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Best balance transfer cards of October 2025
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Edited by
- • Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI)
- • Rewards credit cards
- • Travel credit cards
Reviewed by
- • Credit cards
- • Credit scores
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What is a balance transfer credit card?
A balance transfer card lets you move a balance from one credit card to another. Balance transfer cards typically come with an introductory 0 percent APR offer for a set period, usually between 12 and 21 months. During this period, you won't be charged interest on your transferred balance, which lets you pay off your debt more efficiently. After your intro period ends, an ongoing APR applies to any remaining balance on the card that received the balance transfer.
Is a balance transfer right for me?
Paying zero interest or low interest for several months can seem like the right move, especially since it has the potential to save you money on high-interest card debt. But it’s not always the right choice for everyone. Before pulling the trigger on a balance transfer, you’ll need to consider how much you’ll save, the alternatives and how you’ll avoid common balance transfer mistakes. For example, a balance transfer makes little sense if you continue to charge your old credit card, adding to the debt.
How much is a balance transfer fee?
A typical balance transfer fee is 3 to 5 percent of the amount you transfer. For every $1,000 you transfer, a 3 percent balance transfer fee would cost $30. A 5 percent balance transfer fee would cost slightly more at $50 for every $1,000. The larger your balance transfer is, the more it will cost in fees. To save money on your transfer, you could look for cards with no or low balance transfer fees. To save money on your transfer, look for cards with no or low balance transfer fees.
How much can I save with a balance transfer?
TransUnion’s most recent data shows that the average credit card balance hit $6,434 as of May 2025 — a 2.6 percent increase from 2024. Credit card balances have consistently increased over the past three years alongside the interest rates attached to them. And Bankrate historical data shows that the average interest rate on credit cards was 16.30 percent at the beginning of 2022. However, the current average credit card interest rate is now 20.01 percent.
If you’re part of the nearly half of Americans carrying a balance on your card, the right balance transfer card could save you hundreds of dollars when paying off credit card debt. If you transferred $6,434 to a balance transfer card with an 18-month 0 percent intro APR offer — even with a 5 percent balance transfer fee — versus keeping it on a 21 percent APR credit card, you could save $959. These savings may vary based on several factors, but compared to not transferring your balance in this scenario, you’re most likely making the best financial move. To save more in this situation, you could look for a card with a balance transfer fee lower than 5 percent.
| APR | Starting amount | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21% for 18 months | $6,434 | $419 | $1,122 | $7,556 |
| 0% intro on balance transfers for 18 months | $6,756 (includes 5% balance transfer fee) | $376 | $0 | $6,756 |
How do I qualify for a balance transfer card?
Qualifying for a balance transfer card doesn’t just mean meeting the credit score requirements, even though that’s a large piece of what you need to get approved. Card issuers also consider these criteria to determine if you qualify:
- Credit score: The best balance transfer cards typically require at least a 670 to get approved. The higher your credit score is, the better your chances are.
- Debt to income level: Specific limits vary between card issuers, but a healthy debt to income ratio is usually 35 percent or less.
- Credit utilization ratio: If you’re trying to do a balance transfer from a maxed out card, it’s unlikely that you’ll qualify for a balance transfer card. A healthy utilization ratio is usually 30 percent or lower, but lenders often have slightly higher limits for balance transfer cards.
- Credit history: Most major lenders draw the line at recent charge offs, delinquencies, bankruptcies or liens. So it’s very unlikely that you’ll qualify if those items are on your credit report.
- Credit inquiries: The number of recent hard inquiries on your credit report may affect your chances of getting approved for a balance transfer card even with good credit. For example, Citi has a limit of no more than 2 card applications within a 65-day window.
- Recent account openings: The infamous Chase 5/24 rule isn’t the only one to watch out for. Other banks have a limit on the number of cards you can open within a short period. So if you’ve been on a credit card opening spree, you could get denied even if you meet the other criteria.
If you’re concerned about approval, consider using our CardMatch™ tool to find cards you’re pre-approved for. This tool can help you weigh your options with more precision.
What type of balance transfer card is best for me?
Some cards are great strictly for balance transfers or as ideal options for rewards-seekers, but some versatile cards offer the best of both worlds. To help you choose the right balance transfer card, we asked our experts to share some insight about how they chose their balance transfer card. Like you might find yourself doing, it came down to choosing between rewards or a longer intro APR period.
Balance transfer cards with rewards
Versatile balance transfer cards offer the best of both worlds with a 12- to 15-month intro period and solid rewards. Former Bankrate editor Alice Lesperance chose the Citi Double Cash to pay down debt she accumulated during the pandemic.
The process of transferring my balance to the Double Cash was easy, and I love that it has a generous intro APR period. The fact that the card offers cash back when you pay off a purchase is a bonus for me while I focused on paying off debt rather than accumulating more.Alice Lesperance, former Bankrate credit cards editor
Choose a card with generous rewards rates if:
- The balance you’re transferring isn’t overwhelming.
