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Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.

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On This Page
  • Our top card picks
  • Compare balance transfer cards
  • What is a balance transfer?
  • How to choose a balance transfer card
  • How to transfer a card balance
  • Pros and cons
  • How to make the most of a balance transfer
  • Should I get a balance transfer card?
  • Alternatives to a balance transfer card
  • FAQs
  • Methodology

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards With 0% APRs in August 2022

Glen Luke Flanagan
Tracy Brackman

August 1, 2022

*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This article was last updated August 1, 2022 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.

Our top pick for best balance transfer card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

It offers one of the longest intro APR periods for both purchases and balance transfers, giving you plenty of breathing room to pay down debt interest-free. It also charges a reasonable balance transfer fee.

  • Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card
    Overall best balance transfer credit card
    Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
  • Citi<sup>®</sup> Diamond Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card
    Best balance transfer credit card with long transfer window
    Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
  • Citi Simplicity<sup>®</sup> Card
    Best balance transfer credit card, no penalty APR or late fee
    Citi Simplicity® Card
  • U.S. Bank Visa<sup>®</sup> Platinum Card
    Best balance transfer credit card with due date of your choice
    U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
  • BankAmericard<sup>®</sup> credit card
    Best balance transfer credit card, low APR
    BankAmericard® credit card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Balance Transfer
    Best balance transfer credit card with cash back in popular categories
    Discover it® Balance Transfer
  • Chase Slate Edge℠
    Best balance transfer card with potential to lower your APR
    Chase Slate Edge℠
  • Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
    Best balance transfer credit card with flat cash back rate
    Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
  • Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU
    Best balance transfer credit card, no fee
    Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back
    Best balance transfer credit card for fair credit
    Discover it® Student Cash Back
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Best balance transfer credit card for bad credit
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
    Best balance transfer credit card for business owners
    U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

If you have a large amount of high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card with a 0% intro APR for a year or longer can help you save money while paying down your balance faster. That’s because balance transfer credit cards allow 100% of your monthly payment to go to the principal balance instead of the balance plus interest charges during the intro APR period.

Based on the cards available on LendingTree, as well as the top cards offered by major issuers, here are our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards for the following categories:

Best For Overall balance transfer card

Wells Fargo Reflect<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
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Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening , then 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR

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

Why we picked this card: If you need a long intro APR period to pay off debt transferred from another card or finance a big purchase over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers one of the longest intro APR periods currently available on balance transfers. Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers on balance transfers. After that, a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone protection
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you need a year and a half or longer to pay off a transferred balance, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card could be a good fit. The card offers an interest-free period on balance transfer for 18 months, as well as an intro APR extension of up to three months with on-time minimum payments during the introductory period and extension periods.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card also offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR.

Although the card comes with a $0 annual fee, it does charge a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

  • Cellphone protection
  • Roadside dispatch
  • Access to My Wells Fargo Deals
  • Zero liability protection

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening , then 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR

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

Why we picked this card: If you need a long intro APR period to pay off debt transferred from another card or finance a big purchase over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers one of the longest intro APR periods currently available on balance transfers. Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers on balance transfers. After that, a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone protection
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you need a year and a half or longer to pay off a transferred balance, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card could be a good fit. The card offers an interest-free period on balance transfer for 18 months, as well as an intro APR extension of up to three months with on-time minimum payments during the introductory period and extension periods.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card also offers a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR.

Although the card comes with a $0 annual fee, it does charge a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

  • Cellphone protection
  • Roadside dispatch
  • Access to My Wells Fargo Deals
  • Zero liability protection

Check out our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review.

Best For Long balance transfer window

Citi<sup>®</sup> Diamond Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
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Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% for 12 months on Purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 15.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then 15.99% - 25.99% (variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: While the majority of balance transfer cards come with a balance transfer window — the amount of time you have to take advantage of the card’s intro APR on balance transfers — of 60 days from the date of opening your account, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a four month window. Additionally, the card offers an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years.

ProsCons
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • Four months to initiate a balance transfer
  • $0 annual fee
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Short intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards programs

If you don’t plan on initiating a balance transfer right away, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may be ideal. Along with offering an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then an APR of 15.99% - 25.99% (Variable), the card comes with a four-month balance transfer window.

Additionally, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card comes with a $0 annual fee and an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases, then 15.99% - 25.99% (Variable) APR.

This card does not offer a rewards program, and a balance transfer fee of balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

  • Special access to ticket presales and exclusive events with Citi Entertainment®
  • 24/7 customer service
  • $0 liability on unauthorized charges
  • ID Theft Protection program offered by Mastercard®

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then 15.99% - 25.99% (variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: While the majority of balance transfer cards come with a balance transfer window — the amount of time you have to take advantage of the card’s intro APR on balance transfers — of 60 days from the date of opening your account, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a four month window. Additionally, the card offers an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years.

