A 0% balance transfer offer can seem like an amazing way to eliminate credit card interest payments. Yet some credit card users remain concerned that taking advantage of these offers will hurt their credit score. In fact, the opposite may be true as there are several reasons why receiving a 0% APR balance transfer credit card may actually improve one’s credit score.

While on a shopping spree, you open credit-card accounts at several of your favorite department stores to snap up discounts of 10% or 15%. You’re saving a bundle, but you may be chipping away at your credit score.

A person’s credit standing is a reflection of his financial principle and status in life. The privilege to make a loan is only given to those who have established a good credit rating. Thus, a person who wants to have available credit immediately when he needs it should maintain a good credit rating.

The limit on your home-equity line of credit has been reduced, causing the amount of debt you have compared with the limit to shoot up — that’s bad news for your credit score.

If you’re a little savvy about credit, you probably know that each of us is entitled to a free copy of our credit report, once a year, from each of the three main credit-reporting agencies. You can access these easily online at annualcreditreport.com — and if you’re willing to pay a few dollars, you can get your credit score, as well.