- You’re motivated to pay it off quickly.
- You can confidently pay off your balance transfer in 15 months or less.
- You need a workhorse credit card, not a one-trick pony.
Balance transfer cards with long intro APR periods
If you don’t mind paying off your debt at a slower pace, pure balance transfer cards usually have a balance transfer period of 18 to 21 months or more. It’s focused on one priority — balance transfers. That's why former Bankrate editor Steve Dashiell chose the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
When a series of house and car repairs ballooned my credit card balances, my biggest concern was giving myself some breathing room to pay off the sum over a long period of time. Once my balance was transferred and my card came in the mail, I immediately set up comfortable auto payments that would pay off the balance well ahead of the intro period’s end and tossed the card into a drawer.Steve Dashiell, Former Editor, Credit Cards
Choose a card with a longer intro APR if:
- You have a larger balance to transfer.
- You need more time to make payments fit your budget
- You want a short-term debt solution, not a long-term card.
- You aren’t concerned with earning rewards.
What to look for in a balance transfer card
There are a few factors you’ll want to evaluate to make sure any credit card is the right fit for you. Here are some of the features to look out for when making your decision:
Long intro APR period
The best balance transfer cards have intro periods of at least 15 months. A few cards offer some of the longest periods of 21 months or longer.
Best examples:
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
Citi Simplicity® Card
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Reasonable balance transfer fee
It's unlikely you'll find a balance transfer card from a major issuer without a balance transfer fee. To keep costs low, look for balance transfer fees of 3 percent to 4 percent.
Best examples:
Citi Simplicity® Card
Discover it® Chrome
BankAmericard® credit card*
Low ongoing APR
If you don't think you can pay the whole balance by the end of the intro period, then look for cards with low rates and fees. Any APR near 35 percent is a no-go — consider cards with a lower APR range than your current card.
Best examples:
BankAmericard® credit card*
USAA Rate Advantage Card
Gold Visa® Card*
Long-term value
If you've paid off the card, you might want to start earning credit card rewards. But a balance transfer card that earns rewards means sacrificing a few months of the intro APR period to get more long-term value.
Best examples:
Citi Double Cash® Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
What is the biggest mistake people make with balance transfers?
The biggest mistake people make with balance transfers is trying to avoid interest without having a realistic debt payoff plan in place. A balance transfer can temporarily reduce or pause interest, but it doesn’t solve the root issue — most often, an income shortfall. Anytime you're relying on credit, it's a signal that you don’t have the cash available in the moment. So if you're using a balance transfer to buy time, also ask: How am I going to increase my income to actually pay this off? Without that clarity, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of repeated balance transfersI’ve worked with clients who transferred balances multiple times to delay interest charges — but eventually, their credit scores dropped, and they could no longer qualify for 0% interest offers. Then they were stuck with high-interest balances and fewer options. Balance transfers can be a helpful tool, but they’re not a long-term solution. Use them strategically and in tandem with a sustainable repayment and income plan, so you don’t end up with growing debt.
The biggest mistake people make with balance transfers is trying to avoid interest without having a realistic debt payoff plan in place. A balance transfer can temporarily reduce or pause interest, but it doesn’t solve the root issue — most often, an income shortfall. Anytime you're relying on credit, it's a signal that you don’t have the cash available in the moment. So if you're using a balance transfer to buy time, also ask: How am I going to increase my income to actually pay this off? Without that clarity, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of repeated balance transfersI’ve worked with clients who transferred balances multiple times to delay interest charges — but eventually, their credit scores dropped, and they could no longer qualify for 0% interest offers. Then they were stuck with high-interest balances and fewer options. Balance transfers can be a helpful tool, but they’re not a long-term solution. Use them strategically and in tandem with a sustainable repayment and income plan, so you don’t end up with growing debt.
Balance transfers can be a strategic move if you use credit responsibly, make on-time payments, and have a clear plan to pay off your debt. The 0 percent introductory APR offer on balance transfer cards is tempting, but it only helps if you stay disciplined in paying off your current debt and avoid adding additional debt within the 12- to 18-month period.
Avoid making the biggest mistake of missing a payment, which can cancel your 0 percent promotional rate and immediately cause interest rates to jump, often to 30 percent or more. Also, stick to the payoff plan you worked hard to make and avoid adding new charges to the balance transfer card meant for paying down debt.
Balance transfers can be a strategic move if you use credit responsibly, make on-time payments, and have a clear plan to pay off your debt. The 0 percent introductory APR offer on balance transfer cards is tempting, but it only helps if you stay disciplined in paying off your current debt and avoid adding additional debt within the 12- to 18-month period.
