LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
March 31, 2022
*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
This article was last updated March 31, 2022 . 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® from First Tech FCU is our top overall pick. That’s because, 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 balance transfer credit card with a 0% intro APR and no balance transfer fee, you can save a significant amount on interest charges each month — as long as you pay off your balance in full within the promotional period.
Based on our research of cards available through LendingTree and from major credit card issuers and credit unions, here are our top picks for the best no fee balance transfer credit cards for the following categories:
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers an introductory APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers. Once the intro period ends, a reasonable the APR of 8.25% - 18.00% variable applies. Like the other cards in this post, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU charges a $0 balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? You can transfer up to the amount of your Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? You can receive the promotional APR on balance transfers requested within the first 90 days of account opening.
If you think you may need longer than the typical 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU is ideal, since it allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
Additionally, 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 other purchases. Plus, earn Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.. Just know, 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.
Also keep in mind, 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.
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers an introductory APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers. Once the intro period ends, a reasonable the APR of 8.25% - 18.00% variable applies. Like the other cards in this post, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU charges a $0 balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? You can transfer up to the amount of your Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? You can receive the promotional APR on balance transfers requested within the first 90 days of account opening.
If you think you may need longer than the typical 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU is ideal, since it allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
Additionally, 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 other purchases. Plus, earn Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.. Just know, 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.
Also keep in mind, 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.
This offer and/or promotion may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available.
Although the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, it does offer a low introductory APR for up to three years. Cardholders receive an introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, an ongoing APR of 11.24%–21.24% variable applies. The SunTrust Prime Rewards Card also charges a $0 for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? Cardholders are allowed to transfer balances up to their approved credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? You must make your balance transfer within 60 days of opening your account to take advantage of the introductory APR on balance transfers as well as the introductory balance transfer fee.
For those needing an extremely long period of time to pay off their transferred balance, the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card may be the best option, since it offers an introductory APR for up to 36 months.
Additionally, the card offers cashback on every purchase. Cardholders earn 1% cash back. Plus, earn $100 statement credit after you spend $500 on qualifying purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Like the other cards in this post, the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card offers a $0 annual fee and $0 foreign transaction fees.
Also know, because this card is not offered by a credit union, there are no membership requirements to apply.
This offer and/or promotion may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available.
Although the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, it does offer a low introductory APR for up to three years. Cardholders receive an introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, an ongoing APR of 11.24%–21.24% variable applies. The SunTrust Prime Rewards Card also charges a $0 for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, then $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? Cardholders are allowed to transfer balances up to their approved credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? You must make your balance transfer within 60 days of opening your account to take advantage of the introductory APR on balance transfers as well as the introductory balance transfer fee.
For those needing an extremely long period of time to pay off their transferred balance, the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card may be the best option, since it offers an introductory APR for up to 36 months.
Additionally, the card offers cashback on every purchase. Cardholders earn 1% cash back. Plus, earn $100 statement credit after you spend $500 on qualifying purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Like the other cards in this post, the SunTrust Prime Rewards Card offers a $0 annual fee and $0 foreign transaction fees.
Also know, because this card is not offered by a credit union, there are no membership requirements to apply.
The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening on balance transfers. After the intro period ends, the APR will be a very reasonable 5.99% to 18.00% variable. As for balance transfer fees? There are $0.
How much can you transfer? You can transfer up to your available credit line. However, no single transfer can exceed $30,000.
What is the balance transfer window? The introductory APR on balance transfers applies to transfers requested within 30 days of opening your account.
If there’s a change 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: 5.99% to 18.00% variable APR.
Additionally, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee. As for foreign transaction fees, there are $0.
Note, to be eligible for this card, you must 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.
The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening on balance transfers. After the intro period ends, the APR will be a very reasonable 5.99% to 18.00% variable. As for balance transfer fees? There are $0.
How much can you transfer? You can transfer up to your available credit line. However, no single transfer can exceed $30,000.
What is the balance transfer window? The introductory APR on balance transfers applies to transfers requested within 30 days of opening your account.
If there’s a change 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: 5.99% to 18.00% variable APR.
Additionally, the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee. As for foreign transaction fees, there are $0.
Note, to be eligible for this card, you must 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.
The Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card has an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on balance transfers; after that, a regular APR of 8.15% - 18% (variable) applies. The card also comes with a $0 balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? With the Wings Visa Platinum Card, you can transfer up to the amount of your credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? The Wings Visa Platinum Card doesn’t have a balance transfer window — this means you can transfer a balance to the card at anytime.
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. Because there’s no balance transfer window, cardholders can transfer a balance at anytime.
Keep in mind, though, that the intro APR period starts at account opening — so the later you transfer your balance, the less time you 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 airlines, government agencies 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.
The Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card has an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on balance transfers; after that, a regular APR of 8.15% - 18% (variable) applies. The card also comes with a $0 balance transfer fee.
How much can you transfer? With the Wings Visa Platinum Card, you can transfer up to the amount of your credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? The Wings Visa Platinum Card doesn’t have a balance transfer window — this means you can transfer a balance to the card at anytime.
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. Because there’s no balance transfer window, cardholders can transfer a balance at anytime.
Keep in mind, though, that the intro APR period starts at account opening — so the later you transfer your balance, the less time you 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 airlines, government agencies 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.
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After that, an APR of 14.99% - 25.99% (variable) applies. The card also comes with a balance transfer fee of 0% introductory fee for balances transferred within the first 60 days; after that, 3% of each transferred amount, $5 minimum.
