Best balance transfer credit cards of 2023

We ranked the best balance transfer card picks for 2023 based on our research and placed them into six major categories. We considered factors such as the length of the intro APR period, balance transfer fees and rewards. Finder’s experts provide unbiased, trustworthy evaluations of all balance transfer credit cards and providers, not just those we partner with on the site.

Best for ongoing rewards program

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5 ★★★★★

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The Chase Freedom Flex℠ combines a 15 months 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers with a lucrative mix of rotating and flat-rate rewards categories. And given the value and flexibility of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ should be one of your top choices if you're looking for value long after your balance transfer period ends.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back in select rotating categories on up to $1,500 each quarter you activate, then 1%. You'll also earn 5% back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and on Lyft through March 2022, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • Signup bonus. Earn $200 cash back after you make $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening, then 19.24% to 27.99% variable.

  Cons

  • You'll need to keep track of rotating categories. You won't get the 5% cashback rate on the same categories each quarter. Also, you'll need to activate your cashback categories, or you won't receive the bonus rate.
  • Categories not always known. Often, Chase won't reveal the whole year's rotating categories until they're close to launching.
  • Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 3% fee on transactions made abroad.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 19.24% to 27.99% variable) $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days
  Balance transfer fee	For each transfer: 3% intro fee ($5 min) in first 60 days, after that 5% ($5 min)
  Rewards	Up to 5% cash back

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 15 months
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

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Best for carrying a balance long-term

Chase Slate Edge℠

Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5 ★★★★★

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The old Chase Slate returns from the dead as the Chase Slate Edge℠, bringing with it a few new features. Notably, the card allows you to lower your interest rate by up to 2% each year when you meet the requirements. You can get your APR as low as 9.74%, which is excellent if you need to carry a balance.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Signup bonus. Spend $500 on purchases in the first 6 months your account is open to earn in statement credit.
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, reverting to 19.24% to 27.99% variable.
  • No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.

  Cons

  • Intro offer on balance transfer fees gone. The original Chase Slate offered a 0% balance transfer fee offer for 60 days. This is no longer the case, as the Chase Slate Edge℠ offers a 60 days period of $3 balance transfer fees, reverting to 5%.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 18 months (then 19.24% to 27.99% variable) No balance transfer fees for transfers made the first 60 days, then $5 or 5%
  Balance transfer fee	For each transfer: 5% intro fee ($3 min) in first 60 days, after that 5% ($5 min)
  Rewards	None

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 18 months
Rewards	None
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

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Best for cash back

Citi® Double Cash Card

Finder Rating: 3.8 / 5 ★★★★★

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Though the Citi® Double Cash Card isn't the best flat-rate cash back card by our estimation — that goes to the Chase Freedom Flex — market changes have made it one of the better balance transfer card options available in 2022. That's because the card possesses not only a higher-than-average cashback rate at 2%, but a higher-than-average balance transfer period at 18 months — slightly behind the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum's 20 months.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn cash back. Earn cash back twice on everything you buy — 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay your balance. Similar cards let you earn 1.5% back. That's up to a $100 difference if you spend $20,000 a year with your card.
  • Intro APR on balance transfers. Enjoy 18 months of a 0% intro APR period for balance transfers. Compared to similar cards, this is one of the longest intro periods you can get. After that, a variable APR of 16.99% to 26.99% applies.
  • Citi Entertainment℠. Get special access when buying presale tickets or VIP packages for concerts, sports events, dining and more.
  
  

  Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	Up to 26.99% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 18 months (then 16.99% to 26.99% variable) Intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5)
  Balance transfer fee	For each transfer: 3% intro fee ($5 min) in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min)
  Rewards	Up to 2% cash back

Partner terms and conditions

Information about this card has been collected independently by Finder.

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 18 months
Rewards	Up to 2% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

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Best for small purchases

Citi Rewards+® Card

Finder Rating: 4.1 / 5 ★★★★★

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The Citi Rewards+® Card combines a solid 15 months intro APR on balance transfers with a unique rewards feature. On all purchases, Citi will round your points earned to the nearest 10 points. Once your balance transfer period is over, you have a great rewards card for racking up points on small purchases on your hands.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn points. Earn 2x points at gas stations and supermarkets. This applies to the first $6,000 in qualifying purchases per calendar year, after which you will earn 1x points.
  • Signup bonus. Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening. For a limited time, also earn 5x points per $1 spent on air travel and hotels up to $6,000 in the first 12 months and then 1x points per $1 spent thereafter.
  • Rounding gets you more points. Your points will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase.
  • A good intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening, then 17.24% to 27.24% variable.
  
