12 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Dec 12, 2024+ 2 more+ 2 more
The best balance transfer credit cards charge no annual fee and offer 15 months or more of 0% APR for balance transfers. Moving your high-interest credit card debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory rate can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in interest and help you get out of debt more quickly.
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The best balance transfer credit cards charge no annual fee and offer 15 months or more of 0% APR for balance transfers. Moving your high-interest credit card debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory rate can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in interest and help you get out of debt more quickly.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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The best balance transfer credit cards charge no annual fee and offer 15 months or more of 0% APR for balance transfers. Moving your high-interest credit card debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory rate can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in interest and help you get out of debt more quickly.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
The best balance transfer credit cards charge no annual fee and offer 15 months or more of 0% APR for balance transfers. Moving your high-interest credit card debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% introductory rate can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in interest and help you get out of debt more quickly.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of December 2024
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for Longest intro period for transfers & purchases
Citi Simplicity® Card: Best for Extra-long intro period + no late fees
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Best for Extra-long balance transfer offer
BankAmericard® credit card: Best for Long intro period + straightforward benefits
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Best for Long intro period + low intro fee
Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Best for Long intro period + quarterly categories
Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card: Best for Military
Discover it® Chrome: Best for Long intro period + gas and dining rewards
Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for 2% cash back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for All-around cash back
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for Travel rewards
Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for Quarterly cash back categories
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Intro APR | Regular APR | Rewards rate | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Long intro period + quarterly categories | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months | 18.49%-27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024. | 1%-5% | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Long intro period + straightforward benefits | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 15.49%-25.49% Variable APR | N/A | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for All-around cash back | 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months | 19.74%-28.49% Variable APR | 1.5%-5% | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Longest intro period for transfers & purchases | 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers | 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR | N/A | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for 2% cash back | 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months | 18.49%-28.49% Variable APR | 1%-5% | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Extra-long intro period + no late fees | 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months | 18.49%-29.24% Variable APR | N/A | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Long intro period + low intro fee | 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | 17.99%-28.99% Variable APR | N/A | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Long intro period + gas and dining rewards | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months | 18.49%-27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024. | 1%-2% | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Quarterly cash back categories | 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months | 19.74%-28.49% Variable APR | 1%-5% | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Travel rewards | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 18.49%-28.49% Variable APR | 1.5x | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Extra-long balance transfer offer | 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months | 17.49%-28.24% Variable APR | N/A | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
Best for Military | 0.99% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 12 months | 11.49%-18.00%, Variable APR | N/A |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Long intro period + quarterly categories
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Most balance-transfer cards don't give you much of a reason to hold onto them after the 0% period ends. The Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer is a noteworthy exception. Get it for the balance-transfer benefits, keep it for the cash-back rewards.
You get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-27.49% Variable APR. *Rates as of December 12, 2024. (There's a 3% introductory balance transfer fee and a fee of up to 5% on future balance transfers; see terms.) In addition to the introductory 0% period, this card pays 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, and 1% on everything else. Discover matches the cash back you earn in your first year — although ideally in that first year you'll be focused more on paying down balances than adding to them.
The 0% period on purchases is considerably shorter than that for balance transfers, so it's best to avoid putting purchases on the card until you've paid off transferred debt. When it comes to rewards, the activation requirement for bonus categories can be a hassle.
Our pick for: Long intro period + straightforward benefits
Card details
- 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 15.49% - 25.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The BankAmericard® credit card is a great option for people looking for breathing room to whittle down high-interest credit card debt.
The card offers an outstanding 0% period to help you wipe out debt: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 15.49%-25.49% will apply. (Balance transfer fee: 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%.) The annual fee is $0.
The card doesn't earn ongoing rewards.
Our pick for: All-around cash back
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 5 stars for its generous cash-back rewards. Look a little closer, though, and you'll see it also offers a solid 0% intro APR period for balance transfers.