ProsCons
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • Four months to initiate a balance transfer
  • $0 annual fee
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Short intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards programs

If you don’t plan on initiating a balance transfer right away, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card may be ideal. Along with offering an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then an APR of 15.99% - 25.99% (Variable), the card comes with a four-month balance transfer window.

Additionally, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card comes with a $0 annual fee and an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases, then 15.99% - 25.99% (Variable) APR.

This card does not offer a rewards program, and a balance transfer fee of balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

  • Special access to ticket presales and exclusive events with Citi Entertainment®
  • 24/7 customer service
  • $0 liability on unauthorized charges
  • ID Theft Protection program offered by Mastercard®

Check out our Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card review.

Best For No penalty APR or late fee

Citi Simplicity<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Citi Simplicity® Card

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Citi Simplicity® Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% for 12 months on Purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: With most credit cards, if you miss a payment, you could be subject to late fees and a higher APR (a penalty rate). However, the Citi Simplicity® Card has no late fees or penalty APR, providing cardholders a little extra peace of mind. Still, you should always make an effort to pay on time, as late payments will damage your credit score.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • No late fees and no penalty APR
  • $0 annual fee
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

You always want to pay your credit card on time — doing so will help you build good credit and make life easier, if down the road you need to apply for other credit cards or financial products (like car loans and mortgages). However, if you want peace of mind that your card won’t charge you a late fee or increase your APR in the event you do miss a payment, you’ll appreciate the Citi Simplicity® Card.

Plus, the $0 annual fee card offers an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then a 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies. A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum..

There is also an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases, then a 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • Special access to ticket presales and exclusive events with Citi Entertainment®

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: With most credit cards, if you miss a payment, you could be subject to late fees and a higher APR (a penalty rate). However, the Citi Simplicity® Card has no late fees or penalty APR, providing cardholders a little extra peace of mind. Still, you should always make an effort to pay on time, as late payments will damage your credit score.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • No late fees and no penalty APR
  • $0 annual fee
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

You always want to pay your credit card on time — doing so will help you build good credit and make life easier, if down the road you need to apply for other credit cards or financial products (like car loans and mortgages). However, if you want peace of mind that your card won’t charge you a late fee or increase your APR in the event you do miss a payment, you’ll appreciate the Citi Simplicity® Card.

Plus, the $0 annual fee card offers an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then a 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies. A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum..

There is also an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on Purchases, then a 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) APR applies.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • Special access to ticket presales and exclusive events with Citi Entertainment®

Check out our Citi Simplicity® Card review.

Best For Choosing your own due date

U.S. Bank Visa<sup>®</sup> Platinum Card Advertisement

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

(0) Reviews
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on U.S. Bank's secure site
Rates & Fees

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: Along with offering a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card lets cardholders choose their own payment due date. The card also has a $0 annual fee and reasonable balance transfer fee.

ProsCons
  • Lengthy intro APR on balance transfers
  • Ability to choose your own due date
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you want the flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card could be a good fit. Note, when selecting your payment due date, not all dates may be available.

Along with a 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, then 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR, the card comes with a 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Purchases, then 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR.

There is a balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. Additionally, this card does not offer a rewards program.

  • Cellphone protection
  • Free access to your VantageScore, enrollment required
  • Pay over time with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
  • Auto pay capability

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: Along with offering a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card lets cardholders choose their own payment due date. The card also has a $0 annual fee and reasonable balance transfer fee.

ProsCons
  • Lengthy intro APR on balance transfers
  • Ability to choose your own due date
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you want the flexibility to choose a payment due date that fits your schedule, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card could be a good fit. Note, when selecting your payment due date, not all dates may be available.

Along with a 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, then 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR, the card comes with a 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Purchases, then 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) APR.

There is a balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. Additionally, this card does not offer a rewards program.

  • Cellphone protection
  • Free access to your VantageScore, enrollment required
  • Pay over time with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
  • Auto pay capability

Check out our U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card review.

Best For Low APR after intro period

BankAmericard<sup>®</sup> credit card Advertisement

BankAmericard® credit card

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BankAmericard® credit card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR on balance transfers

Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Why we picked this card: While we recommend paying your transferred balance in full before the introductory period ends to avoid incurring interest charges, that may not always be possible. If you think you’ll still have a balance past the intro APR period, doing so on a card with a low ongoing APR, like the BankAmericard® credit card, is ideal.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • Chance for a low regular APR
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • Sign-up bonus
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards for the purchases you make
  • Only 60 days to initiate a balance transfer

If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the total transferred amount during the intro APR period, the BankAmericard® credit card may be ideal — especially if you can qualify for the low end of the interest rate. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR on balance transfers applies.

