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November 18, 2021
*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 November 18, 2021 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
If you’re carrying a large balance on a credit card with a high APR, you’re likely to end up paying a lot of money in interest charges. A balance transfer card can help you get out of debt faster with a 0% intro APR period.
Some balance transfer cards offer 0% intro APRs up to 21 months. With no interest accruing during the interest-free period, payments are 100% allocated to the principal balance instead of the balance plus interest charges.
It’s possible to find cards with no balance transfer fee, but typically, you’ll pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. However, a balance transfer might still be worth it based on what you could save on interest charges.
When you need a long intro APR period to pay off debt transferred from another card or to finance a big purchase over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card is a great option. It comes with a unique offer where cardholders first get 18 months of intro APR on both balance transfers and purchases, then after making on-time minimum payments, can get an intro APR extension of up to three months. That’s close to two years of no interest.
Just be aware that you might not qualify for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card‘s intro APR if you opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past 15 months. And if you opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months, you might be declined for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card entirely. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. | 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening , then a 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR applies. |
The Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card offers almost two years to pay off transferred debt or to finance a new purchase. Just make sure at the time of application you haven’t opened any other Wells Fargo credit card recently, or it could cause you to be denied for this card (or to be not eligible for the intro APR offers even if you’re approved for the card itself). And be careful that you’re always making payments on time — it’s important with any credit card so as to maintain a good credit score and a positive relationship with the issuer, but with this card, it’s crucial in order to earn the intro APR extension.
When you need a long intro APR period to pay off debt transferred from another card or to finance a big purchase over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card is a great option. It comes with a unique offer where cardholders first get 18 months of intro APR on both balance transfers and purchases, then after making on-time minimum payments, can get an intro APR extension of up to three months. That’s close to two years of no interest.
Just be aware that you might not qualify for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card‘s intro APR if you opened any other Wells Fargo credit card in the past 15 months. And if you opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months, you might be declined for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card entirely. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. | 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening , then a 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR applies. |
The Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card offers almost two years to pay off transferred debt or to finance a new purchase. Just make sure at the time of application you haven’t opened any other Wells Fargo credit card recently, or it could cause you to be denied for this card (or to be not eligible for the intro APR offers even if you’re approved for the card itself). And be careful that you’re always making payments on time — it’s important with any credit card so as to maintain a good credit score and a positive relationship with the issuer, but with this card, it’s crucial in order to earn the intro APR extension.
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is consistently one of our top picks for intro APRs on balance transfers and purchases. It offers lengthy 0% intro APRs and charges a reasonable balance transfer fee. It doesn’t offer rewards or a sign-up bonus, but if your goal is to get a long 0% intro APR period to help you pay down debt, this card is an excellent choice. Here are the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*, then a 14.49% - 24.49%* (variable) APR applies. | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. | 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Purchases*, then a 14.49% - 24.49%* (variable) APR applies. |
If you can’t qualify for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card because you’ve recently opened another Wells Fargo card, or prefer to do business with another issuer, the intro APR offers that come with the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card nearly match that of the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card. Plus, the intro APR promotional time frame for both purchases and balance transfers is guaranteed, provided you handle the account responsibly by making on-time payments.
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is consistently one of our top picks for intro APRs on balance transfers and purchases. It offers lengthy 0% intro APRs and charges a reasonable balance transfer fee. It doesn’t offer rewards or a sign-up bonus, but if your goal is to get a long 0% intro APR period to help you pay down debt, this card is an excellent choice. Here are the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*, then a 14.49% - 24.49%* (variable) APR applies. | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. | 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Purchases*, then a 14.49% - 24.49%* (variable) APR applies. |
If you can’t qualify for the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card because you’ve recently opened another Wells Fargo card, or prefer to do business with another issuer, the intro APR offers that come with the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card nearly match that of the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card. Plus, the intro APR promotional time frame for both purchases and balance transfers is guaranteed, provided you handle the account responsibly by making on-time payments.
