The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Monday, September 7, 2026

11 Best Credit Cards for Consolidation (Sep. 2026)

You’ll learn how 0% APR balance transfers, business options, and personal installment loans can help lower interest costs.

Best Credit Cards For Consolidation
Ashley Fricker

Writer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.

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Once upon a time, you could get a full barrel of whiskey for just five bucks. (Of course, those were actual bucks — as in deer.) Nowadays, five bucks — of either kind — doesn’t buy what it used to, and it seems like prices go up every year.

If you’re finding it tough to keep up with the rising costs of daily life or can’t resist a bargain, it’s surprisingly easy to end up with more debt than you can handle just by swiping and clicking your way through purchases.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, consolidating might be just the solution to help you regain control. Thankfully, there are plenty of trustworthy options for consolidating credit card debt. In the article below, we’ll share some of our favorite picks for the best credit cards for consolidation, including options with 0% APR offers, no fee balance transfers, cards for fair credit, business credit cards, and personal loan options.

0% APR | Fair Credit | Business | Loans

Best “0% APR” Balance Transfer Cards for Consolidation

With credit card interest rates sometimes reaching 30%, it’s no surprise that the cost of paying down debt can feel overwhelming. In a situation like this, lowering your interest rate can make your debt much easier to manage.

One of the best tools for (temporarily) eliminating interest fees is to transfer your balance to a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer. Many of the best offers, like our top-rated picks below, are good for 0% interest for 12 months or more.

1

BankAmericard® credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
BankAmericard® credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

2

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
  • 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).
  • No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
  • Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
  • Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
Intro (Purchases) 0% 12 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

3

BankAmericard® credit card for Students

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
BankAmericard® credit card for Students Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
  • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

When you’re taking advantage of an introductory APR offer, there are a few key things to remember. These offers do have an expiration date, and once that promotional period is over, any remaining balance will be subject to the regular, usually higher, APR.

Most credit cards also tack on balance transfer fees, usually ranging from 3% to 8% of the transfer amount. So, even if you’re not paying interest on a transferred balance with an intro-APR offer, you’ll still probably have to cover the balance transfer fee.

You should also remember that balance transfers don’t earn rewards, even when transferred to a rewards credit card. Transfers also won’t generally count toward the spending requirement for a signup bonus or other rewards promotions.

Best “Fair Credit” Cards for Consolidation

One tough reality about credit card debt—and debt in general—is that those who need assistance the most, often people with the lowest credit scores, usually have the hardest time accessing it. This unfortunate pattern holds true for balance transfer credit cards as well.

If you have fair credit or worse, finding a 0% APR balance transfer offer can take a little more digging, especially if you’d prefer to work with a major bank. In many cases, student cards and secured cards give you the best shot at landing a worthwhile balance transfer deal.

You’ll find many more balance transfer credit card options with local credit unions and small community banks, which often offer lower APRs—even some 0% intro-APRs—for those with at least fair credit.

4

More Rewards American Express® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
More Rewards American Express® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

  • If you’re already a Navy Federal member, you can find out if you prequalify for our More Rewards American Express® card before you submit an application
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 value) when you spend $2,000 within 90 days of account opening
  • Earn 3X points at restaurants, food delivery, supermarkets, gas and transit, and 1X points on everything else
  • No annual fee, no balance transfer fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no cash advance fees
  • Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, and merchandise
  • Cardholders get roadside assistance plus up to 25% off car rentals with car rental loss & damage insurance included
  • Must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) 1.99% for 12 months
Regular APR 14.90% – 18.00% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Average to Good

5. Aspire Platinum

The Aspire Platinum has a low regular APR range of 10.15% to 18%, depending on your credit, and a generous six-month 0% APR introductory offer.

Aspire Platinum

  • 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 months
  • Standard 10.15% to 18% APR, depending on creditworthiness
  • Pay no annual fee

To apply for Aspire Credit Union’s credit cards, you’ll need to be a member. You can qualify for membership by working for a Select Employer Group or by joining the American Consumer Council.