The card also has a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.

While the $0 annual fee card doesn’t offer rewards for the purchases you make, it does offer a sign-up bonus: $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

There is a balance transfer fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • No penalty APR
  • Overdraft protection

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR on balance transfers

Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

Why we picked this card: While we recommend paying your transferred balance in full before the introductory period ends to avoid incurring interest charges, that may not always be possible. If you think you’ll still have a balance past the intro APR period, doing so on a card with a low ongoing APR, like the BankAmericard® credit card, is ideal.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • Chance for a low regular APR
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • Sign-up bonus
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards for the purchases you make
  • Only 60 days to initiate a balance transfer

If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off the total transferred amount during the intro APR period, the BankAmericard® credit card may be ideal — especially if you can qualify for the low end of the interest rate. The card offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR on balance transfers applies.

The card also has a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.

While the $0 annual fee card doesn’t offer rewards for the purchases you make, it does offer a sign-up bonus: $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

There is a balance transfer fee of either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • No penalty APR
  • Overdraft protection

Check out our BankAmericard® credit card review.

Best For Cash back in popular spending categories

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Balance Transfer Advertisement

Discover it® Balance Transfer

(0) Reviews
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Rates & Fees

Discover it® Balance Transfer

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 months, then 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: Discover it® Balance Transfer holders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

The card also offers the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

ProsCons
  • Cash back in popular spending categories
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Short intro APR on purchases
  • Rewards capped each quarter at the higher rate
  • You must activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rate

If you want to earn a generous amount of cash back in popular categories that rotate each quarter from a balance transfer card, the Discover it® Balance Transfer is a good option. But keep in mind, we generally recommend avoiding new spending on a balance transfer credit card until you’ve paid off your transferred debt in full. That way, you can focus on getting out of debt, rather than adding to it. Once you’ve paid in full, you can begin using the Discover it® Balance Transfer for everyday expenses.

The Discover it® Balance Transfer offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, a 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR applies. There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* .

Additionally, the $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR applies.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • Alerts if your Social Security number alerts (activation required)
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card
  • Online privacy protection

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR for 18 months, then 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: Discover it® Balance Transfer holders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

The card also offers the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

ProsCons
  • Cash back in popular spending categories
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Short intro APR on purchases
  • Rewards capped each quarter at the higher rate
  • You must activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the higher rate

If you want to earn a generous amount of cash back in popular categories that rotate each quarter from a balance transfer card, the Discover it® Balance Transfer is a good option. But keep in mind, we generally recommend avoiding new spending on a balance transfer credit card until you’ve paid off your transferred debt in full. That way, you can focus on getting out of debt, rather than adding to it. Once you’ve paid in full, you can begin using the Discover it® Balance Transfer for everyday expenses.

The Discover it® Balance Transfer offers a 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, a 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR applies. There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* .

Additionally, the $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR applies.

  • Free access to your FICO® Score
  • Alerts if your Social Security number alerts (activation required)
  • Ability to freeze and unfreeze your card
  • Online privacy protection

Check out our Discover it® Balance Transfer review.

Best For Potential to lower your interest rate

Chase Slate Edge℠ Advertisement

Chase Slate Edge℠

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Chase Slate Edge℠

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months.
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.49% - 25.24% Variable
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. Then a 16.49% - 25.24% Variable APR

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

Why we picked this card: Along with a solid intro APR on balance transfers, the Chase Slate Edge℠ provides the opportunity to lower your regular interest rate from its initial rate. Additionally, new cardholders receive an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

ProsCons
  • Ability to automatically lower your interest rate
  • Automatic credit limit reviews
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • No rewards program
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Foreign transaction fees

If you’re looking for a balance transfer card that offers the opportunity to reduce your APR, the Chase Slate Edge℠ can be a great option. The card offers a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, a regular APR of 16.49% - 25.24% Variable applies.

When you pay on time and spend $1,000 on your card in an account anniversary year, you’ll be automatically considered for an APR reduction of 2%. Note that the lowest your APR can go is the Prime Rate plus 9.74%, and your final APR reduction could be less than 2%.

This card charges a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. After, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The Chase Slate Edge℠ also offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. After that, a 16.49% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Fraud alerts and fraud protection
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Roadside dispatch

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. Then a 16.49% - 25.24% Variable APR

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

Why we picked this card: Along with a solid intro APR on balance transfers, the Chase Slate Edge℠ provides the opportunity to lower your regular interest rate from its initial rate. Additionally, new cardholders receive an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

ProsCons
  • Ability to automatically lower your interest rate
  • Automatic credit limit reviews
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • No rewards program
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Foreign transaction fees

If you’re looking for a balance transfer card that offers the opportunity to reduce your APR, the Chase Slate Edge℠ can be a great option. The card offers a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, a regular APR of 16.49% - 25.24% Variable applies.

