11 Best Credit Cards for Consolidation (July 2026)

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

With credit card interest rates sometimes reaching up to 30%, it’s understandable if you’re feeling swamped by the charges as you try to pay off your debt. In these cases, reducing your interest rate can be a big step toward making your debt more bearable.

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

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BankAmericard® credit card

4.6/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.6/5.0

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »

• New! 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.

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

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

2

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

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Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

4.5/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

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Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

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★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

at Citi'ssecure website

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• 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.

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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

See Rates & Fees »

3

BankAmericard® credit card for Students

CardRates Expert Rating

BankAmericard® credit card for Students

4.5/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

See Our Review»

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »

• New! 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.

Show MoreShow Less See application, terms and details »

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

Of course, there are a few things you should keep in mind when taking advantage of an intro-APR offer. Introductory offers usually expire, and once your promotional period ends, any remaining balance will be subject to the regular, typically 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.

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.

In general, finding a 0% APR balance transfer offer with fair credit (or worse) will likely require some digging, especially if you prefer to stick with major banks. Student credit cards and secured credit cards are the most likely to provide a good balance transfer offer.

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

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More Rewards American Express® Card

4.5/5.0

About this rating

Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.

Ashley Fricker Senior Editor

Close

★★★★★ 4.5/5.0

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

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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.

• 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.

Regardless of your industry, nearly every business has quarters that are busier than others — and periods when revenue can be sporadic at best. For new businesses, that period of instability can even extend for 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.

• 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

As with most balance transfer cards, this card charges a balance transfer fee; prepare 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.

• 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

You’ll need to request your balance transfer within the first 60 days of opening your account for it to qualify for the introductory 0% APR offer. After that, transferred balances 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.

• 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.

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.

Online lending networks partner with dozens to hundreds of lenders from across the country to help potential borrowers find the right match — all with a single online application. Qualified borrowers can receive up to four offers at a time to quickly compare rates and fees.

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.

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.