Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards (2026) – Save $1,000+ on Interest

bankseermain on January 5, 2026

Introduction: A Way Out of High-Interest Credit Card Debt

If you’re carrying credit card debt right now, you’re not alone. The average American with credit card debt owes around $6,500, and with average interest rates hovering near 24% APR, that debt grows faster than most people realize.

At those rates, even responsible monthly payments can feel like running in place — a large chunk of your payment goes toward interest instead of actually reducing what you owe. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and often discouraging.

The good news? There is a proven way to stop the interest clock — at least temporarily.

0% balance transfer credit cards allow you to move existing high-interest debt to a new card that charges no interest for 18 to 21 months. That breathing room can mean the difference between years of payments and finally getting out of debt.

For example, transferring $5,000 from a 24% APR card to a 0% card could save $900 to $1,500+ in interest, depending on how quickly you pay it down.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

  • How balance transfer cards work
  • The best 0% balance transfer credit cards for 2026
  • Step-by-step instructions to do it the right way
  • Fees, mistakes to avoid, and alternatives if you don’t qualify

This guide is ideal if you have fair to good credit (around 670+) and are serious about paying off your debt — not just moving it around.

What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?

A balance transfer credit card lets you move debt from one or more high-interest credit cards onto a new card with a 0% introductory APR for a limited time.

It’s important to be clear about what this is — and what it isn’t.

A balance transfer:

  • Is not a loan
  • Does not erase your debt
  • Does not reduce what you owe upfront

Instead, it changes how much interest you pay while you work on paying the debt down.

How the Process Works (Simple Example)

Let’s say:

  • You owe $5,000 on Card A at 24% APR
  • You apply for Card B offering 0% APR for 18 months
  • Once approved, Card B pays off Card A
  • You now owe $5,000 on Card B at 0% interest

For the next 18 months, every dollar you pay goes directly toward your balance, not interest.

After the promotional period ends, the card’s normal APR (usually between 17% and 28%) applies to whatever balance remains.

The Math That Makes It Worth It

If you kept $5,000 on a 24% APR card for 18 months, you’d pay roughly $1,200 in interest.

With a balance transfer:

  • Interest paid: $0
  • Typical transfer fee (3%): $150
  • Net savings: about $1,050

Who Should Consider a Balance Transfer?

This strategy works best if you:

  • Have a credit score of 670 or higher
  • Are carrying balances at high interest rates
  • Can realistically pay off the debt within 12–21 months
  • Aren’t planning major new credit purchases soon

If that sounds like you, balance transfer cards can be a powerful reset button.

New to building credit in the US? Check out our guide to best credit cards for immigrants with no credit history.

Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2025

Below are four of the strongest balance transfer cards available right now, each suited to a different type of borrower.

Note: We may receive compensation from card issuers featured in this guide. This does not affect our evaluations or recommendations.

1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Best for: Maximum time to pay off large balances

Key details:

  • 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months
  • Regular APR after promo: 17.74%–26.74% variable
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% intro (first 120 days), then 5%
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Credit needed: Good to excellent (670+)

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers the longest 0% balance transfer period currently available, making it ideal if you’re dealing with a large balance and want the lowest possible monthly payment.

There are no rewards or sign-up bonuses, but that’s not the point of this card. It’s built for one job: giving you time.

Pros:

  • Longest 0% period on the market
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection (up to $600)
  • My Wells Fargo Deals for additional cashback

Cons:

  • No rewards program
  • Higher transfer fee if you wait past 120 days
  • No sign-up bonus

Example: An $8,000 balance paid over 21 months comes out to about $378 per month. At 24% APR, you’d pay nearly $2,000 in interest instead.

2. Citi® Double Cash Card

Best for: Paying off debt and earning rewards afterward

Key details:

  • 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
  • Regular APR: 18.49%–28.49% variable
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Credit needed: Good to excellent (690+)
  • Rewards: 2% cash back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)

The Citi Double Cash card is a favorite for long-term value. While the 0% period is shorter than Wells Fargo’s, 18 months is still plenty for many people.

Once your debt is paid off, this card becomes a solid everyday option with a simple, flat cashback structure.

Pros:

  • Strong 2% cashback long-term
  • No annual fee
  • Reliable issuer with good customer service
  • 5% cashback on hotels and car rentals through Citi Travel

Cons:

  • Shorter 0% period than Wells Fargo
  • Temptation to spend while in payoff mode
  • Must make purchases to maximize rewards

Example: Paying off $5,000 over 18 months requires about $278 per month, saving roughly $750 in interest.

3. Discover it® Balance Transfer

Best for: Fair-to-good credit and flexible approval

Key details:

  • 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
  • Regular APR: 17.74%–26.74% variable
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Credit needed: Good (around 670+)
  • Rewards: 5% rotating categories + 1% everything else
  • Bonus: Cashback Match in first year

Discover tends to be more forgiving than some larger issuers, making this a good option if your credit is solid but not perfect.

