As enticing as an offer for a low introductory interest rate on a balance transfer may be, remember that these lower rates will typically only last a fixed period of time. Promotional periods will vary, just like any other terms and conditions, from issuer to issuer and from offer to offer. This is commonly referred to as the grace period or promo period. In general, you can expect to enjoy your lower intro APR on a balance transfer for somewhere between six and 18 months, although the Citi Simplicity Card currently offers 0% Intro APR Period 21 months on Balance Transfers. Six months is the minimum term a card issuer may apply to an intro APR offer, per the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (formerly known as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB). Once the promotional period has ended, you will be charged your new account’s regular interest rate on any balance left over from your initial transfer of funds. You should also become aware of the phrase retroactive interest, also called deferred interest. Read the fine print of your new credit card and make sure that there is not a provision that allows the card issuer to charge you interest retroactively to the day you opened the card in the event you have not been able to pay off the balance, in full, by the end of the promotional period.