The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers and a great flat-rate cashback program as well. Just don’t let the prospect of earning cash back while focusing on a debt payoff plan leads you to adding to your debt load. So focus your efforts on knocking off that transferred balance before using the card for its rewards program. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then a 13.99% – 23.99% (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. | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 13.99% – 23.99% (variable) applies. |
If you want a card you can keep around after paying off your transferred balance, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent 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’s annual fee is $0.
The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers and a great flat-rate cashback program as well. Just don’t let the prospect of earning cash back while focusing on a debt payoff plan leads you to adding to your debt load. So focus your efforts on knocking off that transferred balance before using the card for its rewards program. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then a 13.99% – 23.99% (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. | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 13.99% – 23.99% (variable) applies. |
If you want a card you can keep around after paying off your transferred balance, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent 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’s annual fee is $0.
To apply for this no-balance-transfer-fee credit card, you must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member. Membership is open to active duty and retired U.S. military service members, veterans, family members and U.S. Department of Defense civilians. Here are the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening. Then, a 5.99% to 18.00% variable applies. | $0 | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 5.99% to 18.00% variable applies. |
If you meet Navy Federal Credit Union’s membership requirements and you’re looking for a credit card with no balance transfer fee, it’s hard to beat the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. However, note that the intro APR period is shorter than the other cards on this list, so do the math and make sure it offers you enough time to pay off your debt.
To apply for this no-balance-transfer-fee credit card, you must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member. Membership is open to active duty and retired U.S. military service members, veterans, family members and U.S. Department of Defense civilians. Here are the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening. Then, a 5.99% to 18.00% variable applies. | $0 | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 5.99% to 18.00% variable applies. |
If you meet Navy Federal Credit Union’s membership requirements and you’re looking for a credit card with no balance transfer fee, it’s hard to beat the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. However, note that the intro APR period is shorter than the other cards on this list, so do the math and make sure it offers you enough time to pay off your debt.
BankAmericard® credit card details updated Nov. 9, 2021.
It’s typically best to put together a budget that will allow you to pay off your transferred debt before the intro APR period ends. However, 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 APR can help keep those interest charges down. The BankAmericard® credit card has a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR, so if your APR is set at the lower end of that range, this card is a solid choice when you can’t avoid carrying a balance. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. |
Consider the BankAmericard® credit card if you think you’ll need some extra time to pay off your balance. We always recommend paying off your balance before the intro APR ends and interest charges start accruing. But if that isn’t possible in your situation, the BankAmericard® credit card has a reasonable ongoing 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR.
This is also a solid card if you need to make a big purchase, since it offers an intro APR on purchases and a decent sign-up bonus — earn a $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
BankAmericard® credit card details updated Nov. 9, 2021.
It’s typically best to put together a budget that will allow you to pay off your transferred debt before the intro APR period ends. However, 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 APR can help keep those interest charges down. The BankAmericard® credit card has a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR, so if your APR is set at the lower end of that range, this card is a solid choice when you can’t avoid carrying a balance. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. |
Consider the BankAmericard® credit card if you think you’ll need some extra time to pay off your balance. We always recommend paying off your balance before the intro APR ends and interest charges start accruing. But if that isn’t possible in your situation, the BankAmericard® credit card has a reasonable ongoing 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR.
This is also a solid card if you need to make a big purchase, since it offers an intro APR on purchases and a decent sign-up bonus — earn a $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With most credit cards, if you miss a payment, you could be subject to late fees and a higher APR (a penalty rate). The Citi Simplicity® Card has no late fee and no penalty APR, providing cardholders a little extra peace of mind. You should always make an effort to pay on time, however, because late payments will damage your credit score. Here are the Citi Simplicity® Card‘s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro Purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | 0% for 12 months on purchases, then a 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) APR applies. |
You always want to pay your credit card on time. Doing so will help you build good credit and make life easier if you need to apply for other credit cards down the road or financial products such as 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, its intro APR offers on both balance transfers and purchases are lengthy.
