Balance transfer cards 'can help improve financial situation'

It is crucial that Britons focus on repaying their debts - and seeking out a 0% credit card deal could be one way to achieve this, one writer claims.

Getting to grips with debt should continue to be one of people's main financial targets, it has been suggested.

Writing in a lovemoney.com article, Serena Cowdy highlights that although the economic crisis - which has seen many consumers' disposable income fall as well as drive concerns about job security - may have placed debt repayment aspirations on the backburner.

However, while those in debt may be looking to tackle other financial priorities, she claims getting out of the red as soon as possible should still be an area of focus.

One way this can be done, she suggests, is to seek out a credit card which comes with a 0% balance feature.

"It sounds like a dangerous thing to do, but in certain circumstances, taking out a new credit card when you're in debt can improve your financial situation," she claims.

Stating that such products can be particularly helpful to those with a good credit rating, Ms Cowdy points to the Virgin Money Credit Card as being "the market leader in this category".

However, those on the search for balance transfer deals were advised that upon the expiry of the 0% period, any outstanding debt "will be walloped with a hefty interest rate", meaning that any money should be paid off before this time.

But as those with imperfect credit scores may struggle to source a balance transfer credit card, she states that seeking out a good current account could be an ideal way to get back into the black.

Those Britons looking to compare accounts could be interested in her advice to take out an account which provides a competitive interest-free overdraft deal to transfer across debt owed on overdraft interest-charging products.

Such advice comes as the Daily Mail recently warned customers to act quickly if they wish to obtain the most competitive low-rate credit card deals.