A balance transfer involves transferring a credit card balance from one credit card to another in order to pay off the original card. If the new credit card has a lower APR, a balance transfer may help you get out of high-interest debt faster. In some cases, you can start with no APR at all on the new card, which is known as a 0% intro APR offer.
The best balance transfer credit cards give you a 0% intro APR for 12 months or more, even as long as 18 or 21 months, which may give you enough time to pay off your balance without accruing more interest charges. Citi and Wells Fargo stand out among credit issuers for offering many top balance transfer cards, but you can also find excellent options from Discover and other issuers, depending on what you're looking for.
Here are the balance transfer cards we recommend, who each one is best for, and how to choose the right card for you.
- Citi Simplicity® Card
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 17.49% - 28.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum) within 4 months of account opening; then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) after the 4 month intro period ends
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: Avoiding late fees and penalty APRs if you're worried about missing payments
- Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening
- Balance transfer fee: 5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: Giving yourself plenty of time to pay off debt and saving on balance transfer fees
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum) within 4 months of account opening; then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) after the 4 month intro period ends
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: Earning impressive cash back for a card with such a competitive intro APR for balance transfers (also great for building credit)
- Discover it® Chrome
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% - 26.49% Variable
- Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: Focusing on paying off debt and keeping your spending low
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance transfer fee: 5%, min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: One of the longest intro APR periods we've seen for balance transfers (and purchases)
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
- Balance transfer fee: 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
- Excellent for: Earning more cash back when you don't need the longest intro APR period
Top balance transfer credit cards
| Credit Card | Intro APR | Regular APR | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2026 Award Winner
Best for Balance Transfers
Apply Now
Citi Simplicity® Card |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
Purchases:
0%, 12 months from date of account opening
|
17.49% - 28.24% (Variable)
|
N/A
|
$0
|
|
2026 AWARD WINNER
Best 0% Intro APR and Balance Transfer Card
Apply Now
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchases:
0%, 21 months from account opening
|
17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable
|
N/A
|
$0
|
Apply Now
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
Purchases:
0%, 12 months from date of account opening
|
16.49% - 27.24% (Variable)
|
N/A
|
$0
|
Apply Now
Citi Double Cash® Card |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 18 months
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
|
$200
|
$0
|
Apply Now
Discover it® Chrome |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 18 months
Purchases:
0%, 6 months
|
17.49% - 26.49% Variable
|
Cashback Match™
|
$0
|
|
2026 Award Winner
Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card
Apply Now
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card |
Balance Transfer:
0%, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchases:
0%, 12 months from account opening
|
18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable
|
$200
Cash rewards
|
$0
|
0%, 12 months from date of account opening
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 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 17.49% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- 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).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
0%, 21 months from account opening
0%, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
0%, 12 months from date of account opening
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
- 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 16.49% - 27.24%, 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.
N/A, N/A
0%, 18 months
- 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 17.49% - 27.49%, 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).
0%, 6 months
0%, 18 months
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
0%, 12 months from account opening
0%, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
FinanceBuzz expert analysis of the best balance transfer cards
Citi Simplicity Card
- Best for: Giving yourself plenty of time to pay off a balance and dodging late fees
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 17.49% - 28.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 21 months from date of account opening
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: Four months
- Earns rewards?: No
Our take: The Citi Simplicity belongs on any list of top balance transfer cards. In fact, if you came across a list of best balance transfer credit cards that doesn't include this one, that's a red flag. This is because the Simplicity is a quintessential balance transfer card with an uncommonly long intro APR period. Plus, it doesn't charge late fees, and you have four months after opening to complete balance transfers.
The Citi Simplicity also doubles as a great option for saving on interest on new purchases. So if you know you have a lot of spending coming up and might need to carry those charges as a balance for a while, possibly on top of old debt, you can plan ahead. It won't make your new or old debt any easier to budget for, but it also won't make it harder, which is more than can be said of cards without such generous intro APR offers. All this said, this is a boring card if you have your eye on rewards and benefits.
Drawbacks: The Citi Simplicity Card doesn't earn rewards, which is a bummer. But you're trading the value you could get from points or cash back for the value of saving yourself money on interest and, hopefully, getting into a better financial position overall. It does mean, however, that the value of this card pretty much has an expiration date. Whether you're out of debt or not after 21 months from date of account opening of no interest on a balance transfer, it stops being useful.
