Best balance transfer credit cards of December 2025
If you’re looking to pay down your credit card debt, our top picks for the best balance transfer credit cards may be able to help.
Carrying high credit card balances, especially with exorbitant interest rates, can be crippling. This is where a good balance transfer card might help you save some money. By opening a new card, you could snag a decent promo that offers a lower (or possibly 0%) annual percentage rate (APR) for a set period of time when you move an existing balance to the new card. Then, once you’ve paid your credit card debt off, avoid carrying a monthly balance if possible — this way, you don’t have to worry about paying anything in interest at all.
Check out our guide for the best balance transfer credit cards from our partners, which include perks like the ability to earn cash back.
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for financing credit card debt
- Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Best for balance transfers
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for gas and U.S. supermarkets
- Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Preferred Rewards® members
- Citi Strata℠ Card: Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for beginner cash back
- Discover it Cash Back: Best for balance transfers and cash back
Comparing the best balance transfer credit cards
at Wells Fargo's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
There’s no annual fee, and you’ll enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening. After the introductory period, you’ll face a variable APR of 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness (balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, balance transfer fee of 5%: min $5). Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect Card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer of 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft if you use it to pay your monthly bill, subject to a $25 deductible.
Cons
- No points or cash rewards earning potential
- No welcome bonus
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is not full of perks like the other cards on this list, but it has another appealing attribute: the longest 0% APR period available on the market for a balance transfer. For people looking to consolidate their debt, this could be the card for you. The card offers 21 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening and 12 months of 0% intro APR for purchases. A variable APR of 16.74% to 27.49% will apply after. No other card features almost two years of 0% APR on balance transfers. Read our full review of the Citi Diamond Preferred card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Longest introductory APR periods for balance transfers
Cons
- Does not earn rewards on spending
- Balance transfer fee
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.74% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
- With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
- No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 6% | Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%). |
| 6% | Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. |
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases. |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on other purchases. |
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Pros
- This card has one of the best earning structures out for among cash-back credit cards.
- The card comes with access to Amex Offers (activation required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.74%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2% | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. |
| 5% | Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. |
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Check out our Citi Double Cash Card review for more details.
Pros
- Earning 2% back on every purchase is an industry-leading return on everyday spending for a no-annual-fee credit card.
- Now that you have the ability to convert rewards to ThankYou points with an eligible card, your redemption options are even more flexible.
Cons
- Those looking to make a balance transfer will have to pay 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).
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an 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).
Best for Preferred Rewards® members
at Bank of America's secure site
| 6% | Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. |
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category. |
| 2% | Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum. |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a great balance transfer card, offering 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days of opening an account; after that, a variable APR of 17.74%-27.74% will apply. In addition, the card offers earning potential with up to 6% cash-back on the cardmember’s chosen bonus category (during the first year, then 3%), and members of Bank of America Preferred Rewards® earn even higher rates (though the Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus). New card members can also earn a cash rewards bonus, all without an annual fee. Read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card.
.
Pros
- Long introductory APR period for balance transfers and purchases
- Bonus cash-back categories
- No annual fee
- Sign-up offer
- Higher earning rates for Preferred Rewards members
Cons
- Manual bonus earning selection
- Bonus earning cap
- Balance transfer fee
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
at Citi's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X | Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations. |
| 3X | Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services. |
| 2X | Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants. |
| 1X | Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases. |
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first three months from account opening — not bad for a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. Plus, the Citi Strata allows cardholders the flexibility to self-select an eligible bonus category of their choice that earns 3 points per dollar spent, making it an even more valuable prospect for potential applicants.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid reward rates in popular bonus categories
- Flexibility to self-select a bonus category that earns 3 points per dollar spent
Cons
- Available self-select bonus categories may not be suitable for everyone
- For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an 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).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3% | Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. |
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You’ll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases
- Amex Offers, which earn you statement credits or extra points on purchases with a wide variety of merchants. (Enrollment required)
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with larger annual grocery spend.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on purchases abroad, so it’s not a great choice to take with you when traveling outside of the U.S.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.74% to 28.74% variable APR.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for balance transfers and cash back
Discover it Cash Back
Information updated as of 11/05/2025
| 5% | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. |
| 1% | Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Generous first-year cash-back match offer, as Discover will effectively double all the cash back earned in your first 12 months holding the card
- Earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories, on up to $1,500 in purchases quarterly
- Eligible customers may qualify for 0% introductory APR in the first 15 months you hold the card
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- 5% cash back earnings capped at $75 cash back per quarter
- Rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter to earn 5% cash back
- Limited redemption options
The Discover it® Cash Back is a solid option to net elevated cash-back earnings in rotating categories quarterly. Plus, you can get outsize value after your first year with the card, as Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned in the first 12 months of using it.