Pros:

  • Easier approval for mid-600s credit scores
  • Cashback match doubles rewards in year one
  • Free FICO score access
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons:

  • Rotating categories require activation
  • Less premium benefits than other issuers
  • 5% categories may not align with spending

Example: A $4,000 balance paid over 18 months comes out to roughly $222 per month.

4. Chase Slate Edge℠

Best for: Avoiding balance transfer fees

Key details:

  • 0% APR for 18 months on transfers and purchases
  • Regular APR: 17.49%–26.24% variable
  • Balance transfer fee: 0% for first 60 days, then 3%
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Credit needed: Good to excellent (690+)

If you act quickly, the Chase Slate Edge can save you hundreds by eliminating the balance transfer fee entirely.

Pros:

  • No transfer fee if done within 60 days
  • No annual fee
  • Purchase APR also 0% (use carefully)
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Cons:

  • Very short 60-day transfer window
  • No rewards program
  • Must act fast to avoid fees

Example: Transferring $6,000 within 60 days saves about $180 in fees, plus $900+ in interest — total savings over $1,000.

How to Do a Balance Transfer (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

You’ll need a credit score of 670 or higher for the best balance transfer offers.

Check your score for free using:

  • Credit Karma
  • Experian
  • Your bank’s app

Knowing your score helps you target the right cards and avoid unnecessary applications.

Step 2: Calculate How Much to Transfer

New cards will approve you for a specific credit limit. You can usually transfer 70-90% of that limit.

Example:

  • Approved for $10,000 limit
  • Can transfer approximately $7,000-$9,000
  • Don’t max out the card (hurts credit utilization)

Step 3: Choose Your Card

Compare based on:

  • Intro period length (longer is better for large balances)
  • Transfer fees (3-5% typical, some have 0% intro)
  • Transfer deadline (60-120 days to qualify)
  • Credit requirements (match to your score)

Step 4: Apply for the Card

  • Fill out application online (5-10 minutes)
  • Expect a hard inquiry (temporary 5-10 point score drop)
  • Approval usually instant or within 7-10 days

Step 5: Initiate the Balance Transfer Immediately

This is critical: You must transfer within 60-120 days to get the 0% rate.

You’ll need:

  • Old card account number
  • Amount to transfer
  • Old card issuer name

Transfer options:

  • Online through new card’s website
  • Call customer service
  • Sometimes during application

Transfers take 7-14 days to process.

Step 6: Verify Transfer Completed

  • Check old card: balance should be $0 or reduced
  • Check new card: transferred balance should appear
  • Keep old card open (helps credit utilization ratio)

Step 7: Set Up Autopay

Calculate your required monthly payment:

Formula: (Balance + Transfer Fee) ÷ Number of 0% Months

Example:

  • $5,000 balance + $150 fee = $5,150
  • 18-month promo period
  • $286/month minimum to pay off in time

Set autopay for at least this amount, ideally more.

Step 8: Pay Off Before Promo Ends

  • Mark your calendar when 0% ends
  • Aim to finish 1-2 months early (buffer for unexpected expenses)
  • If you can’t finish, consider another transfer or aggressive payoff

Missing the deadline means remaining balance gets hit with 17-28% APR.

Balance Transfer Fees Explained

Most balance transfers charge a one-time fee of 3-5% of the transferred amount.

The fee is:

  • Charged when the transfer processes
  • Added to your new card balance
  • A one-time cost (not recurring)

Fee Examples:

  • Transfer $3,000 at 3% = $90 fee → New balance: $3,090
  • Transfer $10,000 at 5% = $500 fee → New balance: $10,500

Why Fees Are Still Worth It

Example calculation:

  • $5,000 balance at 24% APR for 18 months = $1,200 in interest
  • 3% transfer fee = $150
  • Interest paid at 0% APR = $0
  • Net savings: $1,050 even after the fee

When Fees May Not Be Worth It:

  • Very small balances (under $1,000) — fee might exceed interest saved
  • Already low APR (under 10%) — not much to save
  • Can’t pay off in promo period — will accrue interest anyway

Cards With Lowest Fees:

  • Chase Slate Edge: 0% fee if transferred within 60 days
  • Most others: 3% intro fee for first 60-120 days, then 5%

Always do the math before transferring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Missing the Transfer Deadline

Balance transfer cards require you to initiate transfers within 60-120 days of account opening.

Miss this window = no 0% rate, just regular APR.

Fix: Transfer immediately after card approval.

Mistake #2: Making New Purchases on the Card

New purchases usually have a different APR than the balance transfer rate (often 17-28%).

Payment allocation rules mean payments go to lowest APR balance first, trapping you in a debt cycle.

Fix: Use a different card for purchases, or better yet — stop using credit cards entirely while paying off debt.

