0% intro APR details - moving credit limits

[dragoncar]

OK, so this is a pretty basic personal finance question but I swear I tried to google it and didn't find discussion.

A while back I opened a new Chase credit card with 0% introductory purchase APR until like 8/1/2022.  Meaning everything I charge to the card has no interest as long as I make minimum payments.  For reasons, I've been putting many expenses on this card, including estimated and property tax payments.  This card has a generous credit limit, but I don't really want to max it out and take a credit score hit, or raise red flags for future purchases.

So Question 1: Can I move credit limit from one of my other cards to this one without affecting the 0% rate?  I can't really think of a reason this would be an issue, except that it would be a loophole allowing me to carry six figures of debt for another 9 months. (that's not my plan, just the logical extension of allowing me to consolidate all my Chase credit into a single 0% card)

Question 2:  When do I have to pay this balance by?  I know in my heart the answer is 8/1/2022, but is it possible I can squeeze another month out of it since the statement closes then?  Just looking for confirmation, I don't need to delay so I'm likely to just do the safest thing and pay everything before the expiration date.

Also, I know the best way to an answer is to ask Chase, but I always feel like eyes on accounts may trigger additional review which is no fun

[sonofsven]

Option 3: Open a new cc with 0% language, there's lots of them. I have two going right now I don't "need".
The final payment before interest accrues is whatever the actual payment due date is in the final month covered by the offer. It's usually explained in the fine print.

edited to add: the cc offers with 0% language I've been using also have nice sign up bonuses as well.
Also, it seems the more credit I use (responsibly, of course), the more offers I get.

[Catbert]

Question 2:  Paying a month too early is better than a month (or day) too late. 

[Dicey]

I expect it's a self-contained deal, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The whole reason these offers exist is because providers know a certain percentage of people will run up bills they can't pay and then they can sock 'em with all that back interest  and probably penalties, too.

In your scales, I'd try this: Let them think you're one of those people. Tell them you have a lot of upcoming expenses that you'd like to put on this card, but you're concerned about overutilization. Then stop talking and see what they offer.

Aside: Have you found a way to circumvent the 3% surcharge to pay your CA property taxes online?

[dragoncar]

I expect it's a self-contained deal, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The whole reason these offers exist is because providers know a certain percentage of people will run up bills they can't pay and then they can sock 'em with all that back interest  and probably penalties, too.

In your scales, I'd try this: Let them think you're one of those people. Tell them you have a lot of upcoming expenses that you'd like to put on this card, but you're concerned about overutilization. Then stop talking and see what they offer.

Aside: Have you found a way to circumvent the 3% surcharge to pay your CA property taxes online?

Laughing my scales off!

Yeah sounds like I have to bite the bullet and ask

For my county the fee is “only” 2.5% but this is a freedom flex card getting 5% back on the first $1500 of a PayPal purchase this quarter, plus the regular 1% on the rest.  Can pay with PayPal key.  And I plan to have the CSR again making me value these points at 1.5x.  IMO I come out ahead or at least even with the free float as long as I wasn’t going to do some other PayPal spend (I’ve got 7 of these freedom cards, so it’s a lot of spend to meet and I don’t really mind paying credit card fees to do it)

Also still carrying a balance on the welcome bonus spend and earlier 5x quarters.  Hopefully next quarter is also something lucrative. 

Generally delaying expenses while my wife is on unpaid leave to avoid realizing LT gains

[Dicey]

I expect it's a self-contained deal, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The whole reason these offers exist is because providers know a certain percentage of people will run up bills they can't pay and then they can sock 'em with all that back interest  and probably penalties, too.

In your scales, I'd try this: Let them think you're one of those people. Tell them you have a lot of upcoming expenses that you'd like to put on this card, but you're concerned about overutilization. Then stop talking and see what they offer.

Aside: Have you found a way to circumvent the 3% surcharge to pay your CA property taxes online?

Laughing my scales off!

Yeah sounds like I have to bite the bullet and ask

For my county the fee is “only” 2.5% but this is a freedom flex card getting 5% back on the first $1500 of a PayPal purchase this quarter, plus the regular 1% on the rest.  Can pay with PayPal key.  And I plan to have the CSR again making me value these points at 1.5x.  IMO I come out ahead or at least even with the free float as long as I wasn’t going to do some other PayPal spend (I’ve got 7 of these freedom cards, so it’s a lot of spend to meet and I don’t really mind paying credit card fees to do it)

Also still carrying a balance on the welcome bonus spend and earlier 5x quarters.  Hopefully next quarter is also something lucrative. 

Generally delaying expenses while my wife is on unpaid leave to avoid realizing LT gains

We pay over $25k in property taxes per year spread over four properties. The houses are in two different counties; both levy 3% surcharges. While it would be an easy way to rack up points, that's $750 in fees. Ouch.

[dragoncar]

Yeah I often feel like I’m just “buying points” (Albeit at a discount)

My normal card is the freedom unlimited at 1.5%, after 1.5x 2.25%.  So net cost to me for a two month float is .25%… kinda a wash

3% would kill it for me, but only because I can only use one card and not split between visa gift cards (for which I earn around 4.5% after fees)

Federal estimated tax payments charge around 2% so the freedom unlimited gives me a modest bonus but it’s not about the extra few bucks more convenience and float.  I just hate seeing money sucked out of my bank account if it’s not on my synchronized payment day

Just to be clear, I recognize this whole game isn’t a good return on my time.  It’s more of a hobby really