It's early and you're walking to the mailbox to collect the mail for today. A long envelope with big letters informs you of a great annual percentage rate waiting for you. You dig deeper in the mailbox to grab more mail and pull out statement for last month's credit card bill. In the back of your mind you're thinking, "I wish that debt would just disappear one day...

Well the time for credit relief has come! Credit card debt continues to be the number one financial problem for Americans today. The average household's credit card balance amounts to about $8,000 with multiple credit cards and store cards. This balance peaks higher after the holidays, when most consumers use major credit card for gifts. With plenty of credit card offers to choose from, finding a good one will take some time. Here are some steps you can do to ensure your transfer of high debt is met without problems.

1. See if the new credit card offer is an introductory rate first - Even though most offers are, it can still work to your advantage. Find out what the credit card's annual percentage rate (APR) becomes once the "teaser rate" expires. Check to see if the rate applies to transferred balances, new purchases or both. It's best to make sure you qualify for the card first before making any major moves. At all cost, focus on paying as much as possible before the rate increases.

2. Check to see if there's a catch behind the credit card offer - Look to see how long the rate last for the new credit card. It can take two to six weeks before the balance transfer takes effect. Make sure it's long enough so you'll be able to take advantage of the credit card offer. Six months to a year is the normal time frame. Make sure you're on time with payments because the rate may disappear due to a clause in the credit card agreement.

3. Fill out the credit card balance transfer form carefully and recheck it over again - The last thing you need is a hold-up or delay because of an error on your part. Make sure all spaces are accounted for. Check all information on your new credit card offerto make sure it's correct. Have someone else you trust recheck the information.

4. Check to see if the desired credit card has an annual fee - With some credit card companies, the annual fee can offset the savings you're supposed to receive. Look for a company that offers either a low or no annual fee for their credit card. The better your credit rating is, the lower your annual fee should be.

5. Find out what's the maximum limit on the credit card - If you're unable to transfer your entire balance, transfer as much of the balance you can to the new credit card. Don't forget to cut up the credit card holding the higher APR. This will keep your old credit card balance from increasing.

6. Investigate if there are any late fees and over-the-limit fees - The last thing you want to do is incur a late fee and a penalty rate. It only takes one mistake for the better APR to increase. If you fall behind on one credit card, the new offer may raise your rate, thereby defeating the purpose of transferring your high balance.

7. See if there's any balance transfer fees involved for the new credit card- Credit card issuers sometimes charge transaction fees as high as four percent. The higher your credit card balance is, the higher the transaction fee. Some even waive the fees if it's an initial balance transfer. This is when the customer accepts the offer and completes the balance transfer form immediately. In this case, every other transfer is treated the same as cash advances and subject to those fees. It will be in your best interest to read over the credit card offer to make sure if any fees are involved.

8. Establish a goal to strive for to lower your credit card balance- Are you transferring your higher balance on your credit card to pay it off quicker or to free up more money? Say for instance your monthly minimum payment is $350 and it's been reduced to $280. You can use the extra money to put away in a savings account or pay off more bills.

9. Check if your last statement from your old credit card indicate a ZERO balance - Too often people make the mistake that the credit card balance transfer will automatically take effect once they request it. It's best to continue paying the monthly minimum on the old credit card until you either call the company or see the last statement. If you do call, make sure you take accurate notes (date, time, what was said) and write down the name of whomever you talked to.

10. Pick a credit card to carry and stick to your decision - Most experts will tell you it's wise to make an intelligent decision and stick to it. If you jump from credit card to credit card, you'll never be able to establish any long-term credit history. Avoid doing this because it will affect you if another creditor decides to run a check.

Don't forget to read every bit of the fine print included in the credit card offer. If you have to, call the credit card company and ask them questions. The operator will more than be happy to answer any questions you may ask. By doing this, you will eliminate any headaches that may arise in the future.