# How a Credit Card Can Actually Help You Get Out of Debt
Using a credit card to escape debt sounds counterintuitive, but the strategy works for borrowers stuck with high-interest balances. The key lies in balance transfer cards, which offer 0% introductory APR periods lasting anywhere from 6 to 21 months, depending on the issuer and your creditworthiness.
Here's the mechanics. You move your existing high-rate debt onto a new card with a 0% intro period. During that window, your entire payment goes toward principal instead of interest. A person carrying a $5,000 balance at 22% APR pays roughly $917 in interest annually. Shifting that same debt to a 0% card for 12 months eliminates that interest charge, freeing up cash for faster payoff.
Major banks offer solid options here. Chase Slate Edge charges no balance transfer fee for transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then 3% after that window closes. Citi Simplicity features a similar 0% intro period on transfers with a 3% fee. American Express EveryDay provides 0% APR for up to 12 months on transfers, also with a 3% fee.
The catch demands discipline. The 0% rate expires. When it does, the remaining balance reverts to the card's standard APR, often 17% to 24%. You must either pay the balance completely during the intro period or have a realistic plan to finish before the rate kicks in.
Balance transfer cards also work better if your credit score sits above 670. Lower scores may not qualify, or rates may be less favorable. Additionally, opening a new account temporarily dips your credit score due to hard inquiries and reduced average account age.
This strategy beats conventional debt consolidation loans for borrowers comfortable