Instant approval balance transfer credit cards

A balance transfer credit card can help you save on interest, especially if you opt for a card that comes with a promotional balance transfer offer. While the actual transfer time varies from one credit card provider to the next, some credit card companies offer instant approval. This can make it quicker to transfer your debt and stop paying those high APRs.

Compare instant approval balance transfer credit cards

For an in-depth comparison of balance transfer cards, choose your credit score below and click Show cards to take a look at some of your options.

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Name	Product	Amount saved	Balance transfer APR	Balance transfer fee	Recommended minimum credit score	Filter values
UNITY Visa® Secured Credit Card			9.95% intro for the first 6 months (then 17.99% fixed)	$10 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater	300		An intro APR on balance transfers is rare for a secured card. Lower fees and interest than similar cards make this a good credit building option.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Aspire Platinum Mastercard®			0% intro for the first 6 billing cycles (then 9.65% to 18% variable)	$5 or 2% of the transaction, whichever is greater	580		Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first days.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card			11.5% variable	None	300		A great way to establish or improve your credit history.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Fifth Third Secured Card			25.74% variable	$5 or 4% of the transaction, whichever is greater	300		Build or rebuild your credit with each purchase. Reports to the three major credit bureaus.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BankAmericard® Secured Credit Card			22.99% variable	$10 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater	300		Helps establish, strengthen and even rebuild your credit.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What is an instant balance transfer credit card?

Some credit cards offer instant approval, allowing you to sign up and potentially start using the credit line within minutes of submitting your application. In some cases, you may find a balance transfer credit card that offers this instant approval.

Are instant approval balance transfer credit cards right for me?

If you’re looking for a quick response, applying for an instant approval card can be the right choice. However, not all balance transfer cards offer instant approval so you could be limiting your choices.

When trying to decide on the right card, take into account how quickly you can be approved, but also the length of the promotional period, purchase APR and revert balance transfer APR.

How long until everything is finalized?

Even if you’re approved right away, a balance transfer can take up to six weeks.

Typically you can’t initiate a balance transfers until you’ve activated your card. Depending on your provider and how soon you activate your card once you get it — that alone could take two weeks.

What can I expect when applying?

Before applying for the card, check out its terms and conditions — a table that every credit card company is required to have on its site that clearly states fees, policies and information about APRs.

In your application, submit information about the banks and institutions for your transfer — you can expect a decision within a few seconds. If you’re approved, don’t expect the transfer to be instant. Transfers typically take between five and 14 days to process from the time you receive and activate your card.

What can I do to increase my chances of approval?

Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the new card, and pay particular attention to its minimum income requirement. Have all the required documentation available to support your credit card application, and provide all relevant details of the accounts from which you wish to transfer balances.

Read more about increasing your odds of approval with our guide to successfully applying for a balance transfer.

How does my credit score affect instant approval?

Your credit score plays a significant part in the overall approval process. If you have a very high credit score, you’re most likely a good candidate for instant approval. A good credit score can also increase your balance transfer card options. On the other hand, a lower credit score may prevent a credit card company from approving your application immediately — or at all.

However, lenders look at many factors when they evaluate your application. Other factors, such as too many inquiries into your credit, late payments, having a high income-to-debt ratio are all part of the big picture. Your credit score is one large piece of the puzzle when it comes to how lenders view their credit risk with you.

Can I use an instant-approval store credit card for a balance transfer?

Typically store cards can only be used at the store and its affiliates. So cash advances and balance transfers aren’t always available. Check the credit card terms and conditions before applying.

Can I apply for multiple cards?

You should generally avoid applying for multiple credit cards around the same time. Every time you apply for a credit card, it performs a hard pull on your credit. This temporarily lowers your score a few points.

What else should I consider when applying?

Before you apply for an instant approval balance transfer card, ask:

• Is there a promotional offer?
  A number of credit cards come with promotional balance transfer offers, and some cards charge 0% interest or lower introductory rates. Don’t forget that these promotional periods expire between six and 21 months, after which any outstanding balance starts accumulating interest.
• What is the revert rate?
  At the end of the promotional period, outstanding balances from transfers will usually start charging the revert or purchase rate. The purchase rate is usually determined when your application was approved and is often based on your credit.
• How much can I transfer?
  Just how much debt you can transfer onto your new credit card depends on the card you get. While some cards allow you to transfer up to 80% of your card’s credit limit, others limit you to 50% of your card’s limit.

You can look forward to noticeable savings in a relatively short time by getting an instant approval balance transfer credit card. It’s best to compare a few before deciding which one to use as there are many options available.

Bottom Line

Transferring your balance to a new card with a lower APR or better terms can be a smart way to save money and lower your debt. However, while instant approval on your application might speed things along, the actual transfer time can vary. Though you’re approved and have provided information for your transfer, keep up to date on your payments until your transfer is complete. If instant approval isn’t a big deal for you, compare all balance transfer options to find a card suitable for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

• How quickly can I apply for an instant approval balance transfer credit card?

  If you have all the required information at hand, you should complete the application in around 10 to 15 minutes.

• I have a credit card and a store card — can I transfer balances from both onto my new balances transfer card?

  Yes, you should be able to as long as you don’t exceed the balance transfer limit set forth by your new card. Another factor is to ensure that neither are affiliates of your new credit card issuer as most won’t allow transfers from cards they issue.

  For example, if you have a Cabela’s Club Mastercard, you won’t be able to transfer it to a Capital One credit card. This is because Capital One is the issuer.

• Can I transfer balances from personal loans?

  While some credit card companies in the US don’t allow balance transfers from personal loans, some do. Do your homework beforehand, and contact the card provider you’re interested in getting a transfer card with to find out their guidelines.