John Miller, Credit Cards Moderator
@john_miller
Your balance transfer could be taking longer than usual for several reasons, including incorrect information on the transfer application or transferring a large amount.
Until the balance transfer process is complete, continue to make payments on the original balance to avoid late fees and potential damage to your credit score.
Why Balance Transfers Can Take Longer Than Expected
- Incorrect Information: If you provide inaccurate information on the transfer application, the process can be delayed because the issuer needs to verify and correct the details.
- You're Transferring a Large Amount: Transferring substantial balances may also cause the transfer process to take longer than expected.
- You're Transferring to a New Card: Transferring a balance to a new credit card can take longer than transferring to an existing account. That’s because approval for the new card must occur before the transfer can be processed.
- Transfer Method: If you initiate the transfer with a check, this can add more time, too. Paper checks are slower than electronic transfers, and may require additional time to clear.
In general, balance transfers can take from a few days to several weeks to process. You can always check on the progress of your transfer with your card issuer if you think it's taking too long. If there’s a specific reason for the delay, a customer service representative should help you with the steps needed to resolve the issue.
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