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February 1, 2023
*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 February 1, 2023 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
While each of the cards in this list offers a $0 balance transfer fee and an intro APR on balance transfers for a year or longer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is our top overall pick. Along with a solid intro APR offer on balance transfers, the card provides one of the longest balance transfer windows currently available, as well as a decent sign-up bonus and rewards rate.
By transferring your high-interest credit card debt to a card that offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, you can save a significant amount on interest charges while paying down your debt. However, you’ll often end up paying a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of each transfer, which can add up to more than $100 in fees, depending on the size of your transfer.
A card with no balance transfer fee can help you avoid this expense, and is generally the best option for to paying down a large credit card balance. The best of these cards come with an intro APR of at least one year, no annual fee, a reasonable ongoing APR and the potential to earn rewards.
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. Once the intro period ends, a reasonable APR of 12.50% to 18.00% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: You can transfer up to the amount of your Choice Rewards World Mastercard® credit limit.
Balance transfer window: You can receive the promotional APR on balance transfers requested within the first 90 days of account opening.
Why we chose this card: The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is a well-rounded balance transfer card with a $0 balance transfer fee and a promotional intro APR on balance transfers for a year. In addition, the $0 annual fee card offers rewards for every purchase you make.
Note, however, that balance transfers won’t earn rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long balance transfer window $0 annual fee Foreign transaction fees: $0 Earn rewards on every purchase | Credit union membership required Card is geared toward Oregon residents |
If you think you may need longer than the typical 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is ideal, since it allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
And if you want to earn rewards on every purchase you make, the $0 annual fee card offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. Plus, earn 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days. Just know that when it comes to balance transfer credit cards, we recommend focusing on paying off your transferred balance within the promotional period, rather than earning rewards.
You should also keep in mind that 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.
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. Once the intro period ends, a reasonable APR of 12.50% to 18.00% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: You can transfer up to the amount of your Choice Rewards World Mastercard® credit limit.
Balance transfer window: You can receive the promotional APR on balance transfers requested within the first 90 days of account opening.
Why we chose this card: The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is a well-rounded balance transfer card with a $0 balance transfer fee and a promotional intro APR on balance transfers for a year. In addition, the $0 annual fee card offers rewards for every purchase you make.
Note, however, that balance transfers won’t earn rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long balance transfer window $0 annual fee Foreign transaction fees: $0 Earn rewards on every purchase | Credit union membership required Card is geared toward Oregon residents |
If you think you may need longer than the typical 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is ideal, since it allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
And if you want to earn rewards on every purchase you make, the $0 annual fee card offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else. Plus, earn 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days. Just know that when it comes to balance transfer credit cards, we recommend focusing on paying off your transferred balance within the promotional period, rather than earning rewards.
You should also keep in mind that 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.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open. After that, a regular APR of 12.24% to 23.74% variable applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: Cardholders are allowed to transfer balances up to their approved credit limit.
Balance transfer window: You must make your balance transfer within the first 15 months of opening your account to take advantage of the intro APR, and within 60 days of opening your account to take advantage of the introductory balance transfer fee.
Why we chose this card: Among the no fee balance transfer cards in this post, the Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card has the longest interest-free period available on balance transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long intro APR offer in our ranking $0 annual fee Comes with several consumer protections | Cardholders don't earn rewards Foreign transaction fees Potential for a high APR after intro period ends Fee applies to balances transferred after first 60 days |
If you think you may need longer than a year to pay off your transferred balance, the Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card may be ideal — although you will have to transfer your balance within the first 60 days in order to take advantage of the introductory balance transfer fee. The card offers a $0 introductory balance transfer fee for transfers completed within 60 days of account opening. After that, a 3% fee on each transfer (minimum $10).
In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open on purchases, then a 12.24% to 23.74% variable APR applies.
The Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, it does come with several benefits, like overdraft protection, emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open. After that, a regular APR of 12.24% to 23.74% variable applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: Cardholders are allowed to transfer balances up to their approved credit limit.
Balance transfer window: You must make your balance transfer within the first 15 months of opening your account to take advantage of the intro APR, and within 60 days of opening your account to take advantage of the introductory balance transfer fee.
