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
- Introductory balance transfer rate:0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:13.74% – 25.74% Variable APR
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Long intro APR
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- No rewards
- High APR after the introductory offer ends
- Must meet requirements to get full 21 months of 0% intro APR
Additional Card Details
- Get a 0% introductory APR for up to 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers — start with a 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then unlock up to three additional months with on-time minimum payments during the 18-month offer and the extension period, then a 13.74% to 25.74% variable APR thereafter
- Cell phone protection worth up to $600 when you pay your bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Get access to My Wells Fargo Deals: earn cash back in the form of a statement credit when you use your eligible Wells Fargo card with select retailers
- Roadside dispatch
- Introductory balance transfer rate:0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:15.49% – 25.49% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months for balance transfers and 12 months for purchases (then variable APR 15.49% to 25.49%)
- No annual fee
- No late payment fees or penalty APR
- No rewards
- No welcome offer
- 5% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum)
Additional Card Details
- Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
- Includes Citi Identity Theft Solutions protection
- Choose your payment due date
- Digital wallet compatible
- Introductory balance transfer rate:0% for 20 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:15.24% – 25.24% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Long 0% interest intro offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No penalty APR
- Fees for late or returned payment
- 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) applies
- No rewards structure
Additional Card Details
- 0% introductory APR for 20 billing cycles on new purchases
- 0% introductory APR for 20 billing cycles on balance transfers posted to your account within 60 days of account opening
- Balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of balance, whichever is greater
- No penalty APR
- Cellphone protection for damage or theft up to $600 for up to two claims per year with a $25 deductible.
- Introductory balance transfer rate:0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:13.24% – 23.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Lengthy 0% APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- $100 statement credit bonus
- No ongoing rewards or benefits
- 3% balance transfer fee (minimum $10)
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Additional Card Details
- $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Introductory 0% APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, as well as on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening (13.24%-23.24% variable APR thereafter)
- 3% balance transfer fee (minimum $10)
- FICO Score for free, updated monthly
- 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)
NextAdvisor’s Take
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months
- Late-fee waiver (can use once per year) and no penalty APR
- No cash back or travel rewards
- No welcome offer
- High balance transfer fee
Additional Card Details
- The defining feature of the HSBC Gold Mastercard is its 18-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (13.99% to 23.99% variable APR thereafter). This introductory rate makes it a good balance transfer option, and also offers a way to finance larger purchases with 0% interest (provided you pay off the balance within the 18-month intro period).
- Balance transfer fee of 4% or $10, whichever is greater
- Mastercard Airport Concierge delivers 15% savings on Airport Meet and Greet services
- Travel accident insurance
- MasterRental Coverage when you rent for 15 consecutive days or less
- Introductory balance transfer rate:0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Annual fee:$0
- Regular APR:14.74% – 24.74% (Variable)
- Recommended credit score:670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
NextAdvisor’s Take
- Flat cash back on every purchase
- 18-month 0% intro APR for balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No welcome bonus
- 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5)
- Delayed cash back rewards if you carry a balance
Additional Card Details
- Extra incentive to pay down your balance in full: You’ll earn only 1% cash back when you make a purchase, and the other 1% when you pay it off
- 18-month 0% intro period on balance transfers, 14.74% to 24.74% variable APR thereafter
- Redeem cash back for statement credits, direct deposit, check, or convert cash back value to Citi ThankYou points
- $25 minimum cash back redemption
- Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening and a 3% ($5 minimum) fee applies, After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5)
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of January 2022
Wells Fargo Reflect card
Good for: Long Intro Period
With the Wells Fargo Reflect, you’ll get 18 months from account opening of 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers. You can also get an extension on the initial intro period for a total 21 months if you pay your minimum monthly balance on time throughout the initial and extended periods. After the introductory period, the variable APR is 13.74% to 25.74%.
Citi Simplicity Card
Good for: Avoiding fees
You’ll have 21 months to take advantage of the 0% interest introductory period for this card (then it’s 15.49% to 25.49% variable APR). The Citi Simplicity Card has no penalty rate or late fees.
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Good for: Overall value
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum will give you a lot of flexibility for paying off your debt. It has a 0% interest introductory period on balance transfers for 20 billing cycles (then it’s 15.24% to 25.24% variable APR).
BankAmericard Credit Card
Good for: (Relatively) lower variable APR
BankAmericard offers introductory 0% interest for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers you make within 60 days of account opening. After the intro period, any balances you carry take on a variable APR between 13.24% and 23.24%, lower than many other balance transfer options.
HSBC Gold Mastercard
Good for: Keeping it simple
The HSBC Gold Mastercard offers an 18-month introductory period of 0% interest for balance transfers, followed by an ongoing 13.99%-23.99% variable APR. You’ll also get a late-fee waiver once per calendar year.
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 14.74% to 24.74%.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Summary
| Card | What It’s Good For | Balance Transfer Period |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect Card | Good for Long Intro Bonus | Up to 21 Months |
| Citi Simplicity Card | Good for Avoiding Fees | 21 Months |
| U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card | Good for Overall Value | 20 Billing Cycles |
| BankAmericard Credit Card | Good for (Relatively) Lower Variable APR | 18 Billing Cycles |
| HSBC Gold Mastercard credit card | Good for Keeping it Simple | 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
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, HSBC Gold Mastercard credit 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.
