What are the best 0 APR balance transfer cards, and how do you choose the right one?
The best 0 APR balance transfer cards Top Options and How to Choose: offer 0% introductory APR for 15 to 21 months, low or no balance transfer fees, and no annual fees. Top choices include the Citi Simplicity®, Wells Fargo Reflect®, and Discover it® Balance Transfer cards. These cards help you pay off high-interest credit card debt without accruing interest during the promo period.
To choose the right one, look for:
- The longest 0% APR offer (ideally 18–21 months)
- Low or waived balance transfer fees
- No annual fee
- Good approval odds for your credit score range
These cards are ideal for consolidating debt and saving money — especially if you follow a payoff plan and avoid new purchases.
Looking for the best 0% APR balance transfer cards? These cards can seriously help you save on interest while paying off debt—if you choose wisely.
They let you move your current balances to a new card with no interest for a set time, usually 12 to 24 months. The top picks have long 0% APR periods, low or no transfer fees, and a few extra perks to make managing debt a bit less painful.
Picking the right balance transfer card really depends on your credit score, the fees, and how long that 0% APR offer lasts. Some even toss in rewards or bonuses when you open the account.
If you know how to compare these features, you’ll have a much easier time picking a card that fits and actually helps you pay off debt faster.
Use your 0% APR period to focus on knocking out the balance before interest kicks in. Read the fine print on terms and fees so you don’t get blindsided.
Key Takeaways
- 0% APR balance transfer cards give you interest-free time to tackle debt.
- Fees, credit requirements, and perks aren’t the same for every card.
- The trick is to use the interest-free period to pay off as much as you can.
What Is a 0% APR Balance Transfer Card?
A 0% APR balance transfer card lets you move debt from one credit card to another with no interest for a certain period. That means you can save on interest and pay down debt more quickly.
If you get how these cards work and what they offer, you can figure out if one fits your financial situation.
How Balance Transfers Work
If you’re carrying high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer lets you move that debt to a new card with a lower or 0% intro APR. You avoid interest on the transferred balance for a set time—usually 12 to 24 months.
You often need to request the transfer within 60 to 120 days of opening the card. Most cards charge a transfer fee, usually around 3% to 5% of what you move.
Once the intro period ends, the regular interest rate kicks in. If you plan to pay off your balance before the 0% APR period expires, that’s when a balance transfer really pays off.
Benefits of 0% Intro APR Offers
The big win here is skipping interest charges for the promotional period. That can mean big savings over leaving your debt on a high-interest card.
You get to focus payments on the principal, not just interest, so you actually make a dent in your debt. Many of these cards also skip the annual fee.
It’s a good time to budget and pay off debt without more costs piling up. Just remember, once the intro period ends, the regular rate applies.
Who Should Consider a Balance Transfer Card
If you’ve got credit card debt with a high interest rate, a balance transfer card could help you cut costs. You get months with no interest, which is a real break.
This works best if you plan to pay off the balance during the 0% APR window. If not, you might get hit with high interest later.
If you tend to rack up more debt or miss payments, balance transfers might not be your best move. Most cards want good or excellent credit, so keep that in mind.
If your goal is to save money and pay off debt faster, a balance transfer card could be a solid choice.
For more details, check out best balance transfer credit cards.
Top 0% APR Balance Transfer Cards for 2025
You want a card with a long 0% APR period and low fees. These cards give you extra time to pay off debt, but each one has its own quirks.
Wells Fargo Reflect Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card gives you up to 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers. That’s one of the longest offers out there.
You can stretch the intro period a bit longer if you make all your minimum payments on time. The balance transfer fee is 3% (minimum $5), and there’s no annual fee.
You’ll need good to excellent credit. This card doesn’t really offer rewards, so it’s for folks who care more about saving on interest than earning points.
Citi Simplicity Card
The Citi Simplicity Card also offers 0% APR for up to 21 months on balance transfers. That’s a lot of breathing room to pay down debt.
It charges a 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5). There are no late fees or penalty APR, which is a relief if you slip up.
You’ll need good credit. If you want a long interest-free period and hate extra fees, this card could work—even though rewards aren’t really part of the deal.
Chase Slate Edge
The Chase Slate Edge gives you 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers. Its 3% transfer fee is lower than some.
There’s no annual fee, and after six months, they’ll review your account for a possible credit line increase. You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify.
It does have some rewards, but the main draw is the interest savings. Managing your card is pretty easy with Chase’s app and support.
For more info, check the best balance transfer credit cards.
Comparing 0% Intro APR Periods
When you’re picking a 0% APR balance transfer card, pay attention to how long the intro period lasts, whether it covers purchases too, and what happens after the intro ends.
These details can make a big difference in how much you save.
Longest 0% Intro APR Offers
Some cards give you up to 21 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card both offer this long stretch.
Others stick to around 18 months. More time means more room to chip away at your debt without extra interest.
Just remember, you usually have to make the transfer within the first few months after opening the account.
Intro APR on Purchases vs. Transfers
Some cards only give the 0% intro APR on transfers, while others include new purchases too. That’s helpful if you plan to use the card for both.
