4 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of March 2023

1. Great Rewards

   Citi(R) Double Cash Card

   Our Partner

   • Introductory Period:

     18 months

   • Balance Transfer Fee:

     5 or 3% of the total transferred within the first four months ($5 or 5% after)

   Learn More

2. Best for Fair Credit

   Chase Slate Edge? Credit Card

   Our Partner

   • Introductory Period:

     18 months

   • Balance Transfer Fee:

     $5 or 3% of the total transferred within the first 60 days ($5 or 5% after)

   Learn More

3. Longest Intro Period

   Citi(R) Diamond Preferred(R) Credit Card

   Our Partner

   • Introductory Period:

     21 months

   • Balance Transfer Fee:

     $5 or 5% of the total transferred

   Learn More

4. Best with Cash Back

   Bank of America(R) Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

   Our Partner

   • Introductory Period:

     18 months

   • Balance Transfer Fee:

     3% of the total transferred

   Learn More

Balance transfer credit cards can offer you an effective way to consolidate debt and reduce the interest you pay overall.

The best balance transfer cards will provide a lengthy introductory 0% APR period — anywhere between 18 to 21 months — giving you enough time to pay down most, if not all, of what you owe while there are no interest charges piling up. They also tend to charge lower balance transfer fees than other credit cards.

Read on for our reviews of the best balance transfer cards in the market today.

Our Top Picks for Balance Transfer Credit Cards of March 2023

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card – Best Overall

• First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard® – Best with No Transfer Fee

• Chase Slate Edge℠ – Best for Fair Credit

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best with Cash Back

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Reviews

Pros

• 0% intro APR on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers for up to 21 months (followed by 17.49%-29.49%)

• Lower minimum APR than main competitors

• 3% balance transfer fee if amount is transferred within the first 120 days of account opening

Cons

• No rewards

• Foreign transaction fee

HIGHLIGHTS

Insurance and protection

Why we chose it: When it comes to balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card tops competitors in almost every way: a longer introductory period, a lower balance transfer fee and a competitive regular APR.

Wells Fargo offers up to 21 months of balance transfers and purchases with 0% APR — the longest period we saw — followed by 17.49%-29.49% variable APR. Its minimum regular APR is also lower than its main rivals.

There is a small catch. The original 0% APR balance transfer offer is 18 months, but the bank will extend that for three additional months if you make every minimum payment on time. However, given that it’s in the best interest of your credit score anyway to make all your payments on time, this added incentive could really be a win-win.

While some competitors offer 21 months without caveats, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card does stand out in other ways. First, it also offers this 21-month offer on new purchases; other cards pair the 21 months on balance transfers with shorter periods on purchases, usually 12 to 15 months.

Second, while many cards have a limited time period to make these transfers, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has one of the longest at 120 days from account opening; many others offer 60 or even 30. The Wells Fargo card also charges a lower balance transfer fee at 3% within that 120-day window, and 5% after that.

Finally, this card has up to $600 in cell phone protection and rental car collision waiver, plus the chance to earn some cash back in specific offers through My Wells Fargo Deals — features that are not available through most of its main competitors.

Pros

• No balance transfer fee for transfers within first 90 days

• 12 months with 0% APR on balance transfers (12.50%-18.00% thereafter)

• Rewards program

Cons

• No promotional APR on purchases

• 12-month promotional period is on the short side

HIGHLIGHTS

Insurance and protection

Why we chose it: The First Tech Choice Rewards Mastercard® is one of the few no-balance transfer fee credit cards with rewards, and it also offers a low regular APR — all of which make it a valuable card to have even after its promotional period ends.

The First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard® offers a 12-month period with 0% APR on balance transfers, followed by a 12.50%-18.00% regular APR thereafter. Its biggest draw, however, is the lack of a balance transfer fee.

While the promotional period is comparatively short and doesn’t apply to purchases made with the card, no balance transfer fee means that the balance can be transferred without adding the typical 3% to 5% fee that most cards charge. This is especially beneficial for people that have a short term plan to pay off a large balance.

This card by First Tech also has a rewards program that earns 2x points per dollar on purchases made on groceries, gas, electronics, household goods and medical and telecommunication retailers. On everything else, the card earns 1x point. Note that these points are only redeemable through the issuer’s platform and have no cash value.

There’s also a wide array of Mastercard Benefits, such as coverage for rental cars, trip cancellation, lost baggage and discounts from companies like DoorDash and Lyft.

