The average American credit card holder has a balance of $5,700, and could save thousands of dollars in interest by using a balance transfer card, according to our analysis.
Balance transfer credit cards offer a method of debt payoff in which you move your debt from one or in some cases multiple sources to a credit card with an introductory 0% interest rate. This can help you save time and money, as your payments go directly toward your principal balance throughout the intro period without accruing interest.
Before You Start
You should do whatever you can to pay off your balance in full by the end of the introductory period to make use of these offers. If you don’t, you’ll accrue interest once again after the intro period ends—or possibly be charged retroactive interest, prolonging your payoff and continuing the debt cycle.
Our Picks for the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- Introductory balance transfer rate: 0%* intro on BTs for 20 billing cycles
- Annual fee: $0*
- Regular APR: 13.99% – 23.99%* (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Overview
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card* offers the longest-standing 0% interest introductory period on the market at 20 billing cycles interest-free (then it’s 13.99% to 23.99% variable APR), the most flexibility you’ll find for your debt payoff timeline without sacrificing value.
While you may pay a fee for any late payments, you don’t have to worry about losing your intro APR in the case of a late or missed payment — the Visa Platinum charges no penalty APR. Based on your creditworthiness, you’ll take on a variable interest rate between 13.99 and 23.99% after the intro period ends.
You’ll also pay a 3% ($5 minimum) balance transfer fee, and have just 60 days to complete the balance transfer after account opening. But these are small prices to pay for the value you can get with this card.
There are no ongoing rewards beyond the introductory offer. However, U.S. Bank does offer cellphone protection and the freedom to choose your own payment due date.
Why we chose this card
Without an ongoing rewards structure, this card’s primary benefit is its unbeatable 0% interest introductory period. But for anyone looking to eliminate a longstanding debt balance, that’s enough — especially when these offers are already limited. If you qualify, you’ll have nearly two years to pay down your debt, which means more flexibility in your monthly payments and plenty of time to eliminate your balances for good.
Savings with this balance transfer
| Starting balance | ||
| Monthly payment | ||
| Time to pay off | ||
| Interest + fees | ||
| Amount paid in full |
Money saved: $4,154
Time saved: 169 months
Balance transfer savings are calculated by the NextAdvisor team. Updated October 2020.
Citi Simplicity® Card
- Introductory balance transfer rate: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Annual fee: $0
- Regular APR: 14.74% – 24.74% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 740-850 (Excellent)
Overview
Citi Simplicity Card* offers an 18-month 0% interest introductory period for balance transfers, making it one of the longest offers on the market today. After the intro period, your variable APR will jump to 14.74% to 24.74%, based on creditworthiness. There is a 3% ($5 minimum) balance transfer fee and you have up to 4 months after account opening to complete any transfers.
Citi Simplicity also promises no penalty rate and no late fees.
Why we chose this card
Citi Simplicity primarily earns its spot on our list for it’s long intro offer on balance transfer. But this card extra benefits are where it really shines, specifically for those working to pay off debt.
No late fees and no penalty APR are both valuable benefits for anyone working toward debt payoff. A penalty APR — often higher than your regular interest rate — applied to your balance after a missed or late payment by more than 60 days can completely derail your payoff journey. This extra layer of protection from Citi can help you stay on track in case you slip up or experience a period of financial hardship.
Savings with this balance transfer
| Starting balance | ||
| Monthly payment | ||
| Time to pay off | ||
| Interest + fees | ||
| Amount paid in full |
Money saved: $4,154
Time saved: 171 months
Balance transfer savings are calculated by the NextAdvisor team. Updated October 2020.
Wells Fargo Platinum card
- Introductory balance transfer rate: 0% intro APR for 18 months on qualifying balance transfers
- Annual fee: $0
- Regular APR: 16.49%-24.49% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Overview
With the Wells Fargo Platinum card*, you’ll score an 18-month intro period on qualifying balance transfers (then it’s 16.49% to 24.49% variable APR) for a 3% fee ($5 minimum) and have a full 120 days to make your balance transfer request after account opening. After 120 days, the balance transfer fee is up to 5%, with a $5 minimum.
Wells Fargo also offers a few additional benefits with the Platinum card, including cell phone protection, roadside and emergency assistance, travel accident insurance, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Before applying for this card, take extra caution to ensure you’ll be able to pay your balance in full by the end of the intro period, or at least make a significant difference in your total. Out of all the cards on our list, the Wells Fargo Platinum can potentially charge the highest ongoing variable APR after the intro period ends, depending on your creditworthiness, at 16.49 to 24.49%.
