The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Balance transfer credit cards give borrowers a second chance at paying down their debts without the threat of predatory interest.

If you’re struggling with high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card could be your financial lifesaver. These cards allow you to move existing debt from one or more credit cards to a new card with a 0% introductory APR, giving you time to pay off your balance without the burden of interest. The key is finding the right balance transfer credit card that offers a long 0% APR period and low fees. In this guide, we’ll cover the top balance transfer cards for 2025 and how to choose the one that’s best for your financial situation

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Citi® Double Cash® Card
• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
• Citi® Rewards+® Card
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
• Discover it® Chrome

How Do Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work?

Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you manage high-interest debt by allowing you to transfer your existing credit card balance to a new card with a 0% APR promotional period. This means you won’t be charged interest on the transferred balance for a set amount of time, usually ranging from 12 to 21 months. The goal is to pay off the balance during the 0% APR period, which can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in interest.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Apply for a Balance Transfer Card: First, apply for a card that offers a 0% APR on balance transfers. You’ll need to meet the credit score requirements, so check your credit before applying.
2. Transfer Your Balance: Once approved, you can transfer your existing debt from one or more credit cards to the new card. Keep in mind that there is typically a balance transfer fee (usually 3-5% of the amount transferred).
3. Pay Down Your Debt: During the promotional period, focus on paying off the transferred balance before the 0% APR ends. Once the intro period expires, the regular interest rate (APR) will kick in on any remaining balance.

Not only does this strategy reduce interest payments, but it also simplifies your finances by consolidating multiple debts into one manageable payment.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2025

Here are some of the top balance transfer credit cards for 2025, each offering standout features like long 0% APR periods, low fees, or additional rewards:

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Picture this: You’re working on paying off some old credit card debt, but you don’t want to stop earning rewards on your everyday spending. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card strikes a great balance between helping you manage your debt and rewarding you for everything else.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Versatile Rewards: Whether you’re grabbing takeout, booking a weekend getaway, or just stocking up on essentials, this card helps you earn cash back on almost everything you buy. It’s like getting a little bonus while you work on your debt.
• Generous Intro APR: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% - 28.24%. This gives you some breathing room to pay off your debt without losing out on rewards.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• High Regular APR: Once the intro period is up, the APR can get steep, so it’s crucial to pay off your balance before that happens to avoid losing the benefits of your rewards. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Shorter Intro Period: The intro APR period of 15 months is decent, but if you’ve got a larger balance, you might need more time to pay it down.

Real-Life Scenario: Maybe you’re someone who’s been chipping away at your debt but doesn’t want to give up earning rewards on new purchases. Chase Freedom Unlimited® lets you do both, making it a practical choice for balancing debt repayment with everyday spending.

Explore the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

2. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Imagine this: You’ve been using your credit card for everyday expenses like groceries and gas, and suddenly, the interest on your balance starts creeping up faster than you can pay it down. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card could be the perfect way to hit the reset button. Not only does it offer an intro APR of 0% on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, but it also gives you cash back on the purchases you make most often (terms apply).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Everyday Savings: If you’re someone who’s always at the grocery store or filling up your tank, this card’s cash back rewards can help you save money on necessities. That extra cash back could go right towards paying down your balance.
• Manageable Payments: With Amex’s Plan It® feature, you can break down big purchases—like that emergency car repair—into smaller, fixed payments, which makes budgeting a lot easier.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Shorter Intro APR Period: If you’ve got a significant balance to transfer, the 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (18.24% - 29.24% after intro) might feel a little tight. You’ll want to be aggressive about paying it down during that time.
• High Ongoing APR: Once the intro period is over, the APR can get pretty high, so this isn’t the card to carry a balance on for the long haul. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re someone who’s juggling grocery bills, gas expenses, and maybe a bit of leftover holiday debt, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers a way to manage your day-to-day spending while you work on paying off that balance.

Enrollment is required for select benefits. For rates and fees on the Blue Cash Everyday® Card, see _^here.

Explore the Blue Cash Everyday® Card

3. Citi® Double Cash® Card

If you need extra time to pay off your credit card debt without the burden of interest, the Citi® Double Cash® Card could be your ideal solution. With one of the longest 0% intro APR periods on balance transfers, this card gives you the time and flexibility to pay down your balance at your own pace.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Extended 0% APR Period: With a whopping 0% APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers (18.24% - 28.24% variable rate after that), this card gives you plenty of time to pay off your debt without racking up interest.
• No Annual Fee: You won’t have to worry about an annual fee eating into your savings, making this card a budget-friendly option. _{^{(See rates & fees)}}
• Flat Cash-Back Rewards: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: 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). _{^{(See rates & fees)}}
• Foreign transaction fees: You’ll pay a 3% transaction fee on foreign purchases.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve accumulated a hefty balance and need a long runway to pay it off, the Citi® Double Cash® Card gives you a year and a half to pay it off.

Explore the Citi® Double Cash® Card

4. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

In addition to offering a 0% intro rate on balance transfers, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to choose your top cash-back category, making it a great option for those looking for flexibility in how they earn rewards.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• 0% APR Period: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (19.24% – 29.24% variable after that).
• No Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards without paying a yearly fee. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 3% intro balance transfer fee for transfers made within the first 60 days.
• Quarterly Cap: The 3% and 2% cash back rates are capped at $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store, and wholesale club purchases per quarter. After that, you’ll earn 1%.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a balance transfer card with customizable rewards, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers the flexibility to choose your top earning category while paying off your debt.

