Balance Transfer.

A balance transfer moves existing credit card debt from one card (typically high-rate) to another that offers a promotional 0% APR period — often 12 to 21 months. Issuers usually charge a transfer fee of 3–5% of the amount moved. The strategy saves significant interest when the borrower pays down the balance before the promotional window expires; carrying a residual balance when the promo ends can result in retroactive interest charges on the original amount. Balance transfers do not fix the spending habits that created the debt.