Advertiser Disclosure
Best Balance Transfer Cards of December 2021
Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact where offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them.
Advertiser Disclosure
Best Balance Transfer Cards of December 2021
Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact where offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them.
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best feature: Grocery and gas spending.
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best feature: Long 0% intro APR window.
- Citi Simplicity® Card: Best feature: 0% introductory APR promotion.
- Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card:
- Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer: Best feature: 18-month 0% introductory rate on balance transfers.
- Citi Rewards+® Card: Best feature: Two points per dollar spent at gas stations.
- Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best feature: Simple bonus category redemption.
- Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Best feature: 18-month 0% introductory rate on balance transfers.
- Carnival® World Mastercard®: Best feature: Carnival cruise rewards.
- Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card: Best feature: Wyndham rewards.
- Discover it® Balance Transfer:
A balance transfer credit card could offer you a chance to pay less interest while paying off – or at least reducing – your balance. If you move your account balances to the card and pay it off during the promotional period, you can consolidate credit card debt and manage your monthly finances more easily. Terms apply.
FAQs
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
On Bank of America's Secure Website. This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Top Rewards Rates
- 3%
Cash back in the category of your choice
- 2%
Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- 1%
Cash back on all other purchases
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
Intro Bonus
$200
APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
On Bank of America's Secure Website. This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Bank of America
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Penalty APR
up to 29.99% APR
Purchases Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Cash Advance Fee
See terms
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0*
APR
14.49% - 24.49%* Variable
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
U.S. Bank
Credit Needed
Good/Excellent
Annual Fee
$0*
APR
14.49% - 24.49%* Variable
Purchases Intro APR
0%* for 20 billing cycles on purchases
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0%* intro on BTs for 20 billing cycles on balance transfers*
Balance Transfer Fee
Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fee
2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency
- See all credit card details
Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Citi
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfer
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Cash Advance Fee
5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
APR
12.99%-24.99% Variable APR
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Wells Fargo
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
APR
12.99%-24.99% Variable APR
Purchases Intro APR
0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% intro APR up to 21 months on qualifying balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Cash Advance Fee
Refer to Important Credit Terms
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
On Citi's Secure Website.
Top Rewards Rates
- 2%
on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
APR
13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Citi
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for 18 months
Balance Transfer Fee
Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).
Cash Advance Fee
5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Citi Rewards+® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Top Rewards Rates
- 2X
ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
- 1X
ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
Intro Bonus
20,000
APR
13.49% - 23.49% (Variable)
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Citi
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
13.49% - 23.49% (Variable)
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99% (Variable)
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer Fee
Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).
Cash Advance Fee
5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Top Rewards Rates
- 5%
cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
- 1%
cash back on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
Intro Bonus
$200
APR
13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Citi
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99% (Variable)
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Cash Advance Fee
5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
APR
13.74% - 23.74% Variable
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Citi
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
13.74% - 23.74% Variable
Penalty APR
Up to 29.99%
Purchases Intro APR
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% for intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer Fee
Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Cash Advance Fee
5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
- See all credit card details
Carnival® World Mastercard®
The information for the Carnival® World Mastercard® has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.
Top Rewards Rates
- 2X
Points per dollar spent on any purchases with Carnival Cruise Line and with the brands of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines
- 1X
Point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 1X
Point per dollar on balance transfers made within the first 30 days, up to a maximum of 5,000 FunPoints.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
Intro Bonus
20,000
APR
14.99%, 19.99% or 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness
The information for the Carnival® World Mastercard® has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Barclays
Credit Needed
Good/Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
APR
14.99%, 19.99% or 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness
Penalty APR
None
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
Balance Transfer Fee
$5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fee
0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- See all credit card details
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card
The information for the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.
Top Rewards Rates
- 5X
Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at Hotels By Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases.
- 2X
Points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®).
- 1X
Point per $1 spent on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resorts down payments).
