Our Top 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Cards

The best balance transfer credit cards make it possible to pay down debt at a faster rate, and with dramatically lower costs. Most come with no annual fee, and some come with perks like rewards for spending, purchase protections, and extended warranties. In 2026, issuers are especially focused on attracting consumers who pay on time and keep utilization reasonable, so strong credit and a clean recent payment history can matter more than ever when applying for the best balance transfer cards 2026.

This guide compares all the top balance transfer offers on the market today based on their intro APR offers, balance transfer fees, ongoing interest rates, and other details. If you're ready to pick a card that can help you consolidate and pay down debt this year, finding the best credit card for your needs is a great first step. If you’re specifically hunting for the best balance transfer credit cards or a 0 balance transfer credit card with no annual fee, use the comparison chart below as a starting framework, then plug in real card names and terms. Read on for an overview of our best options.

Use this comparison chart framework to organize the best balance transfer cards side by side. You can swap in real card names and current terms, but the columns below capture how readers actually compare offers.

This kind of matrix helps readers quickly see trade-offs between the best credit card for balance transfer options: length of intro APR, fee levels, and how “forgiving” the card might be after the promotional period ends.

What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?

So, what is a balance transfer? At its core, it's a type of credit card that has an introductory APR offer for balances transferred from other cards and loans. The best balance transfer credit cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a limited time, and some extend the same introductory rate to purchases, too

Terms for balance transfer cards vary quite a bit from there. While most come with no annual fee, almost all cards in this niche charge balance transfer fees between 3% and 5% of the debt amount transferred.

Some balance transfer cards offer rewards for spending and perks like cell phone insurance, extended warranties and purchase protections, whereas others skip offering rewards and perks in exchange for longer intro APR offers.

Consumers who sign up for a balance transfer credit card are assigned a credit limit right off the bat, which they can use to consolidate other debts, charge new purchases or both. They can opt to make a minimum monthly payment on the card, or they can pay more than the minimum to pay down the balance as quickly as possible.

Since most people who sign up for balance transfer credit cards are trying to save on interest and get out of debt, these offers make the most sense for consumers who aim to pay as much as they can toward their balance each month. Meanwhile, those who pay the bare minimum or keep charging new purchases to their cards may find themselves with more debt in the future. 

In other words, a credit card balance transfer is powerful because it reshuffles your debt at a much lower rate, but the real savings only show up if you change your payment behavior, not just your card.

Pros

• 0% APR on balance transfers, purchases or both for a limited time
• Potential to pay down debt faster due to no interest charges
• Most balance transfer cards have $0 annual fees
• Potential to earn rewards for spending
• Access cardholder protections and benefits with some offers
• $0 liability for fraudulent purchases
  Another often overlooked benefit: moving multiple balances to one 0 balance transfer credit card can simplify your financial life into a single due date, which reduces missed payments and the risk of late fees.

Cons

• Balance transfer fees apply
• Intro APR offers are temporary
• Balance transfers move debt around but don't pay it off
• Balance transfer cards with rewards make it easier to rack up more debt
• Card issuer-specific rules can apply
  Also, keep in mind that some credit cards with balance transfer deals require you to complete the transfer within a set window (often 60–120 days) to qualify for the 0 interest balance transfer rate. Miss that window, and you may end up paying the regular APR on the entire amount.

Note: Most card issuers won't let you consolidate debt from one of their cards onto another of their products. For example, Chase won't let you consolidate debt from other Chase credit cards and loans onto one of its balance transfer offers.

When someone applies for a balance transfer card and gets approved, they are typically given the option to consolidate debt from other cards via the phone or an online form. Debt transferred to the card must come under the new credit limit they're assigned, and that's after taking balance transfer fees into account.

After transferring a balance, the new card gives users the option of making a minimum payment on their cards each month (typically 2% or 3% of the balance owed) or paying as much as they want. While paying the bare minimum can be tempting since interest isn't accruing, this move slows down the debt repayment process considerably.

Ideally, consumers who opt for a balance transfer card will have a plan to pay down as much debt as possible while they have 0% APR. This will not only help them save money on interest, but it will also help them chip away at their debt at a much faster rate.

Also remember that intro APR offers don't last forever. Most balance transfer credit cards offer 0% introductory rates for 15 to 21 months. After that, remaining balances are charged the high variable rates all credit cards have. 

These high variable rates offer an incentive for potential balance transfer card customers to get serious about debt repayment. The higher monthly payment you can make toward your debt with one of these cards, the lower the balance you'll be charged interest on down the line.

Note: If you have a large amount of debt to transfer, make sure you check for card issuer limits and rules before you pick a new card.

Balance transfer savings calculator

Transferring debt to a credit card with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate, or APR, could save you hundreds of dollars in interest while you pay down your debt.