Why we chose this card: Among the no fee balance transfer cards in this post, the Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card has the longest interest-free period available on balance transfers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long intro APR offer in our ranking $0 annual fee Comes with several consumer protections | Cardholders don't earn rewards Foreign transaction fees Potential for a high APR after intro period ends Fee applies to balances transferred after first 60 days |
If you think you may need longer than a year to pay off your transferred balance, the Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card may be ideal — although you will have to transfer your balance within the first 60 days in order to take advantage of the introductory balance transfer fee. The card offers a $0 introductory balance transfer fee for transfers completed within 60 days of account opening. After that, a 3% fee on each transfer (minimum $10).
In addition to a long intro APR on balance transfers, the card offers a 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open on purchases, then a 12.24% to 23.74% variable APR applies.
The Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program; however, it does come with several benefits, like overdraft protection, emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months* *Applies to balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening on balance transfers. After the intro period ends, the card will have a 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) APR.
Maximum balance transfer amount: You can transfer up to your available credit line — however, no single transfer can exceed $30,000.
Balance transfer window: The introductory APR on balance transfers applies to transfers requested within 60 days of opening your account.
Why we chose this card: With the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, you have the potential to qualify for a very low ongoing APR of 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) once the introductory period on balance transfers ends.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $0 annual fee Intro APR on balance transfers | Credit union membership required Cardholders don't earn rewards No intro APR on purchases |
If there’s a chance you won’t be able to pay off the transferred balance in full before the introductory period ends, you may want to consider the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. That’s because the card comes with the lowest ongoing balance transfer APR of any card listed in this post: 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) APR.
In addition, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee and a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Note, though, to be eligible for this card, you need to be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union; you may qualify if you or one of your family or household members has ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense or National Guard. Learn more about the qualification requirements here.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months* *Applies to balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening on balance transfers. After the intro period ends, the card will have a 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) APR.
Maximum balance transfer amount: You can transfer up to your available credit line — however, no single transfer can exceed $30,000.
Balance transfer window: The introductory APR on balance transfers applies to transfers requested within 60 days of opening your account.
Why we chose this card: With the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, you have the potential to qualify for a very low ongoing APR of 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) once the introductory period on balance transfers ends.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $0 annual fee Intro APR on balance transfers | Credit union membership required Cardholders don't earn rewards No intro APR on purchases |
If there’s a chance you won’t be able to pay off the transferred balance in full before the introductory period ends, you may want to consider the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. That’s because the card comes with the lowest ongoing balance transfer APR of any card listed in this post: 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) APR.
In addition, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee and a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Note, though, to be eligible for this card, you need to be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union; you may qualify if you or one of your family or household members has ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense or National Guard. Learn more about the qualification requirements here.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% Introductory rate is good for the first 12 months from the date that your new credit card account is opened; after that, a regular APR of 11.90% to 18.00% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: With the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card, you can transfer up to the amount of your credit limit.
Balance transfer window: There’s no balance transfer window — this means you can transfer a balance to the card at any time.
Why we chose this card: Because the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have a balance transfer window, cardholders are able to transfer an existing balance to the card at any time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers $0 annual fee Foreign transaction fees: None | Credit union membership required Cardholders don't earn rewards |
While balance transfer credit cards typically require cardholders to transfer a balance within a given time frame — often 60 days from account opening — to take advantage of the promotional intro APR, the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have a deadline. And because there’s no balance transfer window, cardholders can transfer a balance at any time.
Keep in mind, though, that the intro APR period starts at account opening — so the later you transfer your balance, the less time you’ll have to take advantage of the interest-free period. For example, if you transfer a balance three months after opening your account, you’ll have nine months remaining of your interest-free period. If, however, you transfer your balance after seven months, you’ll have just five months remaining.