When you pay on time and spend $1,000 on your card in an account anniversary year, you’ll be automatically considered for an APR reduction of 2%. Note that the lowest your APR can go is the Prime Rate plus 9.74%, and your final APR reduction could be less than 2%.

This card charges a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. After, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The Chase Slate Edge℠ also offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. After that, a 16.49% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.

  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Fraud alerts and fraud protection
  • Auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Roadside dispatch

Check out our Chase Slate Edge℠ review.

Best For Flat cash back

Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Advertisement

Citi® Double Cash Card

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Citi® Double Cash Card

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Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Information not available.

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 16.24% - 26.24% (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.

Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers, as well as a great flat-rate cash back program. Cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on transferred balances
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • Cash back on every purchases
  • No intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No sign-up bonus

If you want a card you can keep around after paying off your transferred balance, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a good choice. Cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Just be aware you have to make at least the minimum payment on time to receive the second half of your cash back.

The card charges a $0 annual fee and offers an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers. After that, a 16.24% - 26.24% (Variable) APR applies.

Additionally, 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.

  • Card replacement, usually within 24 hours
  • Access to Citi Entertainment®
  • ID Theft Protection program

Credit needed: Information not available.

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 16.24% - 26.24% (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.

Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers, as well as a great flat-rate cash back program. Cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on transferred balances
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • Cash back on every purchases
  • No intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No sign-up bonus

If you want a card you can keep around after paying off your transferred balance, the Citi® Double Cash Card is a good choice. Cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Just be aware you have to make at least the minimum payment on time to receive the second half of your cash back.

The card charges a $0 annual fee and offers an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers. After that, a 16.24% - 26.24% (Variable) APR applies.

Additionally, 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.

  • Card replacement, usually within 24 hours
  • Access to Citi Entertainment®
  • ID Theft Protection program

Check out our Citi® Double Cash Card review.

Best For No balance transfer fee

Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU

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Highlights
  • Earn double rewards on everyday purchases, like groceries and gas
  • Redeem rewards for travel, merchandise, events, experiences, gift cards and cash
  • Get exclusive access to discounts and special offers, like ride-sharing and food delivery
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed:

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening. , then 9.75% - 18.00% (variable)

Balance transfer fee: $0

Why we picked this card: Unlike the majority of balance transfer credit cards that charge balance transfer fees of 3% to 5% of the amount of each transaction, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU charges a $0 balance transfer fee. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in fees when transferring a large balance to the card.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • $0 balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Rewards program
  • No intro APR on purchases
  • First Tech FCU membership required

If you want to transfer existing credit card debt to a card with a lower interest rate and no balance transfer fee, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU is a good option. In addition to a $0 balance transfer fee and an intro APR on balance transfers for a year, the card has a low ongoing APR of 9.75% - 18.00% (variable).

The card also offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Plus, earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.

Just know, since First Tech FCU is a credit union, membership is required. If you don’t qualify for membership, you can become a member by either joining the Financial Fitness Association for $8 or the Computer History Museum for $15.

  • Mastercard ID Theft Protection™
  • Mastercard Global Service™
  • Access to exclusive discounts, offers and benefits
  • Lost or damaged luggage coverage
  • Car rental insurance
  • Trip cancellation and travel accident protection
  • Purchase Assurance

Credit needed:

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening. , then 9.75% - 18.00% (variable)

Balance transfer fee: $0

Why we picked this card: Unlike the majority of balance transfer credit cards that charge balance transfer fees of 3% to 5% of the amount of each transaction, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU charges a $0 balance transfer fee. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in fees when transferring a large balance to the card.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • $0 balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Rewards program
  • No intro APR on purchases
  • First Tech FCU membership required

If you want to transfer existing credit card debt to a card with a lower interest rate and no balance transfer fee, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU is a good option. In addition to a $0 balance transfer fee and an intro APR on balance transfers for a year, the card has a low ongoing APR of 9.75% - 18.00% (variable).

The card also offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Plus, earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.

Just know, since First Tech FCU is a credit union, membership is required. If you don’t qualify for membership, you can become a member by either joining the Financial Fitness Association for $8 or the Computer History Museum for $15.

  • Mastercard ID Theft Protection™
  • Mastercard Global Service™
  • Access to exclusive discounts, offers and benefits
  • Lost or damaged luggage coverage
  • Car rental insurance
  • Trip cancellation and travel accident protection
  • Purchase Assurance
The information related to the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Balance transfers with fair credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Advertisement

Discover it® Student Cash Back

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Discover it® Student Cash Back

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Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, the 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of the few credit cards designed for those with fair credit that offers an intro APR on balance transfers.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • annual fee
  • Generous cash back rewards
  • Bonus categories require activation
  • Spending cap on higher earning rate
  • Does not offer an interest-free period on balance transfers

If you are a student with fair/limited credit who wants to transfer your existing credit card debt to a card with a lower interest rate, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a solid choice.

