If I Cancel My Credit Card, Will The Interest Stop? (July 2025)
Updated:
Writer: 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.
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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Perhaps your credit card bills are piling up faster than you can pay down the balance, and you’re wondering “If I cancel my credit card will the interest stop?” By closing your credit card to save on interest charges, you’ve got the right idea but the wrong method. There are some things you need to know, which we’ll cover in this article:
No, interest doesn’t stop when you cancel a card with a remaining balance.
You can do a balance transfer to a card that will offer 0% interest.
If you close an account with a remaining balance, the terms of your credit card agreement are still in effect. This means you’re responsible for paying your bill each month and on time, and interest will still be charged on your outstanding balance.
You’ll also still be charged late fees if you don’t make a monthly payment on time. Some issuers even charge additional fees for closing an account with a balance. Be sure to read your credit card agreement to see if this applies to you.
Basically, everything remains the same except for your ability to use the card to make purchases. But there’s another important thing to consider: Your credit score will be negatively affected if you close your card.
Your Credit Score Will Go Down
This is because of your credit utilization ratio. The amount of your available credit will now be $0, but your outstanding debt will still be reported to the bureaus. This means your debt appears higher, therefore your score will be lower.
By how much depends on your outstanding balance, as well as how long you’ve had the account. Closing older accounts hurts your score more than closing newer accounts.
But there IS a way for you to still close that account AND stop paying interest…
To Avoid Problems, Transfer Your Balance to a 0% APR Card
What this means is you actually do the opposite and open a new account and transfer the old card’s balance to the new card. Issuers now offer balance transfers with 0 percent interest for up to 18 months. This means you’re making interest-free payments during that time.
After you’ve transferred your balance to the new card, go ahead and close the old account.
And just like that, you’re making interest-free purchases and your old account is closed. Mission accomplished.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
These are the best balance transfer offers available as reviewed by our credit experts. Each offer details how long the 0% interest rate lasts, the regular APR that kicks in afterward, and all other pertinent info.
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.
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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
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.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
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.
Bank of America® Unlimited 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® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
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.
New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
No annual fee.
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 into 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 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.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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.
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.
Bank of America® Unlimited 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® Unlimited Cash Rewards 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.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
No annual fee.
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.
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.
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.
Ideal for those seeking a top-of-wallet premium card with straightforward rewards and exceptional service. Cardmembers can avoid juggling various cards and monthly statements while benefiting from travel perks and enhanced protection that exceeds standard credit cards.
Offers a flat-rate redemption value of 1.5% for cash back or 2% value for airfare redemption with no airline or seat restrictions and no blackout dates. Cardmembers earn one point for every dollar spent. Point redemption is simple, without requiring a complex reward strategy. The card features no foreign transaction fees, no earning caps, no rotating categories, and eliminates the need to pursue transfer partners to maximize point values.
Annual Airline Credit—up to $100 in statement credits toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more. Cardmembers simply pay for airline purchases with their Mastercard Black Card and the credit is automatically applied to their account. There's no need to activate or designate an airline. The full credit amount is available at the start of the calendar year.
Up to a $120 application fee credit for the cost of TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry. Also, enjoy automatic enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select with access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide with no guest or lounge limits. Includes credits at select airport restaurants for cardholder and one guest.
24/7 Luxury Card Concierge®—Make requests the way you want by phone, email, SMS and chat in the app. Connect directly with a real agent and receive 24/7 assistance for tasks big and small. Requests do not require a purchase, incur no charge for making them, and do not involve department transfers.
Exclusive Luxury Card Travel® benefits—average value of $500 per stay (e.g., resort credits, room upgrades, free wifi, breakfast for two and more) at over 3,000 properties. Receive protection benefits like trip cancellation and interruption, auto rental car collision waiver, travel accident and baggage delay. Cell phone protection for eligible claims of up to $1,000 each year. Plus additional World Elite Mastercard® benefits.
Black PVD-Coated Metal Card: Weighing in at an industry-leading 22g. Designed for frequent shoppers, big ticket purchases and everything in between.
0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post within 45 days of account opening) the APR will be 20.24% to 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
20.24% to 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers, based on your creditworthiness and other factors
$495 ($195 for each Authorized User added to the account)
With a new card comes the opportunity to use it, of course. If you’re worried about spending and racking up a balance on the new card, there are some things you can do to prevent abusing credit:
Cut up the new card, and close it when your balance is paid.
Freeze the card in a block of ice. Sounds weird, but you won’t be able to get to it unless you really need to.
Have your significant other/someone you trust hold on to it. You’ll have to go through them to justify any use of the card.
While transferring a balance really can be a great solution, be sure to check for any balance transfer fees. Some issuers charge a small percentage of the balance you’re transferring and tack it on to your statement. If the fee is more than what your current interest charges equate to over the life of your payments, it may not be worth it.
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.
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