You’ll also need to become a member of Wings Financial Credit Union to apply for this card. To qualify, you or an immediate family member must work or live in the following areas: An eligible Minnesota or Wisconsin county, the Seattle-Tacoma, Wash. metro area, the Detroit metro area, the Orlando, Fla. metro area or the Atlanta metro area. You’re also eligible if you or an immediate family member is an employee of an airline, a government agency working in the aviation industry or an airport, or if you or an immediate family member is a current Wings member or a member of the Wings Financial Foundation.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0.00% Introductory rate is good for the first 12 months from the date that your new credit card account is opened; after that, a regular APR of 11.90% to 18.00% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: With the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card, you can transfer up to the amount of your credit limit.
Balance transfer window: There’s no balance transfer window — this means you can transfer a balance to the card at any time.
Why we chose this card: Because the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have a balance transfer window, cardholders are able to transfer an existing balance to the card at any time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers $0 annual fee Foreign transaction fees: None | Credit union membership required Cardholders don't earn rewards |
While balance transfer credit cards typically require cardholders to transfer a balance within a given time frame — often 60 days from account opening — to take advantage of the promotional intro APR, the Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have a deadline. And because there’s no balance transfer window, cardholders can transfer a balance at any time.
Keep in mind, though, that the intro APR period starts at account opening — so the later you transfer your balance, the less time you’ll have to take advantage of the interest-free period. For example, if you transfer a balance three months after opening your account, you’ll have nine months remaining of your interest-free period. If, however, you transfer your balance after seven months, you’ll have just five months remaining.
You’ll also need to become a member of Wings Financial Credit Union to apply for this card. To qualify, you or an immediate family member must work or live in the following areas: An eligible Minnesota or Wisconsin county, the Seattle-Tacoma, Wash. metro area, the Detroit metro area, the Orlando, Fla. metro area or the Atlanta metro area. You’re also eligible if you or an immediate family member is an employee of an airline, a government agency working in the aviation industry or an airport, or if you or an immediate family member is a current Wings member or a member of the Wings Financial Foundation.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening. After that, an APR of 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: Cardholders can transfer up to the amount of their approved credit limit.
Balance transfer window: To be eligible for the introductory balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee, your balance has to be transferred within the first 60 days of opening your account.
Why we chose this card: While there are business credit cards available that offer intro APRs on balance transfers, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card may be the only one that doesn’t charge a balance transfer fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sign-up bonus $0 annual fee Earn rewards on every purchase | Must be an Edward Jones customer Potential for a high APR after intro offer ends Fee for balances transferred after first 60 days |
If you’re a business owner who needs some breathing room to pay off high interest credit card debt, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card could be a good fit, since it offers an introductory APR on balance transfers for a year.
Cardholders also earn 1.5 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent up to $40,000 and 2 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent over $40,000. Plus, earn 15,000 loyalty points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee. The card also has a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Note, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card is available to current Edward Jones customers. To apply, you can either ask your Edward Jones financial advisor, or log in your account and visit the Loans & Credit section under the Accounts tab.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening. After that, an APR of 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) applies.
Maximum balance transfer amount: Cardholders can transfer up to the amount of their approved credit limit.
Balance transfer window: To be eligible for the introductory balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee, your balance has to be transferred within the first 60 days of opening your account.
Why we chose this card: While there are business credit cards available that offer intro APRs on balance transfers, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card may be the only one that doesn’t charge a balance transfer fee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Sign-up bonus $0 annual fee Earn rewards on every purchase | Must be an Edward Jones customer Potential for a high APR after intro offer ends Fee for balances transferred after first 60 days |
If you’re a business owner who needs some breathing room to pay off high interest credit card debt, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card could be a good fit, since it offers an introductory APR on balance transfers for a year.