Read our full Citi Simplicity review
Wells Fargo Reflect
- Best for: Avoiding interest on your debt, old or new
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: 120 days
- Earns rewards?: No
Our take: The Wells Fargo Reflect is another one of the only credit cards that offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening. An intro APR promotion this long is relatively rare, rivaled by only a few (like the Citi Simplicity), and even rarer when you consider that the card offers the same intro APR period for new purchases. After the intro periods, the APR is 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable.
Like the Citi Simplicity, the Wells Fargo Reflect doesn't earn rewards. That's not its draw. Instead, it's one of our favorites for balance transfers because it gives you much longer than most balance transfer cards to work on chipping away at your balance without paying interest. It's also unusual for offering up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft, subject to a $25 deductible. While this is far from the best type of insurance you can find in a credit card, it's exceedingly difficult to find benefits like this in balance transfer cards, which are often pretty one-note (and that note is "save on interest while you work on paying down debt").
Drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Reflect doesn't earn rewards, and it also doesn't offer an introductory balance transfer fee that's lower than its regular fee. You'll pay 5% of each balance you transfer, regardless of how soon you transfer your debt after opening, and there's a $5 minimum. That's a high fee you don't want to make the mistake of overlooking.
Read our full Wells Fargo Reflect review
Citi Diamond Preferred Card
- Best for: Lower regular APRs
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 21 months from date of account opening
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: Four months
- Earns rewards?: No
Our take: Citi dominates the balance transfer card market thanks primarily to two cards: the Citi Simplicity and this card, the Citi Diamond Preferred. Like the Simplicity, the Diamond Preferred gives the gift of time. Offering a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, it ties with only a few others for one of the longest balance transfer offers. Like the Simplicity, it gives you just 12 months from date of account opening to enjoy 0% intro APR on new purchases (after the intro periods, the APR is 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable)). That's what makes this one a better balance transfer card than an all-around intro APR card.
The Citi Diamond Preferred stands out from all the others on our list for having the lowest possible regular APR. If you're realistic with yourself about your debt payoff timeline and realize that you might actually need longer than 21 months to get your balance to zero, you'll be glad for a potentially lower regular rate when that kicks in after the intro APR period is up. Only the most creditworthy applicants typically qualify for the Diamond Preferred Card's lowest APR, but even a slightly lower minimum and maximum matter when you're talking about potentially adding to your debt.
Drawbacks: This card is a great balance transfer credit card, but it has less that sets it apart than the Citi Simplicity. It charges late fees and doesn't have a lower introductory balance transfer fee.
Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred review
Citi Double Cash
- Best for: Earning flexible points
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 18 months
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: Four months
- Earns rewards?: Yes
Our take: The Citi Double Cash is the first card on our list to earn rewards, and it made quite the splash when it launched in 2014 as one of the first cards to earn up to 2% cash back on everything (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases).
It has one of the most unusual reward-earning structures out there, because you don't earn all of your rewards right away. Instead, you earn half when you spend, and half when you pay off that spending. This could be exactly the motivation you need to keep your credit card bill paid, especially if you've only recently joined the good-credit club (as having good or excellent credit is recommended for this card) and want to stay there. Plus, the points you earn are more flexible than your average cash back because they're Citi ThankYou® Points. You can redeem them for everything from statement credits and direct deposits to travel and online shopping.
Drawbacks: This card's balance transfer promotion is a little short compared to true balance transfer cards, though still longer than most rewards credit cards as a whole. It also doesn't have an intro APR offer for new purchases at all, so even though it's great for regular spending, it's not a good choice for avoiding interest on regular spending. And if you can't keep your credit card bill paid off, you won't earn the full up to 2% and could hurt your credit, which is uniquely punishing.
Read our full Citi Double Cash review
Discover it Chrome
- Best for: Transferring a balance and spending minimally
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months (then 17.49% - 26.49% Variable)
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 18 months
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: See terms
- Earns rewards?: Yes
Our take: This is another cash back card masquerading as a balance transfer card for people who don't want a card that stops being valuable after its intro APR period. Maybe you have debt you want to work on paying off, but you aren't looking to open a new credit card solely to serve that end goal. If you're interested in the Discover it Chrome because it earns 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter), and you also happen to have debt you want to transfer to a new card with a lower APR, this could be a good option for you.
