A few recent articles have discussed the possibility that 0% APR balance transfers may become scarcer in the near future. One, from a UK paper, notes that 0% balance transfers have all but completely disappeared from the market.

A second, on MSN money, is more pertinent to US residents. In this article, author Liz Pulliam Weston cites Chase bank officials who have publicly stated that they will be making it harder for individuals with a history of using balance transfer offers to obtain one from Chase. On top of that, many banks have heightened requirements for credit approval, saving the best offers for those with the best credit.

As the “credit crisis” evolves, credit availability may become an issue, especially for individuals with borderline credit. If you think you fall into this category, now may be the time to transfer high rate balances to a 0% APR credit card as these offers may soon become quite elusive.

For more information on current balance transfer offers, please see the balance transfer credit card section of Smart Balance Transfers. There, you can compare current offers from major US issuers.