Cardholders also earn 1.5 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent up to $40,000 and 2 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent over $40,000. Plus, earn 15,000 loyalty points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card comes with a $0 annual fee. The card also has a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Note, the Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card is available to current Edward Jones customers. To apply, you can either ask your Edward Jones financial advisor, or log in your account and visit the Loans & Credit section under the Accounts tab.
| Credit Card | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer Rate | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | Recommended Credit | Card Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Choice Rewards World Mastercard®
|
20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days. | 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else | $0 | N/A | 12.50% to 18.00% (variable) | 0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening. | 12.50% to 18.00% (variable) | $0 | Excellent/Good | Choice Rewards World Mastercard® Review |
|
Union Bank® Platinum™ Visa® Credit Card
|
None | Non-rewards card | $0 | 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open | 12.24% to 23.74% variable | 0.00% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open | 12.24% to 23.74% variable | $0 introductory balance transfer fee for transfers completed within 60 days of account opening. After that, a 3% fee on each transfer (minimum $10) | N/A | Review Coming Soon |
|
Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card
|
No bonus | No rewards | $0 | N/A | 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) | 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months* *Applies to balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening | 9.74% to 18.00% (variable) | $0 | Excellent/Good/Fair | Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card Review |
|
Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card
|
N/A | N/A | $0 | 0.00% Introductory rate is good for the first 12 months from the date that your new credit card account is opened | 11.90% to 18.00% (variable) | 0.00% Introductory rate is good for the first 12 months from the date that your new credit card account is opened | 11.90% to 18.00% (variable) | $0 | Excellent/Good | Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card Review |
|
Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card
|
15,000 loyalty points after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening | Earn 1.5 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent up to $40,000 and 2 Loyalty Points on every net $1 spent over $40,000 | $0 | N/A | 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) | 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening | 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) | 0% introductory fee for balances transferred within the first 60 days; after that, 3% of each transferred amount, $5 minimum | N/A | Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card Review |
While picking a card with no balance transfer fees can help you save money on the front end of your journey out of debt, you can also consider cards that do charge a balance transfer fee. While these cards require you to pay 3% to 5% of each transferred balance, they offer considerably longer intro APR offers that can help you save more money on interest charges over time.
As you compare the best balance transfer cards that do charge balance transfer fees, look for options that offer interest-free periods on balance transfers of a year and a half (or longer), no annual fees or hidden fees and cardholder benefits you can use.
Citi is an advertising partner.
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers; after that, an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) applies.
Balance transfer fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Why we chose this card: The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest interest-free periods currently available for a balance transfer. Cardholders receive an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, while an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) applies afterward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Very long intro APR offer for balance transfers Long balance transfer window $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee applies Cardholders don't earn rewards Mediocre cardholder benefits |
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a no-frills balance transfer credit card designed for those with excellent/good credit.
Along with an intro APR period on balance transfers for nearly two years, the $0 annual fee card also comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases (after that, an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (variable) applies).
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers; after that, an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) applies.
Balance transfer fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Why we chose this card: The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest interest-free periods currently available for a balance transfer. Cardholders receive an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, while an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) applies afterward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Very long intro APR offer for balance transfers Long balance transfer window $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee applies Cardholders don't earn rewards Mediocre cardholder benefits |
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a no-frills balance transfer credit card designed for those with excellent/good credit.
Along with an intro APR period on balance transfers for nearly two years, the $0 annual fee card also comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases (after that, an APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (variable) applies).
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After that, 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies.
Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Why we chose this card: Similar to the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years. The card also offers 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers $0 annual fee | Cardholders don't earn rewards Balance transfer fee Charges foreign transaction fees |
With the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, holders can receive an intro APR on balance transfers for a year and a half. The card also offers an intro APR extension of up to three months with on-time minimum payments during the introductory and extension periods.
Plus, this $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases (a 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies afterward).
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After that, 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies.
Balance transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Why we chose this card: Similar to the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers an intro APR on balance transfers for close to two years. The card also offers 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers $0 annual fee | Cardholders don't earn rewards Balance transfer fee Charges foreign transaction fees |
With the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, holders can receive an intro APR on balance transfers for a year and a half. The card also offers an intro APR extension of up to three months with on-time minimum payments during the introductory and extension periods.
Plus, this $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases (a 17.24% - 29.24% variable APR applies afterward).
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers; after that, a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applies.
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. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Why we chose this card: Citi Simplicity® Card also offers an exceptionally long intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, with a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applying afterward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee No late fees or penalty APR Intro APR on purchases | Balance transfer fee applies No rewards program Foreign transaction fees |
The $0 annual fee Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t assess late fees or a penalty APR if you pay your bill late.
