Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

If you're looking to pay off high-interest debt, a balance transfer credit card can be a smart solution. These cards offer low or 0% introductory APR for balance transfers, helping you save money on interest while you focus on paying down your balance.

The best balance transfer credit cards come with long intro periods, low fees, and additional benefits, making it easier to get your finances back on track. In this guide, we'll explore some of the top options available to help you find the right card for your needs.

1. Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card

The Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card offers an introductory 0.99% APR for the first 12 months from account opening on balance transfers made within the first 60 days.

After the introductory period, a variable APR between 10.99% and 18.00% applies. One of the standout features of this card is that it doesn't charge any balance transfer fees, which helps you save money.

Additionally, there are no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. This offer is valid until January 1, 2026.

Pros:

• 0.99% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days.
• No balance transfer fee, saving you money compared to other cards.
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• Relatively short intro APR period.
• Must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify, with membership primarily available to the military community.

2. Chase Freedom Flex®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. It provides impressive cash back rates, including 5% on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, and 3% on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.

You also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card has no minimum for cash back redemption, allowing you to choose between a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts.

Cash back rewards never expire as long as your account remains open. It also features a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a variable APR of 18.99%-28.49% afterward.

There is no annual fee, and the card comes with Chase Credit Journey, which offers free access to your latest credit score and real-time alerts.

Rewards

• 5% Cash Back: On up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter that you activate.
• 5% Cash Back: On Chase travel purchases made through Chase Travel®.
• 3% Cash Back: On dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• 3% Cash Back: At drugstores.
• 1% Cash Back: On all other purchases.

Pros:

• Solid 0% Intro APR Offer: While not the longest, the card offers a strong intro APR for balance transfers.
• Relatively Low Intro Balance Transfer Fee: A 3% or $5 fee for transfers within the first 60 days, and a 5% or $5 fee afterward.
• Bonus Cash Back: Earn 3% to 5% cash back on select categories, including travel, restaurants, drugstores, and rotating categories each quarter. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
• Strong Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can earn a generous bonus.
• No Annual Fee: The card does not charge an annual fee.

Cons:

• Shorter 0% APR Period: Other cards offer a longer 0% APR period for balance transfers, including some that also offer cash back.
• Rotating 5% Categories: To earn 5% cash back, you must activate rotating categories each quarter, which requires some effort to keep track.

3. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a range of valuable features. New cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.

It provides unlimited 3% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, as well as 1% on all other purchases.

Additionally, cardholders can earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

There are no rotating categories or sign-ups required to earn cash rewards, and the cash back doesn’t expire, with no limit on how much can be earned. The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, with a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24% after that. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card has no annual fee.

Rewards

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a comprehensive cash back structure:

• 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
• 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• 3% Cash Back on dining, including restaurants and takeout.
• 3% Cash Back on entertainment purchases.
• 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services.
• 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
• 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

Pros:

• Intro APR period of over a year, providing a solid break from interest.
• Low 3% intro balance transfer fee for transfers made within the first 12 months.
• Unlimited 3% cash back on grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services; 1% on other purchases.
• Attractive bonus offer for new cardholders.
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• Shorter intro APR period compared to some dedicated balance-transfer cards.
• Other cards may offer a longer 0% APR period, including those that also earn cash back.

4. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers a 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases. After the intro period, the variable APR ranges from 17.24% to 27.99%, depending on your creditworthiness.

Balance transfers must be made within 4 months of account opening, and there is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Cardholders get free access to their FICO® Score online, and with Citi Entertainment®, you can gain special access to purchase tickets to a wide range of events, including concerts, sports events, dining experiences, and more.

This card comes with no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who want long intro APR periods with extra perks.

Pros:

• Long intro APR period for balance transfers (21 months), providing ample time to reduce debt.
• $0 annual fee, making it cost-effective.

Cons:

• 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5), which is relatively high compared to some other cards.
• The card doesn’t earn rewards, limiting its long-term value.
• Shorter intro APR period for purchases (12 months) compared to balance transfers.

5. Discover it® Chrome

The Discover it® Cash Back card offers a great blend of rewards and an introductory APR period. New cardholders can earn Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of their first year, where Discover automatically matches all the cash back earned, with no minimum spending or maximum rewards.

The card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Additionally, there's a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, after which the APR ranges from 18.24% to 27.24% variable, based on creditworthiness.

There is no annual fee, and cardholders can redeem rewards for cash at any time. Discover also offers a feature to help protect your personal information online by removing it from select people-search sites.

