When does the credit card start?

skooldaze

Hopefully a quick answer. I'm interested in signing up for a balance transfer card with Barclays.

However I'm not in a position now to transfer my balance but would be in a couple of months.

When does a card come into affect - is it when you've signed up for one and had confirmation, when you activate or when you have your first purchase. Sorry for the question but can't seem to find a concrete answer.

electrobix99

Normally the clock starts ticking on a balance transfer deal from the day they open the account. They normally give a 60 day window to do a transfer to take advantage of the deal also.

If you can not do the transfer now why not wait to apply?

skooldaze

I guess in case the deal Barclays has gone by then

Tixy

There are always some balance transfer deals around - and overall they don't generally change massively. It would be unlikely there would be no comparative offers in a months time.

Its often advised to start applying for a new card around a month before your previous deal expires (for people with debt already on a promo deal) - so maybe try in a few weeks.

If you apply too early - you are also eating into the interest free period.