At A Glance
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Bonus
30,000
APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%, based on your credit worthiness
The information for the Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Barclays
Annual Fee
$0
APR
15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%, based on your credit worthiness
Penalty APR
None
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
Balance Transfer Fee
$5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Cash Advance Fee
Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fee
0% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- See all credit card details
Discover it® Balance Transfer
On Discover's Secure Website.
Top Rewards Rates
- 5%
cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- 1%
cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
At A Glance
Credit Needed
670-850
Good to ExcellentAnnual Fee
$0
APR
11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
On Discover's Secure Website.
Rates & Fees
Issuer Name
Discover
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
APR
11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Purchases Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 6 months
Balance Transfer Intro APR
0% Intro APR for 18 months
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
- See all credit card details
See all of our credit cards here.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Compared
Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Intro Bonus | Annual Fee | APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3% Cash back in the category of your choice 2% Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) 1% Cash back on all other purchases | $200 | $0 | 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | |
N/A | N/A | $0* | 14.49% - 24.49%* Variable | |
N/A | N/A | $0 | 14.74% - 24.74% (Variable) | |
N/A | N/A | $0 | 12.99%-24.99% Variable APR | |
2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. | N/A | $0 | 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable) | |
2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases. | 20,000 bonus points | $0 | 13.49% - 23.49% (Variable) | |
5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. 1% cash back on all other purchases. | $200 cash back | $0 | 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable) | |
N/A | N/A | $0 | 13.74% - 23.74% Variable | |
2X Points per dollar spent on any purchases with Carnival Cruise Line and with the brands of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines 1X Point per dollar spent on all other purchases 1X Point per dollar on balance transfers made within the first 30 days, up to a maximum of 5,000 FunPoints. | N/A | $0 | 14.99%, 19.99% or 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness | |
5X Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at Hotels By Wyndham as well as on qualifying gas purchases. 2X Points per $1 spent on eligible dining and grocery purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®). 1X Point per $1 spent on all other purchases (excluding Wyndham Timeshare resorts down payments). | N/A | $0 | 15.74%, 19.99% or 24.99%, based on your credit worthiness | |
5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically. | N/A | $0 | 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR |
Commonly Compared Balance Transfer Credit Cards:
Citi Rewards+® Card
Vs
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
Vs
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Best Cards Summary
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: This card offers 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on balance transfers made within 60 days of acount opening and earns you 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on up to $2,500 each quarter. Also, gas purchases count as one of the six category choices that allow you to receive 3% back on purchases. See our full review.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 20 months, after which the APR is a variable 14.49% to 24.49%. You will pay a balance transfer fee of 3%, or a $5 minimum. Although this card doesn’t offer a rewards program, it does provide up to $600 in cellphone protection if you pay your bill with the card. It also doesn’t charge an annual fee. See our full review.
Citi Simplicity® Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Citi Simplicity Card has a 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers completed within four months of opening your account. After that, there is a 14.74% to 24.74% (variable) APR. The balance transfer fee is $5 or 3%, whichever is greater. Plus, the card charges no annual fee, no penalty APR and no late fees. See our full review.
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers cardholders a 0% APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers for up to 21 months. You will be eligible for the promotional APR as long as you make balance transfers within the first 120 days and complete minimum payments on time. There is no annual fee, and qualifying customers can get a variable APR as low as 12.99% following the introductory offer. See our full review.
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Citi Double Cash Card does not charge an annual fee. All balances transferred to the card within four months of opening it will have a 0% APR for the first 18 months. After that, there is a 13.99% to 23.99% (variable) APR. See our full review.
Citi Rewards+® Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: Citi Rewards+ Card offers a 15-month 0% annual percentage rate on purchases and balance transfers (then there is a 13.49% to 23.49% variable APR). You can earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within three months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com., and you’ll pay no annual fee. See our full review.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a 15-month 0% introductory annual percentage rate on purchases and balance transfers and then charges a variable APR of 13.99% to 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in the category where they spend the most each billing cycle and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Users pay no annual fee and can get 20,000 points, redeemable for $200 cash back, after spending $750 on the card in the first three months. See our full review.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers an 18-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and any balance transfers completed within four months of opening your account. After that, there is a 13.74% to 23.74% (variable) APR. Cardholders do not pay an annual fee. See our full review.