The information for the Discover it Cash Back Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best balance transfer credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
at Wells Fargo's secure site | financing credit card debt | no offer | N/A | $0 | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | balance transfers | no offer | N/A | $0 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | gas and U.S. supermarkets | Earn $250 Open Intro bonus Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1 - 6% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | no-frills cash-back rewards | $200 cash back Open Intro bonus Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. | 2 - 5% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||||
at Bank of America's secure site | Preferred Rewards® members | $200 Open Intro bonus $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. | 1 - 6% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||||
at Citi's secure site | Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card | Earn 30,000 bonus Points Open Intro bonus For a limited time, earn 30,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||||
at American Express's secure site | beginner cash back | Earn $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1 - 3% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||||
Discover it Cash Back * *The information about the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Information updated as of 11/05/2025 | balance transfers and cash back | Cashback Match Open Intro bonus Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | 1 - 5% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 |
More details on the best balance transfer credit cards
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is light on benefits but comes with a lengthy introductory annual percentage rate period, which is perfect for balance transfers.
If you think you’ll find yourself needing balance transfers for an extended period of time, this card is a great option.
While there’s no way to accrue points, miles or even cash-back rewards with this card, you can receive up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage and theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible).
If you prefer another issuer, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card gives cardholders a 0% introductory APR for new purchases for the first 12 months after account opening and 0% introductory APR for 21 months from the date of the first transfer for balance transfers completed within the first four months of account opening (after the variable APR will be 16.74% to 27.49%).
The Citi Diamond has a lengthy introductory APR offer on balance transfers of 21 months from the date of the first transfer, though transfers must be completed within four months from account opening.
It’s geared toward people looking to avoid interest while paying down credit card debt through a long introductory APR offer.
Along with the APR offer, you'll get free access to your FICO credit score, helping you track your score as you pay down your debt. You'll also receive access to Citi Entertainment, with exclusive events and early presales on tickets.
If you want to earn rewards on your purchases, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card. It has no annual fee and earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases — 1 point when you purchase and another 1 point when you pay your bill.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers lucrative cash back in several spending categories, including 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, (then 1%). Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
If you like cash back and spend a lot at supermarkets and on streaming services, this card is a great option.
“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter, senior writer
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
If you want similar benefits but with no annual fee (see rates and fees), the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
The Citi Double Cash Card is easy to love due to its 2% cash back on all purchases, offered as 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay, with no annual fee. You’ll earn cash-back rewards as basic ThankYou points, which are easy to redeem for a direct deposit to your bank account, a statement credit or a check in the mail.
The Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent option if you want a cash-back rewards card for all your purchases. It’s also a good option for consumers who need a card for non-bonus category purchases.
“The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple yet valuable cash-back rewards card that I frequently recommend to family and friends. It's a great everyday spending card with 2% cash back, offered as 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. And since it has no annual fee, it's earned a long-term place in my wallet.” — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also earns 2% cash rewards on purchases, so it may be a better option if you prefer a Wells Fargo card.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a solid cash-back credit card with a compelling, customizable rewards structure, great for anyone whose spending habits change throughout the year.
This card can be especially lucrative for anyone with significant banking or investing relationships with Bank of America.
“This card is a great multipurpose tool in my wallet because it lets me pick a cash-back earning category each month. If I know I have some purchases coming up that don’t line up to a card where I get a solid earning rate, I’ll swap my category and use this card to maximize my rewards. I also appreciate the clear information in the Bank of America app that shows me exactly what types of merchants line up into each spending category, so it’s easy to make my category choice.” — Gabe Travers, senior director of product management
If you want a simpler rewards structure, the Bank of America®️ Premium Rewards®️ credit card offers an unlimited 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, plus more perks.
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers elevated reward rates in key bonus categories that almost everyone can enjoy (think hotels, rental cars, gas, dining and more).
This card is an excellent choice for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want to earn rewards across every purchase without incurring an annual fee.
If you frequently spend money at supermarkets, on transit, gas and EV charging stations and want to earn Citi ThankYou points without having to pay an annual fee, the Citi Strata should be in your wallet. It earns solid reward rates in popular bonus categories and a flat rate of 1 point per dollar spent in non-bonus categories, so you’re earning rewards every time you tap to pay.
