Best balance transfer credit cards of May 2025
Struggling with credit card debt? A balance transfer credit card can offer a lifeline. With 0% introductory APRs and flexible terms, the best balance transfer credit cards can help you consolidate high-interest debt and pay it off faster.
Our experts have carefully selected the best balance transfer cards based on factors like the length of the introductory period, ongoing APR, rewards and other card perks. Whether you’re looking to quickly eliminate debt or earn rewards while you pay down your balance, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let high-interest rates hold you back! Explore our top picks for balance transfer credit cards to find the perfect card to suit your financial goals.
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best balance transfer credit cards
Looking for a way to consolidate your debt and save money on interest? A balance transfer card might be the answer. We’ve carefully evaluated and selected the best balance transfer credit cards to help you find the right fit for your financial needs.
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Why we like it
This card offers an excellent introductory balance transfer offer as well as a simple and potentially lucrative cash-back rewards program. Plus, the way the rewards earning is structured encourages responsible credit card use and payment. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card offers an excellent introductory balance transfer offer as well as a simple and potentially lucrative cash-back rewards program. Plus, the way the rewards earning is structured encourages responsible credit card use and payment. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- The length of the intro balance transfer period offered with this card is among the longest we've seen for a card that also earns rewards.
- This card encourages healthy payment habits by offering 1% cash back on your purchases and another 1% when you pay for your purchases.
- There are no specific spending categories for earning rewards with this card. The total 2% possible cash back you earn is one of the highest flat rates available for no-annual-fee cash back cards.
- It offers one of the longest intro APRs for balance transfers, but there is not a 0% intro APR offer for purchases. So, while you can save money on interest if you need to transfer a balance, you will not if you need to make a new, large purchase, unless you're paying off your balance right away.
- There is a balance transfer fee to consider. It's on par with other cards' balance transfer fees, but you will still need to account for this cost to determine if the balance transfer is worth it.
- Although there is no annual fee for this card, there is a foreign transaction fee which can cost you if you need to use the card for purchases outside of the U.S.
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Why we like it
This no-annual-fee card offers as much as 5% cash back on some purchases and no less than 1.5% back on all other purchases. That's a fantastic offering for a balance transfer card.
This no-annual-fee card offers as much as 5% cash back on some purchases and no less than 1.5% back on all other purchases. That's a fantastic offering for a balance transfer card.
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- This card pairs well with other Chase Travel earning cards as rewards can be pooled under one umbrella so it's a great option to consider if you already own another Chase credit card.
- There isn't an annual fee, but you'll be on the hook for foreign transaction fees if you use this card while abroad.
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Why we like it
With a flat 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases, this is a great no-annual-fee credit card for anyone looking for an easy way to earn cash back, but it's a particularly good option for Bank of America customers. This is because Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase.
With a flat 1.5% cash back earned on all purchases, this is a great no-annual-fee credit card for anyone looking for an easy way to earn cash back, but it's a particularly good option for Bank of America customers. This is because Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases is a solid offer for a no-annual-fee card, but if you are a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, this card really shines. Preferred members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase, meaning that this card could earn eligible cardholders up to 2.62% back on every purchase.
- New cardholders can earn a nice cash-back bonus once approved for the card, which is nice considering not all balance transfer cards offer a welcome bonus in addition to intro APR.
- If you're willing to be savvy with how you use your cards, you could stand to earn more with other cash-back rewards cards as there are other options with higher cash-back rates. That said, it's still a good offer for eligible Bank of America bankers.
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Why we like it
Options can be a credit card holder's best friend and this card has lots of them. From choosing the category in which you'll earn top rewards (from among a list of six possibilities) to deciding whether to take advantage of a lengthy introductory APR offer, cardholders have some great decisions to make.
Options can be a credit card holder's best friend and this card has lots of them. From choosing the category in which you'll earn top rewards (from among a list of six possibilities) to deciding whether to take advantage of a lengthy introductory APR offer, cardholders have some great decisions to make.
- The best category for many people with this card is going to be online shopping. That means you could earn 3% cash back on everything from party invitations to Amazon purchases to Paypal purchases (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases quarterly).
- If you happen to be Preferred Rewards client with Bank of America, you can earn 25%-75% more on every purchase depending on your Preferred Rewards tier (tiers are based on total account balances).
- You'll probably want to leave this card at home if you travel abroad as it does charge foreign transaction fees.
- While the rewards earning potential is great, don't forget to keep an eye on your quarterly spending. Once you hit $2,500 combined spending in your choice category/grocery stores/wholesale clubs, your earning drops to 1% until the next quarter.