With these perks, along with its low regular APR, the First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard® could be a great addition to your wallet.

Pros

• 18-month promotional period with 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, followed by 19.49%-28.24% variable APR

• APR decreases by 2% after spending $1,000 each year and paying on time

Cons

• No rewards

HIGHLIGHTS

Insurance and protection

Why we chose it: The Chase Slate Edge℠ provides a lengthy promotional period along with valuable resources to get cardholders’ credit scores back on track.

Although typically aimed at people who are just starting to build their credit, the Chase Slate Edge℠ also offers a good platform for improving your credit score.

It offers 18 months with 0% APR (19.49%-28.24% thereafter). Also, if you make every monthly payment on time and spend at least $1,000 a year with the card, Chase will decrease your APR until it reaches the Prime Rate plus 9.74% (which currently totals 15.99%). Note that if you already have the lowest possible APR in your first year, it won’t get any lower.

The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of the total transferred, whichever is greater, if you transfer during the first 60 days of account opening. After that, it’s $5 or 5% of the balance total.

Additionally, the card’s current welcome offer could potentially raise your credit limit by $500 if you pay every bill on or before its due date for the first six months of account opening.

These features could be a great help for cardholders who want to learn how to build credit, improve their creditworthiness and also reach a lower APR by the end of their promotional period.

Pros

• High rewards, up to 3% back on select categories

• Among longest promotional period of cash back cards (18 months)

• $200 intro bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days

Cons

• Balance transfers must be made in the first 60 days

• Foreign transaction fee

HIGHLIGHTS

Insurance and protection

Why we chose it: Among cards with high rewards rates and intro bonuses, this Bank of America® option has the longest period with 0% APR on balance transfers.

For consumers who want a card that both helps them consolidate debt in the short term and rewards their usage long term, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice.

The card offers a long 18-month period with 0% APR for both new purchases and balance transfers, followed by 18.24%-28.24% variable APR. Balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days of account opening, however, a shorter span than most other cards, which commonly offer around four months. There’s also a $200 introductory bonus after you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days, an extra push to pay off that transferred debt.

You also get plenty of rewards with this card. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% on a category you choose monthly from a pre-established list (including gas stations, drug stores, online shopping and more). You earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs too, although there’s a $2,500 per quarter spending limit on 3% and 2% categories combined, earning 1% after that. On everything else, you’ll get 1% cash back.

The card’s promotional period is similar to those from many cards that specialize in balance transfer offers. However, its rewards program is highly competitive, making it a good choice for people who want to get something back for their everyday expenses.

Other balance transfer credit cards we considered

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card specializes in balance transfers, as demonstrated by its 21-month long balance transfer promotional period, which is among the best in the market.

Why it didn’t make the cut: However, when it comes to new purchases, that period is much shorter at 12 months, which is why competitors edged it out of our list.

Pros

• 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, followed by 17.49%-28.24% variable APR

• Lengthy four-month period from account opening to make qualifying transfers

Cons

• 0% APR on purchases lasts 12 months, followed by 17.49%-28.24% variable APR

• No purchase protection or insurance

Citi® Double Cash Card

One of Citibank’s most popular offerings, the Citi® Double Cash Credit Card is a great one-and-done option, giving back 2% on all purchases. Currently, it has an excellent introductory offer. It includes a $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,500 within the first six months of account opening, along with 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, followed by 18.24%-28.24% variable APR.

Why it didn’t make the cut: Despite its many advantages, the lack of an intro APR on purchases — which competitors in our list do offer — left it out of our main list.

Pros

• 2% cash back on all purchases

• 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, followed by 18.49%-28.49% variable APR

Cons

• No 0% introductory APR on purchases

U.S Bank Visa® Platinum Card

Pros

• Long promotional period on both purchases and balance transfers

• Cell phone protection up to $600

• Balance transfer fee is always 3% (with a $5 minimum)

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee

• No rewards

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is a reliable balance transfer card that delivers just what’s needed. It has 18 months of 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers (18.74%-28.74% regular APR afterwards).

Why it didn’t make the cut: The card delivers on the basics; however, its lack of added features pushed it out of our top list.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has a lot of perks too, such as trip cancellation insurance and high cash back reward rates on bonus categories, like 5% on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3% on dining. It’s a great credit card with a lengthy 15-month 0% APR period (followed by 19.49%-28.24% regular APR).

Why it didn’t make the cut: While 15 months is a good amount of time for an introductory period, some competitors offer slightly more and kept it out of our list.

