If you don’t pay off your credit card balance in full each month, it’ll accrue interest determined by the credit card’s annual percentage rate, or APR. Not only can interest charges cost you significantly each month, but they can also wipe out any rewards you’ve earned.
However, if you’ve accumulated credit card debt, there are ways to get out of it. One option is by using a balance transfer card. This method lets you transfer your balance to a credit card with an introductory 0% APR period so you can save on interest for a period of time -- typically from nine to 21 months. But you’ll still need to make your monthly minimum payment, and there’s usually a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5%.
The Citi Simplicity Card* has one of the longest available balance transfer periods along with a lower balance transfer fee than its competitors -- for a time.
Its introductory balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) lasts for the first four months -- then it spikes up to 5% ($5 minimum). This balance transfer card has no late fee or penalty APR. If there’s any chance that you could miss a payment at some point, the Simplicity could save you up to $41 and won’t forfeit the introductory APR.
You also have a long time to make a credit card balance transfer with the introductory APR -- at four months from when you open the account.
For more details, see our full review of the Citi Simplicity card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
The Citi Simplicity Card* has one of the longest available balance transfer periods along with a lower balance transfer fee than its competitors -- for a time.
Its introductory balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) lasts for the first four months -- then it spikes up to 5% ($5 minimum). This balance transfer card has no late fee or penalty APR. If there’s any chance that you could miss a payment at some point, the Simplicity could save you up to $41 and won’t forfeit the introductory APR.
You also have a long time to make a credit card balance transfer with the introductory APR -- at four months from when you open the account.
For more details, see our full review of the Citi Simplicity card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
BankAmericard® credit card
The BankAmericard® credit card* offers a competitive introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases alike. To take advantage of the balance transfer offer, you’ll have to transfer your balance within 60 days of account opening, and you’ll be subject to a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction.
For more details, see our full review of the BankAmericard credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
The BankAmericard® credit card* offers a competitive introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases alike. To take advantage of the balance transfer offer, you’ll have to transfer your balance within 60 days of account opening, and you’ll be subject to a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction.
For more details, see our full review of the BankAmericard credit card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers 21 months from account opening of 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter). Note that you must transfer your balances to this card within 120 days of the account opening to take advantage of this offer. But be aware, it also carries one of the highest balance transfer fees of 5% ($5 minimum).
Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 5%; min: $5
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers 21 months from account opening of 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter). Note that you must transfer your balances to this card within 120 days of the account opening to take advantage of this offer. But be aware, it also carries one of the highest balance transfer fees of 5% ($5 minimum).
Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 5%; min: $5
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer the longest balance transfer promotion on this list, its usefulness will extend beyond the introductory APR offer. Most credit cards dedicated solely to balance transfers don’t include a welcome bonus or rewards program.
Note that any balances you transfer won’t help you qualify for the welcome bonus, and you won’t earn rewards on them. But if some of your credit limit is leftover for purchases, you might be able to unlock the welcome bonus.
Find all the details in our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%; min: $5
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t offer the longest balance transfer promotion on this list, its usefulness will extend beyond the introductory APR offer. Most credit cards dedicated solely to balance transfers don’t include a welcome bonus or rewards program.
Note that any balances you transfer won’t help you qualify for the welcome bonus, and you won’t earn rewards on them. But if some of your credit limit is leftover for purchases, you might be able to unlock the welcome bonus.
Find all the details in our Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%; min: $5
The Citi Double Cash offers one of the longest balance transfer periods on a rewards card. It also is one of the most rewarding cash-back credit cards without an annual fee. It offers 18 months to pay down a transferred balance at 0% introductory interest (then 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR). Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.
Eighteen months is just three months shy of the longest promotional period offered by other balance transfer cards, many of which feature no rewards and have limited value once you pay off a balance.
You can find all the details in our full Citi Double Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
The Citi Double Cash offers one of the longest balance transfer periods on a rewards card. It also is one of the most rewarding cash-back credit cards without an annual fee. It offers 18 months to pay down a transferred balance at 0% introductory interest (then 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR). Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.
Eighteen months is just three months shy of the longest promotional period offered by other balance transfer cards, many of which feature no rewards and have limited value once you pay off a balance.
You can find all the details in our full Citi Double Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
The Citi Diamond Preferred provides one of the longest balance transfer promotional periods on the market, but it requires a higher-than-average balance transfer fee as well.