For example, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers 21 months of 0% APR on both. Others might not.
If you’re going to use the card for new buys, pick one that covers both to keep things simple.
How the Variable APR Applies After the Intro Period
When the intro period ends, the regular APR kicks in for any balance you still owe. This rate depends on your credit but usually lands somewhere between 17% and 28%.
You’ll want to pay off your balance before the intro period is up if you want to avoid new interest charges.
Some cards don’t raise your rate as a penalty for late payments, which can be a nice safety net.
Balance Transfer Fees and Costs
Don’t just look at the interest rate—fees and ongoing costs matter too. They can eat into your savings if you’re not careful.
Typical Balance Transfer Fees
Most cards charge a fee to move your debt—usually 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer. If you move $5,000 and pay a 3% fee, that’s $150 upfront.
Some cards have a minimum fee, like $5. A few rare cards skip the transfer fee, but those usually come with a shorter 0% APR period or extra hoops.
You’ll need to complete the transfer within 60 to 120 days of opening your account. Transfers after that might not get the 0% rate.
Annual Fee Considerations
Many balance transfer cards have no annual fee, which is great if you want to keep costs down. Some do charge a fee, especially if there are extra perks.
Annual fees usually range from $0 to $95. You’ll want to do the math to see if the fee is worth it based on how much you’ll save.
Sometimes, a card with a low fee and a really long 0% period can save you more than a card with no fee but a shorter offer.
Potential Savings vs. Fees
A 0% intro APR for 12 to 21 months can save you a lot in interest if you pay off the debt within that window. But don’t ignore the transfer fee.
A 3% fee on a big balance can take a bite out of your savings. Compare the fee to the interest you’d pay if you stuck with your current card.
If your current interest rate is sky-high, the transfer fee might still be worth it. Think about how quickly you can pay off the balance.
For up-to-date offers, see balance transfer credit cards.
Rewards and Perks with Balance Transfer Cards
Extra perks can sweeten the deal beyond just saving on interest. Some cards offer cash back, waive certain fees, or toss in other benefits.
Cash Back Opportunities
Some balance transfer cards give you cash back on everyday spending—usually 1.5% to 2%. That’s a nice bonus while you’re paying down your transferred balance.
Look for sign-up bonuses, like $200 cash back after spending a certain amount in the first few months. That’s a quick win.
Just know that balance transfers themselves don’t usually earn rewards. Always check the card’s terms so you know what counts.
No Late Fees Benefits
A few cards skip late fees, which is a relief if you ever miss a payment. That can help you avoid expensive penalties.
Even if there are no late fees, your payment history still gets reported to the credit bureaus. So, paying on time still matters for your credit score.
Not every card offers this, so check before applying. If you’re worried about missing a payment, a card with no late fees can give you some peace of mind.
Other Cardholder Perks
Some cards come with extras like fraud protection, travel insurance, or extended warranties. Perks like these depend on the issuer.
Plenty of balance transfer cards also skip the annual fee, keeping your costs low while you pay down debt.
Rewards programs sometimes let you redeem points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. These extras can bump up your card’s value.
For more on the best cards and their perks, check this expert review of balance transfer credit cards.
What Are the Real Requirements for Balance Transfer Cards, and How Do You Qualify?
To get a 0% APR balance transfer card, you usually need a pretty solid credit score—think in the “good” range or higher. Lenders want to see not just a number, but solid credit habits, so your income, debt, and payment history all play a role.
Minimum Credit Score Needed
Most balance transfer cards with 0% intro APR want a FICO score of at least 670. That’s what most lenders call “good.”
If you’re under that score, getting approved for the best offers gets tough. Cards for lower scores often come with higher fees or less generous APR deals.
Credit score isn’t the only thing that matters. Lenders check your income, debt, and payment history too.
Checking your score before applying just makes sense.
Good vs. Excellent Credit Qualifications
“Good” credit falls between 670 and 739. “Excellent” is 740 and up.
With excellent credit, you unlock the longest 0% APR periods—sometimes up to 24 months—and lower transfer fees, often around 3%.
You also see better rewards and fewer fees with top-tier cards.
If your score’s just “good,” you’ll still find competitive cards, but the terms might be shorter—maybe 12 to 15 months—and fees a little higher. It’s all about knowing where you stand.
Want to see what’s out there? Check out the best balance transfer credit cards.
Application Process for Balance Transfer Cards
When you apply for a balance transfer card, you’ll need to check your credit first. Then you’ll fill out an application and, if approved, start moving your debt over.
You’ll want to pay close attention to credit score requirements and transfer limits.
How to Apply
First thing: check your credit score. Most cards want “good” or better.
Next, grab your Social Security number, income info, and details about your current debts.
When you apply, read the balance transfer terms carefully. You’ll need to say how much you want to transfer and from which cards.
Apply online or by phone—it usually takes just minutes, but sometimes a couple days.
Transferring Your Balance Step-by-Step
If you get approved, you’ll provide details about your old card balances—account numbers and amounts.
Double-check the transfer fee, which is usually 3% to 5%. Don’t try to transfer more than your new card’s limit.
After you submit the request, it might take 5 to 10 business days to go through. Keep paying your old card until you see the balance gone.