Pros

• 5% on rotating categories each quarter

• 5% on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards(R)

• Cell phone protection and rental car collision waiver

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee

• Rotating rewards require activation

Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card

The Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card does not charge a balance transfer fee and offers an incredibly low regular APR (9.74%-18.00%), making it convenient even after its promotional period is over.

Why it didn’t make the cut: Navy Federal membership is only for active or retired members of the military, their families and certain military department employees. Additionally, the introductory 0.99% APR is slightly higher than the 0% many of these cards offer.

Pros

• No balance transfer fee

• Low regular variable APR (10.24%-18.00%)

Cons

• Promotional period has a 0.99% APR, followed by 9.74%-18.00% variable APR

• Must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to apply

Balance Transfer Credit Cards Guide

There’s a lot to know about balance transfer credit cards, even more so if you’re looking to make a big transfer that can affect your credit or your finances.

Read on to better understand what these cards are, how they work and the details that can help you make the right decision.

• What is a balance transfer credit card?

• How does a balance transfer work?

• Pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards

• How to choose a balance transfer credit card

• How to do a Balance Transfer

• Alternatives to 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Latest News in Balance Transfer Credit Cards

What is a balance transfer credit card?

Balance transfer credit cards offer low or 0% APR on balance transfers for an established period of time during which new cardholders can transfer debt acquired with other cards. These intro APR periods typically range anywhere between 18 and 21 billing cycles. Cards that don’t specialize in balance transfers typically offer shorter promotional periods or sometimes none at all.

While many of these cards charge a 5% balance transfer fee, some don’t charge these fees at all or offer a lower percentage such as 3% for a limited time.

If this is what you’re looking for, keep on reading to better understand the process; if you want a broader look at the credit card options available, check out our Best Credit Cards article.

What is a 0% balance transfer?

Usually, when you transfer a balance from one card to another, you’ll have to pay interest on that balance at the new card’s APR. However, when you get an offer with 0% intro APR, your balance won’t accrue interest during a specified period of time, giving you a chance to pay it off without the extra charges.

How does a balance transfer work?

A balance transfer is an agreement between two credit card issuers. Essentially, the issuer from the card you’re transferring to pays off your debt to the issuer you’re transferring the balance from. This transfer is subject to approval from both parties and depends on the amount and your payment history.

Keep in mind that you can’t transfer a balance between cards from the same issuer, and most require the payment of a balance transfer fee.

What is a balance transfer fee?

Most issuers will charge a balance transfer fee, which is a percentage of the total balance you’re transferring. It’s usually between 3% and 5% or $5, whichever is greater (spoiler: the percentage is almost always greater). Most cards offer a 5% balance transfer fee, but there are cards that offer 3% for a specific period of time as part of a promotion.

For example, you might transfer a $2,000 debt within the first 60 days of account opening, and your balance would end up being $2,060 (3% of $2,000 is $60) on your new card. If you transfer it at a later date when the transfer fee is instead 5%, your balance would be $2,100.

Some cards don’t charge a balance transfer fee during that period, such as the First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard®. These are extremely rare, however, and some issuers might offset this by offering a slightly higher interest rate, such as 0.99% instead of 0%, which is the case for the Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card.

How long does a balance transfer take?

The waiting period for a balance transfer to take effect will vary depending on both issuers. It normally takes five to seven business days, but in rare instances it could extend beyond two weeks. You might see the change reflected on one card before the other, and it’s even possible to see the usage of both cards simultaneously on a credit report. (If that does happen, there’s no need to be alarmed, the duplication will disappear soon enough.)

What are the limits on balance transfers?

Other than the new card’s credit limit, there are no caps on the transfer amount. Nevertheless, keep in mind that the fee’s percentage might take away some wiggle room. If your available credit is $2,000 and the balance transfer fee is 3%, you’ll have enough available credit to transfer around $1,940, plus the $58.20 charged.

Pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards

Balance transfer cards can be a huge help when high-interest credit card debt is getting out of hand. However, these cards have some disadvantages. Here are some examples of the good and the bad when doing a balance transfer with a new card.

Pros

• Long periods without interest charges makes it easier to pay off existing debt.

• Credit cards that offer rewards or insurance can provide benefits after the intro period is over.

• It can help you consolidate debt from multiple high-interest cards, making it easier to pay off debt and keep track of payments.

• A new credit card might actually help improve your credit score by giving you a higher credit limit.