Along with offering a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR, the card charges a $0 annual fee. The card also offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR.

Discover it® Student Cash Back cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

The card also offers the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Freeze your card online
  • Discover® Identity Alerts
  • Customer service based 100% in the U.S.

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, the 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is one of the few credit cards designed for those with fair credit that offers an intro APR on balance transfers.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • annual fee
  • Generous cash back rewards
  • Bonus categories require activation
  • Spending cap on higher earning rate
  • Does not offer an interest-free period on balance transfers

If you are a student with fair/limited credit who wants to transfer your existing credit card debt to a card with a lower interest rate, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a solid choice.

Along with offering a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR, the card charges a $0 annual fee. The card also offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR.

Discover it® Student Cash Back cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

The card also offers the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Freeze your card online
  • Discover® Identity Alerts
  • Customer service based 100% in the U.S.

Check out our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Best For Balance transfers with bad credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 24.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 24.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: While you won’t be able to get approved for a card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers if you have bad credit — typically meaning a credit score below 580 — you may qualify for a card that offers a lower promotional APR on balance transfers for a period of time, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

ProsCons
  • Available to those with poor/limited credit
  • Earn rewards on all purchases
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • $0 annual fee
  • No late fee the first time you pay late (then $41)
  • Does no offer an interest-free period on balance transfers
  • Higher APR
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Potentially low credit limit
  • Balance transfer fee

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for those with poor/limited credit who want to build their credit. The secured card — which requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500 that serves are your line of credit — offers an intro APR on balance transfers for half a year and charges a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. (Note that your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders, will be evaluated.) You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

It also comes with the following sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Discover Identity Alerts (free upon activation)
  • Freeze and unfreeze your card online
  • U.S.-based 24/7 customer support

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Intro APR on balance transfers: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then 24.49% Variable APR

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Why we picked this card: While you won’t be able to get approved for a card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers if you have bad credit — typically meaning a credit score below 580 — you may qualify for a card that offers a lower promotional APR on balance transfers for a period of time, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

ProsCons
  • Available to those with poor/limited credit
  • Earn rewards on all purchases
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • $0 annual fee
  • No late fee the first time you pay late (then $41)
  • Does no offer an interest-free period on balance transfers
  • Higher APR
  • Requires a security deposit
  • Potentially low credit limit
  • Balance transfer fee

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for those with poor/limited credit who want to build their credit. The secured card — which requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500 that serves are your line of credit — offers an intro APR on balance transfers for half a year and charges a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. (Note that your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as those from other issuers or lenders, will be evaluated.) You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

It also comes with the following sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Free FICO Score access
  • Discover Identity Alerts (free upon activation)
  • Freeze and unfreeze your card online
  • U.S.-based 24/7 customer support

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Best For Balance transfers for business owners

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Advertisement

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

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U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

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Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR on purchases for 20 billing cycles
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, a then 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is one of the few business credit cards that offers an interest-free period on balance transfers. The card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles; after, a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR applies. The card’s balance transfer fee is Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

ProsCons
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you are a small business owner who needs a long interest-free period of time to pay off existing high-interest debt, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a great option. Along with offering an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years, the card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 20 billing cycles. After that, a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR applies.

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum CardU.S. Bank Business Platinum Card charges a $0 annual fee and does not offer a rewards program.

  • Free employee cards
  • Set controls on employee cards by time, place and dollar amount
  • Visa Business Reporting to track and manage your spending

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, a then 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR

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

Why we picked this card: The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is one of the few business credit cards that offers an interest-free period on balance transfers. The card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles; after, a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR applies. The card’s balance transfer fee is Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

ProsCons
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • Reasonable balance transfer fee
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards program

If you are a small business owner who needs a long interest-free period of time to pay off existing high-interest debt, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a great option. Along with offering an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years, the card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 20 billing cycles. After that, a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR applies.

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum CardU.S. Bank Business Platinum Card charges a $0 annual fee and does not offer a rewards program.