Mark your calendar for when the promo period ends so you don’t get caught paying interest.
Tips for Maximizing Your 0% APR Period
If you want to really get the most from your 0% APR, you need a plan. Paying off your transferred balance—and not adding new debt—makes the biggest difference.
Best Ways to Repay Your Transferred Balance
Divide what you owe by the number of months in your 0% APR period. That’s your monthly payment target.
Set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date. If you miss one, you could lose your 0% deal.
Pay more than the minimum if you can. Knock out that balance before interest kicks in.
Avoiding Additional Purchases and Debt
Try not to use your balance transfer card for new purchases unless it also gives 0% APR on those. Otherwise, new charges start racking up interest right away.
If your card doesn’t cover new purchases at 0%, stick to paying off what you transferred. Use other cards for daily spending if you have to.
Balance transfer fees—usually 3% to 5%—can add up. Make sure the savings outweigh the fees before you move a big balance.
For more tips, check out Best 0% APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards — AwardWallet.
Best Balance Transfer Cards by Credit Profile
Your credit score pretty much decides which cards you can get. Excellent credit gets you the longest 0% periods and lowest fees. Good or fair credit means shorter deals and maybe higher costs.
For Excellent Credit
Scores above 740 unlock the best cards—think 0% APR for 18 to 24 months.
Low or no balance transfer fees, sometimes just 3%. Some cards even throw in cash back or points bonuses for spending early on.
No annual fees are common, and the long no-interest window can save you a lot if you pay off your balance.
For Good Credit
If your score’s between 670 and 739, you’ll see 0% APR offers for 12 to 18 months.
Balance transfer fees are usually 3% to 5%. Rewards and bonuses are out there, but they’re smaller.
Some cards charge annual fees, so check if the savings are worth it.
Look for the longest 0% APR and lowest fees to get the most out of your card.
For Fair Credit
Scores from 580 to 669 mean fewer options. Very few cards offer 0% APR for balance transfers, and if they do, it’s usually for 6 to 12 months.
Transfer fees run high—often 5%—and you might see annual fees too.
These cards help rebuild credit more than save on interest, but you can still find a few with decent terms.
Want more details? Here’s a rundown of the best balance transfer credit cards.
Issuer Highlights: American Express, Citi, Chase and More
Major issuers each put their own spin on balance transfer cards—some focus on longer 0% periods, others on perks or low fees. It’s worth comparing what matters most to you.
Notable Features of American Express
American Express has the Blue Cash Preferred, which gives a 0% intro APR for 12 months on both balance transfers and purchases.
Cash back is strong—6% at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming, 3% at gas stations and transit.
There’s a $95 annual fee after year one, but if you spend in those categories, you might come out ahead.
Just watch the cap on supermarket rewards, and remember there’s a foreign transaction fee.
Key Benefits from Citi
The Citi Simplicity Card is a favorite for long 0% intro APR—up to 21 months on balance transfers, 12 months on purchases.
No annual fee, which is nice.
You have to complete transfers within four months of opening the account to get the 0% deal.
No rewards here, but you get no late fees or penalty rates. After the intro period, the APR jumps to a variable rate.
Top Chase Card Offers
Chase’s Slate Edge card is built for balance transfers—0% intro APR for 18 months on both transfers and purchases.
No annual fee, and you can get a credit line increase or interest rate reduction after a few months of on-time payments.
No rewards program, but the focus is on debt management.
Balance transfer fee is 3% if you transfer in the first 60 days, then 5% after that.
Want to see specifics? Here’s a list of the best 0% APR balance transfer cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a balance transfer card means weighing fees, promo lengths, and your credit score. Some cards have unique perks or quirks, so it pays to look closely.
What criteria should I consider when choosing a balance transfer credit card?
Look for low or no transfer fees and a long 0% APR period. Check for annual fees and see if rewards matter to you. Make sure the credit limit fits your needs.
Are there any balance transfer cards that offer a promotional period longer than 24 months?
Some cards go up to 24 months—rarely a little longer. If you need more time, it’s worth hunting for these, but always read the fine print.
How can I qualify for a balance transfer card with 0% APR if I have fair credit?
It’s tougher, but not impossible. Look for cards aimed at near-prime credit, and keep your debt low and your credit report clean.
What is the best way to compare no-fee balance transfer credit cards?
Line up the intro APR periods and transfer fees. Rewards and bonuses are a bonus, but focus on fees and interest savings. User reviews can reveal hidden downsides.
Are there notable differences between Discover’s balance transfer options and other brands?
Discover often skips the annual fee and offers long intro APR—sometimes up to 21 months. Cash back is a nice touch. Other brands vary, so compare fees, APR, and perks side by side.
Do balance transfer credit cards hurt or help my credit score?
Balance transfer credit cards can nudge your credit score in either direction, honestly. When you apply, you get a hard inquiry—that usually knocks your score down a tiny bit at first.
If you move your debt to a new card and free up space on your old cards, your credit utilization ratio might improve. That can give your score a little boost.
Just don’t miss payments. Paying on time really matters if you want to avoid any drops in your score.