The standard balance transfer fee is 3%, but the Diamond Preferred asks for 5% ($5 minimum). Most of the other cards on this list only require a 3% fee. Unless you need extra time to pay off a balance, consider one of those first. It is, however, worth noting that paying even a 5% fee will typically be less expensive than paying regular interest charges on a credit card with a high APR.
You can learn more about the card in our Citi Diamond Preferred review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi Diamond Preferred provides one of the longest balance transfer promotional periods on the market, but it requires a higher-than-average balance transfer fee as well.
The standard balance transfer fee is 3%, but the Diamond Preferred asks for 5% ($5 minimum). Most of the other cards on this list only require a 3% fee. Unless you need extra time to pay off a balance, consider one of those first. It is, however, worth noting that paying even a 5% fee will typically be less expensive than paying regular interest charges on a credit card with a high APR.
You can learn more about the card in our Citi Diamond Preferred review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods on the market. Though a handful of cards may have slightly longer introductory APR periods, they also often require higher balance transfer fees or otherwise complicate the process. This is the best option when it comes to making both an inexpensive and convenient balance transfer.
See our full review of the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods on the market. Though a handful of cards may have slightly longer introductory APR periods, they also often require higher balance transfer fees or otherwise complicate the process. This is the best option when it comes to making both an inexpensive and convenient balance transfer.
See our full review of the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card* is one of the few rewards cards with a competitive balance transfer offer that also offers a welcome bonus -- though any transferred balances won’t help you unlock it.
The Unlimited Cash Rewards card has the standard 3% balance transfer fee and offers new cardholders a solid 15 billing cycles of 0% introductory APR to pay off a transferred debt before the standard APR of 18.24% to 28.24% (variable) applies. Balance transfers must be made in the first 60 days of account opening. While it might not have the most lucrative rewards program, it provides a good amount of time to pay down a balance, has no spending limits on the rewards rate and the welcome bonus is relatively accessible.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card* is one of the few rewards cards with a competitive balance transfer offer that also offers a welcome bonus -- though any transferred balances won’t help you unlock it.
The Unlimited Cash Rewards card has the standard 3% balance transfer fee and offers new cardholders a solid 15 billing cycles of 0% introductory APR to pay off a transferred debt before the standard APR of 18.24% to 28.24% (variable) applies. Balance transfers must be made in the first 60 days of account opening. While it might not have the most lucrative rewards program, it provides a good amount of time to pay down a balance, has no spending limits on the rewards rate and the welcome bonus is relatively accessible.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card* likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of balance transfers, but it does feature an introductory balance transfer APR that’s on par with other rewards cards.
You’ll need to make any transfers within 60 days of account opening to qualify -- as well as pay a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction. But If you’re looking for a flexible rewards card that gives some time to pay off a transferred balance, you could do worse.
See if it’s the card for you with our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card* likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of balance transfers, but it does feature an introductory balance transfer APR that’s on par with other rewards cards.
You’ll need to make any transfers within 60 days of account opening to qualify -- as well as pay a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction. But If you’re looking for a flexible rewards card that gives some time to pay off a transferred balance, you could do worse.
See if it’s the card for you with our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
The introductory APR for the Chase Slate Edge℠ applies to balance transfers, and you’ll get a unique opportunity to reduce your regular APR over time. Each anniversary year that you spend at least $1,000 on your card and make all your payments on time, you will automatically be considered for an APR reduction by 2% each year. This can continue until your APR reaches the Prime Rate plus 9.74%.
So if you think you may need to keep your balance running for longer than the introductory APR period, the Chase Slate Edge will be a good bet. See more details in our full review of the Chase Slate Edge.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The introductory APR for the Chase Slate Edge℠ applies to balance transfers, and you’ll get a unique opportunity to reduce your regular APR over time. Each anniversary year that you spend at least $1,000 on your card and make all your payments on time, you will automatically be considered for an APR reduction by 2% each year. This can continue until your APR reaches the Prime Rate plus 9.74%.
So if you think you may need to keep your balance running for longer than the introductory APR period, the Chase Slate Edge will be a good bet. See more details in our full review of the Chase Slate Edge.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
If you’re looking for a travel credit card but also need to knock out some credit card debt, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card*. It has no annual fee and provides a good amount of time to pay down a transferred balance compared to some of the other reward-centric credit cards here.
While it might be better used for its intro APR on purchases to finance a planned trip, you could use it instead for a balance transfer. You’ll need to make any transfers within 60 days of account opening to qualify, however. And once you pay down the balance, you’ll have a solid travel credit card to take with you on the road.