Cons

• The longer the intro period, the fewer the perks and rewards, which could make a card less useful in the future

• High interest rates when promotional periods end. This could put you at risk of even more debt if you don’t pay it off in time.

• Balance transfer fees raise your overall debt. Although it’s a small amount, it could make an impact if your balance is high.

• If used to acquire more purchasing power instead of consolidating debt, it could lead you further into debt.

Who should get a 0% APR balance transfer credit card?

Individuals with large amounts of credit card debt. If you have outstanding balances on one or more credit cards and the interest is becoming a problem, a balance transfer credit card can lighten that load. It’ll give you a period of time to pay off just the principal of your debt without accruing a monthly interest charge.

Cardholders with high interest rates. Your debt might not be too high, but if your current credit cards charge really high interest, it can still be a problem. Getting 0% APR for 12 months or more can save you a couple of dollars down the road (watch out for that pesky balance transfer fee, though). Also, if you’ve grown creditwise, you might get a card with a lower regular APR than your previous card even after the promotional period ends.

People looking for a better card. if you’re looking for a more convenient and rewarding credit card than what’s currently in your wallet, finding a card with a 0% balance transfer offer can be convenient. You can transfer the outstanding balance you currently have and avoid interest charges, while also getting a new, far better card. Cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards offer lengthy promotional periods and a wide array of cash back rewards.

How to choose a balance transfer credit card

Most balance transfer cards have an 18- to 21-month intro APR offer, but there’s a lot more to look at when you’re making your choice. Which card is right for you depends on your personal finances, payment plans and what you expect to get from it in the future.

1. Compare introductory period length

If you’re looking specifically for 0% APR credit cards, the most important factor to consider is the length of that offer and whether it’s enough time to pay off most, if not the entirety, of your debt.

Regular cards often offer an introductory low-APR period on both purchases and balance transfers as well. However, they normally range between nine and 15 months, while specialized balance transfer cards offer anywhere between 18 and 21 months.

A good point of comparison is the introductory period for new purchases. While most balance transfer-focused credit cards will offer the same 18 to 21 months with 0% APR on balance transfers, some will pair this with a shorter 12- to 15-month period on purchases. Those with longer periods on purchases can often be the better option.

2. Check balance transfer fee amount and transfer time limit

Most balance transfer cards charge a fee when you transfer debt, typically between 3% and 5%. That difference can be huge if you have a large balance to transfer, so it’s important to calculate just how much that will end up costing you. In some cases, it might be enough to impact your card choice.

Also, some issuers offer the lower 3% only for a limited time, from 30 to 120 days — an important detail to consider if you can’t make the transfer immediately. There are also a few cards without a balance transfer fee, although they tend to be lackluster in terms of rewards and overall perks.

Additionally, some cards’ entire intro offer will be subject to a time limit. For example, some could require that you make the transfer within 60 days (or whichever time limit applies) to enjoy the 0% APR for the announced period, but if you make it afterwards, you’ll get the regular APR.

3. Consider other fees

If you’re looking for relief from credit card debt, the last thing you want is additional fees raising your balance.

First, you might want to get a no annual fee card (annual fees are very rare among balance transfer cards), as some of these fees can be a huge burden down the road.

Second, look at over-the-limit fees. Some issuers allow you to exceed your limit to avoid declining a purchase, but could charge a fee for it. After a balance transfer, you might have little available credit remaining, which could make you more vulnerable to accidentally going over your limit.

Third, examine whether the card charges a late fee and/or a penalty APR. Some issuers give the account a higher, penalty APR after a late payment, while others just charge a fixed amount that gets added to your balance. Some, however, do both. Penalty APRs, for the most part, don’t apply to existing balances, while late fees are immediately added.

4. Compare rewards

One of the most attractive features credit cards can offer is the rewards program. While most cards specializing in balance transfers won’t offer the most generous travel rewards (for those, check out our best travel credit cards list), they do sometimes offer perks.

Even those without cash back or points can feature benefits such as extended warranties or cell phone protection. These cards are often a better deal than one that only offers an introductory low-APR period.

Some of the best cash back credit cards, however, offer 12 to 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, along with introductory bonuses. Depending on your situation, these may actually be good enough (or even better in the big picture) than cards aimed specifically at balance transfers.

How to do a balance transfer

Transferring a balance between cards is fairly simple, especially now that many issuers include the option in their mobile apps and websites.

1. Apply for your new card. Once you choose a balance transfer credit card that suits your particular needs, go to the issuer’s website and apply.

