Trying to beat timeframe of reporting to credit bureaus

[Anonymous]

I am considering a balance transfer to CC # 2 that would cost me about $50 in fees (but a 15-month 0% APR on balance transfers period).

The balance that I'm transferring are some work expenses that I will not be reimbursed for until after my CC # 1 credit card's closing period. I want to avoid CC #1 that I charged the expenses on from reporting the $1K balance (only $3.5K credit limit). Since CC # 2 that I want to transfer the balance to is a new card (approved today), the closing period will actually be after I am reimbursed, so I would avoid CC#2 reporting a balance.

At the same time, CC # 2 is adding a $2K credit limit which would help with my utilization %.

Thoughts? Is it worth it to pay $50 to try to "time" the system? Or is it a waste of time?

[Revelate]

Waste of time, and further I always want big purchases that I'm paying off next month to be reported.  "Hey every other lender in the future, grant me credit and I'll make you money!"

What they don't know won't hurt them, much .  Anyway a high balance is just free marketing especially if it's being reimbursed is my thinking.

[Aahz]

Forget it being a waste of time.  It's a waste of money.  You're basically paying $50 to have a slightly better FICO score for 30 days.  Unless you're planning some major refi before CC#1's second statement reports, I don't see the point of spending the money.

[NRB525]

OP what cards do you have and what are their limits?

If you pay the $50 for the short term money, the annual interest rate is roughly 12x that BT Fee rate. If it's a 4% fee, calculates out to a 48% effective APR. ouch.

But some other cards might have a no-fee BT. Thus the request for the list.

Still, my philosophy is to let balances report naturally. It does reflect on your CR, and will be "big money usage" as your file is looked at in the future. This might prevent AA by certain CCC if they see you have a history of reporting significant balances and no problems with paying.