Best Balance Transfer Cards of July 2024

Need a break from high-interest credit card debt? Balance transfer cards like the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and the Citi® Simplicity® Card offer 0% APR periods on transfers, letting you consolidate and pay down balances without ongoing interest charges.

As you explore options, consider factors such as introductory APR duration, balance transfer fees and credit score requirements to find your perfect match. Dive into our curated list of top contenders and discover how a strategic transfer can lead to substantial savings.

The Wells Fargo Reflect scores highest in our balance transfer scoring methodology with a category-leading 0% APR period for 21 months on both balance transfers and purchases. Although the Citi Simplicity matches the length of balance transfers and offers a lower balance transfer fee, it falls short of the Wells Fargo Reflect's 0% APR for new purchases.

If rewards are a priority, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card or the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, both of which offer competitive rewards programs. If you're looking for other specific types of balance transfer cards, we've broken down the best balance transfer cards by category, too.

Find great 0% APR balance transfer cards that align with your needs and spending habits — whether that's long interest-free transfer periods, 0% APRs on new purchases, balance transfers with simple cash back options or cards that reward your spending.

Back to Best Balance Transfer Cards by Category

Back to Best Balance Transfer Cards by Category

Back to Best Balance Transfer Cards by Category

Back to Best Balance Transfer Cards by Category

These credit cards rose to the top based on MoneyGeek's rigorous scoring methodology, designed to highlight cards that provide the most financial value for balance transfers. Each of the top five balance transfer cards features a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for at least 15 months. We also evaluated balance transfer fees, customer satisfaction ratings, the availability of 0% APR on new purchases, late fees and penalties, and rewards for spending.

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card shines with its 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, one of the longest interest-free periods available. There's no annual fee for this card, but there's a 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5). This card stands out for those juggling high-interest credit card debt, offering a generous window to pay down balances without accruing interest.

The Citi Simplicity Card stands out with its 21-month 0% APR on balance transfers, offering a substantial period to tackle debt without interest. With no annual fee and a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5), it's a prime choice for those with good to excellent credit. Although it doesn't offer cash back, its lack of late fees adds to its appeal for disciplined debt management.

The BankAmericard Credit Card stands out for those planning new purchases. With no annual fee and 0% interest for 18 months on both balance transfers and new purchases, it's a strong contender for those looking to manage their debt efficiently. Although it carries a 3% balance transfer fee, the absence of a penalty APR and the lengthy interest-free period offer substantial savings potential.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for its straightforward cash back rewards and balance transfer features. With no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases, it's a wise choice for consolidating debt while earning cash back.

With no annual fee and a 15-month 0% introductory APR on both balance transfers and purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is already a great choice for managing existing debt. But its unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases make it stand out for those who value simplicity and consistent returns on their spending. The balance transfer fee is 3% (minimum $5), a standard industry rate.

A balance transfer is when you move a credit card balance from one card to another — typically with the goal of reducing your interest payments. It's one of many ways to simplify payments and eliminate debt quickly.

Balance transfer credit cards are tailored for this move, often featuring an interest-free 0% APR offer for six to 21 months. They typically charge a balance transfer fee (usually 3–5%) on the transferred sum. A fair credit score (580 or above) is often needed for approval.

Transferring a credit card balance can be a smart financial move, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, for example:

• 3% balance transfer fee
• 0% APR for 15 months

Assume you're transferring a $3,000 balance from your old card with an APR of 21.99%. When you transfer, you'll incur a $90 fee (3%) added to your new card's balance. By making monthly payments of $206, you can clear the debt within the 15-month offer period, avoid $522 in interest and be debt-free three months sooner than if you had interest. Your savings will be $432 — $522 minus the $90 fee. This is an excellent strategy if you can stick to your plan and make the payments.

With the same initial balance, a longer introductory period or lower fees will increase your savings. For example:

• If your intro period is 21 months: You'd need to pay $148 monthly to pay off the balance. Because of the longer period, you'd save $785 in interest ($695 net of fees).

• If the balance transfer fee is increased to 5% (or $150): You'd have to pay $210 per month to clear your balance before the end of the intro period. Your net savings would be $360 instead of $432.

When rating balance transfer cards, MoneyGeek uses this math to evaluate each balance transfer offer so you're getting the net impact of fees and length of the intro period.