Carnival® World Mastercard®
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: Even if you have no plans to cruise, the Carnival World Mastercard can help you save with a 15-month 0% APR balance transfer offer for balance transfers made within 45 days of opening the account. There's no annual fee. If you use the card for purchases, you'll earn two points per dollar spent with Carnival Cruise Lines and one point per dollar on all other purchases. See our full review.
Wyndham Rewards® Earner℠ Card
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Wyndham Rewards Earner Card has a 15-month 0% APR on balance transfers and a six-month 0% APR on Wyndham timeshare purchases. The card offers five points per dollar on eligible gas and Wyndham purchases. You’ll also earn two points per dollar on eligible dining and grocery purchases, plus one point per dollar on everything else. See our full review.
Discover it® Balance Transfer
Why this is one of the best balance transfer credit cards: The Discover it Balance Transfer card offers a 0% introductory annual percentage rate on balance transfers for 18 months and purchases for six months, after which a variable APR of 11.99% to 22.99% applies. This card earns 5% cash back on rotating categories you activate, such as grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants, up to a quarterly limit, plus 1% back on all other purchases. Discover charges no annual fee and matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year as a cardholder. See our full review.
U.S. News Survey
U.S. News Survey: Balance Transfers Buy Time to Pay Off Debt, but Consumers Hesitate to Add Cards
Whether you carried credit card debt into the coronavirus outbreak or your debt has spiked because of it, a balance transfer can help you pay it off when money is tight. But many consumers aren’t taking advantage of balance transfer credit cards to get out of debt.
A U.S. News survey about balance transfers found that many consumers avoid them, even if they can save on interest, because they don’t want more credit cards.
Additional Survey Insights
Nearly 50% of cardholders carry a balance on at least one credit card.
Balances of less than $10,000 are typical for most cardholders with debt.
More than 25% of cardholders said credit card debt sometimes limits their finances.
About a third of cardholders said they don’t know how much credit card interest they pay monthly.
Consumers most often use balance transfers to pay off debt, save money on interest and reduce debt.
When cardholders choose a balance transfer offer, they prioritize the balance transfer fee, the length of the balance transfer offer and the annual percentage rate for purchases.
U.S. News Survey Methodology
- U.S. News ran a nationwide survey through Google Surveys in May 2020.
- The sample size was the general American population, and the survey was configured to be representative of this sample.
- The survey was screened to exclude consumers without credit cards.
- The survey asked 10 questions relating to cardholder balances and balance transfer use.
Survey Results
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Methodology
U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards are selected based on annual fees, annual percentage rates, balance transfer offers, introductory APRs and issuer satisfaction ratings from U.S. News.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards must have a 0% APR of at least 14 months for balance transfers. A long introductory APR provides more time to pay off a card balance with no interest, and a 0% APR could apply to purchases during the same period. You can choose the best card for you by comparing 0% APR promotions, balance transfer terms and fees, and card rewards programs and cardholder benefits.
Is It a Good Idea to Do a Balance Transfer on a Credit Card?
As with most things in life, balance transfer credit cards come with positives and negatives. If you use a balance transfer credit card responsibly, it's all good news. But you need to know about the pitfalls, too, so you can avoid them.
BENEFITS
- Pay less interest. By moving high-interest debt to a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer, you save money by paying no interest for a while. Make the most of the offer by paying off as much of the balance as possible before the introductory period ends.
- Save time. With a balance transfer offer, you can consolidate balances from other cards onto one card and pay a single monthly payment. You can let go of the stress that comes with juggling multiple accounts.
