7 Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

High-interest debt can make it hard to stay on top of monthly payments, but balance transfer credit cards offer a practical way to take control. This guide highlights seven of the best balance transfer credit cards that give access to low or 0% introductory APR periods.

  • Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

    The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card focuses on helping cardholders manage debt with one of the longest introductory APR offers on balance transfers. It is designed for people who want time to pay down balances without interest charges.

    This card does not emphasize rewards or extras but instead highlights its financing features. It is a practical choice for those who value low-cost debt management over perks.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not earn points or cash back.

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers; 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases; then 17.24%–27.99% variable applies
    • Other benefits: Access to Citi Entertainment for event tickets
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Balance transfer / low-interest card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Balance transfer fee: 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Long 0% intro APR on balance transfers
    • 0% intro APR on new purchases for 12 months
    • Access to Citi Entertainment offers
    • Widely accepted Mastercard network

    Redemption Options:

    This card does not provide rewards or redemption options.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not earn rewards and charges a foreign transaction fee.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives new cardholders a long interest-free period to pay off debt without the distraction of complex rewards programs.

  • Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

    The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card focuses on giving cardholders extra time to pay off balances without interest. It is designed for people who want a simple card that helps manage debt.

    This card does not complicate things with rewards or bonus categories. It focuses on a lengthy introductory period for purchases and balance transfers, making it suitable for those looking to transfer high-interest balances and pay them off gradually.

    Earning Structure:

    • This card does not offer points, miles, or cash back.

    Welcome Bonus:

    This card does not currently offer a welcome bonus.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% intro APR for up to 21 months, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable applies after
    • Other benefits: Up to $600 cell phone protection when paying the monthly bill with the card (subject to deductible)
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Balance transfer / low interest card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Balance transfer window: Must complete within 120 days to qualify for intro APR

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • One of the longest 0% intro APR periods available
    • Cell phone protection benefit
    • Flexible use for both purchases and balance transfers

    Redemption Options:

    Since the card does not earn rewards, there are no redemption options.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not earn rewards, and foreign transaction fees make it less useful for international travel.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It helps new cardholders focus on paying down debt without worrying about interest charges or complex rewards programs.

  • Citi Double Cash® Card

    The Citi Double Cash® Card gives cardholders a simple way to manage balance transfers and still earn rewards. It combines a long introductory period for transfers with a flat cash back structure.

    This card appeals to those who want a straightforward system without rotating categories. Its design makes it easy to track rewards while focusing on paying down debt.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1% cash back when purchases are made
    • 1% cash back when payments are made
    • Total of 2% cash back on every purchase

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% introductory APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.24% to 28.24% variable applies
    • Other benefits: Option to convert rewards to Citi ThankYou points with eligible cards
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum)

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat 2% cash back on all purchases
    • Long 0% intro APR for balance transfers
    • Ability to convert rewards into ThankYou points
    • Works for both balance transfers and everyday spending

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be taken as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check, and rewards may also be converted to ThankYou points with select Citi cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges a foreign transaction fee, and it does not offer bonus categories or travel protection.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its simple earnings structure and no annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to use without worrying about complicated reward categories.

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Card is a cash back credit card designed for everyday spending. It offers a mix of high rewards in common categories and an introductory period for balance transfers.

    Cardholders can use it to manage balances while also earning rewards on regular purchases. It is most useful for people who want both savings on interest and steady cash back value.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after)
    • 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
    • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including ride-hailing apps)
    • 1% cash back on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95 after
    • APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, followed by a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24%
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, Amex Offers
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
    • Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater

    Key Benefits:

    • High cash back on groceries and streaming
    • Intro APR for balance transfers
    • Strong rewards on gas and transit
    • Access to Amex Offers
    • Purchase protection coverage

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or shopping with select merchants.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges an annual fee and foreign transaction fees, which may limit its value for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides simple cash back rewards and an intro APR period, making it easy for new cardholders to manage balances and earn value.

  • Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers a balance transfer option with a long introductory 0% APR period. This makes it useful for people who want to pay down debt without interest for a set time.