  • Free employee cards
  • Set controls on employee cards by time, place and dollar amount
  • Visa Business Reporting to track and manage your spending

Check out our review of the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

Side-by-side comparison of the best balance transfer credit cards

Credit cardBest forIntro balance transfer APRBalance transfer fee
Wells Fargo Reflect® CardOverall balance transfer card0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 15.24% - 27.24% variable APR applies.3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® CardLong balance transfer window0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 15.99% - 25.99% (variable) APR applies.Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Citi Simplicity® CardNo penalty APR or late fee0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 16.99% - 26.99% (variable) APR applies.Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum CardChoosing your own due date0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, then a 16.74% - 26.74% (variable) APR applies.Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
BankAmericard® credit cardLow ongoing APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR on balance transfers applies.Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Discover it® Balance TransferCash back in popular categories0% Intro APR for 18 months, then a 13.49% - 24.49% Variable APR applies.3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.
Chase Slate Edge℠Potential to lower your APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months., then a 16.49% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. After, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater..
Citi® Double Cash Card Flat cash back rewards0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then a 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) APR applies.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.
Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCUNo balance transfer fee0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening. , then a 9.75% - 18.00% (variable) applies.$0.
Discover it® Student Cash BackFair credit10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 14.49% - 23.49% variable apr APR applies.3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Discover it® Secured Credit CardBad credit10.99% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 24.49% Variable APR applies.3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
U.S. Bank Business Platinum CardSmall business owners0% intro APR on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, then a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR applies.Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

What is a balance transfer and how does it work?

Simply put, a balance transfer is the process of moving debt from one or more credit cards to a different credit card. Consumers typically transfer balances from a credit card with a high interest rate to one offering a 0% intro APR for a period of time. This helps you save money on interest charges, since — for the duration of the 0% intro APR — any payments you make will go toward the principal of the debt, rather than to interest charges and and the principal.

How to choose a balance transfer credit card

When choosing with balance transfer credit card is the right fit for you, consider the following:
  • Length of the interest-free period

    One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a balance transfer card is the amount of time you have to pay off your credit card debt before interest charges kick in. The best balance transfer cards often offer 0% intro APRs ranging from 12 to 21 months.

  • APR once the intro period ends

    Although we recommend paying your transferred balance in full before the 0% intro APR period ends to avoid incurring interest charges on that amount, that may not always be possible. Therefore, if there’s a chance you may have a portion of your transferred balance remaining after the 0% intro APR period ends, you should consider a balance transfer credit card that offers a low ongoing APR.

  • Balance transfer window

    Be aware of the card’s balance transfer window — the amount of time you have to transfer your balance and take advantage of the promotional intro APR. It’s common for issuers to require cardholders to transfer a balance within the first 60 days of account opening.

    Just know, issuers may also require your account to be open for a set period of time before you’re able to transfer your balance. For example, with Discover, your account must be open for 14 days before a balance transfer can start being processed.

  • Balance transfer fee

    Many balance transfer credit cards that offer 0% intro APR periods also charge balance transfer fees. This fee often ranges from 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer.

    While you will likely come out ahead by paying a one-time balance transfer fee for each balance you transfer (as opposed to interest every month), there are also some no fee balance transfer cards available.

  • Annual fee

    In addition to the balance transfer fee, be mindful of the card’s annual fee. We should note, none of the balance transfer credit cards in this post charge an annual fee.

  • Credit requirement

    Many balance transfer credit cards require good or excellent credit. If your credit falls within one of those two ranges, you should be able to have your pick of whichever balance transfer credit card works best for you. But if you are in the process of establishing or building your credit history, you might want to consider some of our best balance transfer cards for fair or bad credit.

Don’t know your credit score? Sign up for LendingTree to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.

How to transfer a credit card balance

Once you apply for a card and get approved, you’ll need to follow the issuer’s instructions on how to complete the balance transfer. Note that issuers may set limits on how much you can transfer — so even if you are approved for a credit limit that’s high enough to accommodate the amount you want to transfer, you might find that you hit a cap.

If you can’t transfer the full amount, you do have options. One solution is to transfer as much as you can to the new card and leave the remainder on the original card, then focus on paying the old card balance down as quickly as possible. Another option is to apply for a second balance transfer card to absorb any remaining balance on the original card.

You should also note that once you’re approved for a balance transfer card, you may have a limited window of time in which to complete your transfer. For example, your card terms may allow the intro APR to apply only to funds transferred within 30 to 90 days.

Pros and cons of a balance transfer

  • Ability to avoid interest charges during the 0% intro APR period
  • Simplify monthly payments by consolidating debt from multiple sources onto one credit card
  • Possibility of earning rewards on the purchases you make
  • May not charge an annual fee
  • Typically requires good to excellent credit to qualify for a 0% intro APR offer
  • Often charges a balance transfer fee ranging from 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer
  • Possible high APR after intro APR period ends
  • Issuer may cap the allowed transfer amount

How to make the most of a balance transfer

A balance transfer credit card can be a powerful tool for getting out of debt, but only if you use it correctly. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your balance transfer:

 Don’t put new charges on a balance transfer card. If your balance transfer card offers rewards, it can be tempting to swipe it for new purchases — resist the urge and pay down your transferred balance first before using the card for anything else. Once you’ve paid the card off in full, it can then be beneficial to use the card for its rewards (as long as you can pay off the balance every month). Also, don’t fall into the trap of adding new charges to your old card after the balance transfer goes through.

