Many credit card companies now charge a handling fee for balance transfers from other card providers.
The rate charged will differ from one company to the next but typically the charge is give or take 2% of the transferred balance.
A no handling fee free balance transfer credit card usually comes with a zero percent rate of APR on balance transfers for an introductory period. This allows the moving of debt from other cards, with large potential savings given the differences in interest rates. Once the introductory period expires, however, the standard rate of interest will be charged.
A free balance transfer credit card can provide useful flexibility and relief from debt interest payments. This is time which can be used to help pay off at least some of the balance of the debt.