From time to time, your credit card issuer may send you balance transfer checks in the mail. If you receive a balance transfer check and decide to use it, you can use the check to pay off other debts (such as high-interest balances on a different card or from a loan) and assume the debt on your credit card. Know whether you’ll be charged a balance transfer fee and for how much — it's typically between 3% and 5% of each transfer. Never confuse balance transfer checks with convenience checks, which are considered cash advances. While you may get convenience checks in the mail, you shouldn’t use them — they may come with very high APRs and interest is assessed immediately. A cash advance may seem like an option in an emergency, but can end up being expensive.