  

  Cons

  • Foreign transaction fees. Because of the 3% foreign transaction fee, this may not be a good card to use with foreign merchants abroad or online.
  • Penalty APR. If you miss a payment, Citi may impose a penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 17.24% to 27.24% variable) Intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5)
  Balance transfer fee	For each transfer: 3% intro fee ($5 min) in first 4 months of account opening, after that 5% ($5 min)
  Rewards	Up to 5x points

Partner terms and conditions

Information about this card has been collected independently by Finder.

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 15 months
Rewards	Up to 5x points
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

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Best for longest 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

Wells Fargo Reflect Card

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The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a card born of Wells Fargo's re-commitment to their credit card lineup and the proof is in the pudding: The Reflect holds the longest intro period on new balance transfers and purchases as well. Meeting the repayment requirements offers a total of 18 months in length. The Reflect also comes with a few other goodies, like a longer-than-average period to transfer your balance and cell phone protection.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months, then 16.74% to 28.74% variable. The closest competitor card offers 18 months of 0% intro APR period. Two months may not seem like much, but if you're paying off a larger balance, it could make a difference.
  • No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee for the life of the card.
  • No penalty APR. If you miss a payment, U.S. Bank won't impose a penalty APR. Other cards often impose a penalty APR of up to 32% and may cancel any 0% intro APR offers. That's one less thing to worry about with this card, however.

  Cons

  • No rewards program. You get a long intro APR period, but you don't get to earn any rewards.
  • Foreign transaction fees. Transactions made abroad or online with foreign merchants will cost you 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 18 months (then 16.74% to 28.74% variable)
  Balance transfer fee	For each transfer: 3% intro fee ($5 min) in first 120 days, after that 5% ($5 min)
  Rewards	Up to x n/a

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 18 months
Rewards	Up to x n/a
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	800

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Best for cashback flexibility

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5★★★★★

Terms apply, see rates & fees

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is another great example of a rewards card that doubles as a more than solid balance transfer card. While the Citi Double Cash is still the king of cash back when it comes to such a card, the flexibility the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers is an asset for targeted spending.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Signup bonus. Get a $200 cash back bonus once you spend $1,000 in your first 120 days of card membership. Competitor cards offer similar bonus amounts but you need to spend up to $1,500 to claim it.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 each quarter you activate in combined purchases in two categories of your choice, after that you get 1% back. You also earn 2% back on one category like gas or groceries, and 1% back on everything else you buy. Redeem cash back as a statement credit or as a deposit made to your U.S. Bank savings, checking or money market account. Alternatively, get your cash back as a U.S. Bank rewards card.
  • Intro APR period on balance transfers. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers for the first 15 months following your account opening for transfers completed within 60 days of card membership. After that, a variable APR of 18.74% to 28.74% will apply.

  Cons

  • Must enroll in rewards. Each quarter, you must go online and register which two categories where you want to earn 5% and 2% cash back. Enroll 45 days before the beginning of or during each quarter. Otherwise, you'll earn 1% back on these categories.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	Up to 28.74% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 18.74% to 28.74% variable) Balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  Balance transfer fee	$5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater
  Rewards	Up to 5% cash back

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 15 months
Rewards	Up to 5% cash back
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	670

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best for foodies

U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Terms apply, see rates & fees

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is the new standard for foodies, boasting a 4x rate on dining (including delivery and bars), plus it offers plenty of other perks as well — including an intro period on balance transfers. Couple that with no annual fee and you've got big value on dining rewards and savings in a single card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn rewards. Earn 4x points on dining, including takeout and delivery. Earn 2x points at grocery stores, for grocery delivery and streaming services. You'll also earn 2x points at gas stations. and even EV charging stations. Earn 1x points on every other eligible purchase.
  • No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee to use this card. This is a steal given the value the card offers.
  • Intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, reverting to 19.24% to 28.24% variable.
  • Perks. Get travel and emergency assistance, car rental insurance coverage and roadside dispatch. You also get an annual streaming credit worth $15.
  • Signup bonus. Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. This isn’t the greatest signup bonus available, though it’s not the worst either.

