11 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards–No Interest Until 2025

A balance transfer card is an important tool to help pay off credit card debt. These cards enable you to move high-interest debt to a new credit card that won't charge interest for a year or more. Some of the top cards offer a 0% APR well into 2025. Here is our list of the best balance transfer cards available today.

We scoured the web to search for approval odds on these cards. Approval odds can help you decide which card may be easier to get than others.

*The credit score data provided for some of the cards listed below are from publicly available information in a number of forums. The accuracy of the information cannot be verified. Keep in mind that credit card issuers consider more than an applicant’s credit score and that underwriting standards change over time.

Summary of the Best Balance Transfer Cards

Chase Slate Edge

Chase Slate Edge is a bit unique. It offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months. In addition, you can lower your interest rate by 2% a year when you pay your bills on time and spend at least $1,000 by your account anniversary (obviously, this doesn't last forever: it lasts until you reach 9.74% + the prime rate). You can also be considered for a higher credit limit after six months, as long as you pay your bill on time and spend at least $500 on the card.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months. After that, your APR will be 20.49% - 29.24%, variable, based on creditworthiness.

Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Welcome Bonus: None

Annual Fee: $0

Read our Review

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved07/04/2023
636
Experian
$500
Approved07/04/2023
660
TransUnion
$500
Approved07/24/2023
675
Not Provided
$500
Approved06/01/2022
760
Not Provided
$3,800

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

For those who want a long 0% intro APR, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card fits the bill. It has an impressive 0% intro APR offer. And it does this without charging an annual fee.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers and for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved07/12/2022
659
Equifax
$2,500
Approved10/03/2022
820
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved10/30/2022
710
Experian
$4,000
Approved06/09/2022
746
Experian
$14,000
Approved11/20/2022
670
Experian
$5,000
Denied12/30/2021
759
Equifax
---
Denied12/30/2021
758
TransUnion
---
Denied12/30/2021
797
Experian
---

Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer

I've carried the Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer for years. In addition to an excellent balance transfer offer, it also pays up to 2% cash back and doesn't charge an annual fee.

Rewards:

2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).

Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved06/20/2023
803
Not Provided
---
Approved07/11/2023
667
Equifax
$3,000
Denied01/10/2023
737
Equifax
---

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has one of the longest balance transfer terms out there, and it doesn't charge an annual fee. It doesn't, however, offer rewards.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases, then 18.24% - 28.99% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/13/2023
777
TransUnion
$13,100
Approved04/13/2023
781
Experian
$13,100
Approved04/21/2023
676
Equifax
$1,000
Approved04/21/2023
709
Experian
$1,000
Approved04/21/2023
715
TransUnion
$1,000
Approved01/11/2023
720
Equifax
$8,900
Approved02/15/2023
734
Experian
$1,000

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers 0% APR for 21 months and purchases. It comes with no annual fee, but little in the way of cash back or other rewards.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.74% - 29.74% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/22/2021
800
Not Provided
$5,000
Approved01/31/2021
750
Not Provided
$1,100
Approved07/30/2021
740
Not Provided
$500
Denied05/18/2019
700
Not Provided
---

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

For those who want cash back rewards in addition to a solid balance transfer offer, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is a top option. It offers an impressive 0% APR balance transfer offer + up to 5% cash back + a signup bonus. And it does all of this without charging an annual fee.

Rewards:

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
2% cash back
Rotating Categories
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back
Airfare
5% cash back on prepaid air booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Hotels
5% cash back on prepaid hotels booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Rental Cars
5% cash back on prepaid car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles. on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.49% - 29.74% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater

Welcome Bonus: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved08/03/2020
765
TransUnion
$5,000
Approved11/13/2021
780
TransUnion
$500
Approved11/01/2021
750
Experian
$500
Approved08/18/2017
773
Experian
$7,500
Approved10/24/2022
764
TransUnion
$12,500
Approved06/06/2019
754
Experian
$6,000
Approved06/19/2023
663
TransUnion
$600
Approved07/16/2018
676
TransUnion
$5,000
Approved04/02/2020
819
TransUnion
$5,000
Denied07/19/2021
708
Experian
---

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening. In addition, you'll earn some decent rewards, like 3% cash back on dining and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases. There's no annual fee, and you can get an excellent welcome bonus.

