What happens to old credit card after balance transfer

After you transfer a balance from one card to another, your old account doesn’t automatically close. In fact, it could still hold a balance depending on the amount you were able to transfer. Despite that, you can still close your credit card with a balance with most card providers.

You can with your provider to take the necessary steps to close your account. But it’s not always the best option, however, depending on your financial needs.

No. After you transfer your balance to your new credit card, your old card account remains open. The only difference is the balance is reduced, assuming your transfer was successful.

To stay current on your account — and avoid your old issuer submitting negative reports to the credit bureaus — continue making regular payments on your old balance until your new card confirms the transfer. After that confirmation, you can request closure of your credit card.

Will my old bank know I completed a balance transfer?

Yes. After you initiate a balance transfer, your new issuer makes a payment to your old issuer equal to the transfer you’ve requested. Once your transfer is complete, your old bank will know you initiated a balance transfer.

You don’t have to close a card account after a balance transfer. In fact, it can be beneficial to your credit score to keep it open. But there might be a few good reasons you decide to close the account:

• Annual fees. Paying an annual fee for a card you’re not using can be a waste of money unless the perks and other benefits outweigh the cost. If you truly aren’t using the card but you are paying an annual fee, it may be wise to cancel the card.
• The temptation of spending. If you don’t think you can keep a card in your wallet without feeling the urge to use it, you may want to cancel it.

The process varies between card providers, but closing your card is often a simple process. The general steps include:

1. Call the number on the back of your card.
2. Request to close your credit card.
3. Provide customer support with your name, phone number and address.

The customer support representative will guide you from there.

You aren’t required to close your account after a balance transfer. Here are three ways to keep your finances in check:

1. Stick to a budget. Create a detailed budget that accounts for money coming in and payments going out — and then commit to it.
2. Cut up your card. It’s more difficult to charge purchases without a card in your wallet.
3. Delete your card from digital wallets. Make it further difficult to spend money by removing your card from sites and e-wallets — and curb midnight impulse buys.

Here are a few financial steps to take after confirmation that your balance transfer is complete:

• Look for other balances to transfer.
  Depending on your available credit, you may be able to transfer other debts. Check your card’s terms to see how long you have to take advantage of the intro APR.
• Double-check your intro APR period.
  Work to pay off your entire balance before your intro APR expires to keep from accruing interest.
• Make payments on time.
  If you make a late payment, your issuer can revert your intro APR to a higher everyday APR. Not only that, but it may impose a penalty on your account.

If your balance transfer hasn’t yet posted, you may be able to cancel, depending on your issuer’s policies.

Call the number on the back of your card to ask about canceling a balance transfer.

Managing a credit card after a balance transfer requires dedication and planning, and it doesn’t immediately close your old card. You’ll still need to make payments and accrue interest if you don’t close your old card. Even after shifting your debt, smart budgeting is crucial to prevent you from falling into the same place you were in before the transfer.

If you’re in the market to transfer your debt from one car to another, compare your balance transfer options to find the best fit for your needs.

Kliment Dukovski is a cryptocurrency and investments writer who has written over 700 articles to help readers find and compare the best financial options. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange and stock market trading.

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