Explore the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

5. Citi® Rewards+® Card

With a 15-month interest-free balance transfer period and a unique rewards program, the Citi® Rewards+® Card could be your ideal solution. Plus, new cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within three months of opening an account, redeemable for $200 in gift cards.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• 0% APR Period: With a 0% APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers (18.24% - 28.24% variable rate after that), this card gives you plenty of time to pay off your debt without racking up interest.
• Cash-back Rewards: Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases. Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. _{^{(See rates & fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: 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).
• Foreign transaction fees: You’ll pay a 3% transaction fee on foreign purchases.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve accumulated a hefty balance and need a long runway to pay it off, the Citi® Rewards+® Card gives you a year and a half to pay it off, plus the ability to earn rewards on new purchases.

Explore the Citi® Rewards+® Card

6. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

If simplicity is what you’re after, the BankAmericard® Credit Card might just be your best bet. With no annual fee and a straightforward 0% APR period, this card is designed to help you tackle debt without any extra frills.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• 0% APR Period: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles (18.24% – 28.24% variable APR after the introductory period).
• Unlimited Cash Back: Earn a straightforward 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no matter where you shop.
• No Annual Fee: Keep all your cash back without worrying about an annual fee.  ^{_{(See rates & fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: Like other Bank of America® cards, there’s a 3% balance transfer fee during the first 60 days, then 4%.
• Limited Additional Perks: This card focuses on cash-back and 0% APR, so if you’re looking for extra perks or travel rewards, you might want to consider another option.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss approach to earning cash back while taking advantage of a long 0% intro APR, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card could be the perfect fit.

Explore the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

7. Discover it® Chrome

If you’re looking for a balance transfer card with cash back, the Discover it® Chrome may be right for you. Plus, new cardmembers can get a pretty nice perk with unlimited cash back match during your first year.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• 0% APR Period: This card offers 18 months of 0% Intro APR on balance transfers (18.24% - 27.24% variable rate after term ends), which gives you a significant amount of time to pay down your balance.
• No Annual Fee: This card doesn’t charge an annual fee, so every dollar you save can go toward paying off your debt. _{^{(See rates & fees)}}
• Cash-Back Match: A new cardholder can enjoy the benefit of having all the cash back you accumulate over the first year matched dollar-for-dollar. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 3% balance transfer fee, which is lower than many other cards, but it’s still something to consider when transferring large amounts.
• Shorter Intro APR on New Purchases: You’ll get a 0% Intro APR for six months on new purchases.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a balance transfer card with the potential for a pretty hefty welcome bonus at the end of your first year, the Discover it® Chrome card may be for you.

Explore the Discover it® Chrome Card

These cards offer some of the best balance transfer terms for 2025. If your priority is a long 0% APR period, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for rewards alongside your balance transfer, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express allows you to earn cash back while tackling your debt.

How to Choose the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

When selecting a balance transfer credit card, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Length of the 0% APR Period: The longer the introductory 0% APR period, the more time you’ll have to pay off your debt without interest. Look for cards that offer at least 12 months of 0% APR, though 18-21 months is ideal for larger balances.
• Balance Transfer Fees: Most cards charge a fee of 3-5% for transferring your balance. While this fee can add up, it’s usually worth it for the savings you’ll gain from avoiding high-interest charges. However, if you’re transferring a smaller balance, look for cards with lower fees to avoid cutting into your savings.
• Regular APR: Once the 0% APR period ends, the regular APR kicks in. If you think you won’t be able to pay off the full balance before the intro period expires, opt for a card with a lower ongoing APR to minimize interest charges.
• Credit Score Requirements: Balance transfer cards often require a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher). Make sure you qualify before applying to avoid a hard inquiry that could impact your score.
• Transfer Limits: Some cards limit the amount you can transfer, so check to make sure the card can accommodate the full balance you want to move.

The Benefits of Using a Balance Transfer Credit Card

Balance transfer credit cards come with several benefits, especially if you’re dealing with high-interest debt:

• Reduced Interest Payments: By transferring your balance to a 0% APR card, you’ll eliminate interest charges for the duration of the promotional period, allowing you to focus on paying down the principal.
• Debt Consolidation: A balance transfer can simplify your financial life by consolidating multiple high-interest credit card balances into one payment. This can make managing your debt easier and less stressful.
• Faster Debt Payoff: With no interest charges, every payment you make goes directly toward reducing your balance, helping you pay off debt faster and more efficiently.
• Potential Savings: Avoiding interest for 12 to 21 months can result in significant savings, especially if you’re transferring a large balance. Those savings can help you pay off your debt even faster.

Things to Watch Out for When Using Balance Transfer Credit Cards

While balance transfer credit cards can be an excellent tool for managing debt, there are a few potential pitfalls to be aware of:

• Balance Transfer Fees: The typical fee for a balance transfer is 3-5% of the amount being transferred. While this fee can be worth it for long-term savings, it’s important to calculate the total cost before deciding to transfer a balance.
• Short Introductory Periods: If the 0% APR period is too short, you may not be able to pay off the entire balance before the regular APR kicks in. Choose a card with a promotional period that matches your payoff timeline.
• Accumulating More Debt: It’s tempting to keep using your original credit card after transferring the balance. However, this can lead to even more debt if you’re not careful. Be mindful of spending habits to avoid falling into this trap.

FAQs About Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Can I transfer balances between cards from the same issuer?
No, most credit card issuers don’t allow balance transfers between their own products. You’ll need to transfer the balance to a card from a different issuer.

What happens if I don’t pay off the balance before the 0% APR period ends?
If you don’t pay off the balance in full before the promotional period ends, the remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card’s regular APR, which can be quite high. To avoid this, try to pay off as much of the balance as possible during the 0% APR period.

How often can I use a balance transfer card for new debts?
Once you’ve completed the initial balance transfer, you can continue using the card for new purchases, but be aware that new purchases may not qualify for the 0% APR. Check the card’s terms to confirm whether new purchases are eligible for the promotional rate.

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