You can read more about it in our Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
If you’re looking for a travel credit card but also need to knock out some credit card debt, consider the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card*. It has no annual fee and provides a good amount of time to pay down a transferred balance compared to some of the other reward-centric credit cards here.
While it might be better used for its intro APR on purchases to finance a planned trip, you could use it instead for a balance transfer. You’ll need to make any transfers within 60 days of account opening to qualify, however. And once you pay down the balance, you’ll have a solid travel credit card to take with you on the road.
You can read more about it in our Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee applies.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% of the amount of each transaction
Another balance transfer opportunity
Discover it® Balance Transfer
- Intro offer: All cash back earned at the end of your first 12 months will be matched
- APR: 17.24 percent to 28.24 percent variable
- Intro purchase APR: 0% for the first six months
- Balance transfer intro APR: 0% for the first 18 months
- Recommended credit: Good to excellent
- Rewards rates: 5% cash back after activation on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%), 1% for all other purchases
- Annual fee: $0
The Discover it® Balance Transfer* card offers a competitive balance transfer, though the introductory APR on purchases is shorter than most. Note that you’ll have to pay a 3% intro balance transfer fee, which may be as high as 5% on future balance transfers (see terms).
How to choose the right balance transfer credit card
Choosing the best balance transfer credit card depends on how much money you owe and how quickly you can pay it off. The best balance transfer cards should help you pay off the credit card balance by the end of the introductory APR period. That, in turn, can have a big impact on raising or maintaining a good credit score.
You’ll need to do some math to use a balance transfer credit card effectively. Paying close attention to the transfer fee, balance requirements, annual fee, intro APR period and the variable APR will make a difference in how much you save.
Some banks have recently shortened or eliminated their introductory low-APR periods for balance transfers, but there are still plenty of good options. Each balance transfer offer is different -- be sure to examine the terms carefully before applying for a new credit card.
When choosing the best balance transfer credit card, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Welcome bonuses or cash rewards are mostly a distraction from the cards’ primary purpose, which is to give you a low intro APR period to pay down your balance.
- Some balance transfer cards may charge an annual fee, although none of our current best picks do.
- You can’t transfer balances between different cards from the same credit card issuer (for example, you can’t transfer a Citi balance to another Citi card).
- The maximum credit card balance you can transfer to a new card will depend on several factors, including your credit utilization ratio, the qualifying balance transfer, your minimum payment and your credit rating. Each credit card and credit card issuer is different, and each factor will be determined by the card issuer after assessing your creditworthiness.
What experts are saying about balance transfers
Balance transfer cards can help improve your finances and alleviate stress caused by credit card debt. But you shouldn’t transfer a balance without having a debt repayment strategy in place.
“The risk is that you don’t pay [the balance] off by the time the intro period ends,” credit expert Gerri Detweiler said. Once the promotional period ends, cardholders will have a much higher interest rate to deal with. Detweiler said that’s why it’s important to have a pay-off plan. Divide the balance by the number of months you have in the introductory offer to find out how much you should be paying.
“Issuers would not offer balance transfers if they weren’t financially lucrative for them,” Detweiler said. “One of the reasons they’re often lucrative is because people transfer a balance, continue to make the minimum payment and then end up with a balance at the end that’s subjected to a higher interest rate.”
According to credit expert Beverly Harzog, it’s extra important to keep up with those monthly payments for another reason, too. “If you’re late with that payment, it could lose the 0% APR intro rate,” she said. Harzog says the best thing you can do with a balance transfer credit card is to avoid using it for new purchases as you work to pay down the debt.
How do balance transfer credit cards work?
A balance transfer is when you take the debt, or balance, that you owe on one card account and transfer it to another credit card account with a lower interest rate. While many credit cards allow balance transfers, those primarily designed for the purpose offer an introductory 0% APR period on balances transferred to that account, typically applicable to transfers made within the first 60 to 120 days of card ownership.
The introductory APR period generally lasts between 12 months and 21 months, giving you a significant period of time to pay off your balance interest-free. You typically have to make all of your minimum payments on time to maintain the promotional interest rate, and there is usually a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee. If you don’t pay off your full balance by the end of the introductory period, you will start accruing interest charges at the regular APR.
Pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards
Pros
Save money by temporarily reducing or eliminating credit card interest
Reduce your credit utilization ratio and the amount of money you owe
Consolidate debts from multiple credit cards into one account
Potential for lower monthly payments due to temporary break on interest
Cons
Good or excellent credit score needed to qualify
Potentially higher interest rates after the intro APR period expires
Limits on how much credit card debt you can transfer
Less attractive rewards and bonuses than other credit cards
How to use a balance transfer card effectively
Utilizing a balance transfer credit card to its full ability is relatively easy. First, you’ll need to figure out how much money you’ll need to allocate toward your transferred balance each month. To do so, divide the amount of the balance by the number of months you have in the promotional period.
For example, if you need to transfer a $3,000 balance to a card with an 18-month introductory period -- and the card has a 3% balance transfer fee -- you’d need to pay $172 monthly to pay it off in time. (The $90 balance transfer fee (3,000 x .03) is added to your card’s balance.)
However, if you can, try to pay more than $172 each month. That way, you’ll ensure your balance will reach $0 by the time your card begins to accrue interest at its variable rate. Also, if your balance transfer credit card provides rewards, avoid putting new purchases on the card while you work to pay it down. Otherwise, it’ll take a longer time to get rid of the debt. Once your debt is paid off, then you can start to use your card for its rewards rate.
Will a balance transfer credit card affect my credit score?
Applying for any new credit card will usually affect your credit rating a little. Each credit card application requires a hard inquiry (also called a “hard pull”) of your credit rating, which could lower your credit score a few points, though the damage usually disappears before the inquiry is removed from your credit report in two years.
You’ll want to avoid several hard inquiries within a short period, which could indicate to lenders that you are low on cash or a high-risk customer. Your best bet is to find the one credit card you want and determine if your credit rating is good enough for it. A soft inquiry (or “soft pull”) of your credit rating will not impact your score and will keep you informed of your rating and credit options. You can check your approval odds via a soft pull with the best preapproval credit cards.
A new credit card will also shorten the average age of your accounts, which can negatively affect your credit score. Credit reporting company Experian recommends keeping older credit card accounts open to cushion the impact of a new card.
On the other hand, consolidating debt with a balance transfer credit card can reduce your credit utilization ratio -- your debt divided by your credit limit -- which will improve your credit score. Experts suggest keeping your ratio below 30%.
Finally, using a balance transfer card to pay off credit card debt within the introductory APR period should have a significant positive impact on your credit score. Along with improving your credit utilization, you’ll also simply owe less money overall. The amount of money you owe accounts for 30% of your FICO score.
Overall, how a balance transfer credit card affects your credit rating will depend on what you do with it. If you’re shifting money from card to card repeatedly, your score will be hurt. If you’re paying off significant debt, that should improve your score much more than the small negative impacts of the hard pull and reduced average age of your accounts.
Alternatives to balance transfer credit cards
While balance transfer credit cards are a quick and easy way to consolidate debt, they’re not your only option. Personal loans or debt consolidation loans can combine debt from multiple sources and provide you with a single lender and one monthly payment.
Your choice will depend on how much you owe, how soon you can pay it back and what sort of payment plan you prefer. If you have reasonably low credit card debt and expect to pay off your balance easily in the intro APR period, a balance transfer card with low or no balance transfer fees could be a good idea.
If you have larger credit card debt or are less sure about your ability to repay it during the low intro APR period, a debt consolidation loan may make more sense. While such loans can include fees, they’ll generally let you transfer more debt, while providing a fixed rate that’s lower than credit card variable rates. You can also include other debt such as medical bills within the same loan.
Debt consolidation loans can make it easier to budget by giving you a consistent monthly payment for the length of the loan, usually two to five years. Be sure that you can afford the monthly payment, however, as late fees will accrue and negatively affect your credit score.
The approval process for loans will be longer than credit cards, although they offer more options for borrowers with poor credit. All of the best balance transfer credit cards listed above require good or excellent credit. While not easy, it’s possible for borrowers with low credit scores to qualify for debt consolidation loans, though they’ll likely have to pay higher interest rates.
How to apply for a balance transfer credit card
Applying for a balance transfer credit card is simple:
- Find a credit card that suits your needs. Make sure its promotional period is long enough for you to pay down your transferred balance.
- Apply securely on the card issuer’s website. You’ll need to provide personal and financial information including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- Once you receive your card, initiate the balance transfer. Some introductory offers must be initiated within a certain timeframe to qualify. Remember to continue making your monthly payments on the other card while the transfer is processed.
Key terms to know
- Introductory APR: The interest rate that’s applied toward your balance transfer amount and any purchases during an initial period of card ownership (usually 12 to 21 months).
- Standard APR: The interest rate applied toward balances and purchases after the introductory period ends.