With most credit cards, if you miss a payment, you could be subject to late fees and a higher APR (a penalty rate). The Citi Simplicity® Card has no late fee and no penalty APR, providing cardholders a little extra peace of mind. You should always make an effort to pay on time, however, because late payments will damage your credit score. Here are the Citi Simplicity® Card‘s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro Purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | 0% for 12 months on purchases, then a 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) APR applies. |
You always want to pay your credit card on time. Doing so will help you build good credit and make life easier if you need to apply for other credit cards down the road or financial products such as 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, its intro APR offers on both balance transfers and purchases are lengthy.
It doesn’t offer rewards or much in the way of benefits, but the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a solid no-frills balance transfer card with a very generous intro APR for both balance transfers and purchases. The downside is that the card does come with a high balance transfer fee. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 13.74% - 23.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | 0% for 12 months on purchases, then a 13.74% - 23.74% (variable) APR applies. |
Sometimes all you need is a length of time to pay down debt without accruing interest charges, and you aren’t looking for anything else from your card. In that case, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a fine no-frills choice for a balance transfer card. It offers lengthy intro APR periods and is a solid tool for getting out of debt.
It doesn’t offer rewards or much in the way of benefits, but the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a solid no-frills balance transfer card with a very generous intro APR for both balance transfers and purchases. The downside is that the card does come with a high balance transfer fee. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 13.74% - 23.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | 0% for 12 months on purchases, then a 13.74% - 23.74% (variable) APR applies. |
Sometimes all you need is a length of time to pay down debt without accruing interest charges, and you aren’t looking for anything else from your card. In that case, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a fine no-frills choice for a balance transfer card. It offers lengthy intro APR periods and is a solid tool for getting out of debt.
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card might not have an intro APR balance transfer offer quite as long as many of the cards on this list, it’s still solid and provides ongoing value after the intro offers expire. Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases for a $0 annual fee. Cash back can be redeemed to cover recent purchases, as a credit to a qualified Wells Fargo mortgage, loan or credit product, for cash at an ATM (requires a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card) or for gift cards from various retailers. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.99%-24.99% (variable) APR applies. | 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then a 14.99%-24.99% (variable) APR applies. |
If you don’t need quite as much time to pay off debt, and you want excellent ongoing value in the form of flat-rate rewards, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card. Do be aware that if you’ve opened up any other Wells Fargo credit card recently, Wells Fargo might deny your application for this card (or approve you but decide you’re not eligible for the intro APR and sign-up bonus).
This card is also an excellent choice for consumers planning a big purchase, since it comes with an intro APR on purchases and a generous sign-up bonus — earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
While the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card might not have an intro APR balance transfer offer quite as long as many of the cards on this list, it’s still solid and provides ongoing value after the intro offers expire. Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases for a $0 annual fee. Cash back can be redeemed to cover recent purchases, as a credit to a qualified Wells Fargo mortgage, loan or credit product, for cash at an ATM (requires a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card) or for gift cards from various retailers. Here are the card’s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.99%-24.99% (variable) APR applies. | 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening, then a 14.99%-24.99% (variable) APR applies. |
If you don’t need quite as much time to pay off debt, and you want excellent ongoing value in the form of flat-rate rewards, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card. Do be aware that if you’ve opened up any other Wells Fargo credit card recently, Wells Fargo might deny your application for this card (or approve you but decide you’re not eligible for the intro APR and sign-up bonus).
This card is also an excellent choice for consumers planning a big purchase, since it comes with an intro APR on purchases and a generous sign-up bonus — earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Between a lengthy balance transfer offer and a generous cashback program, the Discover it® Balance Transfer has much to like.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Here are the intro APR details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 18 months, then a 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*. | 0% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. |
If you want well over a year of 0% intro APR to pay off a transferred balance and ongoing value in the form of cashback rewards, the Discover it® Balance Transfer might be right for you. But note that you have to activate a new category each quarter, otherwise you’ll earn just 1% back instead of 5% back. And be aware that there’s a $1,500 spending cap on the 5% category each quarter, meaning the maximum you can earn is $75 per quarter at the elevated rate. Still, for a card with a $0 annual fee, that’s generous.
