The 0-APR credit cards (APR stands for annual percentage rate) cards are generally "introductory" cards that provide zero interest for specified periods, and usually run from 3 to 15 months. These special, introductory cards are offered to entice customers with credit card debt to transfer their balances from the current cards to the new 0-APR card.  Most financial institutions and banks today offer these types of credit cards, in the hopes of attracting new clients who'll pay normal interest rates and fees, once the card's introductory period ends.  Here's a look at how to transfer a home equity line of credit to 0% APR credit cards.

Apply for a 0-APR Card

If you don't have one yet, it's now time to apply for a 0 APR credit card. Check out with your nearest bank or credit union, and find out if the cards they're offering have such an introductory feature.  

Review The Card's Credit Limit

When applying for the 0-APR credit card, make sure you review the card's credit limit. Also make sure to review the length of the card's promotional period.

Check Your HELOC Balance

After applying for the 0-APR credit card, check your home equity line of credit balance, by reviewing your billing statement, or calling the lender's customer service hotlines. Also confirm that your card has enough available credit, to support paying off the HELOC.   

Initiate the Bank Transfer

Once you're approved for the 0-APR credit card, call the credit card company to initiate the balance transfer. Provide the company's customer service representative with your HELOC's complete account number, and other information as requested. Next, get a confirmation number for the transaction, and ask the representative when the transfer will be completed.



Helpful Reminders When Planning To Transfer HELO to The Credit Card

Before you decide to get a 0-APR credit card, and transfer your home equity line of credit balance there, here are a few helpful ideas to ponder on:

• Pay close attention to the balance transfer fees, especially if you're still in the process of selecting 0-APR cards. According to credit card experts, some cards do not charge transfer fees, while others charge fees of as much as 4 percent of the balance transferred.
• Review all the terms and conditions which apply to the HELOC balance transfer. Remember that missing one payment could force the interest rate to jump, from zero interest, to 18 percent. And leaving the balance on the card beyond the 0 percent promo period could result in a higher interest rate than you were paying on the home equity line of credit. 

And while most banks normally allow people to borrow more money with a HELOC than with a credit card, because credit cards are considered "unsecured" loan products, if you wish to transfer a HELOC balance to your new 0 APR credit card,  you need to have a line of credit that's large enough to pay-off your current HELOC balance.