Your existing credit card debt

Debt to Transfer

Current Interest Rate (APR)

15

%

Details of balance transfer card

Balance Transfer Fee

3

%

0% Period (Months)

Important Assumptions

These savings are an estimate. To realize them, you must pay off the entire transferred balance before the 0% introductory period ends.

This calculation assumes you make equal monthly payments to clear the debt in time.

The 0% offer may not apply to new purchases. Check the card's terms and conditions.

After the intro period, the interest rate will increase to a much higher standard rate. Any remaining balance will accrue interest at that new rate.

To pay off your debt in time, divide your new balance (debt + transfer fee) by the number of 0% months to find your required monthly payment.

* Interest calculations are estimates. Actual finance charges will vary according to your payments and your credit card's terms.

Balance transfers can make sense for people who want to save money on interest, pay down debt faster or both. Individuals who have multiple debts to consolidate can also benefit from a simpler, more streamlined debt repayment process.

That said, you'll get the most from a balance transfer card if you're serious about getting out of debt and you go into the process with a plan in mind. If you have $10,000 in credit card debt and you want to pay it off for good, for example, you will want to do the math to know you can become debt-free or get close to it before the card's intro period ends.

Note: Balance transfer cards work best when you stop using credit cards for new purchases. If you want to get out of debt and stay out, avoid using your card for spending until you're debt-free.

If you already know you can’t make the payments needed to clear your balance during the promo period, you may be better off combining a balance transfer with other tools (like a personal loan or a debt management plan) rather than relying only on even the best balance transfer credit cards.

But how to determine if a balance transfer fee is worth it? It really comes down to having the right mindset. For the most part, this means being serious about paying off debt, having a plan in mind, and being willing to pay a fee to get 0% APR for a limited time.

To figure out if a balance transfer makes sense, you'll want to run the numbers to find out your potential savings. You also need to figure out how much you can afford to pay toward your debts each month to know if a balance transfer is your best option.

Consider the example of someone who has one credit card with a $8,000 balance at 24% APR. Let's imagine this person is paying $400 per month toward the debt, but they're not making much progress due to the interest that's added to their payment each month.

At this rate, it would take this person 26 months to become debt-free if they stopped using the card for new purchases. Over that timeline, they would pay just over $2,318 in interest charges.

Let's say this person applies for a balance transfer card that has an introductory balance transfer fee of 3%. If they transferred their credit card balance once they're approved, they would owe $240 in balance transfer fees and begin the debt repayment process owing $8,240.

If they kept paying $400 per month on the card, they could become entirely debt-free with $0 interest charged over that timeline. In other words, paying the $240 balance transfer fee results in more than $2,000 in interest savings. This is a stellar deal.

You can run this same calculation for any 0 balance transfer credit cards you’re considering: compare “interest paid if I do nothing” with “fee plus interest paid if I switch.” If the savings aren’t meaningful, another strategy may be better.

The most important features of balance transfer cards can depend on your goals, and whether you plan to keep the card for the long haul. Consider these features as you compare the best cards and offers.

Lengthy Intro APR Offer

The length of a balance transfer offer is a huge consideration for consumers, and especially those who have a lot of debt. Having longer with 0% APR can make it easier to pay down more debt without interest, or to make a lower monthly payment to become debt-free during an intro offer.

Then again, those who have a smaller amount of debt to pay off may be happy with 0% APR for 12 or 15 months. Make sure to consider how long you need to pay down debt — and what your goals are — as you look for the right card.

Reasonable Fees

The best balance transfer cards don't charge an annual fee, so you shouldn't pay one. Other fees to look for with balance transfer cards include balance transfer fees, which tack on anywhere from 3% to 5% of the debt you transfer from other cards to your new balance.

While getting the lowest balance transfer fee you can find may lead to upfront savings, remember that some cards with the longest intro offers (up to 21 months) charge higher balance transfer fees of 5%. 

Cardholder Benefits

Some balance transfer credit cards come with purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty protection, secondary auto rental coverage and even trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Other top balance transfer cards come with perks like cell phone insurance and roadside assistance. Make sure you compare cards based on their benefits if any of these features are important to you.

Rewards Program

Many cards that have 0% APR for a limited time offer cash back rewards for spending, although some offer travel rewards points instead.

If you want to earn rewards while paying down new spending or balance transfers at 0% APR, make sure to compare cards based on their earning rates, welcome offers and overall rewards potential before you make your pick.

The path to the right balance transfer credit card depends on a consumer's goals and how much debt they have to pay down. These steps can help you compare the best 0% APR credit cards available today.

Know Your Credit Score

The best balance transfer credit cards require good or excellent credit, which typically means a FICO score of 670 or higher. Some top offers may even require higher scores than that, although individual card issuers rarely list minimum credit score requirements for their cards.

If you check your credit score and it falls short, you may need to spend some time improving your credit before you apply for a balance transfer credit card. 