Why we chose this card
If you’re committed to debt payoff, the Wells Fargo Platinum card is a solid balance transfer choice. Its terms are comparable with other picks on our list, given the intro period, balance transfer fee and transfer window, and lack of ongoing rewards. Ultimately, this card’s value is in its service as a tool for debt consolidation and payoff, and can help you save thousands while eliminating debt balances.
Savings with this balance transfer
| Starting balance | ||
| Monthly payment | ||
| Time to pay off | ||
| Interest + fees | ||
| Amount paid in full |
Money saved: $4,154
Time saved: 171 months
Balance transfer savings are calculated by the NextAdvisor team. Updated October 2020.
HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card
- Introductory balance transfer rate: 0% Introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months from account opening
- Annual fee: $0
- Regular APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Overview
The HSBC Gold Mastercard credit card* is another solid balance transfer option with an 18-month introductory period (13.99% to 23.99% variable APR after that). However, this card will cost you a bit more: the balance transfer fee is 4% (minimum $10).
There are benefits that can help offset the additional cost, though. To give you some wiggle room throughout the intro period, HSBC offers one late fee waiver once each calendar year and no penalty APR if you pay late. When you travel, you can also take advantage of travel accident insurance and rental car coverage.
You’ll need to complete any balance transfers within 60 days of account opening. After the intro period, the HSBC Gold charges an ongoing variable APR between 13.99 and 23.99%, depending on creditworthiness.
Why we chose this card
Like the Citi Simplicity Card and Wells Fargo Platinum, this card is simply a solid choice for completing debt payoff through a balance transfer. Its long introductory period makes it a competitive choice despite its higher balance transfer fee and shorter period within which to complete the transfer, especially compared to many other offers on the market.
Among the similar cards on our list, the HSBC Gold also offers the lowest ongoing APR range — though, like any credit card, the interest rate is still sky high. But if there’s a chance you may need to revolve a balance once your introductory period expires, that could give this card an edge in your decision.
Savings with this balance transfer
| Starting balance | ||
| Monthly payment | ||
| Time to pay off | ||
| Interest + fees | ||
| Amount paid in full |
Money saved: $4,097
Time saved: 171 months
Balance transfer savings are calculated by the NextAdvisor team. Updated October 2020.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- Introductory balance transfer rate: 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Annual fee: $0
- Regular APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score: 740-850 (Excellent)
Overview
Not only does the Citi Double Cash Card* excel as a flat cash back rewards card, but it makes for an excellent balance transfer card, too. Like several of our top picks, you’ll have a full 18 months during which to pay down debt, after paying a balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum). After the intro period, Citi charges a variable APR between 13.99% and 23.99%, based on creditworthiness.
Balance transfers should be completed within 4 months of account opening, and while this is the only card on our list that doubles as a cash back card, you won’t earn cash back rewards on your balance transfers.
Why we chose this card
Citi Double Cash does offer among the most lengthy introductory offers on balance transfers, but unlike our other picks, its benefits don’t end once your debts are paid. In fact, this card is best known for its everyday rewards.
With a 2% flat cash back rewards structure (earn 1% as you buy and 1% as you pay off purchases), Citi Double Cash can make a great addition to your wallet long after its intro period ends. Using consumer spending totals for the average American, we calculated the rewards value for this card at $265 each year, which also puts it among our top cash back credit card picks.
Savings with this balance transfer
| Starting balance | ||
| Monthly payment | ||
| Time to pay off | ||
| Interest + fees | ||
| Amount paid in full |
Money saved: $4,154
Time saved: 171 months
Balance transfer savings are calculated by the NextAdvisor team. Updated October 2020.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Good for: Overall value
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum will give you the most flexibility for paying off your debt. It has the longest 0% interest introductory period on balance transfers in the market at 20 billing cycles (then it’s 13.99% to 23.99% variable APR).
Citi Simplicity Card
Good for: Avoiding fees
You’ll have 18 months to take advantage of the 0% interest introductory period for this card (then it’s 14.74% to 24.74% variable APR). The Citi Simplicity Card has no penalty rate or late fees.
Wells Fargo Platinum card
Good for: Keeping it simple
With 18 months of 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers and 120 days after account opening to make your balance transfer request, the Wells Fargo Platinum card is an easy way to tame your debt. After the introductory period, the variable APR is 16.49% to 24.49%.
HSBC Gold Mastercard
Good for: (Relatively) lower variable APR
The HSBC Gold Mastercard’s APR after the 18-month introductory period will vary based on your creditworthiness, but with a range for 13.99%-23.99% variable, you have a greater opportunity for a lower ongoing APR.
