Discover Balance Transfer: How to Do It

Can you do a balance transfer with Discover?

Discover balance transfer is certainly an option available to potential cardholders and is best used when opening a new account. To initiate a Discover card balance transfer, simply fill out the portion of the application that indicates whether the opening is for a balance transfer. If you have a card already opened, you can still conduct a balance transfer but there will likely be interest accrued on those amounts (rather than an interest-free period on the transferred funds).

How to transfer balance on Discover?

As alluded to above, there are two general strategies to follow when looking at how to do a balance transfer with Discover. These two options are discussed in greater detail below:

Through a new card

When applying for a new Discover credit card, you will be able to select a box that mentions whether the account opening involves a balance transfer. This is particularly helpful for those who are seeking to consolidate their existing credit card debt into one card. Be aware that it will take roughly four days for Discover to process the balance transfer request. Here are the top Discover credit cards you can use for a balance transfer:

With existing card

The second method by which a person can request a balance transfer is to simply take his or her existing card and transfer the funds over once Discover is informed. A Discover balance transfer card option will be available in the portal a user receives once they have an open account. Within that portal, the specific dollar amount of the balance transfer can be entered for approval purposes.

Steps to follow for a balance transfer with Discover

Knowing how a balance transfer works and how to transfer the balance to Discover cards are two different things. The following steps can help you submit your balance transfer request on an existing card:

1. Gather information

First, you will need to gather all relevant information for the request including the size of the balance transfer and the purpose. You should also pull the account number(s) where the funds will be coming from as this will be required.

2. Visit website/ mobile app

Once all information has been gathered, take a visit to Discover’s website or mobile application and click on the ‘Balance Transfers’ tab that you see on the site. This will allow you to start the application and provide the information gathered previously.

3. Request balance transfer

In considering how to do a balance transfer on Discover, be aware that a balance transfer may not be approved. You need to go through a formal approval process which involves listing the requested amount for the balance transfer.

4. Update details

As a part of the request, you will also need to update the details on your account. These details can include personal information, income information, and other financial information.

5. Submit request

Finally, when your information has been processed, it is time to execute the balance transfer. Assuming it is approved, Discover will pay the debt on the other accounts and the funds will be moved to your Discover account.

How long does it take to process a Discover balance transfer?

For new accounts, it generally takes around four days to process a balance transfer through Discover. For existing accounts, though, the process can take slightly longer – at an average of seven to ten days.

Things to know before requesting a balance transfer

As outlined below, there are certain rules and restrictions that all cardholders should be aware of before initiating a balance transfer request.

• A person cannot transfer balances between two Discover accounts.

• Depending on when the transfer is made, there may be a fee associated with it (usually, in the range of 3%-5%)

• There will be no rewards earned on the balance transfer amounts.

• Certain types of debt will not be eligible to be transferred.

What to do after Discover balance transfer request?

Once a balance transfer has been initiated, the only thing to do is wait and see if it gets approved. Assuming it is approved, the next thing you will notice is that the existing debt on your old accounts will be paid off. Simultaneously, the debt will be moved to your Discover account where payments can begin.

Is Discover balance transfer worth it?

There are many credible and smart reasons to make a balance transfer to a Discover card. Assuming you are considering opening a Discover card anyway, if that card has a 0% introductory APR fee on transferred balances, then it is in your economic interest to consolidate the debt. However, for existing Discover cardholders, a balance transfer may not be worth it, assuming the interest owed on those balances is lower than you would pay with Discover.

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