How to Transfer a Credit Card Balance (+7 Best 0% Offers) – May 2025
Updated:
Writer: Linsey Knerl
Linsey Knerl,
Linsey Knerl is a finance author and public speaker with a passion for helping everyday families earn more and live better. Her work can be seen in Investopedia, PC Mag, The Christian Science Monitor, TIME, Wise Bread, Next Avenue, MSN Money, and numerous other leading outlets. Her expertise lies in business economics, credit scores and reports, and saving and budgeting. Linsey has shared her financial knowledge with audiences at SXSW, FinCon, and the ASJA annual NYC convention.
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.
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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If you’ve used credit cards for a significant amount of time, you’ve likely been presented with bigger and better card offers than what your current card gives you. One of these perks may be a credit card balance transfer offer. If used wisely, a transfer offer can lower your overall payment amount and improve your credit score.
Transferring a card balance is not as difficult as you may think. In fact, I’ve used them successfully over the years to lower my debt and monthly payment amounts. In addition, it’s been a terrific method for working my way into more exclusive cards with better protections and perks! Read on for what you need to know before agreeing to one. We’ll dive into what level of credit is required, how to contact your card issuer’s customer service department, and look at some of our top choices for balance transfer credit cards.
When Applying for a Balance Transfer Card — Good Credit is Required
Balance transfer cards might seem complicated, but many consumers have used them successfully to simplify their finances. If you’ve received an offer in the mail or online for a card balance transfer, it’s likely because you have done an excellent job with your existing card. Card companies won’t take on additional risk unless they have confidence that you’ll make good on your new card’s payment terms.
A transfer requires you to open up a new card account (which means a new line of credit), usually with a completely different card company. You cannot, for example, usually transfer the balance of a Discover card to a new Discover card, Chase to Chase, etc. Once approved, you can transfer up to the limit of the new card from the old one. So, a new card with a limit of $5,000 can legally accommodate a balance transfer of that amount, but it is wise to transfer a little less than the total available credit limit for a few reasons.
You will want to closely check the terms of your balance transfer offer for any transfer fees that apply. Most every card will impose a one-time fee paid as a percentage of the total you are transferring. Today’s cards usually charge between 3% and 5%.
There are a few very special offers out there, however, that will charge fees as low as 1-2%. These are usually for very good credit. This fee is applied immediately upon transferring the balance and is added to the balance, a very good reason to not borrow the full amount of the new card. (You don’t want to go over the limit.)
Good credit is required to get balance transfer offers, and even better credit will get you the best offers. Some of our favorites are listed here:
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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.
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 17.24% - 27.99%, 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.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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.
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.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
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. Activate by mobile app for free.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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.
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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, 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).
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
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.
$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/furnishings 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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
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.
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.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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.
UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 70,000 Miles.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase
No annual fee
Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% - 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
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. Activate by mobile app for free.
Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
4.6/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students
4.7/5.0
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.
$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/furnishings purchases.
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%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
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. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
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.
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.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
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.
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard®
4.0/5.0
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.
Earn 40,000 Travel Miles after spending $500 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening. Earn 20,000 Travel Miles after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 180 days.
Earn 5X miles on eligible purchases at flyfrontier.com, 3X miles on restaurant purchases, and 1X miles on all other purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (balance transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
Earn a $100 flight voucher every account anniversary after spending $2,500 or more on purchases with your card during your card membership year
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.2/5.0
Upromise® World Mastercard®
4.2/5.0
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.
Earn $100 bonus cash back rewards after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days
Earn 1.529% Cash Back Rewards on your purchases when your account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan
Earn 1.25% Cash Back Rewards on every purchase if not linked to an eligible College Savings Plan
Upromise Round Up lets you round up your purchases to the nearest dollar, based on the limit you set (from $1 to $500). The total Round Up Amount is considered a purchase and converted to cash back rewards.
0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening (balance transfer fee applies), then a variable APR applies
Our experts rate balance transfer offers on the length of the promotional rate, regular APR, fees, rewards, and approval rates. We also consider additional cardholder needs and compare offers to evaluate the best terms. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.1/5.0
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
4.1/5.0
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.
Earn unlimited 2% Cash Back on all eligible purchases – no rotating Spend Categories, no caps or limits
Bonus Cash Back: Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
Earn unlimited cash back – no rotating categories, no caps or limits as long as your credit card account is open and in good standing
0% introductory APR balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles after account opening, after which a variable APR will apply
In addition to the transfer fee, you’ll have a balance transfer interest rate (or APR.) This is usually lower than the rate your card will charge for purchases. It is also usually a special offer for new cardholders and may also be lower than future balance transfer rates. For this reason, it’s very important to know how long that special balance transfer rate is good for. You’ll need all of your transfers to start and end by that date to get the special rate. Most transfers take place within 7-14 business days, but your specific card can give you details on what to plan for.
Call Customer Service on Your Existing Card
When you initiate the balance transfer, whether online, over the phone, or by mail, your new credit card will need the information from your existing card.
The customer service phone number can easily be found on the back of your card.
The new card will then handle dispersing the funds to your existing balance. It is sometimes necessary to contact your old card, however. This may be required when you need additional information on the exact payoff balance, or you wish to put your old card on hold for future charges. You should have access to contact info for your existing credit card either on the back of your card or on your statement.
If you can’t find this information or need the most up-to-date info, you can see credit card company contact info here. You will be asked to verify your identity before being allowed to discuss your account with the customer service rep.
Don’t Make Balance Transfers a Habit
Using balance transfers wisely can help reduce interest rates and expand your credit card options. Remember, the more credit you have available to you, the higher your credit score can go over time! The important thing to remember is not to charge up your old card once the balance has been transferred — you want to be making payments toward reducing your overall debt while keeping the lines of credit from both cards open.
According to Joshua Caucutt at MoneyCrashers.com, you’ll also want to keep those old lines open. “An unused line of credit helps keep your credit usage percentage low. If you have $10,000 worth of unused credit on one card and then open a 0% balance transfer of $10,000 on another card, your credit usage will show up as only 50%, even though you may never plan to use the existing card ever again. It’s a simplistic example, but the principle remains the same.”
Balance transfer offers are usually for a limited time, so that great rate you got when you first transferred is only temporary. Whether you have 12, 18, or even 24 months to take advantage of that low rate, you’ll want to pay it off by then. Not paying it off may tempt you to open another card to transfer the balance yet again; this is a trap that many credit users fall into, and it can be dangerous! Too many cards with balances can cause your credit score to drop sharply.
As long as you are making payment to reduce your total debt, balance transfers are a wonderful tool for those with good credit.
“Credit cards with 0% introductory rates can be taken advantage of to save money, provide flexibility with your monthly budget, or both. But, it’s important to read the terms of the offer and do the math to ensure it’s really going to be the right choice.” –CleverDude.com.
Make sure you know all of the details of your current offer and don’t forget to shop around! One of your existing cards may also have an offer available to you that you don’t want to overlook.
To see these offers, log into your credit card account online and check for any incoming messages or special offers. New cards usually offer the best terms, but it is important to know all your options before making a decision. When utilized correctly, balance transfers can save you significant amounts of interest payments in the long run, but be careful not to let this approach land you in a situation that is worse than where you were to begin with.
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