The best credit card with no balance transfer fee is the ESL Visa® Credit Card because it gives you a year to pay off your balance transfer interest-free and has a low ongoing APR of 12.50% - 17.99% Variable.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Intro Balance Transfer APR | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Intro balance transfer savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ESL Visa® Credit Card*
|
0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles | 12.50% - 17.99% Variable | $1,210* | |
Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card*
|
0% introductory APR for 12 months | 15.50% to 18.00% Variable | $1,191* | |
BECU Visa Credit Card*
|
0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 13.24% to 24.24% variable | $1,178* | |
Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card*
|
0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening | 10.99% to 18.00% (variable) | $1,176* | |
PSECU Visa® Classic*
|
2.90% Introductory APR until December 31, 2025 | 12.90% | $1,088* | |
PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa*
|
0% for 9 months | 13.40% - 18.00% Variable | $1,071* | |
OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards*
|
4.99% intro APR for 12 months from account opening | 16.25% - 26.75% Variable | $1,046* | |
FourLeaf Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card*
|
2.99% to 4.99% for 12 months | 12.40% to 18.00% Variable | $1,062* | |
Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card*
|
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening | 19.24%–29.24% Variable | $929* | |
CEFCU World Mastercard*
|
1.99% APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 13.75% - 23.25% Variable | $1,023* | |
CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard*
|
1.99% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 14.75%-24.25% Variable | $1,011* | |
CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard*
|
1.99% for 12 months on balance transfers | 13.75%-23.25% Variable | $1,023* |
How we chose the best balance transfer credit cards with no fee
To bring you our list of best balance transfers cards with no fee, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor data.
Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best balance transfer credit cards. However, your balance transfer needs may be different from the average cardholder’s. You should consider the amount you’re likely to transfer and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
We calculate the amount you’ll save on a balance transfer, based on the length of the introductory period. We assume a transfer amount of $6,000 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract balance transfer fees, annual fees and the amount paid on interest for any amount left over after the introductory period expires.
We also consider the yearly value in rewards for the average cardholder, minus the card’s annual fee. For nonrewards cards, this value will be $0, or less than $0 if the card charges an annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles then a 12.50% - 17.99% Variable applies
The ESL Visa® Credit Card is low on fees and high on savings. You won’t have to pay balance transfer, annual or cash advance fees. Plus, you’ll have a year to pay off your balance transfer before being subject to a low ongoing 12.50% - 17.99% Variable.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for 12 months then a Variable 15.50% to 18.00% Variable applies
While the Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer rewards or perks, it does offer a 0% introductory APR for 12 months. After that, there’s a low ongoing 15.50% to 18.00% Variable APR. So if you can’t pay off your card before the interest-free period ends, you won’t be stuck paying high interest rates on your remaining balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 13.24% to 24.24% variable APR applies
The BECU Visa Credit Card gives you a year to pay off your balance transfer before paying a cent of interest, after which any remaining balance will be subject to a 13.24% to 24.24% variable APR. Plus, there are several ways to qualify for membership even if you don’t live in Washington state or certain cities and counties in Oregon, Idaho and South Carolina.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening then a 10.99% to 18.00% (variable) APR applies
If you have ties to the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense or National Guard, you should consider the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. You’ll have a hard time finding a card with lower introductory and ongoing interest rates for your balance transfer. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making the card an excellent choice if you’re traveling abroad.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer rate: 2.90% Introductory APR until December 31, 2025, then a 12.90% APR applies
The PSECU Visa® Classic is a solid choice for Pennsylvania residents who are looking for a no-fee balance transfer card with low rates. Plus, you can qualify for a credit line of up to $30,000, making this card potentially a great choice for those who need to transfer a large balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% for 9 months then a 13.40% - 18.00% Variable APR applies