The card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases, then an APR of 18.24% - 28.99% (variable). Just know, however, that the Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t come with a rewards program.
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers; after that, a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applies.
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. Then a balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Why we chose this card: Citi Simplicity® Card also offers an exceptionally long intro APR of 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers, with a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applying afterward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
$0 annual fee No late fees or penalty APR Intro APR on purchases | Balance transfer fee applies No rewards program Foreign transaction fees |
The $0 annual fee Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t assess late fees or a penalty APR if you pay your bill late.
The card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases, then an APR of 18.24% - 28.99% (variable). Just know, however, that the Citi Simplicity® Card doesn’t come with a rewards program.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, with a 18.74% -28.74% (Variable) APR applying thereafter.
Balance transfer fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Why we chose this card: In addition to offering an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for more than a year and a half, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card lets cardholders choose their own payment due date.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers Long intro APR on purchases $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee Foreign transaction fees No rewards program |
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is ideal if you want the flexibility to choose your own payment due date, as well as a long intro APR on balance transfers and purchases.
Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Balance Transfers; after that, an APR of 18.74% -28.74% (Variable) applies. In addition, the card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Purchases, then an APR of 18.74% -28.74% (Variable).
The $0-annual-fee card does, however, charge a balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Balance Transfers, with a 18.74% -28.74% (Variable) APR applying thereafter.
Balance transfer fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Why we chose this card: In addition to offering an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for more than a year and a half, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card lets cardholders choose their own payment due date.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Lengthy intro APR period on balance transfers Long intro APR on purchases $0 annual fee | Balance transfer fee Foreign transaction fees No rewards program |
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is ideal if you want the flexibility to choose your own payment due date, as well as a long intro APR on balance transfers and purchases.
Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Balance Transfers; after that, an APR of 18.74% -28.74% (Variable) applies. In addition, the card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Purchases, then an APR of 18.74% -28.74% (Variable).
The $0-annual-fee card does, however, charge a balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers; after that, a 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies.
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 chose this card: In addition to a generous intro APR on balance transfers, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer earns you cash back on every purchase you make.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on balance transfers Intro balance transfer fee $0 annual fee Cash back on every purchase | No intro APR on purchases Foreign transaction fees |
Along with a long intro APR on balance transfers, the Citi® Double Cash Card lets cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. However, while the card comes with a $0 annual fee, it does not offer a 0% intro APR on purchases.
Intro APR on balance transfers: Intro APR of 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers; after that, a 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies.
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 chose this card: In addition to a generous intro APR on balance transfers, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer earns you cash back on every purchase you make.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Intro APR on balance transfers Intro balance transfer fee $0 annual fee Cash back on every purchase | No intro APR on purchases Foreign transaction fees |
Along with a long intro APR on balance transfers, the Citi® Double Cash Card lets cardholders earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. However, while the card comes with a $0 annual fee, it does not offer a 0% intro APR on purchases.
If you find yourself struggling under the weight of high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer card can help bring some reprieve. Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% introductory APR periods on balance transfers ranging from six months to more than a year. They allow every penny of your monthly payments to go toward the balance during the promotional period instead of the balance plus interest charges.
Plus, as an added bonus, a few of these cards don’t charge balance transfer fees (typically 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer). For context, if you transfer a balance of $15,000, this could save you between $450 and $750.
There are a few things to look out for when it comes to choosing a balance transfer credit card. In addition to selecting a card with no or a low balance transfer fee, you’ll also want to do your best to pay off the total amount of the transfer within the promotional time period. Any balance remaining after the promotional period ends will be subject to the card’s ongoing APR.
The majority of balance transfer credit cards charge a fee each time you transfer a balance to the card — this is known as the balance transfer fee. Balance transfer fees are typically 3% or 5% of the amount of each transfer (with a minimum fee of either $5 or $10).
When you transfer an existing balance to a card that charges a balance transfer fee, the fee will be added to the card balance at the time of the transfer. So instead of paying the balance transfer fee in full upfront, you can pay it off over time as you pay down your transferred balance.