>> LEARN MORE: How Much Money Can a Balance Transfer Actually Save?

If you're considering a balance transfer, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it's a smart financial move:

• Are you likely to be approved for a new card? Most cards with 0% APRs on balance transfers require at least a fair credit score (580 or above).

• Can you clear the balance before the 0% APR offer ends? Interest rates will jump to their standard rate after the introductory period ends.

• Are you transferring high-interest debt? If you’re moving lower interest rate debt to a card that will have a high APR after the intro period ends, you might be making things harder for yourself down the road if you can’t pay it all off in time.

• Is your budget under control? A balance transfer increases your available credit. If you tend to spend beyond your means, you could end up even deeper in debt.

If you answered "Yes" to all these questions, then you're likely a good candidate for a balance transfer card. If you’re a "No" on any, you should consider other options for managing your debt.

>> MORE: Pros and Cons of Balance Transfers

The best balance transfer credit cards have extended 0% APR periods, minimal balance transfer fees and no annual fees. Your credit score may limit the options available to you and impact the introductory offer. As you narrow down your options, your personal situation also comes into play:

• If managing down debt is your priority: Select cards with the longest 0% APR balance transfer offer you can find. The longest offers on the market today are around 21 months.

• If a large purchase is imminent: Prioritize cards that extend the 0% APR to new purchases and potentially offer rewards.

• If you've recently boosted your credit score or are consolidating for simplicity: Consider cards that couple a 0% introductory rate with rewarding perks.

Let's compare two leading options to see who may most benefit from each:

The Citi Simplicity offers a 21-month 0% APR on balance transfers and a lower balance transfer fee. This card is best for people with a large balance who prioritize paying it down above rewards or perks.

Conversely, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has a 15-month 0% APR on transfers and new purchases. This card would suit those anticipating big expenses — like furnishing a home — or consolidating for simplicity because of the cash back rewards.

>> READ MORE: Guide to Choosing a Balance Transfer Card

>> FULL GUIDE: How to Do a Credit Card Balance Transfer

A solid plan will help you get the most out of your balance transfer. Use the advice below to build a financial roadmap that will work for you.

• Plan to clear your balance three months before the promotional period ends. This will give you some wiggle room.

• Automate your payments to stay on track. It might be uncomfortable, but it’ll force discipline.

• Curb unnecessary spending with a temporary, no-frills budget to free up more funds. Watch out for yo-yoing later.

• Keep your old credit card out of reach, but don’t cancel it. The old card will benefit your credit score if you don’t put any more debt on it.

Consider these alternatives if a balance transfer credit card isn't the right fit:

• A personal loan can consolidate debt with a fixed interest rate and repayment period. Qualification depends on creditworthiness, and rates vary, so shop around for the best terms.

• A home equity line of credit (HELOC) leverages your home's equity for a lower interest rate.

• Debt management plans through credit counseling agencies can negotiate lower interest rates and monthly payments. They often require closing credit accounts, which could impact your credit score.

• Budgeting and debt repayment strategies like the snowball or avalanche methods can be effective without new credit products.

Each option has merits and considerations, so assess your financial situation and goals first.

MoneyGeek answered the most common questions about transferring an existing credit card balance.

MoneyGeek uses a comprehensive methodology to provide transparent, data-driven and relevant balance transfer credit card recommendations. Here's how we weighted each factor in our scoring system, with each aspect scored out of 5:

• Balance Transfer Offer Rating (60%): Our evaluation primarily focuses on balance transfer specifics. We assess associated fees, post-introductory APR and offer length. Cards with low fees, extended 0% APR periods and competitive post-introductory APRs score the highest.

• Intro Purchase Rating (15%): We consider the length of 0% APR on new purchases, allowing for upcoming expenses without interest charges.

• Issuer Satisfaction Rating (5%): A cardholder's satisfaction reputation — indicated by J.D. Power scores — factors into our assessment.

• Recommended Credit Rating (5%): Cards that require lower credit scores for approval rate more favorably, as accessibility is key.

• Annual Fee Rating (5%): Cards with low or no annual fees earn higher scores, as we prefer cost-effective options.

• Effective Reward Rating (5%): We calculate rewards program value using our model spend profile based on the Consumer Expenditure Survey published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Rating Penalties (5%): Cards that impose late fees or penalty APRs incur penalties since they can diminish a balance transfer offer's value.

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