In addition to offering an interest-free period on balance transfers, the PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa allows you to earn rewards points on every purchase. Plus, the card’s low ongoing 13.40% - 18.00% Variable APR on balance transfers will make it less expensive to pay off any remaining balance after the introductory period ends.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 4.99% intro APR for 12 months from account opening then a 16.25% - 26.75% Variable APR applies
If you live in an eligible location, the OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards provides the opportunity to get a low intro APR on balance transfers. Plus, you’ll Earn 2% cash back on all purchases — a rate that’s competitive with some of our favorite cash back credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 2.99% to 4.99% for 12 months then a 12.40% to 18.00% Variable APR applies
The FourLeaf Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card is one of the few cards on this list that’s available to consumers nationwide. It offers a low intro APR on balance transfers, as well as a low ongoing APR once the promotional period ends. Plus, potentially, it could also be a great option if you need a high credit limit, since you can qualify for a credit line of up to $35,000.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening then a 19.24%–29.24% Variable APR applies
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card is a solid choice if you’re a business owner who’s planning to transfer a balance in the first 60 days of opening your account. Along with an interest-free period on balance transfers, you’ll get a 0% introductory fee for balances transferred within the first 60 days; after that, 3% of each transferred amount, $5 minimum. Plus, the card offers rewards and valuable perks like travel accident insurance and global emergency services.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 1.99% APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a Variable 13.75% - 23.25% Variable applies
The CEFCU World Mastercard may be ideal if you plan to travel after paying off your transferred debt. In addition to its intro APR offers, you’ll get elevated rewards on travel purchases, including fuel, dining and hotels. You’ll also enjoy a handful of travel perks, like concierge service and special offers from Mastercard.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 1.99% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 14.75%-24.25% Variable APR applies
The CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard offers an intro APR on balance transfers for a year before the ongoing 14.75%-24.25% Variable APR kicks in. It’s a card worth having even after you pay off your balance — you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 1.99% for 12 months on balance transfers then a Variable 13.75%-23.25% Variable applies
The CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard is a fair choice if you’re looking to transfer your high-interest debt to a card with a low interest rate. Plus, you’ll earn rewards on every purchase.
What is a balance transfer fee?
A balance transfer fee is exactly what it sounds like — a fee you pay every time you transfer a balance to a new card. Balance transfer fees are typically 3% or 5% of the amount of each transfer (with a minimum fee of either $5 or $10).
How do balance transfer fees work?
When you transfer an existing balance to a card that charges a balance transfer fee, the fee will be added to your balance at the time of the transfer. So instead of paying the balance transfer fee upfront, you can pay it off over time as you pay down your transferred balance.
The balance transfer fee may reduce the amount you’re allowed to transfer.
For example, let’s say you’re approved to transfer a maximum of $10,000, and your balance transfer fee is $500. The $500 balance transfer fee could lower the amount you’re actually allowed to transfer to $9,500 ($10,000 – $500 = $9,500).
How to calculate a balance transfer fee
Calculating how much a balance transfer fee will cost you is pretty straightforward. Simply multiply the amount you plan to transfer by the balance transfer fee.
How much can you save with no balance transfer fee?
Balance transfer fees generally range from 3% to 5%, which means you could save between $180 and $300 on a $6,000 balance with a no balance transfer fee credit card. A card with no balance transfer fee can often save you more than transferring to a card with a longer intro period. This is especially true because ongoing interest rates on these cards also tend to be lower.
In the scenario below, the no-balance transfer fee card has a lower overall cost for transferring and paying down a balance compared to the card with a longer 0% APR:
| Card A (no balance transfer fee) | Card B (balance transfer fee) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intro APR | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 21 months |
| Regular APR | 15% | 22% |
| BT fee | 0% | 3% |
| Cost to transfer $6,000 balance | $0 | $180 |
| Interest paid ($300 monthly payment) | $150* | $0* |
| Overall cost | $150 | $180 |
Qualifying for a credit card with no balance transfer fee usually requires credit union membership and good to excellent credit. There are balance transfer credit cards available if you have bad or fair credit, but it may be difficult finding one with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers.