Citi Double Cash Card
Good for: Ongoing rewards
For rewards earning potential on top of your balance transfer, the Citi Double Cash Card is a solid choice. You’ll have 18 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, plus the opportunity to earn up to 2% cash back on every new purchase you make (1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay for the purchase). After the introductory period, the variable APR is 13.99% to 23.99%.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Summary
| Card | What It’s Good For | Balance Transfer Period |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | Good for Overall Value | 20 Billing Cycles |
| Citi Simplicity Card | Good for Avoiding Fees | 18 Months |
| Wells Fargo Platinum card | Good for Keeping it Simple | 18 Months |
| HSBC Gold Mastercard credit card | Good for (Relatively) Lower Variable APR | 18 Months |
| Citi Double Cash Card | Good for Ongoing Rewards | 18 Months |
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer is, essentially, a form of debt consolidation. Whether you accrued debt through long-term overspending, a period of temporary financial hardship, or from a loan with less-favorable terms, transferring the balance to a credit card with an introductory 0% interest rate can help you pay down your debt faster.
This strategy is beneficial because it applies payments you make throughout the introductory period directly to your principal balance, rather than having a significant portion of each payment go toward interest that’s accrued since your last payment. This is especially useful for credit card debt balances, given their substantial interest rates and daily interest accrual.
How Much Can I Save With a Balance Transfer?
A balance transfer can potentially save you thousands of dollars, depending on your particular debt. Consider this example between two different balance transfer scenarios to making minimum monthly payments on a regular card. These numbers assume a balance of $5,700 and an ongoing interest rate of 16% outside of the intro period.
Even if you’re unable to make the required monthly payments to pay off your balance in full, you will take on interest after the intro period ends. It may take more time to eliminate the debt altogether, but you can still save money with a balance transfer by prioritizing paying down as much of your principal balance as possible during this time.
| Current Card Paying Minimum Monthly Payment | Balance Transfer Paid Within Intro Period | Balance Transfer Paying Same Minimum Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment | $171 (will adjust as balance decreases) | $391.40 | $171 |
| Time to pay off | 189 months | 15 months | 37 months |
| Interest+Fees Paid | $4,325.56 | $171 | $654.92 |
| Amount paid in full | $10,025.56 | $5,871 | $6,354.92 |
Pros and Cons of a Balance Transfer
Pros
Monthly payments go directly to principal balance during intro period
Many balance transfer cards carry no annual fee
Consolidate multiple types of debt to one card (not just credit card debt)
Some cards offer rewards and benefits that can be valuable after your balance is paid
Cons
Some cards offer rewards and benefits that can be valuable after your balance is paid
Requires discipline to pay off balance in full by the end of intro period
Risk taking on high interest rate on remaining balance after intro period
Depending on your credit limit, you may not be able to transfer your full debt balance
How To Do a Balance Transfer
- Review your financial situation: Check your current debt balance and determine how much you can dedicate to monthly payments.
- Find a balance transfer card with an introductory period that aligns with your payment ability and debt. Don’t forget to account for any fees that may apply.
- Make sure you have a good chance of approval before applying for the card. Read the fine print of the card’s terms for details on penalties or balance transfer restrictions.
- After approval, request your balance transfer. The clock starts on your intro period after approval, so act quickly to maximize the period in full.
How To Compare Balance Transfer Cards
The right balance transfer offer should help you reduce as much existing debt as you can afford before interest kicks in. Your individual financial details — your total debt, amount you’re able to pay monthly, other financial obligations, etc. — can help you choose the card best suited for your debt payoff goals. As you compare offers, consider these card details:
- Introductory Period: Intro periods may last 6, 12, 15, or 18 months (the highest available today is 20 months). A smaller balance may take less time to pay off, while a longer intro period can give you more flexibility to pay down a larger balance.
- Balance Transfer Fee: A typical balance transfer fee ranges 3%-4% of your total balance, with a minimum of $5 or $10. There are also cards that charge no balance transfer fees, though they may offer shorter 0% interest intro periods.
- Other Fees and Penalties: Some balance transfer cards charge an annual fee along with other fees for late payments, returned payments, and more. You may also incur a penalty APR and even have your 0% interest offer revoked for late or missed payments. Review the penalties your card may charge (and how to avoid them) before applying.
- Ongoing variable APR: Any remaining, unpaid balance at the end of the intro period will accrue interest at your assigned variable APR, along with new balances you carry on the card. These high interest rates can lead to more debt quickly, so it’s important to avoid carrying a balance whenever you can.