- Become debt-free sooner. When you don't have interest charges, you're paying down only the principal on your debt each month. Financial freedom gets closer every single month.
Increase your credit score as you pay down debt. A whopping 30% of your FICO score depends on your credit utilization ratio. This is the amount of credit you've used compared with the amount of credit you have available.
The lower your utilization rate, the better. When you transfer a balance from a credit card and keep the account open, your utilization rate on that account will drop. But keep in mind that your new balance transfer card might initially have a high credit utilization ratio, especially if you've transferred several balances. Your score might even decrease at first because of the high ratio.
However, your credit utilization ratio will drop as you pay down your debt, and your FICO score should improve as long as you don't make additional card purchases.
RISKS
Balance transfer fees. Most balance transfer credit cards require you to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the transfer amount. For example, a $10,000 balance onto a card with a 5% balance transfer fee means you will repay $10,500.
Run the numbers and make sure the balance transfer fee doesn't offset your interest savings, or look for a balance transfer card with a lower fee.
- Introductory offer limits. Some 0% APR offers only apply to balance transfers, but certain cards offer 0% APR introductory rates on both balance transfers and purchases. Most balance transfer credit cards require you to complete your transfers within a specified period to get the introductory rate, usually 45 to 60 days after opening your account. Read the card's terms and conditions so you know the deadline for transfers.
- Credit limits. You won't know your credit limit until you're approved for a balance transfer credit card, and the total of your balance transfers, fees, interest charges and purchases can't exceed that credit limit. Therefore, you might not be able to transfer and consolidate as much debt as you planned if your credit limit isn't high enough.
- Transfers from the same lender aren't allowed. You can't transfer a balance to a new credit card if the balance is owed to the same credit card issuer, lender or one of its affiliates.
- Promotional rate terms. You could lose your promotional rate if you pay your bill late, go over your card's credit limit or your payment doesn't clear. If you don't make at least a minimum payment within 60 days of the due date, a penalty APR may apply to your balance and future purchases.
- Other fees may apply. As with other types of credit cards, a balance transfer card may charge additional fees, such as foreign transaction, late payment or annual fees. These can all eat into your potential savings.
How Do Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work?
Learning the details of the balance transfer process is essential so you can avoid common pitfalls and make the most of a balance transfer offer.
1. ELIGIBILITY
- Strong credit score. Typically, balance transfer credit cards require a FICO score of 670 or better. A score of at least 700 improves your chances of getting approved for the best balance transfer credit cards.
- Low debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is another important factor, which is your monthly debt obligations divided by your monthly income. A DTI of 36% or less is considered a good ratio, but this varies among lenders. Of course, the lower, the better.
- Clean credit history. Credit card issuers might not approve your application if you have a delinquent credit card account or have declared bankruptcy in the last seven to 10 years. Ask lenders about their policies.
2. RESTRICTIONS ON BALANCE TRANSFERS
- Balances must come from another creditor. Generally, you can only transfer balances from debts you owe to different financial institutions. You may be able to transfer a balance from someone else's account, but keep in mind that it legally becomes your debt once you do so.
- Types of debt transferred. Issuers may restrict the type of account you can transfer balances from. Here are a few common options:
- Credit card balances. You can transfer a balance from one credit card to another.
- Loan balances. You may be able to transfer balances from personal or auto loans.
- Limits on how much you can transfer. Most balance transfer credit cards have a credit limit that applies to purchases and transfers. If you reach the limit, the issuer might decline your balance transfer or only accept part of the balance you want to transfer.
3. TIMELINE
Initiating balance transfers. The steps you take to start a transfer vary by issuer, but once you're approved for the card, you can make the request by phone or online.
Sometimes, you can request a transfer when you submit your application, but the issuer might not process the request until the card is in the mail.
- Qualifying for the introductory rate. The balance transfer must be initiated or completed within a specified period to receive the introductory rate, usually 45 to 60 days from when you open your account.