Rounding out the card's potential to save you money is its 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* and policy to forgive your first late payment (after that, up to $41). We'd still strongly caution against missing payments and recommend scheduling automatic payments if you're able, but even a tiny bit of wiggle room on this can help your budget (though it won't protect your credit, so be careful out there).
Drawbacks: This isn't strictly a balance transfer card, and 18 months isn't the longest intro APR offer you can find for balance transfers. This card also has earning caps that a lot of the best cash back credit cards don't have, which is why it makes more sense if you know you're not going to be spending a ton of money on this card. If you might exceed that quarterly cap, choose a different card.
Read our full Discover it Chrome review
Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Best for: Earning more cash rewards on purchases
- Intro APR on balance transfers: 0% introductory APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable)
- Balance transfer intro APR period: 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- How long you have to make balance transfers after opening: 120 days
- Earns rewards?: Yes
Our take: The Wells Fargo Active Cash is widely considered the Citi Double Cash's top competitor, launched in 2021. Many people would choose it over the Double Cash because it doesn't hold half of your cash rewards hostage until you pay your bill, and it offers the most uncomplicated earning structure there is. It's also a Visa, while the Citi Double Cash is a Mastercard, and doesn't have any cash rewards bonus categories or earning caps (unlike the Discover it Chrome).
But though we love the Active Cash as a cash back card, it falls a little flatter as a balance transfer card because its intro APR period is much shorter. That's why this is another case where you should be drawn to this card for its earning structure first, then enjoy the intro APRs on qualifying balance transfers as a bonus. This card charges a balance transfer fee of 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5.
Drawbacks: One mistake people make in choosing this card is in focusing too much on how they earn rewards and not enough on how they'll redeem them. Although you can cash in your cash rewards for travel purchases, like the Citi Double Cash, Wells Fargo isn't known for its travel portal. You'll usually get the most value redeeming your cash rewards for cash equivalents, like statement credits, and might find other redemption methods fairly limiting with this one.
Read our full Wells Fargo Active Cash review
How to successfully do a balance transfer
Using a balance transfer card is just one strategy to potentially pay off debt, but opening one isn't a silver bullet. To take full advantage of intro APR offers on balance transfer cards and make as much progress on your credit card debt as possible, follow these steps to transfer a balance from one card to another.
- Request a balance transfer
- Remember to factor in fees
- Repay your balance
- Avoid excessive spending
Request a balance transfer
Once you've been approved for a balance transfer card, you can initiate a balance transfer with your new issuer.
You can typically do this in one of three ways:
- Online
- Through the mobile app
- Over the phone
You'll need to provide details about the debt you're transferring, including the amount and account information for the cards or loans it's coming from.
Don't forget balance transfer fees
Balance transfers aren't free — they have balance transfer fees. These fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the transferred balance. So transferring a $1,000 balance could cost you between $30 and $50, tacked on to your new balance.
Calculate whether a balance transfer is worth it. To do this, look at the interest you're currently being charged and compare it to the balance transfer fee. If you would end up saving more on interest than you'd pay for the fee, a balance transfer could be worth it.
Repay your balance
After the transfer, focus on paying off your transferred balance.
If your card has a 0% intro APR period, try to repay the entire balance (or as much as you can manage) before the period ends.
Example
If you open a new card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, see if you can fit regular payments for the total balance into your budget for 18 months. Maybe you're transferring $5,000 and can afford a $300 monthly payment, which would let you repay your balance in a little over 16 months.
Try to pay more than the required minimum payment each statement period, and consider scheduling automatic payments for as long as the introductory APR applies.
Avoid excessive spending
While a credit card balance transfer could help you pay off debt, it's important to use it responsibly. Balance transfers work best when you avoid running up new debt and try to pay off the balance before the introductory rate expires.
It's also important to note that, although many balance transfer credit cards also offer 0% intro APRs on new purchases, some don't. So you can start accruing interest right away on purchases, even if your transferred balance won't.
How I used a balance transfer card to manage a large expense
I had an upcoming surgery that cost $8,000 out of pocket. After researching, I decided that using a balance transfer credit card would be the best option to pay for the surgery over time. I applied and qualified for a balance transfer credit card that also offers long introductory APR on new purchases, and I was able to easily break the total into monthly payments over a year.
