The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Are Balance Transfer Cards a Good Idea? (March 2024)

Are Balance Transfer Cards A Good Idea
John Ulzheimer

Written by: John Ulzheimer

John Ulzheimer
John Ulzheimer

John Ulzheimer is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, and identity theft. The author of four books on the subject, Ulzheimer has been featured thousands of times in media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News, New York Times, CNBC, and countless others. With over 30 years of credit-related professional experience, including with both Equifax and FICO, Ulzheimer is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. He has been an expert witness in over 600 credit-related lawsuits and has been qualified to testify in both federal and state courts on the topic of consumer credit. In his hometown of Atlanta, Ulzheimer is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Georgia and Emory University's School of Law.

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Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

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Advertiser Disclosure

Balance transfer credit cards are often touted as a solution that could help you get a handle on your credit card debt. The question is, as it often is with credit products, is opening a new credit card to pay off another one actually a good idea? Isn’t that just using debt to pay off debt?

Everyone’s debt situation is different, of course. Yet, in many cases, a balance transfer credit card can be a very useful tool to help you save money on interest, pay down credit card debt, and perhaps even improve your credit score.

If you’re able to do all three of these highly desirable things by just opening and using a balance transfer card, then it’s certainly worth your consideration.

Balance Transfers Can Pay Off Big

A balance transfer is a credit card transaction where you move debt from one (or several) credit cards to a newly opened credit card account. You may be able to pay off other types of debt with a balance transfer as well, depending on the card issuer’s terms.

But for the purposes of our time today, we’ll focus on credit card debt because that is likely the most expensive debt you have.

Now, simply transferring debt from one credit card account to another credit card account may seem like a neutral transaction because you still have the same amount of debt. But, if you’ve got good enough credit, you may be able to qualify for a new credit card with a lower annual percentage rate (APR) than what you are currently paying on your existing cards.

Balance transfer credit cards often feature low interest rates or even 0% APRs for an extended period after you open the account and move your existing balances over. For example, you may find a balance transfer card that offers a 0% introductory APR for the first six to 18 months after account opening.

Example of Balance Transfer Fees and Savings

Zero percent is important because it means you’re essentially now borrowing money from your new credit card issuer for free.

The potential for these low (or no) introductory interest rates is what makes balance transfers an attractive option for people trying to get out of debt. When you can move high-interest debt to your new lower-rate balance transfer card, it could pay off in a big way.

Balance Transfers Credit Card Pros

If you’re not sure whether a balance transfer credit card is right for you, here are some benefits to consider:

  • You will save money. Moving your debt to a credit card that has a lower interest rate than you’re paying now will save you money. The average credit card interest rate is 15.91% (for accounts that assessed interest, according to the Federal Reserve). And it’s not unusual to see credit card interest rates climb much higher than that, especially if they are retail store credit cards. If you can secure a 0% introductory APR and aggressively pay down your debt, the savings potential with a balance transfer card can be significant.
  • You will get out of credit card debt faster. A lower introductory rate on a balance transfer card will help you pay down your debt faster. When you’re paying less interest per month, more of your payment goes toward your principal balance, even if you’re making the same monthly payment. If you can find ways to put extra money toward paying off your debt each month, a lower-rate balance transfer will mean you’ll get out of credit card debt faster.
  • You will consolidate bills and payments. With a balance transfer, you will be able to move outstanding debt from several credit cards onto a new, single account. This action will consolidate the number of creditors you have to pay each month — making it easier to manage your budget. And to the extent you’re worried about missing payment, certainly making one payment on time is easier than making several payments on time.
  • You may even improve your credit scores. As long as you don’t close your pre-existing credit card accounts, a new balance transfer card may help your credit scores. FICO and VantageScore credit scores have a metric called revolving utilization — or credit utilization ratio — which is essentially the relationship between your balances and credit limits. Adding a new credit card to your credit report should increase your aggregate credit limits and, in turn, lower your credit utilization ratios. And, if you reduce the number of credit cards with balances through consolidation, that too is a credit score improvement strategy.

It is important to point out that none of the above perks are automatic. But if you find and qualify for a good balance transfer deal, and you manage the balance transfer process wisely, you may be able to enjoy some or even all these benefits.

Balance Transfer Credit Card Cons

It’s nice to consider the perks that balance transfer cards have to offer. But you’ll want to take a moment to at least consider the potential drawbacks of balance transfer cards before you start filling out applications.

  • Most credit card issuers charge a balance transfer fee when you move debt to your new card. Balance transfer fees typically run around 3% to 5% of the total amount you transfer. Let’s say you transfer $10,000 and the balance transfer fee is 5%. It will cost you $500 to move your debt to the new account in this scenario. It goes without saying that the cost of a balance transfer fee can offset your potential savings. So, you may want to use a balance transfer calculator to make sure the math adds up in your favor. HINT: If you save thousands of dollars of interest and it costs you $500 to do so, you win!
  • Credit problems can disqualify you. Most balance transfer cards — especially those with the best offers — require you to have a good to excellent credit rating to qualify. If you’re struggling with a poor credit history or low credit scores, you may not be in a position to take advantage of a balance transfer offer.
  • Retroactive interest. Read the language in your new card’s cardholder agreement and look for language regarding retroactive interest. If you do not pay off the transferred credit card debt before the expiration of the 0% interest period, you may have to pay interest on some or all of the original debt — all the way back to when you opened the new account. The point being, you may be on a clock that will incentivize you to get out of debt faster.
  • You may have to change your habits. The best way to manage a credit card is to pay on time and pay off your full statement balance each month. It’s a bad idea to open a new balance transfer card, move all of your debts to it, and continue to overspend on your original accounts. Further, these actions can damage your credit scores and cost you any savings in interest fees.

For these reasons, you should only apply for a new balance transfer credit card if you’re confident that you can avoid overspending in the future.

How to Choose the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you think a balance transfer card could help you pay down your credit card debt, it’s important to find the best account for you. Choosing the best credit card for you will involve some research on your part. Here are some tips to help you navigate that process.

Check Your Three Credit Reports

You should always review your three credit reports (and, ideally, your credit scores as well) before you apply for a new credit card. Checking your credit reports will give you an idea of your credit standing before the lender does the same thing. Then you can determine which cards you’re likely to qualify for based on your credit rating.

A credit check can also help you discover if you have any errors on your credit reports. If you do find mistakes, you should dispute them with the appropriate credit reporting agency. You can get your three credit reports for free every week through April 2022 at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

Compare Balance Transfer Offers

As you’re reviewing available balance transfer card options, you should pay attention to four important factors — introductory APR, length of the promotional rate period, balance transfer fees, and annual fees.

The best deals will have the lowest APR (preferably 0%), the longest zero-interest promotional period, the lowest balance transfer fee, and no annual fee.

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
  • With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% 12 months on Purchases
0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Discover it® Balance Transfer Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
0% Intro APR for 18 months
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good
0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% Intro APR Period 18 months on Balance Transfers
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good, Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

0% BALANCE TRANSFER RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • 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.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

You can compare more balance transfer offers here.

You Could Save a Lot of Money With a Balance Transfer

You must be 100% committed to managing your balance transfer card the right way. Otherwise, it’s probably not a great idea. If you’re worried that you’ll continue to overspend after transferring your balance to a new card, a balance transfer may not be right for you.

However, a well-managed balance transfer card can be the tool you need to dig your way out of debt and save you a ton of money in the process.

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.