- Introductory balance transfer fee: The fee charged on balance transfers during the initial period of card ownership.
- Standard balance transfer fee: The fee charged on balance transfers after the introductory period ends.
- Credit utilization ratio: The amount of your aggregate credit card balances divided by your credit limit across all cards.
- Qualifying balance transfer: The amount of credit card debt that an issuer will allow you to transfer to a new card.
FAQs
Technically, yes. In some cases, transferring your balance two or three times might even be what’s necessary to finally pay off your debt. But unless you have a firm understanding of how you got into debt in the first place and a plan for getting out of debt, you won’t be working toward a solution.
While transferring your remaining debt to a second balance transfer card may allow you to pay off your balance without monthly interest or a fee, it’s important to note that there are too many variables for multiple balance transfers to be a failure-proof debt strategy. For example, your card application could be denied, your credit limit could be much lower than you anticipated or your transfer request could be denied. Credit card offers could also change, making it difficult to plan ahead. That’s why it’s recommended to select a card that allows you to pay off the full balance after one cycle if possible.
The balance transfer limit is determined by the card issuer on an individual basis. Some cards may take into account your creditworthiness and account history (if applicable) when determining this amount.
The same goes for determining your credit limit. The card issuer will take into account factors like your credit score, credit utilization, income and housing payments when establishing your credit limit. Remember that the credit limit may be less than you expected and therefore less than your current outstanding balance. To successfully raise your limit, you usually need an adjustment in your financial situation, like increased income or lower housing payment, or an extended period of paying your bills on time, which obviously isn’t a great option if you’re qualifying for a balance transfer to take advantage of an introductory 0% APR period.
The introductory APR is the APR applied toward your balance (including balance transfers and purchases in most cases) for the first six to 21 months of card ownership, depending on the card. The standard APR is the APR applied toward your balance after the introductory period ends. The penalty APR is applied toward your balance if you miss more than one payment in six months, usually, but depends on the individual card and your card issuer.
An introductory balance transfer fee is a reduced or $0 fee charged for transfers made during an initial promotional period when you open the account, usually for the first 30 to 120 days of card ownership. Not all balance transfer cards offer an introductory balance transfer fee, but the ones that do can save you an average of 3% of your balance. However, many of these cards do not offer an introductory APR. See our list of the best credit cards with no balance transfer fees for more information.
It may take anywhere between 10 days and six weeks to complete a balance transfer, after receiving your new card and cardholder agreement. It’s also important to note that some card issuers, such as Citi, make balance transfers available at their discretion, and could therefore decline a transfer request. And you should probably still pay the minimum on the old card’s balance until you’ve confirmed that the transfer was completed, so you don’t run the risk of fees or penalties.
In order to qualify for a top-rated balance transfer credit card, you’ll need good credit. All of the cards recommended above require good to excellent credit scores, meaning FICO scores of 670 to 850.
If your credit score is lower than 670, you might be able to qualify for another balance transfer credit card, but you’ll likely have to pay for it with higher balance transfer fees, lower transfer limits and/or a shorter intro APR period.
If your credit score is lower than 670 and you’ve been unsuccessful securing one of the cards above, consider alternative methods for refinancing your debt. You can call your current card issuer and try to negotiate a lower APR. You could also explore a debt consolidation loan, which would allow you to gather all of your debt under a new, lower APR.
While a balance transfer credit card certainly works like a normal credit card, it’s generally not a good idea to use it to make new purchases. If you currently have credit card debt, your primary goal should be to get out of debt and avoid paying interest. When you purchase something and add new charges to your balance transfer account, you’re moving in the wrong direction, especially if you’re only able to make the minimum payment.
A debit card or cash is better for any new purchases while you pay off your debt, thus leaving your balance transfer account only for debt repayment. This will also help you track your progress more clearly. And keep in mind that some balance transfer credit cards still charge interest on new purchases until you pay off the entire balance (the new purchases plus whatever balance you transferred), which will only compound your debt problem.
Other credit cards we tested
Not all credit cards are created equal. Here are some credit cards with a balance transfer offer that didn’t make the cut:
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category of cards, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We consider the typical spending behaviors of a range of consumer profiles with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- as are the designated functions of different credit cards.
For balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while also considering factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account. The length of the intro APR period and the balance transfer fee are the two primary factors that have the biggest impact on the overall cost of paying off debt with a balance transfer credit card.
*All information about the BankAmericard credit card, Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, Discover it Balance Transfer and Citi Simplicity Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
