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 2024 and how to choose the one that’s best for your financial situation

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards:

• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Citi® Diamond Preferred®
• BankAmericard®

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 2024

Here are some of the top balance transfer credit cards for 2024, each offering standout features like long 0% APR periods, low fees, or additional rewards:

1. 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, 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 (18.49% - 29.49% 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.

Explore the Blue Cash Everyday® Card

2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Let’s say your family spends a lot on groceries, gas, and streaming services—maybe you’re feeding a couple of teenagers and everyone’s got their own Netflix account. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card is designed for households like yours, where these expenses add up quickly. Plus, it offers an intro rate of 0% on balance transfers for those times when you need to get a handle on high-interest debt (terms apply).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• High Cash Back Rates: With cash back of up to 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), this card helps you make the most of your regular spending. That means more money staying in your pocket, which can help you tackle your debt faster.
• Decent Balance Transfer Offer: If you’ve racked up some debt on other cards, the intro APR of 0% on balance transfers for 12 months (18.49% - 29.49% after intro period) gives you a good chunk of time to pay it off without the interest piling on.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee After First Year: The $95 annual fee might seem like a lot, but if you’re maximizing those cash back categories, it can more than pay for itself. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Limited Rewards Categories: Just remember, places like Walmart and Target don’t count towards the high cash back rates for groceries, so you’ll need to do your shopping elsewhere to really benefit.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve got a growing family with big grocery bills and a love for streaming, this card helps you get more out of your everyday expenses while giving you some breathing room to pay off your balance.

Explore the Blue Cash Preferred® Card

3. 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: With a 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (19.99% - 28.74% after intro period), you have 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 15-month intro APR period 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

4. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

If you need extra time to pay off your credit card debt without the burden of interest, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® 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 21 months on Balance Transfers (17.49% - 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)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: While the long intro APR period is fantastic, keep in mind that the card comes with a 5% balance transfer fee, which could add up depending on how much debt you’re transferring.
• No Rewards Program: This card is purely about paying off debt. There are no cash back or points to earn, so it’s best suited for someone looking to focus solely on debt repayment.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve accumulated a hefty balance and need a long runway to pay it off, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card gives you nearly two years to make a dent in your debt without the stress of interest charges.

Explore the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

5. BankAmericard® 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:

• Long 0% APR Period: This card offers 18 billing cycles of 0% APR on balance transfers (16.24% – 26.24% variable rate after term ends), which gives you more than enough time to pay down your balance.
• No Annual Fee: Keeping it simple, this card doesn’t charge an annual fee, so every dollar you save can go toward paying off your debt. _{^{(See rates & fees)}}

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.
• No Rewards Program: Like many balance transfer cards, this one doesn’t come with any rewards, making it best for those who are laser-focused on paying down their balances.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a no-nonsense card that keeps things simple with a long intro APR and no annual fee, the BankAmericard® Credit Card is an easy choice for debt repayment.

Explore the BankAmericard® Credit Card

These cards offer some of the best balance transfer terms for 2024. 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 Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express cards allow 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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