For those with fair credit, balance transfer offers are usually more limited compared to those available to consumers with higher scores. It’s important to carefully read the fine print before signing up. Make sure you’re aware of when your introductory offer expires and what APR you’ll face on any remaining balance.

Best “Business” Cards for Consolidation

No matter your industry, almost every business experiences busy quarters as well as times when revenue is unpredictable. For new businesses, this instability can last several months.

If you’re relying on your credit cards to keep the business afloat during lean times, those high-interest balances can pile up fast. But here’s the good news: transferring your balance to a business card with lower interest could be just the break you need.

6. U.S. Bank Business Edge™ Platinum Card

The U.S. Bank Business Edge™ Platinum Card offers a competitive 20-month 0% intro-APR period for balance transfers and new purchases, as well as a low regular APR thereafter.

U.S. Bank Business Edge Platinum Card

  • Get 0% intro APR on balance transfers & new purchases for the first 20 months
  • Balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred
  • Pay no annual fee

Like most balance transfer cards, this one charges a balance transfer fee. Expect to pay 3% of your total transaction amount for each balance transfer you make.

7. Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express has a lengthy introductory APR offer that’s good for both new purchases and balance transfers. Transfers will be charged a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the total transfer amount, whichever is larger.

Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per $1 on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
  • Earn unlimited 1X points per $1 thereafter
  • Pay no annual fee

To qualify for the introductory 0% APR offer, you’ll need to request your balance transfer within 60 days of opening the account. After that window closes, any transferred balance will be charged the standard balance transfer APR.

8. Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card doesn’t have the longest introductory offer out there, but it does apply to both new purchases and balances transfers. Transfers must be made within the first four months to qualify for the reduced rate.

Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card

  • Choice of purchase rewards with unlimited 1.5% cash back or 1X rewards point per dollar
  • 0% introductory rate for nine months
  • Pay no annual fees

You’ll be asked to choose your rewards type when you first enroll in the rewards program. Those cardholders who choose cash back will earn unlimited 1.5% back on eligible purchases. Cash back is automatically applied to your account as a statement credit.

(The information related to Wells Fargo Business Platinum Credit Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)

Most business credit cards come with some type of balance transfer fee. However, just like with consumer cards, you might skip these fees by opting for credit unions, though not every credit union offers business credit cards.

Best “Personal Loans” for Consolidation

While credit card balance transfers can be quite handy, they’re not the perfect solution for everyone. This is especially true for those who can’t qualify for a good introductory APR offer or have too much debt to fit onto one credit card.

If balance transfers aren’t an option for you, a personal installment loan could be a great alternative for managing your interest rates. It’s wise to shop around for the best APR, possibly by using an online lending network like the ones we recommend below.

  • Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000
  • All credit types welcome to apply
  • Lending partners in all 50 states
  • Loans can be used for any purpose
  • Fast online approval
  • Funding in as few as 24 hours
Overall Rating
★★★★
4.4
  • Loan amounts range from $500 to $10,000
  • Compare quotes from a network of lenders
  • Flexible credit requirements
  • Easy online application & 5-minute approval
  • Funding in as few as 24 hours
Overall Rating
★★★★★
4.6
  • Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000
  • Flexible credit requirements
  • Loans can be used for anything
  • Five minute application
  • Funding possible in as few as 24 hours
  • Large lending network with multiple partners
Overall Rating
★★★★★
4.8

Online lending networks work with anywhere from dozens to hundreds of lenders nationwide, making it easier for you to find a strong match with one online application. If you qualify, you may receive up to four offers at once, so comparing rates and fees is much quicker.

Before you start consolidating your credit card debt with a personal loan, make sure you know your current interest rates and balances. You need a loan with a lower APR than what you’re currently paying on the balances you plan to transfer.

Lower Your Interest Rate for Easier Debt Repayment

It’s a bit of a bummer, but it feels like the value of a dollar shrinks every year as prices keep soaring. Before you know it, everyday expenses and those unexpected emergencies can send your credit card balances through the roof.

No matter how you ended up with high credit card balances, consolidating your debt can often be the best way to lower your interest rates and make repayment more manageable. Even if your credit is fair, there are still reliable choices to help reduce your rates, though those with good credit have more options.

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.