You should also know that the amount of the balance transfer fee will reduce the amount you’re allowed to transfer. For example, let’s say you’re approved to transfer $5,000 to a card with a 3% balance transfer fee. The balance transfer fee of $150 ($5,000 x 3% = $150) will lower the amount you’re initially able to transfer to $4,850 ($5,000 – $150 = $4,850).
With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure the amount you’re eligible to transfer to your new card is high enough to accommodate your existing credit card debt as well as the balance transfer fee.
To calculate how much a balance transfer fee will cost you, simply multiply the amount you plan to transfer by the balance transfer fee. For example, if you want to transfer a $10,000 balance to a card that charges a 5% balance transfer fee, the fee will equal $500 ($10,000 x 5% = $500).
As mentioned earlier, the balance transfer fee will be subtracted from the initial amount you’re allowed to transfer — reducing that amount to $9,500 ($10,000 – $500 = $9,500).
If you’re unable to pay your credit card balance in full every month, it can be frustrating to see your hard-earned money go toward interest charges in addition to your balance — especially when the average APR on new credit cards is 22.91% (variable), according to a recent study by LendingTree.
It may seem counterintuitive to open another credit card if you’re trying to get out of debt — but when you crunch the numbers, you’ll likely find that a no-fee balance transfer credit card with an introductory 0% APR period is an excellent tool to tackle high-interest debt.
That said, we recommend you don’t use your balance transfer card for new purchases until after the transferred balance is paid off — the main goal of the card should be to eliminate the entire transferred amount before the promotional period ends, and not add more debt.
Plus, it’s a good idea to create a budget to pay off your debt before the introductory period ends. You can do this by calculating the amount you need to pay each month until the promotional period ends and setting up automatic payments.
A balance transfer window is the amount of time you have to transfer your balance and take advantage of the promotional intro APR. Typically, issuers require you to make the transfer within the first 60 days of opening your account.
Just know that issuers may 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.
After you’re approved for a balance transfer credit card, you’ll need to contact the credit card company online or by phone to initiate the transfer. Be sure you’re ready to provide the name of the credit card company from which you’re transferring the balance, the account number and the amount you want to transfer.
Once you request a balance transfer, it could take up to three weeks to complete.
It’s important to note, you should remain current on your existing credit card payments until you receive confirmation that your transfer has been completed.
Some card issuers allow you to transfer up to the amount of your approved credit limit on the new card, but other issuers only allow you to use a portion of your credit limit for a transfer. It’s best to read the card’s terms and conditions page on the issuer website or contact the issuer directly before you apply to find out exactly what their balance transfer policy is.
You cannot transfer balances between two cards from the same issuer. For example, you can not transfer a balance from one Citi card to another Citi card.
An intro balance transfer APR is an introductory interest rate that applies to balance transfers for a limited time. During this promotional period — which usually lasts anywhere from six to 21 months from account opening — the card will offer a low or even 0% APR on balances transferred to the card.
Balance transfer credit cards often allow you to transfer up to the amount of your approved credit limit.
That said, some credit card issuers set additional limits on balance transfers. For example, Chase only allows you to transfer up to $15,000 within a 30-day period, and balance transfer fees are included in this amount.
If 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 each time it occurs and will 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 has the potential to improve your credit score. You can also improve your credit score as you make on-time payments on your credit and the total amount of debt you have decreases over time.
Depending on the issuer, a balance transfer can take several weeks to process. With Chase, for example, most transfers are processed within one week; however, they may take up to 21 days.
To select the best card for each of these categories, our credit card experts compared balance transfer credit cards on LendingTree.com and on major issuer and credit union sites. We should note the following — while the number of credit cards that offer 0% intro APRs on balance transfers is currently very limited, the amount of balance transfer cards that charge a $0 balance transfer fee is even lower.
We chose our top picks primarily based on factors such as the balance transfer fee, the length of the intro APR on balance transfers, the length of the transfer window and the ongoing APR once the promotional balance transfer offer ends.
Other factors that come into play when making our selection may include the annual fee, the rewards program and benefits offered by the card, like purchase protection and extended warranty.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