Becoming a member can be tricky if you don’t live near a particular credit union or work for a qualifying organization, like the military or an affiliated company. That said, here are some workarounds you can try:
When deciding between a balance transfer credit card that charges a fee and one that doesn’t, consider the following:
Our top picks on this page come with relatively short intro periods, so you may be wondering: Could a card with a balance transfer fee and a longer 0% intro APR save more money? Our research shows that a no balance transfer fee card may be the better deal in most cases, even if you anticipate paying your balance transfer off over a long period of time.
As you can see below, the card with no balance transfer fee saves more on interest than most of the other options, assuming that it has an ongoing APR of 24% (which is higher than most cards on this page). The only option that beats it in this scenario is the card with a 0% interest for 18 months and a 3% balance transfer fee.
| 0% interest for 12 months and no balance transfer fee | 0% interest for 15 months with 3% balance transfer fee | 0% interest for 15 months with 5% balance transfer fee | 0% interest for 18 months with 3% balance transfer fee | 0% interest for 18 months with 5% balance transfer fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total amount paid | $5,198 | $5,245 | $5,362 | $5,171 | $5,281 |
| Interest and fees (if applicable) paid | $198 | $245 | $362 | $171 | $281 |
| Time to pay off | 21 | 21 | 22 | 21 | 22 |
| Balance transfer fee | $0 | $150 | $250 | $150 | $250 |
The following balance transfer credit cards are worth considering, despite charging balance transfer fees.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Balance Transfer Fee | Intro Balance Transfer APR | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Citi Double Cash® Card
 Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) | 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers | 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Citi Simplicity® Card*
|
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5) | 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers | 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) | ||
BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students*
|
3% intro fee for 60 days, then 4%. | 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR | ||
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card*
|
3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on balance transfers | ||
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on balance transfers |
Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site |
Personal loan
A personal loan is a good alternative if you need a longer period of time to pay off high amounts of debt. You’ll get a fixed monthly payment for a set repayment period (typically 12 to 60 months). Personal loans are also more accessible if you have a lower credit score, though you could end up with a higher rate and/or unfavorable terms.
Work with a debt counselor
If you’re struggling to get out of debt, working with a debt counselor may be a good alternative to a balance transfer. A debt counselor can put you on a debt management plan, an agreement your credit counselor makes with your creditors to help you get out of debt. Debt counselors can advocate to get you lower rates, lowered or waived fees or decreased monthly payments.
Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% introductory APR periods on balance transfers ranging from six to 21 months. This means that every penny of your monthly payments will go toward your principal balance during the promotional interest-free period.
Depending on the issuer, a balance transfer can take as long as several weeks to process. With Chase balance transfers, for example, most transfers are processed within one week; however, they may take up to 21 days. Similarly, the typical American Express balance transfer takes five to seven days, though some can take up to six weeks.
After you’re approved for a balance transfer credit card, you’ll need to initiate the transfer online or by phone with the new credit card company. Be ready to provide information about the account where you currently owe a balance, including:
You should remain current on your existing credit card payments until you receive confirmation that your transfer has been completed. It may take up to three weeks for your balance to transfer.
Major banks like Chase and Bank of America don’t offer balance transfer credit cards with no transfer fees. Most no-fee balance transfer credit cards come from credit unions, which may be available regionally or have restrictions to qualify.
When you apply for a new balance transfer credit card, a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report. This will lower your credit score by a few points and remain on your credit report for two years, although the negative impact will lessen over time.
On the other hand, having more available credit can decrease your total credit utilization ratio, which may improve your credit score. As you make regular on-time payments to pay off your debt, you’ll likely see your credit score increase over time.
The information related to the ESL Visa® Credit Card, Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card, BECU Visa Credit Card, Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, PSECU Visa® Classic, PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa, OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards, FourLeaf Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card, Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card, CEFCU World Mastercard, CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard, CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard, Citi Simplicity® Card, BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students and Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