Rewards:

1.5% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Travel
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and for 15 months on purchases, then 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Welcome Bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Read our Review

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved03/20/2023
785
Experian
$5,000
Approved07/18/2023
765
Experian
$12,500
Approved07/18/2023
773
TransUnion
$12,500
Approved07/18/2023
785
Equifax
$12,500
Approved09/06/2023
754
Experian
$9,000
Approved09/08/2023
740
Equifax
$15,000
Denied09/05/2023
738
Experian
---
Denied09/05/2023
740
Equifax
---
Denied09/05/2023
750
TransUnion
---

Chase Freedom Flex(SM)

Chase Freedom Flex(SM) is very similar to the Chase Freedom Unlimited. You get the same 0% intro APR for balance transfers and purchases. The rewards are a little different; with the Freedom Flex you get up to 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories you activate. There's also a welcome bonus and no annual fee.

Rewards:

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
5% cash back
Travel
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and for 15 months on purchases, then 20.49%–29.24% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual Fee: $0

Read More

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/02/2023
741
TransUnion
$14,000
Approved04/02/2023
748
Experian
$14,000
Approved08/02/2023
800
Not Provided
$19,000
Approved10/24/2023
800
Not Provided
$8,600
Approved09/03/2023
795
Experian
$22,500
Approved09/03/2023
847
TransUnion
$22,500
Approved06/02/2023
789
TransUnion
$12,000
Approved06/02/2023
791
Experian
$12,000

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card 

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. It also appears on our list of 15 Best Credit Cards for Average Credit, so if your credit score isn't quite where you want it to be, but you want to transfer high-interest debt, this card is a great choice. You also get travel rewards, and there's no annual fee.

Rewards:

1.25x miles
All eligible purchases
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
5x miles
Hotels
5 Miles per dollar on hotels booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles
Rental Cars
5 Miles per dollar on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and for 15 months on purchases, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies

Welcome Bonus: 20,000 Miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved07/28/2022
640
Experian
$2,000

Citi Simplicity® Card

Citi Simplicity® Card offers 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, plus 0% for 12 months on Purchases. There are no late fees, no annual fee, and no penalty fees. You won't get any rewards, but you will be able to pay down your debt.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers and 12 months on Purchases, then 19.24% - 29.99 variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min)

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds*

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved12/31/2018
690
Equifax
$1,500
Approved12/31/2018
713
Experian
$1,500
Approved12/31/2018
719
TransUnion
$1,500
Approved01/17/2023
709
Equifax
$4,000
Approved01/27/2019
650
Experian
$5,000
Approved01/27/2019
660
TransUnion
$5,000
Approved01/27/2019
720
Equifax
$5,000
Approved11/07/2021
760
Equifax
$14,600
Approved12/11/2022
834
TransUnion
$14,800
Approved02/09/2023
734
Experian
$10,000

BankAmericard® Credit Card 

BankAmericard® Credit Card offers a decently long 0% APR: 18 months on purchases and on transfers made in the first 60 days. You can access your FICO score for free, so you can see how paying down your debt is affecting your credit rating.

Rewards: None

0% Intro APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers and for 18 months on purchases, then 16.24% - 26.24% variable APR

Balance Transfer Fee: After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.

Annual Fee: $0

Approval Odds

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use a number of factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved02/14/2022
726
Experian
$17,000
Approved03/29/2022
777
Experian
$14,000
Denied04/25/2022
794
TransUnion
---
Denied04/25/2022
805
Equifax
---

