Credit cards often come with some of the highest interest rates among common borrowing products. According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate is around 21%, which means carrying a balance from one month to the next can quickly become expensive.
For people stuck in a credit card debt cycle, opening a new card with an introductory 0% APR balance transfer offer may provide a path forward. These cards temporarily pause interest charges, sometimes for as long as 21 months, giving cardholders time to focus on reducing the principal balance.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Several balance transfer cards stand out for long introductory APR periods, reasonable fees, rewards potential and useful cardholder benefits.
The strongest options include cards with 21-month, 18-month and 15-month introductory 0% APR offers.
Cards With 0% Intro APR for 21 Months
Wells Fargo Reflect Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a strong option for people looking for one of the longest introductory APR periods on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days of opening the account receive a 0% introductory APR for 21 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% applies.
The balance transfer fee is 5%, with a $5 minimum, and transfers must be completed within the 120-day window to qualify for the promotional rate.
U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card
The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card stands out among 21-month intro APR cards because it offers more benefits than many similar options.
Cardholders can earn a $20 annual statement credit after using the card for 11 consecutive months. They can also earn 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car rental bookings made through the U.S. Bank Travel Center.
For a limited time, the card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After the promotional period, a variable APR of 16.99% to 27.99% applies.
To qualify, balance transfers must be completed within 60 days of account opening. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each transfer, with a $5 minimum.
Cards With 0% Intro APR for 18 Months
Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the strongest cash-back cards available, and it also offers a generous balance transfer promotion.
The card earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou® Points, which can also provide access to Citi’s travel partners.
Balance transfers completed during the first four months after account opening receive a 0% introductory APR for 18 months. After the promotional period ends, a variable APR of 17.49% to 27.49% applies.
The introductory balance transfer fee is 3% of each transfer, with a $5 minimum, during the first four months. After that, the fee rises to 5% of each transfer, also with a $5 minimum.
Citi Simplicity Card
The Citi Simplicity® Card is a good fit for people who want a long balance transfer window and a lower introductory transfer fee.
Balance transfers made from the date of account opening qualify for a 0% introductory APR for 18 months. After that, a variable APR of 17.49% to 28.24% applies.
Transfers made within the first four months carry an introductory fee of 3%, with a $5 minimum. After that period, the fee increases to 5%, also with a $5 minimum.
Cards With 0% Intro APR for 15 Months
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is useful for cardholders who want balance transfer savings along with bonus cash back.
The card earns bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases and at U.S. gas stations. It also includes helpful statement credits.
The card offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.49% to 28.49% applies.
The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater. Transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a strong flat-rate cash-back card for people who want to earn rewards while working down credit card debt.
The card offers an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers. After the promotional period, a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.74% applies.
Transfers made within the first 60 days carry an introductory balance transfer fee of 3%, with a $5 minimum. After that, the fee increases to 5%, with the same $5 minimum.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee travel card that also works as a balance transfer option.
Cardholders earn at least 1.25X Capital One miles on every purchase and 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 18.49% to 28.49% applies.
There is an introductory 3% balance transfer fee for balances transferred within the first 15 months. After the promotional period, the fee increases to 4%.
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer credit card allows you to move debt from one credit card to another.
The best balance transfer cards offer temporary no-interest periods, helping you save on high-interest credit card debt for a limited time. These promotional periods usually range from six to 21 months.
Balance transfers are usually easy to complete. Some issuers allow you to request a transfer during the application process, while others let you do it after the card is approved.
Most cards charge a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.
Rewards Trade-Offs to Consider
Cards with the longest introductory APR periods often provide fewer rewards than top rewards credit cards.
If your main priority is the longest possible interest-free payoff window, you may need to accept lower cash back, fewer travel perks or fewer bonus categories.
However, the money saved on interest can often be worth more than the rewards you give up.
How to Use a Balance Transfer Card
Using a balance transfer offer is usually simple, but it works best with a clear payoff plan.
You can often request the transfer when applying for the card or after you receive approval. However, many cards require transfers to be completed within a specific time period to qualify for the promotional APR or lower transfer fee.
Pay Attention to Balance Transfer Fees
Most balance transfer cards charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred.
For example, transferring $5,000 with a 3% fee would cost $150. That fee is added to the new balance transfer card, not charged to the original card.
Because fees can become expensive on large balances, they should be included when calculating whether a balance transfer makes financial sense.
Know the Restrictions Before Applying
Balance transfers come with several rules.
You generally cannot transfer debt between two cards issued by the same bank. For example, debt on a Chase card cannot usually be transferred to another Chase card.
Many cards also limit how long you have to complete the transfer. Waiting too long could cause you to miss the 0% APR window or lose access to a lower introductory transfer fee.
Issuers may also limit how much debt you can move, either by setting a dollar cap or restricting transfers to a percentage of your credit limit. Balance transfer fees may count toward that limit.
Credit Score Requirements
Balance transfer credit cards usually require good or excellent credit.
That typically means a FICO Score of 670 or higher. Applicants with lower credit scores may find it harder to qualify.
What to Look for in a Balance Transfer Card
A balance transfer card can be a useful tool for consolidating and paying down credit card debt, but it should be paired with a repayment strategy.
Before applying, compare the length of the promotional APR, the balance transfer fee, annual fee, rewards, credit limit and transfer restrictions.
Cards with the best introductory APR offers may not offer large rewards, but the interest savings can easily outweigh the missed rewards.
Calculate Your Potential Savings
The larger your debt and the longer the interest-free period, the more you may save.
Still, savings depend on how much of your existing balance you are allowed to transfer. If your new card has a low credit limit or the issuer restricts transfer amounts, you may not be able to move all your debt.
Understand the Full Cost
Balance transfer offers can reduce interest costs, but they are rarely free.
Many top balance transfer cards have no annual fee, but you should confirm before applying. The balance transfer fee is often the biggest cost and can add up to hundreds of dollars for larger transfers.
Can You Avoid Balance Transfer Fees?
Some credit cards do not charge a balance transfer fee, but they can be harder to find and may have fewer rewards or stricter eligibility rules.
Examples include the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® and the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card, though both require membership with their respective credit unions.
Another strategy is to use a card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases. You can put new spending on the interest-free card and use the cash you would have spent to pay down debt on a higher-interest card.
This avoids a direct balance transfer, but it still requires discipline. You should aim to pay off the 0% APR card before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.
Pros of Balance Transfer Cards
Balance transfer cards can help people pay off debt faster because interest does not accrue during the promotional APR period.
They may also help improve credit over time if the cardholder lowers total debt and reduces credit utilization.
Cons of Balance Transfer Cards
Most balance transfer cards charge fees, usually between 3% and 5% of the transferred amount.
Approval can also be difficult for applicants without good or excellent credit.
Balance transfer credit cards can be powerful tools for people trying to escape high-interest credit card debt. Cards such as the Wells Fargo Reflect, U.S. Bank Shield Visa, Citi Double Cash, Citi Simplicity, Blue Cash Everyday, Chase Freedom Unlimited and Capital One VentureOne offer different combinations of long 0% APR periods, rewards and fees. The best card depends on your credit score, balance size, payoff timeline and whether rewards or the lowest possible cost matter most.