When considering balance transfer offers, choose a card with a longer payment period. These extra months give you more flexibility should unexpected and unbudgeted expenses occur that could derail your budget.
Getting 1% to 2% cash back or other rewards sounds enticing. But if you don't clear your balance before the end of the introductory period, interest charges on the new debt can easily wipe out any rewards or cash back you get.
If you’ve decided to choose the card with rewards but has a shorter introductory period, do so if you can pay off your debt quickly. If not, opt for a card with a longer introductory period. Remember, you can upgrade your card once you've cleared your balance.