Complete List of 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards

0% on Purchases
21 months from account opening on purchases months
0% on Balance Transfers
21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99%
0% on Purchases
12 months on Purchases months
0% on Balance Transfers
21 months on Balance Transfers months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min)
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99
0% on Purchases
21 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
21 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 18.74% - 29.74%
0% on Purchases
18 months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.
Regular APR: 16.24% - 26.24%
0% on Purchases
18 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24%
0% on Purchases
18 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 21.99% to 29.99%
0% on Purchases
18 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 17.24% to 26.24%
0% on Purchases
18 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 16.49% - 25.49%
0% on Purchases
18 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 17.24% to 26.24%
0% on Purchases
18 billing cycles months
0% on Balance Transfers
18 billing cycles months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 17.24% to 26.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: $0 Introductory fee for balance transfers completed within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $10 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 12.74% to 24.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.99%
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$995
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 18.24% to 29.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Introductory Fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction, for transactions made within 60 days of opening your account. After that, your fee will be: 4% of the amount of each transaction.
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
N/A
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% of transfer whichever amount is greater
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24%
0% on Purchases
15 billing cycles months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 billing cycles months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transfer amount, $5 minimum
Regular APR: 19.24% - 28.24%
0% on Purchases
15 billing cycles months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 billing cycles months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99%
0% on Purchases
15 billing cycles. months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 billing cycles. months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Regular APR: 19.49% - 29.74%
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 5% of the amount of each balance transfer
Regular APR: 12.15% to 29.15%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% per transaction
Regular APR: 17.99%
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$195
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).
Regular APR: 18.74% - 28.74%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 4%.
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
15 months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction.
Regular APR: 17.99% - 27.99%
0% on Purchases
15 months from account opening months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99%
0% on Purchases
15 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
15 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by December 10, 2023 with the 0% intro APR balance transfer offer described above. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer.
Regular APR: 17.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
13 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 15.24% - 25.24% variable
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months months
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% fee applies to each transfer
Regular APR: 17.99%
0% on Purchases
12 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Three percent (3%) of the amount of the Balance Transfer, with a $15 minimum and no maximum.
Regular APR: 17.24% to 25.24%
0% on Purchases
N/A
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: $10.00 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 26.24%
0% on Purchases
12 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transfer amount, $5 minimum
Regular APR: 18.24% to 29.24%
0% on Purchases
N/A
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 0% on balances transferred within the first 60 days. After that, a balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer amount ($5 minimum) will apply.
Regular APR: 18.24%
0% on Purchases
12 months
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months
Annual Fee
$95
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
N/a months
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: 3% per transaction
Regular APR: 17.99%
0% on Purchases
N/A
0% on Balance Transfers
12 months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, applies for the first 90 days following account opening. After that, balance transfer fee of either $5 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 30.24%
0% on Purchases
9 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
9 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.49%
0% on Purchases
9 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
9 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 18.24% to 27.24%
0% on Purchases
6 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
6 billing cycles months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 billing cycles months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
6 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 16.99% - 24.99%
0% on Purchases
6 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
6 billing cycles months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 billing cycles months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
6 months months
0% on Balance Transfers
6 months months
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 19.24% to 28.24%
0% on Purchases
N/A
0% on Balance Transfers
N/A
Annual Fee
$95 Waived for existing Honors Advantage Members

0% on Purchases
N/A months
0% on Balance Transfers
for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post within 45 days of account opening) the APR will be 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. There is a fee for balance transfers. months
Annual Fee
$495
Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Regular APR: 21.24%, 25.43% or 28.24%
0% on Purchases
N/A months
0% on Balance Transfers
for first 15 billing cycles after account opening. After that, 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable APR based on your credit worthiness months
Annual Fee
None
Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 3% of transfer whichever amount is greater
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24%

What Is a Balance Transfer and Why Is It Useful?

Balance transfers are what they sound like – they involve transferring a balance from one credit card to another one. This can be a useful tool if you have a credit card with a high balance – either close to maxed out or without enough space to spend with it like you want to. Most cards will allow you to transfer more than one balance as well, so they can be a great way to consolidate debt. Lastly, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars in interest if you transfer your balance from a high-interest card to one with low interest or a period of 0% interest.

In any case, just like anything having to do with personal finance, transferring a balance can be a risky move, so it’s important to do your research and have a plan for your transfer before you apply for any credit card. Below we will discuss what to look for in a balance transfer credit card.

What to Look For in a Balance Transfer Card

Balance Transfer Fee

Many balance transfer cards take the higher of a set dollar amount or a percentage of the amount you are transferring as a fee for the transfer. A typical balance transfer fee looks something like $10 or 5% respectively, or sometimes $5 or 3%. The fee usually comes in the form of an addition to your balance on the new card. Make sure you consider this when deciding if a balance transfer is worth it or not.

The higher the balance, the higher the fee, but if you are transferring to save money in interest on another card, the fee may be negligible for you. Say, for instance, you are transferring a $7,000 balance from a card with a 22.99% interest rate. If you leave that balance, you are paying close to $150 per month, which is a lot, especially compared to the one-time $350 you would pay for a 5% transfer fee. Of course, this is assuming you are transferring to a card with a lower interest rate or, ideally, one with a 0% introductory interest rate.