    It also works as a flexible cash back card with rewards that adapt to different spending categories. Cardholders can choose where they earn the highest rewards, which gives them more control.

    Earning Structure:

    • 6% cash back in a category of choice for the first year
    • 3% cash back in a category of choice after the first year
    • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter with your choice category, then 1% after)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.24% to 28.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America Preferred Rewards for higher cash back earnings
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flexible 3% category choice
    • Intro 0% APR on purchases and transfers
    • Extra rewards for Preferred Rewards members
    • Simple redemption options

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or applied toward eligible Bank of America accounts.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees and rotating category choices may limit the card’s value for some users.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides straightforward rewards with no annual fee, making it easy for new cardholders to manage.

  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express

    The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a straightforward cash back card that also supports balance transfers. It is designed for people who want to save on interest while earning rewards on everyday spending.

    This card works well for those who prefer simple rewards without complicated redemption rules. It provides an entry point into cash back cards with no ongoing cost to hold.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after)
    • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after)
    • 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after)
    • 1% cash back on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 20.24% to 29.24% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, monthly statement credits on select services
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction
    • Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Solid cash back rates on common categories
    • Introductory 0% APR for purchases and transfers
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra savings
    • Simple reward structure

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is redeemed as statement credits toward the account balance.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants with good to excellent credit (FICO score of at least 670) may qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The bonus categories have yearly spending caps, and foreign purchases incur fees.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a simple way to earn cash back and learn to manage a rewards card with no annual fee.

  • Discover It® Cash Back

    The Discover It® Cash Back card is a popular option for those who want to save on interest while earning rewards. It combines balance transfer features with a straightforward cash back program.

    This card is designed for people who want flexibility in rewards and manageable financing options. It provides rotating bonus categories that can help maximize everyday purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (activation required, up to $1,500 in purchases)
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases
    • Unlimited cash back match at the end of the first year

    Welcome Bonus:

    Discover matches all cash back earned during the first 12 months, effectively doubling rewards for the first year.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers made by July 10, 2025, then 18.24%–27.24% variable APR
    • Other benefits: Free FICO score, fraud protection, account alerts
    • Network: Discover
    • Type: Cash back credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Intro APR period for purchases and transfers
    • Automatic cash back match in the first year
    • Flexible redemption choices
    • Rotating categories for higher rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or purchases at select retailers.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Rotating categories require enrollment and have quarterly spending caps.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple rewards, no annual fee, and an easy-to-understand bonus system, making it beginner-friendly.

How Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work

A balance transfer lets you move existing debt to a card that has a lower or 0% intro APR. This helps reduce interest costs while paying down balances. Most issuers charge a small transfer fee, but savings often outweigh it. Understanding how transfers work enables effective payment planning and prevents unexpected surprises down the line.

Why These Seven Cards Stand Out

This list features cards that offer long 0% intro APR periods and manageable fees, ideal for paying down debt. Each card was chosen for its ability to help users avoid interest with clear terms. The goal is to guide readers toward cards that deliver strong savings on balance transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tips for a successful balance transfer?

Pay off as much as possible during the 0% intro APR period to avoid future interest. Complete the transfer early to qualify for the promotional rate. Make payments on time and avoid new purchases so that every payment effectively reduces the transferred balance.

How can a balance transfer impact your overall credit utilization ratio?

A balance transfer can improve your credit utilization by lowering your overall usage percentage if the new card has a higher limit. Opening a new account may cause a small, temporary score dip from a hard inquiry. Paying down the transferred balance over time reduces utilization and supports better credit health.

What pitfalls should you watch for when a promotional APR period ends?

When the 0% intro APR ends, any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the regular variable rate. Late or missed payments can terminate the promotion early. Track the expiration date and plan repayments carefully to avoid high interest charges after the promotional period.

Can transferring debt between cards from the same issuer cause complications?

Most issuers do not allow balance transfers between their own cards, such as transferring from one Chase card to another. Even if allowed, the terms may be less favorable, or the request may be denied. Choosing a card from a different bank helps ensure approval and access to the promotional APR.