Between a lengthy balance transfer offer and a generous cashback program, the Discover it® Balance Transfer has much to like.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Here are the intro APR details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 18 months, then a 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*. | 0% Intro APR for 6 months, then a 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. |
If you want well over a year of 0% intro APR to pay off a transferred balance and ongoing value in the form of cashback rewards, the Discover it® Balance Transfer might be right for you. But note that you have to activate a new category each quarter, otherwise you’ll earn just 1% back instead of 5% back. And be aware that there’s a $1,500 spending cap on the 5% category each quarter, meaning the maximum you can earn is $75 per quarter at the elevated rate. Still, for a card with a $0 annual fee, that’s generous.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card details updated Nov. 9, 2021.
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases for ongoing rewards.
Here are the intro APR details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, then a 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases applies. |
We typically recommend not making new purchases on a balance transfer card until after you’ve paid off the transfer in full. However, if you’re in a situation where you need to do a balance transfer and make a big purchase at the same time, you should aim to do so on a card with a sign-up bonus to offset the cost of your new purchase. The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers a solid $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card details updated Nov. 9, 2021.
Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases for ongoing rewards.
Here are the intro APR details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, then a 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases applies. |
We typically recommend not making new purchases on a balance transfer card until after you’ve paid off the transfer in full. However, if you’re in a situation where you need to do a balance transfer and make a big purchase at the same time, you should aim to do so on a card with a sign-up bonus to offset the cost of your new purchase. The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers a solid $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
The SunTrust Prime Rewards Card offers an extremely long intro APR on balance transfers, though it’s not a 0% intro APR. Plus, it’s possible to avoid a balance transfer fee by making your transfer within 60 days.
The card offers rewards and a sign-up bonus, too. Earn 1% cash back and get a $100 statement credit after you spend $500 on qualifying purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Here are the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card‘s APR and balance transfer fee details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then a 11.24%–21.24% variable APR applies. | $0 for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater. | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 11.24% - 21.24% variable applies. |
If you need a low intro APR for three years, it’s hard to beat the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card. Plus, consumers looking for a card with no balance transfer fee will also like this card. Its major downfall is no 0% APR, but it can still help you save money if you need a long time to pay off transferred debt.
The SunTrust Prime Rewards Card offers an extremely long intro APR on balance transfers, though it’s not a 0% intro APR. Plus, it’s possible to avoid a balance transfer fee by making your transfer within 60 days.
The card offers rewards and a sign-up bonus, too. Earn 1% cash back and get a $100 statement credit after you spend $500 on qualifying purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Here are the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card‘s APR and balance transfer fee details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then a 11.24%–21.24% variable APR applies. | $0 for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater. | No intro purchase APR. A regular purchase APR of 11.24% - 21.24% variable applies. |
If you need a low intro APR for three years, it’s hard to beat the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card. Plus, consumers looking for a card with no balance transfer fee will also like this card. Its major downfall is no 0% APR, but it can still help you save money if you need a long time to pay off transferred debt.
Balance transfer business credit cards aren’t quite as common as balance transfer cards for consumers, but the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers a lengthy intro APR period for both balance transfers and purchases and charges a reasonable balance transfer fee. Here are the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card‘s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, then a 11.99%-20.99%* (variable) APR applies. | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. | 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, then a 11.99%-20.99% Variable APR applies. |
If you operate a small business, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a great choice for a business credit card with intro APR offers. Whether you need to make a big purchase for your business and want to pay it off over time without paying interest or you’re trying to pay down debt from another business card, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card can help save you from expensive interest charges for more than a year.