I also took advantage of my remaining available credit and transferred existing debt from another high-interest credit card. Ultimately, both of these benefits saved me hundreds of dollars in interest charges and allowed me to pay down debt faster.
Remember, while a credit card balance transfer can be a great tool to manage and pay off debt, it's important to use it responsibly. Balance transfers work best when you avoid running up new debt on the card and try to pay off the balance before the introductory rate expires.
How to pick the right balance transfer card for you
Many credit cards are balance transfer cards, but they vary widely. Follow these steps to compare balance transfer offers:
- Consider your credit: Your credit helps determine whether you're approved for a card. Many top balance transfer cards require good or excellent credit.
- Focus on intro APR offer lengths: Depending on your debt, you may want a card with a longer balance transfer period. Many start at 12 months.
- Check regular APRs: When intro APRs end, regular APRs kick in. To be safe, look for cards with low interest rates to potentially avoid extra debt.
- Don't forget balance transfer fees: Most credit cards charge balance transfer fees between 3% and 5% of the amount you transfer.
- Research issuers: You usually can't transfer debt between cards from the same issuer. For example, if you have the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can't transfer your balance to another Chase credit card.
- Compare rewards programs: Some balance transfer cards earn rewards, some don't. Often, if you want the best balance transfer offer possible, you won't earn rewards, and cards without rewards offer little ongoing value.
Pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards
| Pros | Cons |
| Could help you repay debt faster by lowering interest burden | Often charge fees between 3% and 5% |
| Intro APR periods often start at 12 months | High regular APRs apply after intro APRs end |
| Many don't have annual fees | Often require at least good credit |
| Consolidating debt can simplify repayment | May not earn rewards or offer many benefits |
| Could help your credit in the long-term | May not qualify for the credit limit you need |
FAQs
How long do balance transfers take?
The answer to this varies by card issuer, but in general, you can expect your credit card balance to transfer over to your new card within about a week. However, the process can take up to 21 days.
Sometimes cards with balance transfer offers require you to transfer your balance within a certain number of days of account opening. Make sure you keep an eye out for details like that when you decide which balance transfer card to apply for.
How much can you transfer on a balance transfer credit card?
How much you can transfer onto a new credit card depends on your credit limit. For example, if you have $10,000 in credit card debt and the new 0% intro APR credit card has a credit limit of $6,000, then you won't be able to transfer over the full balance.
You also need to account for the balance transfer fee. Your transfer amount plus the balance transfer fee must be less than the total credit line available on your new balance transfer card.
Can you make multiple balance transfers?
While you can complete multiple balance transfers — as long as you transfer to a card at a different lender — that can be a sign there are bigger issues with your debt. While a balance transfer can make you feel like you're managing your debt better, doing more than one balance transfer signals that you may have a spending or cash flow problem.
Before doing another balance transfer, take a hard look at your credit card statements and identify areas where you can cut back. It's also a good idea to create a budget for yourself and find ways to boost your income so you can regain control of your money.
If you have multiple balances you want to transfer, you might also want to consider a personal loan to consolidate your debt.
Are balance transfers worth it?
Balance transfers can be worth it if they save you money on interest. If you transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card to a card with a lower interest rate, then you could be better off in the long run. A lengthy period of time with less interest could help you pay down your credit card debt and manage your finances better. If you're considering a card with an intro balance transfer APR, take a good look at the card details before you apply.
And if you're interested in perks beyond a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers, many cards also offer limited-time introductory offers on new purchases, as well as cashback rewards, bonus points on certain spending categories, flexible redemption options, or benefits like lucrative sign-up bonuses, no foreign transaction fees, or extended warranty coverage. These perks can be useful if you want to use your new card to make a large purchase and pay it off over time.
Bottom line
If you're struggling with high-interest debt, then an introductory balance transfer offer could help you save money on interest and pay off your balances faster. The best balance transfer cards give you at least the first year to pay down your debt interest-free, which makes them an effective personal finance tool for managing debt.
Methodology
To select the best balance transfer cards, we looked for cards that offer 0% intro APR offers on balances transferred from credit cards and/or other debts. From this list of options from many top credit card issuers, we analyzed each card based on the following key criteria: Note that you typically can't transfer your balance to a card from the same issuer. We did not evaluate all available credit cards in the market and included cards from our partners.
How we rate products