- Rewards and Benefits: A card with ongoing rewards and benefits can add value to your spending after your debt is paid — if you pay any new purchases off in full each month. Consider how a balance transfer card with rewards or benefits might fit with your spending habits and maximize your purchases over time.
How To Maximize Your Balance Transfer Credit Card
The purpose of a balance transfer card is to pay down as much existing debt as you can throughout the intro period, before you accrue interest. Before applying, take time to establish a payoff plan and stick to it throughout the intro period. Here are a few strategies that can help you further maximize your balance transfer.
1. Start Early
Take full advantage of your intro period. If your issuer allows, apply for the balance transfer along with your card application. The clock starts on your intro period after account opening, so the sooner you can transfer your balance and begin paying down that principal, the better.
2. Calculate Your Payments
Do the math to determine how much you actually need to pay each month to pay your balance in full by the end of the introductory period. This is why it’s important to make sure it’s the right time for your debt payoff before you apply; the best way to maximize a balance transfer is by paying your debt in full before interest starts to accrue.
3. Make Extra Payments
If you receive extra money throughout your card’s intro period — a tax refund, for example, or cash gift — consider using it to make extra payments toward your debt. You can give yourself some added flexibility for future payments, or pay your balance down earlier than expected.
4. Don’t Take on More Debt
Dedicate your balance transfer card solely to debt payoff. Unless an emergency arises, don’t make any purchases with your new card over the course of the intro period. You also don’t want to risk coming too close to your credit limit and taking a hit to your credit score with a higher utilization ratio.
Alternatives To a Balance Transfer
Given today’s economic and interest rate environment, balance transfer offers are relatively scarce. Not only have many issuers pulled back their balance transfer terms, but some, including American Express, Capital One, and Chase, have temporarily eliminated introductory balance transfer offers altogether.
If you have bad credit or a limited credit history, it will be difficult to qualify for a balance transfer card in 2020. That doesn’t mean you don’t have options, though.
You may have a better chance of qualifying for a balance transfer with a local credit union or regional bank. But if your credit isn’t great right now, continuing to slowly chip away at your balances can help improve your credit and put you in a better position to apply for a balance transfer card further into your debt payoff journey. Consider different methods of debt consolidation, such as debt management plans or personal loan consolidation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Transfer Credit Cards
What is a balance transfer?
A balance transfer is a debt payoff method. Balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory 0% interest period on balance transfers, so you can transfer existing high-interest debt and pay down the principal balance interest-free for a period of time.
When is a balance transfer a good idea?
A balance transfer is a good idea only when you have the money to commit to monthly payments and you’ve established a plan to pay down your full balance (or as much as possible) by the end of the introductory period. If you don’t eliminate all or most of your debt within the 0% interest period, the remaining balance will accrue interest on your new card, which can quickly land you in the same position you were before.
What should I look for in a balance transfer card?
Start by choosing a balance transfer card with good approval odds for your credit range. Then, figure out your total debt balance and how much you can commit to monthly payments. This can help you determine the length of introductory 0% interest you should look for. Other factors to consider before applying include balance transfer fee, other fees and penalties, the ongoing APR, and any rewards or benefits.
Does a balance transfer help your credit score?
Opening a new credit card can have a negative effect on your credit score. You may take a temporary credit hit when the issuer runs a hard credit check to determine your creditworthiness. A new credit card can also lower your average account age. When you complete the transfer, keep your old credit account open, even if you don’t plan to use it often (especially if it was one of your first credit accounts).
But in the long run, eliminating debt through any method — including balance transfer — can help your credit score. Paying off debt builds your positive payment history, and reducing your debt balance can help you maintain a better credit utilization ratio, or the amount of credit you’re using versus your total available credit. These are the two most influential factors in your credit score.
Who can qualify for a balance transfer card?
Many of the best balance transfer credit cards require a solid credit history and good-to-excellent credit score (670 or higher) for the best chances of approval.
Methodology
EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE
As with all of our credit card reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships.
To determine the best balance transfer credit cards, NextAdvisor’s editorial team evaluated balance transfer offers on cards currently accepting applications from major card issuers and networks based on national average consumer debt and interest rate data.
We calculated overall savings, monthly payment, fees, and payoff period compared to paying off the same balance on an average credit card. You’ll see a breakdown of how these factors compare under each of our picks. We also considered intro APR, intro period length, time limit to request the balance transfer, fees, and ongoing APR. For cards with ongoing rewards, we accounted for rewards value over time.
*All information about the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, Citi Simplicity® Card, Wells Fargo Platinum card, HSBC Gold Mastercard credit card, Citi® Double Cash Card, U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card, Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card, and SunTrust Bank Prime Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by NextAdvisor and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