Avoid making the biggest mistake of missing a payment, which can cancel your 0 percent promotional rate and immediately cause interest rates to jump, often to 30 percent or more. Also, stick to the payoff plan you worked hard to make and avoid adding new charges to the balance transfer card meant for paying down debt.
People make behavioral finance bias mistakes when conducting a transfer. Not factoring in the balance transfer fee, which can range from 3 percent to 5 percent, skews the comparison between the cost of the transfer and the interest cost associated with carrying debt. This miscalculation can lead to selecting a less favorable payment method for debt over a 12- to 18-month period.
Avoidance compounds this mistake by failing to make a dedicated commitment upfront to pay down the debt during the 0 percent interest periods. Emotions and behaviors can significantly impact finances, potentially resulting in a transfer that is more costly than the original position or, conversely, achieving a more favorable desired outcome.
People make behavioral finance bias mistakes when conducting a transfer. Not factoring in the balance transfer fee, which can range from 3 percent to 5 percent, skews the comparison between the cost of the transfer and the interest cost associated with carrying debt. This miscalculation can lead to selecting a less favorable payment method for debt over a 12- to 18-month period.
Avoidance compounds this mistake by failing to make a dedicated commitment upfront to pay down the debt during the 0 percent interest periods. Emotions and behaviors can significantly impact finances, potentially resulting in a transfer that is more costly than the original position or, conversely, achieving a more favorable desired outcome.
How to avoid balance transfer mistakes
There are a few mistakes you should be wary of before going through with a balance transfer. Because as helpful of a tool as it is, it loses its effectiveness when it’s not used properly. These balance transfer mistakes can derail debt payoff for even the most experienced balance transfer users:
Forgetting about the balance transfer fee: Most balance transfer cards have a 3 percent to 5 percent balance transfer fee — per transfer — tacked on to your total. Make note of this fee and include it in your budget.
Transferring a balance without a plan: Once you've picked and been approved for a balance transfer card, make a budget. Divide the total amount you're transferring (plus the balance transfer fee) by the months in your intro APR period. That's how much you'll need to pay each month to clear your debt by the end of the offer period.
Trying to transfer debt from the same issuer: You can’t do a balance transfer between two cards from the same issuer. That gets trickier when you don’t see your issuer’s name on the card. For example, Wells Fargo issues both the Wells Fargo Reflect Card and the Bilt Mastercard. So you wouldn’t be able to transfer your Bilt Card balance to use the Reflect Card’s balance transfer offer. Since Capital One and Discover recently finalized their merger, you won’t be able to transfer balances between these two issuers, either.
Adding to the balance as you’re paying it off: Unless your card also has an intro APR for purchases, new spending on the card will accrue interest. Put your balance transfer card in a drawer and don't use it if you don't have to.
Making a late payment: If you miss a payment on your balance transfer card, you could forfeit the remainder of your intro APR offer. Put your credit card account on auto-pay for the monthly amount you budgeted for and double check that it goes through so you can take advantage of the full offer.
Missing the balance transfer deadline: Most balance transfer cards give you two to six months to initiate your balance transfer. Consider this timeframe when choosing your card, and transfer your balance on time.
Assuming you can transfer everything: In most cases, you won’t know your credit limit until you get approved for a balance transfer card. If you were counting on using one card to pay off $10,000 or more split between multiple cards, then you might be disappointed — especially if your credit score isn’t in the best shape. Even if you get approved, it’ll likely be for a lower credit limit than you need to pay off everything at once. In these situations, it might be better to consider a personal loan instead.
*The information for Bilt Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.
Debt consolidation loan vs. balance transfer card
Frequently asked questions about balance transfer credit cards
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After your balance transfer goes through, don’t forget about your old card just yet. There may still be interest charges or purchases that post to your account after you’ve transferred the balance to your new card. If it does, pay off any remaining balance on the old card.
Once your old card balance is zeroed out, the card stays open and you can use the credit line again if needed. The account won’t be closed unless you request it. You don’t have to close the old card unless it benefits you, but it might be just as beneficial to keep it open even if you don’t plan to use the card. The newly available credit could reduce your credit utilization rate and positively affect your credit score while you work to pay down your balance transfer.
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The Wells Fargo Reflect, Citi Diamond Preferred and Citi Simplicity cards have some of the longest intro APR periods.
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A few factors could cause you to experience a temporary dip in your credit score: applying for a new credit card usually involves a hard inquiry that affects your credit score and opening a new card shortens your average account age. Also, if you apply for many new accounts in a short time or close an account as soon as you transfer a balance, these actions could negatively affect your score.
However, if you pay down the balance on time every month and keep your debt-to-credit ratio low overall, then your credit score might not be impacted as much.
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To complete a balance transfer, you’d need to complete the following:
- Apply for a balance transfer credit card and get approved
- Initiate a transfer to your new balance transfer card through your online account with your new issuer
- Wait for verification that the transfer is complete
- Set your payment plan in motion
Keep in mind that there can be a few differences in limits and policies depending on the card’s issuers.