 Plan out your budget ahead of time. You should know exactly when your intro APR period ends and how much you need to pay every month to pay off the card in full before that happens. Any remaining balance after the intro period expires will be subject to the ongoing interest rate.

 Always make on-time payments. If you pay late, not only will your credit score suffer, but you’ll likely lose your intro APR as well. Paying on time is one of the most important things you can do to keep a good credit score and keep your finances in order. So, if for some reason you can’t pay as much as you’d like on the card during one month, make at least the minimum payment before the due date.

Should I get a balance transfer credit card?

If you have high-interest credit card debt that you’re struggling to pay off, a balance transfer credit card could help you. And if you’re carrying debt on multiple credit cards, consolidating it on one balance transfer card could simplify your life by allowing you to keep track of just one payment each month.

However, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score to qualify for most balance transfer cards. If you have bad credit, you may have more success being approved for a lower-interest personal loan to pay off your credit card debt (which will give you a fixed period of time with fixed payment amounts to pay down what you owe).

Alternatives to a balance transfer card

If you worry that you won’t be approved for a balance transfer card — or if you don’t want to open a new credit card — applying for a debt consolidation loan might be a better option than a balance transfer. Such loans are offered by banks, credit unions and online lenders. Simply put, when you’re approved for a debt consolidation loan, you use that loan to pay off your credit card debt (whether on one card or multiple cards). The lender might disburse funds to you to pay off your card debt or pay your credit card issuer directly.

A benefit of a debt consolidation loan is that if you’re juggling multiple credit card payments, consolidating everything into one loan payment can simplify your finances. Plus, a debt consolidation loan has a set monthly payment and a set date by which you’ll have paid the total amount in full, which can be helpful if you need a more structured payment schedule than what a credit card offers.

One downside to a debt consolidation loan is that you’ll still have to pay interest, whereas with a balance transfer card, you typically get a period where no interest accrues. However, depending on the APR of your loan, you might still end up saving money compared with carrying a balance on a high-APR credit card.

The average APR for debt consolidation loans is approximately 9.81% for those with credit scores above 720 and as high as 23.54% for those with credit scores in the 660 to 679 range, according to 2022 LendingTree data.

 

Last but not least, if you’re carrying a balance on a card that’s maxed out (or close to it), a debt consolidation loan might help improve your credit score. That’s because when your card is maxed out you have something called a high credit utilization ratio, a term referring to how much debt you’re carrying on a card versus what your credit limit is. But utilization only considers revolving credit accounts like credit cards, not installment credit, like a debt consolidation loan — so by paying off your card with a loan, you’re effectively reducing your utilization ratio.

Receive offers from lenders. Complete a short form online using LendingTree’s personal loan tool to receive personalized quotes without affecting your credit score.

Frequently asked questions about balance transfer cards

Some of the most important factors to consider before applying for a balance transfer card include the length of the intro APR period, the regular APR after the intro period ends and any balance transfer fee. While it’s possible to find a card without a balance transfer fee, the intro periods for those cards tend to be shorter. Otherwise, a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred will be added to your balance. Finally, while this shouldn’t be your primary concern when looking for a balance transfer card, a balance transfer card that also earns rewards might be a good choice if you want to keep using it once the transferred balance is paid off.

Probably not. Balance transfer cards typically require a good to exceptional credit score (ranging from 670 to 850). If your credit is poor or fair (ranging from 300 to 669), you will likely be denied if you try to apply for a balance transfer card.

Many cards offer periods of intro 0% APR before the regular APR kicks in. A card might have an intro APR period on balance transfers, purchases or both. A balance transfer card is simply a credit card that offers an intro APR on balance transfers. It’s also possible to find cards that charge no balance transfer fee, though they’re relatively rare.

When considering cards with interest-free periods on purchases, note that a credit card with an intro APR offer is different from one offering deferred interest. In the former case, you’ll start to accrue interest on any balance you’re carrying after the intro period ends — but in the latter, you’ll owe interest on the entire amount from the date of purchase if you don’t meet your card’s deadline to pay off the debt. Be especially cautious of deferred interest with store cards, where such offers often appear.

Some issuers will allow you to check to see if you prequalify for a credit card. This is done with a soft inquiry, which doesn’t ding your credit score. Note that prequalification isn’t a guarantee you’ll be approved for the card, and also be aware that a hard inquiry will be generated once you actually apply.

When you get a balance transfer card, you can expect to see your score dip at first, since applying for a new card generates a hard inquiry on your credit score. However, with good behavior over time, you can expect to see your score increase thanks to more available credit and a decreasing balance (just don’t increase your spending!).