Rewards

• 2% cash back at gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• 2% cash back at restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Pros:

• Excellent introductory APR for balance transfers (0% for 18 months).
• Low introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (higher after the first transfer).
• Earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• Bonus offer for new cardholders.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

• 0% APR period on purchases is shorter than the balance transfer period.
• The rewards rate is not as competitive as some other cash back cards.
• The balance transfer fee increases to 5% after the introductory period.

6. Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card offers a strong rewards structure with unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay for those purchases, as long as you meet the minimum payment due. Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months, which is awarded as 20,000 ThankYou® Points redeemable for cash.

The card also offers a special travel benefit, providing 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal until December 31, 2025. For balance transfers, the card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months, with a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) in the first 4 months, increasing to 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.

However, the intro APR only applies to balance transfers and not purchases, which will be subject to interest after the intro period. There’s no annual fee, making it a solid choice for those who want consistent rewards on every purchase and need a balance transfer option.

Rewards

2% cash back on every purchase.

• 1% cash back when you make a purchase.
• 1% additional cash back when you pay for the purchase (by paying at least the minimum due).

Pros:

• Long introductory period for balance transfers.
• Low intro balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 (whichever is greater) in the first four months; 5% or $5 (whichever is greater) after that.
• Earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
• Attractive bonus offer (though best to focus on paying down debt).
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• No 0% period for purchases.
• Interest charged on purchases immediately after transferring a balance.
• Best used for balance transfers and rewards, not for new purchases during the intro period.

7. Citi Simplicity® Card

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers an excellent balance transfer option with a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases.

After the introductory period, a variable APR of 18.24% - 28.99% applies, depending on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee, and the card doesn’t charge late fees or penalty rates, offering more flexibility for cardholders.

For balance transfers, there’s a 3% fee (minimum $5) if done within the first four months, after which it increases to 5% (minimum $5). Additionally, Citi® Quick Lock lets you instantly lock and unlock your card for added security.

This card is ideal for those looking to manage debt while benefiting from the extended 0% intro APR period.

Pros:

• Long intro APR period for balance transfers (almost two years).
• Relatively low intro balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, within the first four months; 5% or $5, whichever is greater, after that.
• No late fees, offering flexibility for missed payments (although it’s best not to make a habit of it).
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• No rewards program, so limited ongoing value after the 0% intro period ends.
• Shorter 0% APR period for purchases compared to balance transfers, making it less ideal for purchases

8. U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

This card offers a strong combination of benefits, including a 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, with a variable APR of 17.74% - 28.74% after that, based on creditworthiness.

Cardholders can earn 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly through the Rewards Center. Additionally, there is a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.

For those looking for extra protection, the card provides cell phone protection, offering up to $600 in reimbursement if your eligible cell phone is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with the card.

Best of all, there is no annual fee for this card, making it a cost-effective option for those who frequently travel and make reservations.

Rewards

• 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations.
• Cash back applies when bookings are made directly in the Rewards Center.

Pros:

• 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles.
• Low introductory balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, within the first 60 days.
• 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center.
• $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
• Cell phone protection: Coverage up to $600 if your eligible cell phone is damaged or stolen when you pay the monthly bill with the card.
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• Intro APR offers may be shorter than some other cards, even from U.S. Bank.
• Rewards may not be as competitive compared to some cards with shorter intro APR periods.

9. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card offers a great combination of rewards and benefits. New cardholders can earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The card offers 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

There's no minimum required to redeem cash back, and rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts.

Additionally, the card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, after which a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49% applies.

The card also comes with no annual fee, and cardholders can monitor their credit health through Chase Credit Journey with free access to credit scores and alerts.

Rewards

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Pros:

• Intro APR period offers solid benefits, though not as long as dedicated 0% balance transfer cards.
• Low intro balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, for the first 60 days; 5% or $5 after that.
• Earn 1.5% cash back on most purchases, 5% on travel through Chase, and 3% on drugstore and restaurant purchases.
• Attractive bonus offer for new cardholders.
• $0 annual fee.

Cons:

• You can find longer 0% APR periods on other balance transfer cards, some of which also earn cash back.

10. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, making it an excellent option for those looking to manage debt with no interest.

After the introductory period, a variable APR ranging from 17.24% to 28.99% applies, depending on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the intro rate, with a balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).

The card also provides up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft, with a $25 deductible.

Additionally, cardholders can take advantage of personalized deals through My Wells Fargo Deals, earning cash back as an account credit when shopping, dining, or enjoying experiences with eligible merchants. Best of all, there’s no annual fee, making this a valuable option for long-term savings and perks.

Pros:

• Longest intro APR period for both balance transfers and purchases among cards from major issuers.
• $0 annual fee.
• Offers cell phone insurance.

Cons:

• Balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5), which is on the high end.
• No ongoing rewards on everyday spending, limiting its value after the intro period ends.