If you don’t mind paying an annual fee and still want to stay in Citi’s ecosystem, consider the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card. It features a hefty annual fee of $595 but offers decent value for travelers, like an up to $300 annual hotel benefit, Priority Pass Select membership and four Admirals Club lounge passes every calendar year. The Strata Elite also earns at least 1.5 points per dollar spent in nonbonus categories, making every purchase rewarding.
The Blue Cash Everyday offers solid returns on popular spending categories without an annual fee, plus some other solid perks.
This card is ideal for those who prefer cash-back cards without annual fees. It can also help students and young professionals continue to build credit while earning modest rewards.
“I added this card to my wallet shortly after my first travel card as a way to earn better rewards on gas and groceries. Three percent back on both categories was a great way for me to earn higher cash back on many of my everyday purchases without any added annual fee.” — Jack Markham, senior director
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
If you want more options for using your earnings, the Citi Double Cash® Card has no annual fee and earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases — 1 point when you purchase and another 1 point when you pay your bill. You can cash out these points or transfer them to airline and hotel partners for travel.
The Discover it card offers an impressive 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers and features 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories with no annual fee.
The information for the Discover it Cash Back Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Discover It card is a great option for people who want to consolidate high-interest debt or finance a large purchase over an extended period.
“The Discover it card was my first real credit card. I love getting the most out of my spending with the 5% cash back that changes quarterly.” - Christina Ly, credit cards writer
If you’re looking for a cash back card that offers a longer introductory APR period, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card. It has no annual fee and offers a generous introductory APR for balance transfers. In addition, the Citi Double Cash earns unlimited 2% cash back — 1% when you make any purchase and an additional 1% when you pay for your purchase.
How we rate cards
19% of TPG readers rank 0% promotional APR on balance transfers as a top three most valuable card benefit.
With 19% of TPG readers ranking 0% promotional annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases and balance transfer as one of the top three most valuable credit card benefits, it’s evident that these introductory APRs are a highly sought after perk.
Additionally, 1 in 5 TPG readers currently have a card with a 0% promo APR, highlighting their popularity in many people’s wallets. Balance transfer cards are a great way to manage and pay down debt, giving cardholders greater financial freedom.
Ask our experts
What’s your favorite credit card for balance transfer — and why?
How to choose the best balance transfer card
- Most of our balance transfer cards do not have an annual fee which means you can take full advantage of these benefits without paying to be a cardholder.1Annual fee
- While most of the welcome bonuses offered by our best balance transfer cards are modest, they also feature a modest spend requirement to earn them.2Welcome bonus
- Some of our best balance transfer cards feature various bonus categories so you can earn on your spending while still taking advantage of a long introductory APR period.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of balance transfer credit cards
Pros
- Balance transfer credit cards can help you consolidate debt with high interest rates and pay it off quickly
- Many balance transfer credit cards give you at least 12 months to pay off the debt you transfer to the card
- Some balance transfer cards offer introductory 0% APR on new purchases as well as balance transfers
Cons
- There are fees associated with balance transfers — usually $5 or 3% of the balance (whichever is greater)
- If you don’t pay off the transferred balance by the end of the introductory period, you’ll be charged high interest
- Some balance transfer cards don’t allow you to earn any rewards on new purchases
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Balance transfer cards allow you to move an existing credit card balance to another card, ideally with a lower interest rate. This can allow you to pay off your credit card debt more quickly.
The credit card will stay open but now with a zero or low balance. Then you can choose whether to close the account or keep it open. Closing it may decrease your credit score, but keeping it open may tempt you to accrue more debt.
Balance transfers typically take five to seven days. However, they can take up to 21 days, depending on the issuer.
It’s mixed. Opening a new card for a balance transfer would increase the total amount of credit you have, which should help your utilization ratio go down. This would increase your score. However, a high ratio on a single card after a balance transfer might have a negative effect in the short and medium term.
Balance transfers are a great way to consolidate debt and generally offer a lower promotional APR. Unfortunately, obtaining a balance transfer with bad credit is fairly difficult as a low FICO score indicates risky habits to credit lenders.
If you are requesting a large balance transfer, you may receive a notification stating "request held" on your balance transfer. This means that your request is on a temporary hold. It does not mean your request is denied but the receiving credit card company may be reviewing additional information before they make a decision on your request. Should the request be denied, you can still initiate a new balance transfer for a lower amount.