No Fee 0% Balance Transfers from Citi Ending?

I received a notice in the mail yesterday from Citi stating that they would start charging balance transfer fees of 3% with no maximum ($5 minimum) starting April 3rd. Some Fatwalleters have reported getting these as well. The notice itself stated that this would be effective on the cards I already have so there’s no information as to whether no fee 0% balance transfers (and thus the balance transfer arbitraging that many people are now doing) is coming to an end but it’s certainly an ominous notice to be getting in the mail.

So, if you’ve thought about doing the balance transfer arbitrage thing, I’d get on it because the opportunity might be slipping on these. Here’s a quick hitlist of posts I’ve done on balance transfer arbitrage:

• List of cards with 0% balance transfer offers - segmented by fees (no transfer fee cards listed first), potential bonuses, and promotional period.
• My 0% balance transfer arbitrage experiences - discusses my first foray into the whole game.
• Citi Balance Transfer Request Walkthrough - is a helpful article detailing the handful of steps needed to get a Citi balance transfer check mailed to you.
• Potential risks in doing 0% balance transfer arbitrage - It would be remiss in not posting a DA post arguing against getting a 0% BT.