2. Ask your issuer for the transfer. On your new issuer’s mobile app or website, you’ll find the option to transfer a balance, most likely in a “Services” section. You can also call your issuer directly.

3. Fill in the information. When you find the balance transfer option, you’ll need to fill in the form with the information of the previous card (the card you’re transferring the balance from), so keep the card accessible.

4. Wait. It actually is that simple once you’ve been approved for the card itself. The balance transfer needs to be approved and it can take five to seven days to take effect.

5. Pay your new issuer. Keep on paying the balance, but on your new card instead of your old one — unless you left some balance back there too.

Alternatives to 0% balance transfer credit cards

Using a credit card to consolidate debt is a good option, but it won’t always be the best choice — especially if you can’t pay your remaining balance within the introductory APR period.

Here are some alternatives that can help you, depending on your particular situation.

Debt consolidation loans

A debt consolidation loan can help you pay off all your existing, high-interest debt and consolidate it into a single payment at, hopefully, a lower interest rate. In many cases, lenders will take care of the consolidation and pay the credit card issuers directly.

If this sounds like a good option for you, take a look at our best debt consolidation loans for some guidance.

Personal loans for credit card debt

There’s also the possibility of getting a personal loan in order to pay off credit cards and consolidate debt. Personal loans are typically low-interest when compared to credit cards, and are quickly processed — in fact, funds could be deposited in your account within 24 or 48 hours from approval. This can be convenient if you only need to pay off certain card bills or if you also need extra cash for other issues.

You can look at our best personal loans article to further examine if this route is right for you.

Make a plan to pay off your debt faster

If you can’t transfer your high-interest debt to a balance transfer card, and your current card has a high APR, it’s a good idea to devise a quicker repayment plan. Ways to do this include paying more than the minimum amount, using rewards as statement credits or looking for additional income.

Ask for a lower interest rate

You can ask credit card companies to lower your interest rate. The request could be approved if, despite your debt, your credit or FICO score has improved over time. This will help lessen the burden of interest charges while you pay off the debt.

Latest News in Balance Transfer Credit Cards

• If outstanding balances and late payments are haunting your credit, read our 7 Steps to Improve Your Credit Score Right Now

• Forgetting to pay a credit card bill one or two days later might not affect your credit score, but it can cost you. That might change, since Biden’s New Plan to Slash Credit Card Late Fees Could Save Americans $9 Billion per Year

Balance Transfer Credit Cards FAQ

How does a balance transfer work?

Transferring a balance from one credit card to another is essentially paying one card with another. The new card issuer pays off the balance on the old card and transfers the amount to your new card, which will typically feature a low or no-interest introductory period. You’ll then have to pay off that balance on the new card.

What is the best balance transfer credit card?

The best balance transfer credit card will depend on what you’re looking for. The Wells Fargo Reflect(R) Card offers a long introductory period, a low balance transfer fee and a 120-day window to make those balance transfers.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer by itself won’t hurt your credit. Applying for a new credit card does leave a mark in your report, and the balance transfer fee might raise your original balance; however, the increase in your credit availability will most likely offset these.

What happens when you transfer a balance on a credit card?

Your new card will pay off the balance on the old card, and the new card’s interest rate and benefits will kick in. However, do note that most cards charge a balance transfer fee, usually between 3% and 5% of the amount transferred, which will increase the debt owed.

How We Chose the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

As part of our methodology to find the best balance transfer credit cards, we examined the 2022 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study by JD Power, along with the following four factors:

• Introductory period length. The length of time that 0% APR is offered is the main attraction of balance transfer cards. We mainly looked at cards that offered between 18 and 21 months (with the exception of rewards cards and those that had special features). We disqualified any that offered less than 15 months.

• Variable APR. After the introductory period ends, the APR cardholders are left with is important, especially since some might not have yet paid off their entire balance. Lower regular APRs gave some cards an edge.

• Fees and time limit. Balance transfer fees are important additional expenses to consider when transferring an existing balance over to your new card. We looked for cards that offered a lower 3% intro balance transfer fee, along with a longer period to make the balance transfer.

• Rewards and perks. While balance transfer credit cards are not focused on the rewards, those that do offer perks tend to be a valuable addition to your wallet. If a card with a long intro period offers rewards or benefits such as purchase protection, it’s worth a deeper look.

Summary of Money’s Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of March 2023

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card – Best Overall

• First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard® – Best with No Transfer Fee

• Chase Slate Edge℠ – Best for Fair Credit

• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best with Cash Back

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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