- Choosing your 3% category is great, but you can only change it once a calendar month. You'll need to plan ahead a bit to maximize your earning.
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Why we like it
Not only does this card offer a lengthy introductory interest-free balance transfer period, but it also offers a unique rewards program which rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, with no cap.
Not only does this card offer a lengthy introductory interest-free balance transfer period, but it also offers a unique rewards program which rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase, with no cap.
- In addition to an interest-free balance transfer period, this card also offers a 0% intro APR period on new purchases, which is great for anyone with a large expense on the horizon.
- New cardholders have an opportunity to earn a decent welcome bonus, which isn't necessarily a given among cards that also feature excellent balance transfer offers.
- Also rare for balance transfer cards is the ability to earn rewards. This card offers a unique rewards-earning program in addition to solid 0% APR offers. For example, spend $42 at the supermarket, and you'll actually earn 90 points instead of 84.
- This card charges a foreign_transaction_fee transaction fee on foreign purchases, so it's not the best option to travel abroad with.
- Balance transfer fees are normal with balance transfer cards, but still, it's something you'll want to keep in mind.
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Why we like it
This card allows you to consolidate high-interest debt with a generous introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, giving you valuable time to pay down debt without accruing interest charges. Plus, cardholders can earn cash back on everyday spending, from groceries to gas. American Express is CardRatings advertiser.
This card allows you to consolidate high-interest debt with a generous introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, giving you valuable time to pay down debt without accruing interest charges. Plus, cardholders can earn cash back on everyday spending, from groceries to gas. American Express is CardRatings advertiser.
- In addition to an intro APR offer and solid cash-back rewards rate earned on purchases, this card also offers a nice cash-back welcome bonus to eligible new cardholders.
- This card has no annual fee. This is a nice perk for anyone working to pay off a balance, as every bit saved helps.
- Your earnings in the bonus categories are capped at $6,000 spent per year in each category before the rewards rate drops to 1%.
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Why we like it
Ideal for those seeking travel rewards without an annual fee, this card presents an attractive rewards structure complemented by a valuable balance transfer offer to facilitate debt reduction while capitalizing on the card's advantages.
Ideal for those seeking travel rewards without an annual fee, this card presents an attractive rewards structure complemented by a valuable balance transfer offer to facilitate debt reduction while capitalizing on the card's advantages.
- No annual fee makes this a cost-effective way to earn travel rewards without an ongoing yearly expense. You can keep the card long-term without worrying about the fee eating into your rewards value.
- You earn straightforward, flat-rate rewards for every dollar spent on your purchases. This simplicity means you don't have to track bonus categories or worry about when and where you use the card.
- This card doesn't charge any fees for purchases made outside of the United States, making it a good option for international travel. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to cards that charge these fees.
- While offering a solid return, the rewards earned on this no-annual-fee card aren't as high as those offered by travel cards that require an annual payment. Frequent travelers or those who spend more may find the earning potential limited compared to premium options.
- This card offers a more basic set of travel perks compared to cards that come with an annual fee. You won't find benefits like access to airport lounges or credits for expedited security programs.
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Why we like it
As a new cardholder you can enjoy the benefit of having all the cash back you accumulate over the first year matched dollar-for-dollar. If planned right, you could walk away with a hefty welcome bonus at the end of your first year.
As a new cardholder you can enjoy the benefit of having all the cash back you accumulate over the first year matched dollar-for-dollar. If planned right, you could walk away with a hefty welcome bonus at the end of your first year.
- The cash-back match welcome bonus has the potential to be quite lucrative.
- Cards offering balance transfers don't always offer perks beyond their intro APR offering, so the fact that this card earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, is an excellent feature.
- If you're in a bit of a crunch come payment time, rest easy; Discover won't charge you a fee on your first late payment. Paying late also will not increase your APR.
- The intro APR period on new purchases is comparatively short, so if that's an important perk to you, you might want to consider other options.
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Why we like it
Having nearly two years to pay off a balance transfer without paying interest is an incredible offer, not to mention one that could save you big money. Plus, this is a great card for those who like VIP entertainment treatment thanks to access to Citi Entertainment®.
Having nearly two years to pay off a balance transfer without paying interest is an incredible offer, not to mention one that could save you big money. Plus, this is a great card for those who like VIP entertainment treatment thanks to access to Citi Entertainment®.
- This card offers among the longest 0% intro balance transfer APRs out there.
- You can also get a 0% intro APR for intro_apr_duration (then, RegAPR, which gives plenty of time to pay off new purchases.