  Cons

  • Excellent credit score required. You’ll need an excellent credit score to qualify for this card. This isn’t surprising given the quality of the card.
  • No entertainment category. If you’re looking for a card that offers perks and rewards on movies, sports and other purchases, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 19.24% to 28.24% variable)
  Balance transfer fee	$5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater
  Rewards	Up to 4x points

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0% for 12 months
Rewards	Up to 4x points
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	740

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best for no-balance-transfer fee

Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card

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The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card is one of the few cards on the market right now that doesn't charge a balance transfer fee on transfers. In fact, the card is light on fees overall, requiring no annual fee, no cash advance fee, no foreign transaction fee and a low average APR. The trade-off is you'll need to be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to obtain this card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Intro APR. Get a intro APR on balance transfers, reverting to 8.99% to 18% variable.
  • Low fees. You won't pay an annual fee, balance transfer fees, cash advance fees or foreign transaction fees with this card.
  • Low interest rate. The low end of this card's interest rate is just 8.99%, which is among the lowest on the market.

  Cons

  • Membership required. You need to be a member of the NFCU to obtain this card.
  • No rewards. This card doesn't earn rewards on purchases.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	Up to 18% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0.99% intro for the first 12 months (then 8.99% to 18% variable)
  Rewards	None

Intro Balance Transfer APR	0.99% for 12 months
Rewards	None
Annual fee	$0
Minimum credit score	580

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5 steps to choose the best balance transfer card

To make the right credit card choice and save money, you’ll want to perform the following steps.

1. Figure out how long you’ll need to pay off your debt. Intro periods for 0% APR typically reach as high as 18 to 21 months — for example, with the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. Some cards, such as the SunTrust Prime Rewards, have intro APRs higher than 0% but offer their promotional rates for very long periods.
2. Take balance transfer fees into account. Some cards offer no balance transfer fees for either a promotional period or at all times. Keep in mind that some cards that never charge transfer fees come with less-attractive intro APRs or interest rates.
3. Factor the card’s annual fee into your payments. Many balance transfer cards have no annual fees. If your card has an annual fee, consider how this will cut into your potential savings from a balance transfer.
4. Look for a low revert APR. If you can’t pay off your card in full by the end of the intro period, it reverts to an APR rate that immediately applies to the balance you owe. APRs for these cards skew high, so consider whether you can pay down the full transferred balance before the intro expires.
5. Look at the card’s rewards. If you want rewards, you may need to sacrifice the length of your card’s intro APR. Many balance transfer cards with rewards have intro periods only around 15 months.

Pros and cons

A balance transfer card is a terrific tool for saving on interest, but there are some trade-offs for using one.

A balance transfer card can save you money

A balance transfer is worth it when the money saved on interest outweighs any balance transfer fees.

Suppose you owe $4,000 on a credit card with an interest rate of 19% and you intend to pay $300 each month. Instead, you move the debt to a balance transfer card with a 0% intro APR for 15 months and a 3% balance transfer fee. Although you would pay $120 in balance transfer fees, you would pay off the debt in just under 14 months and avoid paying any interest during this time.

If you kept the debt on the original card, you would pay $529 in interest. By moving the debt to the balance transfer card, you end up saving $405 dollars. In this case, the balance transfer card is clearly worth it.

4 options for repaying credit card debt

Here are four common options for tackling this kind of debt that help illustrate how they stack up.

Details of the original card

In this case, a balance transfer card is the best option. Although you’ll pay a balance transfer fee, you’ll save the most in interest over time.

You asked, we listened: Top 5 common questions

There can be a lot of fine print when it comes to balance transfers. Here are the five most common questions we receive on the subject.

1. How much can I transfer? The minimum and maximum amount you can transfer during a balance transfer is typically determined by your card’s credit limit.
2. What credit score do I need? Generally, you need a good credit score or better to qualify for a balance transfer card.
3. What kinds of debt can I transfer? Aside from credit card debt, you can transfer nearly any type of monthly payment owed, such as student loans, auto loans and personal loans.
4. What mistakes should I avoid in my application? Applying for a balance transfer card with your existing credit card issuer is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
5. What happens if I can’t pay off my balance in time? If you can’t pay your full balance in time, the revert APR will kick in and you’ll need to start paying that interest on future payments.

Bottom line

The best balance transfer card for you depends on your finances, debt repayment plan and how you spend. If none of the cards on our list of best picks feel like the right fit, compare more cards to find one that’s right for you.