Balance transfer business credit cards aren’t quite as common as balance transfer cards for consumers, but the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers a lengthy intro APR period for both balance transfers and purchases and charges a reasonable balance transfer fee. Here are the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card‘s details:
| Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee | Intro purchase APR |
|---|---|---|
| 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, then a 11.99%-20.99%* (variable) APR applies. | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. | 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, then a 11.99%-20.99% Variable APR applies. |
If you operate a small business, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a great choice for a business credit card with intro APR offers. Whether you need to make a big purchase for your business and want to pay it off over time without paying interest or you’re trying to pay down debt from another business card, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card can help save you from expensive interest charges for more than a year.
Simply put, a balance transfer is when you move debt from another credit card or loan account to a different credit card. Typically, consumers look to do a balance transfer from a credit card with a high APR to one offering a 0% intro APR for a period of time. This helps you save money on interest charges because 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.
Though balance transfers are typically used to pay one credit card off with another, it’s also possible to use a balance transfer to pay off loans. But this might not be a wise move — 0% intro APR periods on balance transfer cards typically range from 12 to 21 months, and after the intro period ends, you’ll accrue interest at the card’s regular APR, which might be higher than the APR you’re paying on the loan.
Once approved for a balance transfer card, the issuer sets limits to how much debt you can move to the new card, as well as tacks on any balance transfer fee to the transferred balance. It’s wise to check with the issuer before you apply to see what its balance transfer rules are. Plus, know that an issuer won’t tell you how big your credit limit will be until after you apply. You may end up with a credit limit that’s not large enough to absorb all the debt you want to transfer. In that case, you can either choose to move as much debt as you can to the new card while continuing to pay off any remaining balance left on the old card, or apply for another balance transfer card to absorb any remaining debt left on the old card.
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 have options. One solution is to transfer as much as you can to the new card and leave the remainder on the original card and 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.
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.
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:
When selecting a balance transfer credit card, consider how long an intro APR you’ll need to pay off your debt and how high of a balance transfer fee you’re willing to pay. Also note you can’t transfer balances between cards from the same issuer. Here’s a comparison table of our list of best balance transfer cards to make things easy:
| Credit card | Best for | Intro balance transfer APR | Balance transfer fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card | Overall balance transfer card | 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. |
| U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | A long 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases | 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*, then a 14.49% - 24.49%* (variable) APR applies. | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | Cash back | 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then a 13.99% – 23.99% (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. |
| Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card | No balance transfer fee | 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening. Then, a 5.99% to 18.00% variable applies. | $0 |
| BankAmericard® credit card | A low APR after your 0% intro APR ends | 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 12.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | No late fees and no penalty APR | 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | No frills | 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 13.74% - 23.74% (variable) APR applies. | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card | Ongoing value | 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.99%-24.99% (variable) APR applies. | 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5. |
| Discover it® Balance Transfer | 5% cash back | 0% Intro APR for 18 months, then a 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR applies. | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*. |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on balance transfers applies. | Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. |
| SunTrust Prime Rewards Card | A long period of low intro APR | Introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then a 11.24%–21.24% variable APR applies. | $0 for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater. |
| U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | Small business owners | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, then a 11.99%-20.99%* (variable) APR applies. | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. |
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 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).
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). The lender might disburse funds to you to pay off your card debt or might 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 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 10.73% for those with credit scores above 720 and as high as 24.74% for those with credit scores in the 660 to 679 range, according to 2021 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 high utilization — 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 such as credit cards, not installment credit such as a debt consolidation loan. So, by paying off your card with a loan, you’re effectively reducing your utilization ratio.
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.
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. 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 because 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 must 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 are currently carrying a $3,000 balance on an existing card with a 22% APR and paying $200 a month. It will 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, which 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.
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 and benefits were also taken into consideration. If a card offers ongoing value after the balance transfer period, that weighed in its favor of being included.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