- Plan for the balance transfer to take a few weeks. Ideally, a balance transfer will go through within a few business days, but it could take several weeks.
- Introductory periods vary. Your card's 0% APR introductory offer may vary from less than a year to almost two years. A longer promotional period gives you more time to pay off the balance. But a card with a shorter period that waives the transfer fee or offers more features could be a good option, too.
4. BALANCE TRANSFER FEE
Most cards charge a fee for each balance transfer. Issuers charge balance transfer fees based on how much debt you transfer to the card. Generally, this fee is 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer, or a minimum of $5 to $10. The balance transfer fee applies to each transfer, and you should remember that this fee is added to the total you have to pay back.
Say you transfer $5,000, and the fee is 3%. You will pay $150 for a transfer fee (5,000 x .03 = 150). The amount you'll be paying back is now $5,150.
- Some cards temporarily waive balance transfer fees. Some cards don't have balance transfer fees, or they might waive fees for a certain period of time after you open the account.
How Can You Save With a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer credit card can offer significant savings, especially if you're carrying high-interest credit card debt. But you need to know if you have enough cash flow to make the monthly payments on your combined debt. You don't want a situation where you can't make the payments, and you end up in more debt and trashing your credit score.
Check costs and savings before going through with a balance transfer. If you can afford to make large payments and quickly pay off your credit card debt, a balance transfer fee might cost you more than you would save on interest payments.
How Do You Do a Balance Transfer?
Once you decide to do a balance transfer, you need a plan. Without a plan, you run the risk of not paying down your balance before the promotional period ends or increasing your debt.
Create a budget
If you don't already have a budget, try software like Mint or You Need a Budget that can help categorize your purchases, set goals and eliminate unnecessary expenses. But be sure to keep a few small treats for yourself, like buying an occasional latte. If you make your budget too tight, you're unlikely to succeed.
Organize balance transfer information
Gather the following information for your balance transfer:
- Account number, name and address of each credit card issuer and/or lender.
- Credit card and/or loan balances.
- Your checking account number and routing number, if you want balance transfer funds put into a checking account.
The combined amount from balance transfers, fees, interest charges and purchases can't exceed your card limit, so be sure the accounts with the highest interest rates are included first so you save the most on interest.
Be careful to confirm the terms of the offer, including the length of the promotional rate on balance transfers and purchases.
Make your request
You might be able to request a balance transfer online or by phone while applying for your balance transfer card. Otherwise, you may need to wait until your account is set up and then submit your request with account information and transfer amounts.
Depending on the issuer, you may also request a balance transfer check mailed directly to you or a creditor.
Continue making payments until your balance transfers
It may take several weeks for a balance transfer request to be finalized, so continue to make minimum payments on the credit card accounts until you receive confirmation that the transfers were successful.
If you know the amount of your new monthly payment on your balance transfer card, set up at least the minimum payment in autopay. Accidental late payments can result in a late fee or loss of the promotional rate.
Keep old accounts open
After completing balance transfers from credit cards, some people close old accounts to avoid building a balance again. However, this may hurt your credit by lowering your total available credit and increasing your credit utilization ratio. Instead, keep cards open but cut them up or store them in a drawer while paying down your balances.
Also, choose a balance transfer card that will be useful after you pay off the balance. For instance, a no-frills credit card can be used for emergencies if the go-to rate isn't too high.
How Can You Choose the Best Balance Transfer Card?
Your main goal should be to pick a card that gives you a long enough promotional period and low fees. As with most financial products, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but taking these five steps can help you determine which card is best for you.
- Compare promotional period. Choosing the card with the longest promotional period is often recommended, especially if you have a lot of debt and need more time to pay it off. But if you can manage a shorter promotional period, you might find other balance transfer credit cards with another benefit, such as no balance transfer fee.
- Review other balance transfer terms. Several features may make one balance transfer card offer more appealing than another.
