How to transfer a credit card balance

Credit card debt is a problem for many Americans. Transferring a balance can help reduce interest by shifting high-interest debt to another credit card, typically with a lower annual percentage rate (APR). With the average credit card debt hitting $6,715 per borrower as of December 2025, according to TransUnion, transfers can provide relief for qualifying individuals. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a transfer can help prevent delays and costly missteps. Our guide explains how to prepare for a transfer, submit and monitor the transfer, and pay down your balance when it hits the new card. 

Before you transfer a credit card balance 

Before starting a balance transfer, make sure you’re eligible, know how much you can transfer, and gather the information you’ll need. 

Check whether you’re eligible 

Determining if you qualify is an important first step when applying for a new credit card. Reviewing your credit profile is wise. If you have problems with your credit, like a high credit utilization ratio, consider addressing them before applying. 

That may help improve your approval odds, but it doesn’t guarantee your entire balance will qualify for transfer. You could be approved, but for a credit limit that’s less than the transfer amount. Check the issuer’s restrictions, since issuers generally don’t allow you to transfer balances between two of their own cards. Reading the offer terms can help uncover other requirements. 

Know how much you can transfer 

Transfer amounts generally can’t exceed the available credit on the new card. If you have $5,000 in available credit, for example, you may not be able to transfer a full $5,000 balance if the transfer fee is added to the new account. 

Also account for any existing balance, pending transactions, and caps set by the issuer when submitting a transfer. If you exceed the cap, you may be able to transfer part of your balance. 

Gather the information you’ll need 

It’s best to start your request with the new credit card, since the issuer is receiving and processing the transfer. Before you begin, gather:  

• The creditor being repaid 
• The account number on the card with the debt 
• The dollar amount you want to transfer 

Read our guide on balance transfer rules to learn about other restrictions and requirements that may apply. 

How to transfer a credit card balance step by step 

Once you’re prepared, you can request the transfer from the card receiving the balance. 

Step 1: Apply for a balance transfer card (if needed) 

You don’t always need a new card to move a balance, as your card may have an existing transfer offer. Applying for a balance transfer credit card may make sense if there’s no offer on your current card. 

If you need a new card, don’t request the transfer until you receive approval and know the credit limit and transfer rules. 

Step 2: Request the balance transfer 

Issuers typically offer multiple ways to initiate a transfer. Options may include: 

• Requesting a transfer online through your account 
• Accessing your account via the issuer’s mobile app and requesting a transfer 
• Calling customer service to begin the transfer 
• Using balance transfer checks if the issuer offers them 

Step 3: Provide your account details 

Providing the account number and the balance you’re transferring is critical. Confirm the amount plus applicable fees doesn’t exceed the allowable transfer amount. 

Do you have multiple balances you’re transferring? Repeat the process for each. Double-check the information before submission, as errors can increase processing time. 

Step 4: Submit the request 

Carefully review your request before submitting it. You may want to take screenshots or copies of the request for your records. 

Transfers can take several days or longer, depending on the issuer. Check the issuer’s estimated processing time when you submit the request. 

Example: How a $5,000 balance transfer works 

Seeing how a transfer works can make the process easier to understand. Let’s consider a $5,000 balance transfer. Here’s how it could work: 

• You owe $5,000 on card A. 
• You get a new credit card, card B, with $6,000 in available credit. 
• There’s a 3% balance transfer fee. 
• You begin the transfer through card B. If the full $5,000 transfer is approved and the fee is added to the new balance, card B would have a $5,150 balance. 
• When the $5,000 payment posts to card A, check the account to confirm it has a $0 balance before assuming it’s paid off. 

Using a balance transfer calculator can help you compare the cost of a transfer with the potential interest savings.  

What happens after you request a balance transfer? 

Completing a balance transfer is more than submitting a request. Until the transfer is complete, continue making payments and monitor both accounts. 

Continue making payments on your old card 

Continuing to make at least minimum payments by the due date on your current card is important during the balance transfer.  

If you don’t do this, you could incur a late fee and potentially damage your credit.  

Monitor your balance transfer status 

Check the receiving account for updates on the transfer. The new issuer may show the status as pending, processing, or completed. 

Timing varies depending on the issuer. If it’s taking longer than the issuer’s stated window, contact them to find out if something is impeding the request. 

Verify the transfer is complete 

Review the sending and receiving accounts to confirm that the transfer is complete. The transferred amount, including applicable fees, should appear on your new card, and you should see a payment on the old card. 

Your old card may not have a $0 balance since there may be residual interest. If you made a partial transfer, expect to see a remaining balance. Don’t assume the card is closed, either. Review our guide on balance transfers and your credit score to learn more about the potential credit effects. 

Common balance transfer mistakes to avoid 

Balance transfers are relatively straightforward. However, a few mistakes can cost you money or interfere with your repayment plan. 

Stopping payments before the transfer is complete 

Submitting a balance transfer request isn’t the same as completing a transfer. Continue to make at least the minimum payment by the due date on your old card until the transfer is complete to avoid late fees and potential credit damage.  

Transferring more than your available credit 

Don’t assume you can transfer an entire balance. Understand the balance transfer limits and available credit on your new card before submitting the request, and leave room for applicable transfer fees. 

Even if you have a new 0% APR card, the issuer can charge a balance transfer fee. 

Missing the introductory APR payoff window 

Balance transfer credit cards may offer introductory rates, including 0% APR offers for a specified period. If you don’t repay the transfer in full during that time, the card’s applicable APR generally applies to the remaining balance after the promotional period ends. 

Creating a repayment schedule can help you stay on track. For instance, if you need to repay $4,500 within 18 months, you’d need to pay at least $250 monthly to repay it within that period, assuming no additional charges or interest. 

Using your new card for unnecessary purchases 

Adding purchases to the new card can make it harder to pay off the transferred balance before the promotional period ends. 

New spending may not qualify for the same introductory APR. Check the offer terms to see what APR applies to purchases before using the new card for new purchases.  

How to pay off your balance transfer 

Balance transfers can help to pay off credit card debt, but moving the balance is only the first step. A repayment plan can help you make the most of the introductory period. 

Pay more than the minimum payment 

Paying more than the minimum payment is one of the best ways to erase transferred debt faster. It can also reduce the balance that remains when the introductory APR expires. 

Set up automatic payments 

Missing payments can damage your credit and result in fees. Setting up automatic payments, for at least the minimum payment, can help you avoid missing a due date. 

If you can, pay more than the minimum. Paying enough each month to eliminate the balance before the introductory period ends can help you avoid interest on a remaining balance once the promotional APR expires. 

Track your repayment progress 

Reviewing monthly statements can help you track your progress. Adjust your payments if the debt isn’t declining quickly enough to meet your payoff goal. 

Continue reviewing your statements after the promotional period ends, particularly if you still have a balance. 

Make your balance transfer count 

Balance transfers can help you manage high-interest debt. Once the transfer is complete, focus on the reason you moved the debt in the first place: paying it down. Track your balance and introductory period, and follow a repayment plan designed to eliminate the transferred debt before the promotional APR expires. 

Frequently asked questions about transferring a credit card balance