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Yes, but transferring balances multiple times can quickly deplete your available credit and increase your overall debt-to-credit ratio since you're only moving the debt and not paying it off. That makes it harder for you to get approved for future credit and can cause your interest rates to rise as well. If you are in a position where you need to transfer your credit card balance more than once, you should consider alternative options before doing so.
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To get the most out of a balance transfer card, follow these three tips:
- Transfer your balance immediately and make a budget to pay it off.
- Always pay on time — missing a payment can cancel your intro period and affect your credit score.
- Don't use the balance transfer card for new spending unless it has an intro period for purchases.
How we choose the best balance transfer credit cards
Bankrate's credit card expertise
250
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years of industry experience
We select cards for “Best” credit cards pages based primarily on how cards score in our proprietary card rating system, our editors’ subjective assessment of card quality, card approval odds and credit requirements and unique card features.
Cards typically must score a minimum of 3.0 stars to be included on a “Best” list. However, we may include cards with scores below 3.0 if they have low credit requirements or unique features — despite their scores, these cards may still be among the “best” in certain categories. Card ratings are not influenced by advertisers or issuer relationships in any way.
Card selection and ordering may vary based on business considerations, including Bankrate visitor interest, site interactions and card application volume. Affiliate commissions (see how we make money), limited-time offers and a card’s general popularity in the product landscape may also influence which cards we feature on our pages and the order in which they appear. Bankrate’s editorial and business teams also strive to feature a variety of card types from various issuers.
Here’s a quick look at how our rating methodology breaks down for balance transfer cards:
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Intro APR and offer length for balance transfers 45%
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Balance transfer, annual and other fees 22%
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Intro APR and offer length for new purchases 18%
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Ongoing APR 15%
We analyzed over 100 of the most popular balance transfer and low-interest cards and scored each based on its introductory APR, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup
Here are some of the key factors that we considered:
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The primary factor in a balance transfer or low-interest card’s rating and its inclusion in our list is the quality of its introductory APR offer and ongoing APR. This includes both the introductory rate itself and the length of the intro APR on both balance transfers and new purchases.
For cards designed primarily for balance transfers, the intro APR offer on balance transfers has the largest impact on overall score. The quality of these cards’ intro APR on new purchases is also considered, but holds less weight than the intro APR on balance transfers.
For general low-interest cards, the intro APR offer on new purchases has the largest impact on overall score, followed by the ongoing APR and intro APR offer on balance transfers. This weighting assumes cardholders considering a card in this category will prioritize payment flexibility on new purchases or may need to carry a balance long term, whereas cardholders trying to pay off debt will opt for a dedicated balance transfer card.
The cards that score the highest in these categories and are most likely to be included in our list tend to offer long 0% intro APRs on both balance transfer and new purchases as well as a lower-than-average low-end APR.
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Along with evaluating each card’s intro APR offers, we score balance transfer and low-interest cards based on their fees.
Of primary importance is a card’s balance transfer fee, since this can play a large role in the total cost of a balance transfer. We rate each card’s balance transfer fee based on how it stacks up against the fee you’ll find on competing cards.
While this fee carries less weight when we assess general low-interest cards than dedicated balance transfer cards, it still factors into our evaluation since cardholders may decide to transfer debt to a low-interest card even if it offers no intro APR or an intro APR higher than 0 percent.
And while a lower balance transfer fee could save you more overall than a few extra months of 0 percent intro APR, this fee carries less weight in our scoring system than a card’s introductory APR and intro APR period. This is because many users prioritize getting as much time as possible to pay off debt while avoiding interest.
Other fees considered in our assessment include the presence of annual, foreign transaction, cash advance and late payment fees, along with penalty APRs. Annual fees are weighted most heavily since these are the only “unavoidable” fees in the list and tend to be less common on dedicated balance transfer and low-interest credit cards.
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While getting a generous intro APR offer and low ongoing APR are likely to be the biggest priorities for someone looking for a low-interest or balance transfer card, we also consider how much value a card can offer after its intro APR comes to an end.
Balance transfer and low-interest cards receive a higher rating and are more likely to be included in our list of best cards if they also include an ongoing rewards program or unique and valuable perks. Such features make a card more useful long term and make it less likely you’ll need to apply for a new card (and temporarily hurt your credit score) after you pay off debt.
With this in mind, our best cards list often includes a number of rewards and cash back cards alongside dedicated balance transfer cards. These cards tend to offer slightly shorter intro APR periods, but could help you save more overall, either via rewards earned on everyday spending, valuable perks or a lower balance transfer fee.
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We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
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"Inflation-Adjusted Debt Growth Much Smaller Over the Last Five Years." TransUnion. Accessed on Oct. 21, 2025.
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