How much can you transfer? Cardholders can transfer up to the amount of their approved credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? To be eligible for the introductory balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee, you balance must be transferred within the first 60 days of opening your account.
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 Earn points for every $2 spend on up to $40,000 and 2 points on every $1 spent over $40,000. Plus, 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 charges foreign transaction fees of 1% of each foreign transaction.
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.
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After that, an APR of 14.99% - 25.99% (variable) applies. The card also comes with a balance transfer fee of 0% introductory fee for balances transferred within the first 60 days; after that, 3% of each transferred amount, $5 minimum.
How much can you transfer? Cardholders can transfer up to the amount of their approved credit limit.
What is the balance transfer window? To be eligible for the introductory balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee, you balance must be transferred within the first 60 days of opening your account.
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 Earn points for every $2 spend on up to $40,000 and 2 points on every $1 spent over $40,000. Plus, 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 charges foreign transaction fees of 1% of each foreign transaction.
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 | Best for | Balance transfer intro APR | Balance transfer ongoing APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU | Overall no fee balance transfers | 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers | 8.25% - 18.00% variable |
| SunTrust Prime Rewards Card | Long intro APR period | Introductory 3.25% variable APR for the first 36 months for all balances transferred within 60 days of account opening | 11.24%–21.24% variable |
| Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card | Ongoing balance transfer APR | 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening | 5.99% to 18.00% variable |
| Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card | Ability to transfer a balance at anytime | 0% for 12 months on balance transfers | 8.15% - 18% (variable) |
| Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card | Business owners | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles | 14.99% - 25.99% (variable) |
Even if a card charges a balance transfer fee, it can still help you save hundreds of dollars in interest charges — especially since these cards sometimes offer longer introductory APR periods than those that waive the fee.
For example, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest introductory periods on balance transfers currently available. The card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers. After that, there’s an ongoing balance transfer APR of 14.49% - 24.49% (variable). A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a no-frills balance transfer credit card designed for those with excellent/good credit.
Plus, along with an intro APR period on balance transfers for nearly two years, the $0 annual fee card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases. After that, an APR of 14.49% - 24.49% (variable) applies.
For example, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest introductory periods on balance transfers currently available. The card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers. After that, there’s an ongoing balance transfer APR of 14.49% - 24.49% (variable). A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a no-frills balance transfer credit card designed for those with excellent/good credit.
Plus, along with an intro APR period on balance transfers for nearly two years, the $0 annual fee card comes with an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on purchases. After that, an APR of 14.49% - 24.49% (variable) applies.
Similarly, the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card offers a promotional APR on balance transfers and purchases for close to two years. Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 13.74%-25.74% Variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5 applies.
With the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card, holders can receive an intro APR on balance transfers for a year and 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.
Additionally, the $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 13.74%-25.74% Variable APR.
Similarly, the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card offers a promotional APR on balance transfers and purchases for close to two years. Cardholders receive a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then a 13.74%-25.74% Variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5 applies.
With the Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card, holders can receive an intro APR on balance transfers for a year and 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.
Additionally, the $0 annual fee card comes with a 0% intro APR up to 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 13.74%-25.74% Variable APR.
The Citi Simplicity® Card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 15.49% - 25.49% (variable) APR applies. A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The $0 annual fee Citi Simplicity® Card does not 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 15.49% - 25.49% (variable). Just know, the Citi Simplicity® Card does not come with a rewards program.
The Citi Simplicity® Card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers, then a 15.49% - 25.49% (variable) APR applies. A balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The $0 annual fee Citi Simplicity® Card does not 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 15.49% - 25.49% (variable). Just know, the Citi Simplicity® Card does not come with a rewards program.
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer comes with an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then an ongoing APR of 14.74% - 24.74% (variable). 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.
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. While the card comes with a $0 annual fee, it does not offer a 0% intro APR on purchases.
The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer comes with an intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, then an ongoing APR of 14.74% - 24.74% (variable). 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.
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. 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. Since these 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.
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 19.49% (variable), according to a recent study by LendingTree.
While 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 a 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, since the main goal of the card should be to eliminate the entire transferred amount before the promotional period ends, and not add more debt.
Additionally, 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 is a transaction that involves moving debt from one or more credit cards to another credit card. Since balance transfer credit cards offer introductory APRs that typically are much lower than standard interest rates, they provide a means to pay down your credit card debt more quickly, since they allow more of your payments to go toward the debt principal rather than the principal plus interest.
Most balance transfer cards charge a fee when you transfer an existing balance to the new card, which typically ranges from 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer.
The balance transfer fee is added to the card balance at the time of your transfer, so you can pay the fee over time as you pay down your transferred balance.
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, 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.
As long as you practice responsible card usage, a balance transfer card will actually help your credit score in the long run as you pay down the transferred balance. The addition of a new credit line will help reduce your credit utilization (how much you owe on your cards in relation to your credit limits) once you make a solid dent in your reducing your transferred balance. Plus, as long as you don’t start charging up new debt on the card from which you transferred the balance from, your low or no balance on that existing card will help your credit score as well.
That said, when you initially apply for a balance transfer card, a hard inquiry will hit your credit, which may knock your credit score down a few points and stay on your credit report for two years. Additionally, if you max out the credit limit on your new balance transfer card, your credit utilization score will increase, causing your score to potentially drop until you knock down that transferred balance over time.
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 — 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 less.
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.