No, you cannot. This is important to consider when choosing which balance transfer card to apply for. For example, if your existing credit card debt is on a Citi card, you won’t be able to transfer it to another Citi card.

A balance transfer fee is a fee you have pay to the credit card issuer for each transfer you make to the card. Typically, it will range from 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer.

When considering a balance transfer, make sure to do the math and understand how much you’ll need to pay for the balance transfer fee. For example, if you transfer $1,000 to a credit card with a 5% balance transfer fee, the fee amount would be $50. So, after the transfer goes through, you’d have a balance of $1,050 on your balance transfer card.

It’s always smart to do the math before you apply for a balance transfer card to see how much you’ll need to pay each month in the allotted intro 0% or low-interest offer time period.

For example, let’s say you’re currently carrying a $3,000 balance on an existing card with a 22% APR and paying $200 a month. It’ll take 18 months to pay off that debt and you’ll end up paying $541 in interest, or a total of $3,541.

If you transfer that debt to a balance transfer card offering a 0% APR for 18 months with a 3% balance transfer fee, and keep your $200 a month payments up, you’d just pay $90 for the balance transfer fee and have your balance paid off in 16 months.

So, you’d be saving a total of $451 ($541 that you’d pay in interest charges if you don’t utilize a 0% APR balance transfer deal, minus the $90 balance transfer fee for the new card) and pay off the balance two months quicker.

Credit card issuers have different balance transfer policies that can limit the amount you can transfer relative to your new card’s credit limit. Some will allow you to transfer up to the entire credit limit (minus any balance transfer fee) on the new card, while others may cap the amount you transfer to 75% or 95% of your credit limit.

For example, American Express will only allow you to transfer $5,000 or 75% of your credit limit (whichever is lower), while Chase allows you to transfer up to 95% of your credit limit or up to $15,000 (whichever is lower).

Plus, you won’t know exactly what your credit limit will be until after you’re approved for the new balance transfer card — making it difficult to project how much of your existing debt can be moved to the card. Your credit limit is generally based on the card issuer’s review of your credit score and credit reports, and you can’t transfer more than the credit limit you’re given.

Before you apply for a new balance transfer card, it’s best to research the card’s terms online or by calling the issuing bank to find out exactly what that issuer’s policy is on how much of your new credit limit can be used for a balance transfer.

You can generally expect a balance transfer to take around three to seven days, but there are situations where it could take up to six weeks. If a payment is due on the credit card from which you made the transfer, make sure to pay it until the balance has been moved to the new card, so you don’t get charged a late fee. On-time payments are the most important factor in building and keeping a good credit score.

As with any credit card, there’s a risk you’ll be denied. In such a situation, if you’re confident you have good credit, you might consider applying for a balance transfer card from a different issuer than the one that denied you. Or, you could apply for a personal loan to pay off your credit card debt instead.

If you have poor or fair credit, you probably can’t get a balance transfer card from any issuer. And if you get approved for a personal loan, it’s likely to have a high APR. In such situations, you might wish to work with an accredited nonprofit debt counselor to put together a plan for paying down your debt. After following through on such a plan and paying off your debt, you might consider applying for a secured card to help improve your credit score.

It’s a long journey, but there is no quick fix in such cases.

Methodology

We selected the best balance transfer cards through a review of cards available on LendingTree and from top issuers. One of the primary considerations was the length of 0% intro APR each card offers on balance transfers — the longer the intro APR period, the more likely it would be included on this list.

Another consideration was balance transfer fees. Most of the cards on this list charge a reasonable balance transfer fee, while two charge no balance transfer fee. And, as far as annual fees go, every card on this list charges no annual fee.

Finally, rewards, benefits and sign-up bonuses were also taken into consideration. If a card offers ongoing value after the balance transfer period through rewards or useful benefits, that weighed in its favor of the card’s inclusion. And though we typically recommend avoiding putting new purchases on a balance transfer card, sign-up bonuses were counted as a positive factor in case a consumer is looking to both transfer a balance and make a big purchase after opening a new card.

Additional reporting by Dan Miller.

Glen Luke Flanagan

  • Expertise: Personal finance, credit scoring, credit cards
  • Education: Radford University, East Carolina University

 


 

Glen Luke Flanagan is a senior credit card writer for LendingTree. He joined the team in June 2019, and covers topics including new credit cards, how your credit score works and what you need to know about credit card interest.
 
Before joining LendingTree, Glen worked in journalism and government communications. As a journalist at newspapers in North Carolina and South Carolina, his reporting won awards from the North Carolina Press Association and the South Carolina Press Association, respectively.
 
Glen earned his bachelor’s degree in media studies with a concentration in journalism from Radford University, graduating summa cum laude in May 2014. He also earned a master’s degree in English with a concentration in technical and professional communication, as well as a graduate certificate in marketing, from East Carolina University in May 2022.

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