Mistake #3: Missing Even One Payment

One late payment can:

  • End your 0% rate immediately
  • Trigger the penalty APR (up to 29.99%)
  • Add a $40 late fee
  • Damage your credit score

Fix: Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment (ideally your calculated monthly amount).

Mistake #4: Not Paying Off Before Promo Ends

Whatever balance remains when the 0% period ends gets charged the regular APR retroactively on some cards, or going forward on others.

Either way, you lose the benefit.

Fix: Calculate exact monthly payment needed and stick to it. Aim to finish 1-2 months early.

Mistake #5: Transferring Between Same Issuer

You cannot transfer a balance from one Chase card to another Chase card, or one Citi card to another Citi card.

The transfer must be to a different bank.

Fix: Check card issuer before applying.

Mistake #6: Closing Your Old Card

Closing your old card:

  • Reduces your total available credit (hurts utilization ratio)
  • Shortens your average account age
  • Damages your credit score

Fix: Keep the old card open. Use it occasionally for small purchases to keep it active.

Mistake #7: Ignoring the Fine Print

Every card has specific rules:

  • Some exclude certain debt types
  • Some have maximum transfer amounts
  • Some have shorter qualification windows

Fix: Read the terms and conditions before applying.

Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify

If your credit score is below 670, you may not qualify for the best balance transfer offers. Here are alternatives:

Option 1: Secured Credit Cards

Build your credit for 6-12 months by using a secured card responsibly.

Once your score improves to 670+, apply for a balance transfer card.

Recommended: See our guide to best secured credit cards for building credit.

Option 2: Debt Consolidation Loan

Personal loans from banks or credit unions often have rates of 10-18% APR.

Not 0%, but much better than 24%.

Benefits:

  • Fixed payment
  • Fixed timeline
  • No temptation to add more debt

Option 3: Non-Profit Credit Counseling

Organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org) negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

They may reduce your rates to 8-12% and consolidate into one payment.

Services are typically free or low-cost.

Option 4: Debt Snowball or Avalanche Method

Snowball method:

  • Pay off smallest balance first
  • Build momentum and motivation
  • Psychological wins

Avalanche method:

  • Pay off highest APR first
  • Save the most money mathematically
  • Requires discipline

Both require no new card, just a solid plan.

Learn more about rebuilding credit with bad credit cards.

Option 5: Family Loan

Borrow from family at 0% or low interest.

Critical: Put the agreement in writing to avoid relationship damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a balance transfer hurt my credit score?

Short answer: Temporarily yes, by 5-10 points due to the hard inquiry.

Long-term: Your score will improve as you pay down debt because your credit utilization ratio drops.

Can I do multiple balance transfers?

Yes. You can:

  • Transfer balances from multiple cards to one new card
  • Do another balance transfer when your first promo period ends (called “transfer hopping”)

Some people chain transfers every 18 months to avoid ever paying interest.

How long does a balance transfer take?

Typically 7-14 days, though some can take up to 21 days.

Continue making payments on your old card until you confirm the transfer completed.

Can I transfer student loans or car loans?

Usually no. Most balance transfer cards only accept:

  • Credit card debt
  • Some personal loans

Check the card’s specific terms before applying.

What happens after the 0% period ends?

Any remaining balance is charged the card’s regular APR (typically 17-28%).

On some cards, interest accrues retroactively. On others, it only applies going forward.

Always aim to pay off completely before the promo ends.

Can I earn cash back on a balance transfer?

No. Balance transfers do not earn rewards.

Only new purchases earn cashback or points — and you should avoid making purchases while paying off debt.

Do I have to transfer the full balance?

No. You can transfer any amount up to your approved credit limit.

Transfer what you can realistically pay off during the 0% period.

What if I’m denied?

You’ll receive a letter explaining why (usually credit score or income-related).

Next steps:

  • Wait 6 months before reapplying
  • Work on improving your credit score
  • Try a card with lower requirements (like Discover it)

Final Thoughts: A Real Opportunity to Reset Your Finances

Balance transfer cards aren’t magic — but used correctly, they’re one of the fastest, safest ways to escape high-interest debt.

Saving $500 to $1,500+ in interest can be life-changing when you put that money toward your future instead of bank fees.

Your Next Steps:

  1. Check your credit score today
  2. Calculate your potential savings
  3. Choose the right card for your situation:
    • Need maximum time? → Wells Fargo Reflect (21 months)
    • Want rewards after payoff? → Citi Double Cash
    • Avoid transfer fees? → Chase Slate Edge (if you transfer within 60 days)
    • Building credit? → Discover it
  4. Apply and transfer immediately
  5. Set up autopay and calendar reminders

Debt doesn’t have to define you — but your next decision can define what comes next.

Ready to compare balance transfer offers? Use BankSeer’s credit card comparison tools to find the best fit for your financial situation.

Disclosure: BankSeer may receive compensation from credit card issuers featured in this guide. This does not influence our evaluations or recommendations. All opinions are our own.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit card terms, eligibility, and rates vary. Always review official terms before applying.