Assess Your Debt

Knowing how much debt you want to transfer can help you pick the right card, mostly because your debt amount determines how long you need 0% APR. 

If you have a small amount of debt, a card with a shorter intro period and more benefits could leave you better off. If you have considerable credit card debt, on the other hand, you probably want the longest 0% APR period you can find.

Look at Balance Transfer Fees

Also remember that balance transfer cards charge balance transfer fees from 3% to 5% of the debt amount you transfer. These fees are added to your new credit card when you transfer a balance, so you begin debt repayment with a higher balance than you started with.

The tradeoff you're making is getting 0% APR for a limited time. Also note that cards with longer intro periods tend to charge higher balance transfer fees, although this isn't always the case.

Do Some Math

As you narrow down balance transfer options and figure out how long you want to have 0% APR, doing some math to figure out how much you need to pay each month can also help your cause. 

If you have $5,000 in credit card debt and plan to pay a 3% balance transfer fee to get 0% APR for 15 months, for example, you would begin paying off debt with a $5,150 balance. With 15 months at zero interest in this example, paying off your balance would require a payment of around $345 per month to become debt-free before the introductory period ends. 

Balance transfer cards can help you get out of debt if used correctly, but they can also lead to even more debt in the long run. Ultimately, how you use them will determine the final outcome. 

These expert tips and tricks can help you get the most out of a balance transfer credit card instead of making your debt issue worse.

Prioritize Debt Repayment Over Rewards

Award travel coach Michael Gandara says consumers who want to earn cash back or travel rewards but also want to get out of debt should focus on getting their financial ducks in a row first and foremost. This means paying off debt before focusing too much effort on earning rewards for spending.

"The goal should be reaching a point where balance transfers aren't necessary, allowing you to focus on earning points for travel rather than managing debt," said Gandara.

Don't Ignore the Fees

Credit and debt expert Leslie H. Tayne, Esq. of Tayne Law Group says that balance transfer fees should absolutely be taken into account. While some of the best balance transfer cards charge 3% balance transfer fees, others with longer 0% APR offers may charge fees up to 5%.

"It’s still often worth the upfront cost, but still an important consideration when transferring debt to a balance transfer credit card," said Tayne.

Create a Debt Repayment Plan

Tayne also recommends having a concrete debt repayment plan before transferring debt between cards. You can do this by figuring out exactly how much you owe, calculating the balance transfer fee into the equation and figuring out how many months you'll have 0% APR.

"Once you know the introductory interest rate expiration date, create a budget to pay down your debt based on that timeframe," she said. "This way, you can take full advantage of the 0% APR rate to pay down your debt."

If you need to consolidate and pay down debt but you're not sold on getting another credit card, consider these alternatives.

• Personal loan: While personal loans never offer 0% APR, they let consumers consolidate and pay down debt with fixed interest rates, fixed monthly payments and a set repayment plan. Consumers with good credit may also be able to get personal loans with highly competitive rates that are much lower than credit cards charge.
• Home equity loan: Like personal loans, home equity loans let users access a lump sum of cash they can use to pay off debt. These loans also come with fixed interest rates and set monthly payments, although you need a considerable amount of home equity to qualify.
• Home equity line of credit (HELOC): HELOCs offer a line of credit based on your equity in a home, which makes them similar to home equity loans. However, HELOCs let you borrow money as needed, and they tend to charge variable interest rates. This means the monthly payment on a HELOC fluctuates based on how much you borrow.

Our ratings of the best balance transfer cards are based on factors like the length of each card's introductory offer, fees that apply and included cardholder perks. We also took the rewards proposition of cards that offer cash back or points for spending into account, along with factors like account security, user experience and customer service ratings.

We surveyed top credit card experts for their insights on the best balance transfer offers, and we pored over consumer message boards like myFICO.com, Reddit, and Quora for consumer sentiment and card recommendations.

What Is the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card?

The best balance transfer credit card may be different from one person to the next. The best balance transfer credit cards make it possible to pay down debt at a faster rate, and with dramatically lower costs. Most come with no annual fee, and some come with perks like rewards for spending, purchase protections and extended warranties.

Do Balance Transfers Hurt Your Credit Score?

Applying for a balance transfer card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit reports, which can temporarily ding your score. However, the new line of credit you get approved for can lower your overall credit utilization ratio, which is typically good for your credit score. Your score can also improve as you pay down debt and make on-time payments on your card.

What Is the Smartest Way to Do a Balance Transfer?

The path to balance transfer success involves having a plan to get out of debt — and sticking to it. For example, know how much you need to pay on your card to get out of debt during your card's introductory period, then stay committed to paying at least that much on your card each month. 

Most importantly, stop using credit for new purchases while you're trying to pay down debt. If you keep charging new spending to a balance transfer card, you may never get out of debt.

Wells Fargo

Disclosure: This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of BestMoney alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.

Bank of America

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.