If you’re considering a credit card balance transfer, your first step should be calculating the amount of time you’ll need to pay off your debt.
Our balance transfer calculator will determine when your debt will be paid off based on the information you enter. Input up to five of your current credit cards, as well as the details of your new card, and we’ll do the rest. Check out our recommendations for the top balance transfer credit cards from our partners.
| Card Name |
Best For |
Minimum BT fee |
Intro APR and term |
Annual fee |
BR score |
| Discover it® Balance Transfer |
Overall balance transfer value |
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* |
0% for 18 months (13.49% - 24.49% variable) |
$0 |
4.6/5 |
| Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Recently extended 0% intro APR offer |
3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months |
0% for 15 months (15.74% - 25.74% variable) |
$0 |
4.7/5 |
| Citi Simplicity® Card |
Long 0% intro APR period and no late fees |
$5 or 5% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater |
0% for 21 months (16.24% - 26.24% variable) |
$0 |
4.4/5 |
| HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card |
Low regular variable APR |
$10 or 4%, whichever is greater |
0% for 18 months on balance transfers posted within the first 60 days (12.99%, -20.99% variable) |
$0 |
4.2/5 |
| Citi® Double Cash Card |
Earning rewards as you go |
$5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
0% for 18 months (15.49% - 25.49% variable) |
$0 |
4.7/5 |
| BankAmericard® credit card |
No penalty APR |
3% fee ($10 minimum) |
see terms for 18 billing cycles for balance transfers made in the first 60 days (see terms variable) |
$0 |
4.5/5 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® |
Straightforward rewards |
3% fee (minimum $5) on transfers made during the first 60 days, 5% (minimum $5) of each transfer thereafter |
0% for 15 months (16.74% - 25.49% variable) |
$0 |
4.6/5 |
| Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Dining and entertainment purchases |
3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months |
0% for 15 months (15.74% - 25.74% variable) |
$0 |
4.6/5 |
What is a balance transfer and why should I use one?
A
balance transfer occurs when you move debt from one account to another, normally to one with lower interest rates, and can be the perfect option for those looking to reorganize their debt, pay off a medical bill or student loan and more.
By completing a balance transfer, you’ll end up paying less interest each month or no interest at all, depending on if your card comes with an introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers.
Paying less in interest means you’ll end up saving a portion of money each month that would have normally gone to your issuer (a balance transfer fee usually applies).
How to use a balance transfer card
Many consumers move debt from high-interest credit card to a
balance transfer card. These cards offer longer introductory APR periods on balance transfers ranging from 12 to 21 months/billing cycles long.
With a balance transfer credit card, you’ll be expected to pay a balance transfer fee for each transfer made to the card. These fees commonly charge 3% of the amount transferred with a $5 minimum although amounts vary by issuer.
For more information, read our guide on
how to complete a credit card balance transfer
Using our calculator to find the perfect balance transfer offer
To choose the best balance transfer card for your lifestyle, decide how much time you’ll need to pay off your debt by using our online calculator.
Step 1: Find out how much you owe
You can pinpoint the amount of money you owe by looking at a recent credit card statement. Once you have your statement, identify both your current outstanding balance and interest rate.
Say you found out you owed $3,000 on a
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card with an interest rate of 24.74%. Using our
credit card payoff calculator, you’d need to make a minimum payment of $90.00 a month for 56 months in order to pay off your debt.
Step 2: Choose a card based on what you find
We recommend a card with an introductory 0% interest offer of 15 months or longer. You’ll also want to take into account any balance transfer fees, annual fees and the variable interest rate you’ll be charged after your introductory period ends.
Continuing with our example, say you choose the
BankAmericard® credit card
Step 3: Enter your new card details
The BankAmericard offers an introductory see terms APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles (then see terms variable APR). There’s a balance transfer fee minimum of $10 or 3% for each transfer made within the first 60 days.
If you continue to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’ll pay $201.93 a month for 18 months. With the BankAmericard, you’ll pay $166.67, saving you $34.89 a month or $628 total from avoiding interest payments.
Keep in mind you will also owe a $90 balance transfer fee.
How to apply for a balance transfer card on Bankrate
To apply for a balance transfer card, view our expert recommendations for the best balance transfer cards of 2019 and click “Apply Now” on the card of your choice. You can also read more in-depth reviews of these cards
here
For further information on how to make purchases without accruing interest, check out the
best 0% interest cards according to our experts.
Details about the BankAmericard® credit card were last updated on 11.22.2019.
Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the bank's website for the most current information.