How to Do a Balance Transfer With Capital One

Updated: August 2, 2024

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Transferring a balance to a Capital One card is a straightforward procedure, with most transfers facilitated online and completed within three to 15 business days. Notably, Capital One allows you to transfer personal, student and auto loans, unlike most issuers that only allow the transfer of credit card debt.

Capital One's balance transfer credit cards provide a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers. These cards also let you earn rewards from your purchases, which you can use to pay off your balance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • In addition to credit card balances, you can transfer personal, student and auto loans to a Capital One card. The amount you can transfer is capped by your credit limit.
  • Balance transfers with Capital One can be initiated immediately upon approval, but the funds may take up to 15 business days to reach the other creditor.
  • Capital One’s balance transfer cards typically come with a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, no annual fee and a rewards-earning system.

How to Do a Capital One Balance Transfer

Capital One allows you to transfer balances and loans to new and existing cards. In both cases, you will follow the same process. Submitting a balance transfer request is simple, but it may take up to 15 business days for the transferred amount to reflect on the original account.

How to Transfer Balances to a New Capital One Card

  1. Compare Capital One balance transfer cards to find one that aligns with your financial goals, ideally with a 0% intro APR offer and no annual fee.
  2. Apply for the card. Upon approval, you may initiate the balance transfer request online.

How to Transfer Balances With an Existing Capital One Card

  1. Log in to your Capital One account.
  2. Select the credit card account you want to use for the balance transfer.
  3. Choose “Transfer a Balance” from the drop-down menu and click “Select Offer” next to the balance transfer offer of your choice.
  4. Enter the necessary details and submit your request.

What Happens After Submitting a Balance Transfer Request

Capital One typically processes balance transfers immediately, but it may take up to 15 business days for the funds to reach the other creditor. Monitor your old account and continue making payments until the transfer is confirmed to avoid late fees and penalties.

How to Check the Status of a Capital One Balance Transfer

To check the status, log in to your Capital One online account or call 1-800-227-4825. Keep an eye on both your Capital One and old accounts to ensure the transfer is completed successfully.

Considerations for Capital One Balance Transfers

Before you initiate a balance transfer with Capital One, it's wise to understand the terms and conditions that will apply. Here's a rundown of what to expect, which can help you decide if a balance transfer is right for your financial situation and avoid surprises down the line.

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    Transfer Restrictions

    Beyond your credit card balance, Capital One allows you to transfer your personal, student and car loan. However, you cannot transfer balances between Capital One cards.

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    Processing Time

    The transfer will take about three to fifteen business days to complete. We recommend you continue making payments on your old card while Capital One processes your request.

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    Balance Transfer Amount

    The transfer amount, including fees, must not exceed your credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000 and your card has a 3% balance transfer fee, you can only transfer up to $9,700.

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    Introductory Period

    You must complete transfers within the first 15 months to benefit from introductory APR offers.

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    Balance Transfer Fee

    Generally, a 3% balance fee applies during the first 15 months, while subsequent transfers incur a 4% fee. Always consider this fee when deciding if a balance transfer can help save you money.

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    Regular APR

    After the intro period, rates range from 19.99% to 29.99% (variable), depending on your creditworthiness. This interest rate will apply to your balance after the intro period.

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    Credit Score

    Capital One typically requires an excellent credit score for its balance transfer cards.

Best Capital One Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Capital One's balance transfer credit cards all feature a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers and no annual fee. Their differences lie primarily in how they reward purchases, so the best card for you will depend on how you want to earn your rewards.

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a strong contender if you prefer simple rewards. It provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.7/ of 5

On Partner's Website


Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
  • Ideal for those who prefer simplicity, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a flat 1.5% cash back rate on all purchases and a straightforward welcome bonus. However, it requires excellent credit.

  • PROS
    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
    • Low required spend for welcome bonus
    • 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers
    • No annual fee
    CONS
    • Requires excellent credit
    • Limited bonus categories
    • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within three months of opening an account.
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
    • Enjoy up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through November 14, 2024.
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.
    • No rotating categories or sign-ups are needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account, and there's no limit to how much you can earn.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months, then 4% afterward.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Meanwhile, if you want to earn more rewards, the SavorOne Rewards card can be an option. It lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming and grocery stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5

On Partner's Website


Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
  • Whether you prefer to eat out or enjoy home-cooked meals, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Card grants you savings. It provides unlimited 3% cash back on restaurants, grocery stores, streaming and entertainment for no annual fee. However, superstores like Walmart are excluded from the bonus rewards.

  • PROS
    • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services and at grocery stores
    • Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
    • Receive a $200 welcome offer
    • Offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
    CONS
    • Use of Capital One Travel required to get high cash back rate
    • Excludes cash back at superstores like Walmart and Target
    • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.
    • Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), and 1% on all other purchases.
    • Enjoy 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus receive complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through November 14, 2024.
    • 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get the best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.
    • Enjoy earning cash rewards without rotating categories or sign-ups. Your cash back won't expire for the life of the account, and there's no limit to how much you can earn.
    • Benefit from a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; after that, a variable APR of 19.99%–29.99% applies. A 3% fee applies to amounts transferred within the first 15 months.
    • No foreign transaction fees.
    • No annual fee.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Remember that you can use the cash back you earn to pay off your balance, so choosing the more lucrative option can help you eliminate your credit card debt.

FAQ About Balance Transfers With Capital One

MoneyGeek answers some common questions about balance transfers with Capital One to help you make an informed financial decision.

What types of balances can you transfer to Capital One?

Capital One lets you transfer personal, student and car loans, aside from your credit card balance. However, you’re not allowed to transfer balances between Capital One cards.

How long does it take to process a Capital One balance transfer?

Once approved, a Capital One balance transfer is processed immediately and can be completed in three days. However, in some cases, it may take up to 15 business days for the funds to reach the other creditor.

Is there a limit to how much you can transfer with Capital One?

Yes, the total amount of your balance transfer, including any fees, cannot exceed your available credit limit.

What fees are associated with a Capital One balance transfer?

Capital One charges a 3% fee for balance transfers during the first 15 months. After that, transfers at a promotional APR incur a 4% fee. If you’re doing a balance transfer with a regular APR, you don’t need to pay an annual fee.

Can a balance transfer with Capital One hurt your credit score?

Moving a balance to a new card may initially cause a slight dip in your credit score, especially if you get a new card or close an old one. However, a balance transfer done right will improve your credit score over time.

If You’re Looking for More

Moving your debt with a balance transfer can help you save on interest and pay it off more easily. Before you decide to transfer with Capital One, consider the fees involved and your ability to clear your balance before the promotional period ends.

Capital One’s 15-month 0% intro period on balance transfers is competitive and on par with other providers. However, if you need a longer time to pay off your balance, you can find balance transfer cards that offer up to 21 months of no interest.

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


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