- You also get benefits like special access to events as well as other card features.
- A balance transfer fee applies with this offer, so make sure you do the math before deciding whether or not this card is right for you.
- There is no annual fee, but there are foreign transaction fees to think about if you are looking for a card to use while traveling abroad.
- This card does not offer any ongoing rewards. If you can pay down your balance in less than the allotted intro period, you might be able to save on interest and earn cash back or rewards with a different credit card that offers a shorter intro 0% APR period.
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Why we like it
It's simple: No late fees, no penalty rate, no annual fee ever. Those are great perks for any cardholder, but particularly for cardholders who are trying to get debts under control.
It's simple: No late fees, no penalty rate, no annual fee ever. Those are great perks for any cardholder, but particularly for cardholders who are trying to get debts under control.
- No stress if you pay late. This card has no late fees or penalty interest rates.
- Having intro APR for balance_transfer_duration_months and intro_apr_duration before regular APR applies is a huge perk for someone with a large balance on their hands. After the intro period, regular reg_apr,reg_apr_type applies. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.
- Besides for the lengthy intro 0% APR period, there aren't too many other bells or whistles offered with this card. It's truly designed for those needing extra time to pay off revolving balances; especially those who may struggle to pay their minimum payment on time.
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Why we like it
Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate so this is a good option for anyone worried about making payments on time. That said, it's best to always try to make your payments on time as other fees may apply, but with this card, at least you know if you find yourself in that situation, it won't affect your APR. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate so this is a good option for anyone worried about making payments on time. That said, it's best to always try to make your payments on time as other fees may apply, but with this card, at least you know if you find yourself in that situation, it won't affect your APR. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- The intro APR period is for both purchases AND balance transfers, and it's quite lengthy.
- There is no annual fee.
- This card doesn't offer a flashy welcome bonus or ongoing rewards. It's really best for those who are exclusively focused on a good intro APR offer.
Compare balance transfer credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Compare the best credit cards for balance transfers by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
How can cardholders make the most of balance transfer offers?
Look for a balance transfer card with the longest intro 0% APR offer you can find, along with the lowest possible balance transfer fee. From there, you'll pay as much as you can toward the debt each month until you're entirely debt-free. Also, stop using credit cards for new purchases during the process, or else you'll make your journey out of debt infinitely harder.
If you take advantage of a balance transfer offer, make sure you have a plan to pay down that debt before the intro period expires. Otherwise, any remaining balance will be subject to the new card’s ongoing APR and balance transfer cards tend to have a high APR after the 0% period ends.
Using a balance transfer card requires a clear plan. I find that choosing the card with the longest 0% interest rate period is best to give you every advantage possible. Cards vary on transfer fees, so it's best to select one with lower fees and pay the balance off in full before the introductory period is over.
What are common mistakes that cardholders might make with balance transfer offers?
Some of the most common balance transfer mistakes include failing to account for balance transfer fees and not being serious about debt repayment during 0% intro APR offer periods. Continuing to charge new purchases to credit cards while working to pay down debt is another huge mistake far too many people make.
One thing that may not be clear upfront with a balance transfer offer is that the balance transfer fee will be part of the debt you’re putting on a new card. For example, if you’re hoping to transfer $10,000 to a new card with a balance transfer fee of 3%, your balance on the new card will be $10,300. That’s also assuming you get approved for a limit on the new card for the amount you want to transfer.
Forgetting payments on your new card, missing the balance transfer deadline, and closing the old card are common mistakes cardholders make when using a balance transfer card. Actively managing the card and knowing the terms and conditions is the best way to avoid these costly errors.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about balance transfer credit cards
How much can I save with a 0% balance transfer?
How much you can save with a 0% balance transfer offer depends on how much you transfer, the length of the introductory period and the interest rate on your previous card.
For instance, let's say you have a $10,000 balance on a card with an APR of 20%. If you transfer that entire balance to a card charging 0% interest, you'll save $2,000 in interest charges over the course of a year. Assuming there is a 3% balance transfer fee, your total savings for the year will be $1,700.
You can use our balance transfer calculator to input your current balance and APR to see exactly how much you can save with a 0% balance transfer offer.
When you transfer a balance on credit cards what happens?
When you successfully obtain a balance transfer credit card, you are approved to pay off existing credit card debt using your new card, up to an approved limit. There may or may not be a balance transfer fee (commonly between 3-5% of the balance transferred) and there is often an introductory period where low or 0% interest is charged on the balance you have transferred. After the introductory period expires, a higher interest rate applies to your balance. Using a balance transfer credit card successfully requires paying off as much debt as possible during the low intro APR period.