Low or No-Intro APR: Check Specifically for Balance Transfers

Another thing to look for is a 0% introductory interest charge rate, the longer the period the better. This will give you time to pay down the balance without paying interest and can potentially save you hundreds of dollars, especially if the balance is large. We already illustrated just how much you might save in interest above, and it’s worth emphasizing again. There is no point in a balance transfer if there’s no interest-free period or at least a low interest rate. One thing to keep in mind is to check for differences between purchase APR and balance transfer APR – some cards will give you different rates.

Low or No Annual Fee

Since cards with good balance transfer benefits don’t usually have the best long-term rewards, you will want to make sure that you prioritize cards that are inexpensive to maintain. For credit cards that means a low, or no annual fee. Usually, with annual fees, you get access to rewards that incentivize you to spend money on your card. If you are earning 5x – 10x airline miles or 5% cash back on purchases, annual fees can be worth it. However, this is the opposite of what you want in a balance transfer card. You do not want to incentivize spending (more on this later), and the last thing you need is an extra fee hitting your account at the worst time. There are plenty of options with low or no annual fees.

Skip the Bonuses

Intro rewards can be very enticing, but you may want to skip anything that incentivizes you to make new purchases on a card you will be transferring a balance to. When you are trying to pay down a high debt, you should avoid spending on that card, at least until the balance has been paid off. You don’t want any of your introductory rewards to go to waste because you aren’t spending or don’t have the credit space to spend enough.

How to Choose the Best Balance Transfer Offer

Finding 0% balance transfer cards is the easy part. Choosing the best option for your specific circumstances, however, requires a lot more than just comparing transfer fees and the length of the 0% introductory rate. There are several questions you should consider before making a choice. What might be the best option for one person may not be the wisest choice for another.

Here are 6 things to consider.

1. How much debt do you have?

The amount of credit card debt you have is an important consideration for at least two reasons. First, you may or may not qualify for enough credit on a balance transfer card to cover all of your existing credit card debt. This may mean you need to apply for multiple offers if you want to move all of the debt to a 0% card.

Second, your monthly minimum payment may be higher than what you are paying now. While two percent of the outstanding balance is a common minimum payment formula, not all issuers follow this standard. You’ll want to make sure you understand what the minimum payment will be and that your budget can handle it.

2. Which cards hold your debt now?

Credit card issuers do not allow you to transfer debt from one of their cards to another. If you have debt on a Citibank card, for example, you can’t transfer it to another Citibank card. This is particularly important to remember when searching for balance transfer cards. You may find a great offer, but it won’t do you much good if it’s with the same issuer that currently holds your debt.

3. Your credit score

Credit card issuers don’t publish their underwriting standards, including the credit score needed to qualify for one of their cards. The best card offers, however, require a good credit score. While there is no minimum score required, in my experience you want to aim for a FICO score of at least 700. Keep in mind that other factors are important, too, such as your income, debt levels, and history with the credit card issuer.

If you don’t know your credit score, there are several free tools available to get access to your score. One of the free options is credit card issuers. Most major issuers today provide free access to your credit score. You'll find a list of those issuers here.

4. Time to pay off the debt

Most of the top balance transfer cards today offer 0% for 12 to 21 months. Before transferring a balance, assess whether you’ll be able to pay off the debt before the 0% introductory rate ends. If you can pay off the debt in 15 months, for example, you’ll then want to look for offers of 15 months or longer.

5. Life after the 0% offer

Make a plan for when the 0% offer expires. In our case, we continued to transfer the balances until we paid off our credit card debt in full. While this is a reasonable option, there are at least two potential hurdles.

First, there is no guarantee that 0% offers will be available a year or two from now. While balance transfer cards have been part of the credit card landscape for many years, all good things eventually come to an end. Many major issuers left the balance transfer space during COVID-19, including Chase, American Express, and Capital One.

Second, even if these offers are available down the road, there is no guarantee that you’ll qualify for them. As noted above, these offers require a good to excellent credit score.

One way to prepare is to understand what the interest rates will be at the end of the 0% offer. As the CFPB has noted, it's important to understand the interest rate over the life of the new card, not just the introductory rate. All credit card issuers make this information available to you. During the application process, the regular APR is typically stated as a range based on your creditworthiness. If your application is approved, however, you’ll know then what the regular APR is. While this can of course change, you’ll at least have some idea of the consequences should you be unable to pay off the debt before the zero percent rate expires.

6. Other credit card perks

Finally, it’s worth considering the perks beyond the 0% offer. Some of the best balance transfer cards come with no rewards, as noted above. There are, however, several good balance transfer cards that offer cash back rewards.