t close old credit card accounts—especially the oldest one. - Limit new credit applications, and when applying for a loan or credit card, check if the lender offers prequalification, which does not require a hard credit check. - Dispute inaccurate information on your credit report—I just did this when I realized the final payment on my previous car lease was marked as unpaid when I had actually traded in for a new lease. A balance transfer and debt consolidation can positively impact credit scores, but repeatedly opening new credit cards and transferring balances to them can lower a credit score in the long run. This is why it’s great to pick just one trustworthy card to transfer a balance to and put a payment plan in place. For anyone with debt on a card with a high interest rate, multiple sources of debt, or even a big purchase to want to pay off over time, a balance transfer to a card like the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card can help consolidate debt at a low interest rate. The balance transfer, combined with a payment plan and personalized budget, can help pay off debt and save hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest. --- *1 As of 02/03/2026, rates range from 10.24% APR to 18.00% APR, are based on creditworthiness, and will vary with the market based on the U.S. Prime Rate. ATM cash advance fees: None if performed at a Navy Federal branch or ATM. Otherwise, $0.50 per domestic transaction or $1.00 per foreign transaction. Balance transfer offer: Application must be submitted by 01/03/2027. Offer valid for balances transferred from non-Navy Federal credit cards within 60 days of account opening. Maximum total transfer amount is limited to your available credit line. Balance transfers using convenience checks are excluded from this offer. If you transfer a balance with this offer, interest will be charged on purchases made with your credit card unless your purchases have a 0% APR or you pay the entire balance, including any transferred balances made under this offer, in full each month by the payment due date. Offer excludes Navy Federal Home Equity Credit Cards. Limit of one promotional offer at account opening. Navy Federal reserves the right to change or end this offer at any time without notice.* *This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.* ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()