Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
The best balance transfer credit cards are those that have the longest introductory periods and/or the lowest balance transfer fees. Most balance transfer offers do not provide both, however, so the products listed below are those that our editors identified as striking the best combination of long 0% intro periods and low or no balance transfer fees. No matter the card you eventually choose, we strongly recommend that you plan to pay off your balance in full before the intro period concludes because interest rates usually spike once this occurs. Read more about our Editor's Picks for the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards.
More Options? Compare All Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Up-to-date as of: Feb 7, 2012
- Best Overall
- Best Credit Card Deals
- Best Credit Card Rates
- Best Balance Transfer
- Best Cash Back
- Best Rewards
- Best for Bad Credit
- Best for Business
Excellent Credit
- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% for 18 months
- Transfer Fee: 3%
- Regular Rate: 11.99% - 21.99% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: None
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- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% for 18 months
- Transfer Fee: 3%
- Regular Rate: 10.99% - 20.99% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
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- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% for 12 months
- Transfer Fee: None
- Regular Rate: 10.99% - 19.99% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
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- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% until May 2013
- Transfer Fee: 3%
- Regular Rate: 10.9% - 18.9% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: None
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Good Credit
- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% until May 2013
- Transfer Fee: 3%
- Regular Rate: 10.9% - 18.9% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: None
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- Transfer Intro Rate: 0% for 12 months
- Transfer Fee: 3%
- Regular Rate: 12.99% - 22.99% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Points - Generic
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Fair Credit
Unfortunately, there are no balance transfer credit cards for people with fair credit. Below is the best credit card for people with fair credit.
Capital One® No Hassle CashSM Rewards Credit Card
- Transfer Intro Rate: N/A
- Transfer Fee: None
- Regular Rate: 17.9% - 22.9% (V)
- Annual Fee: $39
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
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Limited History
Unfortunately, there are no balance transfer credit cards for people with limited credit. Below is the best credit card for people with limited credit.
Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Card for College Students
- Transfer Intro Rate: N/A
- Transfer Fee: 4%
- Regular Rate: 13.99% - 21.99% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
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Unfortunately, there are no balance transfer credit cards for people with limited credit. Below is the best credit card for people with limited credit.
Capital One® Cash Rewards for Newcomers
- Transfer Intro Rate: N/A
- Transfer Fee: None
- Regular Rate: 24.9% (V)
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
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Bad Credit
Unfortunately, there are no balance transfer credit cards for people with bad credit. Below is the best secured credit card for people with bad credit.
Orchard Bank® Secured MasterCard
- Min Deposit: $200
- Annual Fee: None 1st yr, $35 after
- Monthly Fee: None
- One-time Setup Fees: None
- Regular Rate: 7.99% (V)
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What is the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card for me?
In short, the best balance transfer credit card is the one that will save you the most money. Therefore in answering this question, you must consider how your current interest costs compare to the combined cost of the balance transfer credit card's APR and balance transfer fee. It's always tempting to simply apply for the balance transfer credit card with the longest introductory period. However, applying for a card and getting declined might hurt your credit score and therefore reduce your chances for approval when you try again, so make sure to apply for a balance transfer card geared toward people of your credit standing.
How large of a balance can I transfer?
The rule of thumb is that you should be able to transfer a balance equal to your largest credit line. For example, if you have three credit cards, one with a $3,000 credit line and two with $1,500 credit lines, you shouldn't count on getting approved for a balance transfer too much higher than $3,000.
For what types of debt can I use a balance transfer credit card?
Most people think that a balance transfer only works between two different credit cards. However, you can transfer any kind of debt to a balance transfer credit card as long as this debt is tied to a numbered account at a financial institution. Therefore, the best balance transfer is that which will lower your interest costs the most, whether these costs derive from an auto loan, a student loan, another credit card, etc.
About the Editors' Picks — Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Our editors' recommendations for the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards are a reflection of their own subjective opinions, and they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for choosing your credit card. Certain offers originate from paying advertisers, and this will be noted on a card’s details page, when applicable. We work hard to present you with the most accurate credit card information, however, the credit card terms and conditions do not originate from us and thus we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. Before applying for a credit card we recommend that you verify the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card company's web site. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