You get a 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.74%-28.49% Variable APR. (Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days; 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after that.) The card has ongoing value with 1.5% cash back on most purchases, plus 5% on travel booked through Chase and 3% at drugstores and restaurants. There's an attractive bonus offer for new cardholders, too.
You can get a longer 0% period on transfers with other cards, including a couple that also earn cash back.
Our pick for: Longest intro period for transfers & purchases
Card details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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 29.24% 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.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card boasts a 0% intro APR period that's close to two years.
The highlight of this $0-annual-fee card: It offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR. It also offers cell phone insurance.
The balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5) is on the high end for cards in its class. The card doesn't earn ongoing rewards on everyday spending. (It's possible to earn rewards through the issuer's "My Wells Fargo Deals" feature, but those are one-off deals that require activation.)
Our pick for: 2% cash back
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- 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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, 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).
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Citi Double Cash® Card is renowned for its best-in-class cash-back rewards. Scroll down the page when you go to apply for the card, and you'll discover that it comes with a terrific balance-transfer offer, too.
As a balance-transfer card, there's a lot to like, including a lengthy introductory interest-free period for transfers. (Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, in the first four months; 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after that.) And the card has tremendous ongoing value: 2% cash back on all purchases — 1% when you buy something and 1% when you pay it off.
There's no 0% period for purchases. That means if you transfer a balance onto this card, you'll get no grace period, and you'll be paying interest on purchases right away. Your best move is to pay off the transferred debt first, then start using this card for the rewards.
Our pick for: Extra-long intro period + no late fees
Card details
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.49% - 29.24%, 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
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The 0% intro APR period this card offers on balance transfers is lengthy. And you'll never pay late fees or a penalty APR on the Citi Simplicity® Card.
The long 0% period on balance transfers is this card's primary selling point. (Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, in the first four months; 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after that.) The absence of late fees is a benefit for the absent-minded, although you don't want to get in the habit of paying bills late. Other lenders aren't as forgiving, and chronic lateness can kill your credit score.
Because it doesn't earn rewards, there's not a lot of ongoing value to the card once that 0% period runs out.
Our pick for: Long intro period + low intro fee
Card details
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.99% - 28.99%.
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
- Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The lengthy introductory 0% APR periods for both purchases and balance transfers on the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card give you plenty of time to pay down new and old debts interest-free.
The card comes with a generous intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.99%-28.99% Variable APR.* You can choose your own due date with this card, which allows you to schedule debt payment for when its easiest on your wallet. It also offers cell phone protection if you use it to pay your cell phone bill.
Once the 0% period ends, so does the chief benefit of this card. Still, the cell phone coverage is a good reason to hold onto it.
Our pick for: Long intro period + gas and dining rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. 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. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The rewards on the Discover it® Chrome aren't too strong, but the introductory APR period stands out for those looking to transfer a balance.
You get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-27.49% Variable APR. *Rates as of December 12, 2024. (There's a 3% introductory balance transfer fee and a fee of up to 5% on future balance transfers; see terms.) In addition to the introductory 0% period, this card pays 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter; other purchases earn 1%.
The 0% period on purchases is considerably shorter than that for balance transfers, so it's best to avoid putting purchases on the card until you've paid off transferred debt.
Our pick for: Quarterly cash back categories
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.49%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
NerdWallet's take
With a solid 0% intro APR offer for balance transfers, the Chase Freedom Flex® is more than a 5-star rewards card — although its inviting combination of bonus categories and generous sign-up offer have made it a perennial favorite for cash back.
You get a 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.74%-28.49%, Variable APR. (Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days; 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after that.) The card offers bonus cash back of 3% to 5% on certain travel, at restaurants and drugstores, and in categories that change each quarter. Other spending earns 1% cash back.
You can get a longer 0% period on transfers with other cards, including a couple that also earn cash back. The rotating quarterly 5% cash back categories give this card a lot of its appeal, but they do require some work, since you have to opt into them every three months.