- Zero percent APR promotion for new purchases. If you plan to use the card to make purchases while you're still paying down debt, a card that has a 0% APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers might sound perfect to you.
- Balance transfer fee. You'll usually have to pay 3% to 5% of each balance transfer, but read the fine print for each card.
- Regular APR. After the promotional period, any remaining balance will be subject to interest charges. This is the go-to interest rate for your balance. The balance transfer APR is often the same as the purchase APR, but your particular rate depends on your creditworthiness.
- Balance transfer limit. You won't know your new balance transfer card's credit limit until you apply, but you can review the terms to see if there's a maximum.
- Types of debt you can transfer. Balance transfer credit cards let you transfer balances from other card issuers.
- Zero percent APR promotion for new purchases. If you plan to use the card to make purchases while you're still paying down debt, a card that has a 0% APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers might sound perfect to you.
Look for other types of fees. You may be able to avoid these fees by choosing a card that either doesn't have them or by not incurring them.
- Annual fee. Annual fees can range from about $25 to more than $550.
- Late fee. Late payments could end your promotional rate and result in a fee of up to $39.
- Foreign transaction fee. Some cards charge 2% to 3% of the purchase price for foreign transactions.
- Cash advance fee. Depending on the method you use, the fee will be up to 8% of the amount withdrawn, with a $5 to $10 minimum.
- The APR for cash advances is higher than your purchase APR, and interest starts accruing when the transaction posts to your account. Don't get a cash advance, because it will only add to your debt and stress.
- The APR for cash advances is higher than your purchase APR, and interest starts accruing when the transaction posts to your account. Don't get a cash advance, because it will only add to your debt and stress.
- Annual fee. Annual fees can range from about $25 to more than $550.
Calculate the benefit of a rewards program. Some rewards credit cards have balance transfer offers, although you likely won't earn rewards for those transfers. Although non-rewards cards tend to have the longest promotional periods, some rewards cards are competitive. It pays to research if a particular card is one you can use once you're out of debt.
You should always pay off your balance before using your card to make purchases or earn rewards. However, you might use a rewards credit card for essentials such as gas and groceries, but only if the card has a 0% purchase APR. You might also spend enough to qualify for a large sign-up bonus, pay for the purchases, apply the bonus value toward your balance, and then stop using until your balance is paid off.
- Understand cardholder benefits. Balance transfer cards may come with additional perks or benefits. A card may offer benefits such as extended warranty coverage, travel accident insurance, theft and fraud protection, concierge service or access to your credit score.
Balance transfer cards tend to require at least good credit. That means you’ll need a FICO credit score of at least 670.
Opening any new credit card can affect your credit score. But if you commit to paying down your debt during a balance transfer card’s promotional period, you can reduce your credit utilization ratio over time, which could improve your score.
The steps required to make a balance transfer can vary, so check with your issuer if you're unsure. Most cards charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer, or a minimum of $5 to $10.
Balance transfer credit cards usually offer a 0% introductory annual percentage rate on the amount transferred. Some balance transfer cards also have a 0% APR offer on purchases, but your focus should be on paying off debt, not on racking up new charges.
The promotional rate for balance transfers usually ranges from 12 to 21 months, which gives you time to pay down or pay off your balance without interest charges. This is like getting an interest-free loan, so take advantage of the opportunity, and use your balance transfer credit card wisely.
Expect to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the balance transfer amount. If the fee is lower than the interest you'd be paying on your credit card (or cards), then you'll still come out ahead. It's possible to find balance transfer cards with no fee, but these are rare.
A balance transfer credit card could offer you a chance to pay less interest while paying off – or at least reducing – your balance. If you move your account balances to the card and pay it off during the promotional period, you can consolidate credit card debt and manage your monthly finances more easily.
Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.
Compare Credit Cards
You can compare cards side-by-side, plus get info about rewards, points, interest rates, and how to apply — all in one place.