Who can qualify for a balance transfer card?
The best 0% APR balance transfer cards are usually available only to those with good or excellent credit. Typically, that means having a credit score of at least 670 or more.
Balance transfer cards for fair credit are harder to come by, and they may not offer 0% APR. Instead, they may charge a lower interest rate for their introductory period. Before signing up for one of these cards, be sure to read the fine print and calculate your potential savings - including any balance transfer fees. What's more, be aware that late payments could cause an immediate increase in the APR.
Do I need a balance transfer credit card?
If you have excellent credit and are paying a credit card balance with interest, it would be a good idea to consider a balance-transfer credit card. Having excellent credit will likely earn you a lower introductory (or ongoing) rate on your balance transfer card which can help eliminate your debt faster. For everyone else, balance transfer credit cards are a tempting option, especially if you have a higher-than-usual credit card balance, and an APR that makes the debt mount up faster than you’re able to pay it off. But, before you succumb to the temptation, take a moment to really assess what you're signing up for. If you have a "good" or "average" credit score (or lower) the APR and terms you are signing up for may not actually help your situation.
Do balance transfer cards affect your credit score?
This question doesn't have a black and white answer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Applying for a new credit card will always affect your credit score. Each time you apply for a credit card, a hard inquiry is placed under your name, and inquiries to your credit history account for about 10% of your FICO® credit score.
On the flip side, opening a new account should help your credit utilization ratio and allow you to reduce the amount of credit you're using on each of your cards. Think of it this way: if you currently have one credit card with a $10,000 limit and a balance on $5,000, you're using 50% of your available credit. Most experts recommend keeping your utilization ratio to 30% or less, and credit utilization makes up about 30% of your credit score. If you then open a second credit card with a $10,000 limit, you've upped your available credit to $20,000 and reduced your utilization to 25% (plus, hopefully you opened that card to take advantage of lower APRs with a balance transfer). Credit utilization and credit history are reasons we don’t recommend closing the account you balance transfer from; it may have a negative impact on your overall credit score, especially if the account you aim to close has been open for a while. Credit history makes up about 15% of your FICO® credit score. Learn more: Do balance transfers hurt your credit score?
Does a balance transfer help your credit score?
In the long run, a balance transfer can improve your credit score if it helps you pay down debt. According to FICO, which offers some of the most widely used credit scores, the amount of your debt accounts for 30% of your score. The lower your debt, the higher your score.
With the best balance transfer cards, you won't be paying any interest. Barring any other fees, 100% of your payments will go toward paying down your principal, and that can help boost your score.
On the other hand, applying for a new card will result in an inquiry on your credit report. Each inquiry can drop your score temporarily by a few points. Plus, if you continue to use your old card, you may actually increase the amount of debt you owe, which can also hurt your credit score.
Bottom line: a balance transfer can help your credit score, but only if you are committed to making timely payments and avoiding future debt.
How frequently should I use my balance transfer credit card?
Using a balance transfer card when there is no fee on the line is one thing, but be warned, balance transfer cards that tout an intro offer of 0% interest and $0 fees won’t last forever. After the intro period expires, APRs can (and often do) skyrocket. Furthermore, if you have the rare card that doesn't charge a balance transfer fee for a period, be aware that period is usually only 45 or 60 days from account opening. After that (and with the vast majority of balance transfer cards from the beginning) you'll pay a 3-5% fee for each transfer. In other words, use your card responsibly and understand what the cost of your balance transfer transaction will be each time you intend to do one.
On the other hand, it's not uncommon for a balance transfer card to be a rewards card, too. While you won't earn rewards on the amount you transfer, on an ongoing basis you will earn rewards on any other purchases you put on the card, which is a nice incentive to use the card long term.
Do I have to make the transfer within a certain time frame?
Some credit cards offer a 0% balance transfer for an introductory period of, say, 15 months, BUT you have to make the transfer within the first 45 or 60 days in order to qualify for that 0% APR. Just because the intro APR lasts for a year or more, don't assume that you can make your transfer at any point during that period and still qualify for the intro APR. That said, many cards that offer balance transfer intro periods offer similar terms for purchases; in that case, your purchases will be interest free throughout that time. Either way, the introductory period will be the lowest APR you can expect from a balance transfer card, so it’s wise to use your card during that specific timeframe.
What is the best balance transfer card?
Is a 0% balance transfer a good idea?
Meet the editorial team
Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
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For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
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