10 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of November 2026
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
- Discover it® Chrome: Best for simple gas and restaurants rewards
- 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
- Discover it® Cash Back: Best for maximizing rotating categories
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for BofA Reward™ 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
- Chase Slate®: Best for paying down credit card debt
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 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).
- No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
- Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2% | Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. |
| 1% | Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Discover it Chrome is a no-annual-fee cash-back card with a simple rewards structure that rewards spending at gas stations and restaurants. Cardmembers earn 2% cash back on up to $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Once the quarterly cap is reached, gas station and restaurant purchases also earn 1%. Discover's first-year Cashback Match adds value for new cardmembers, but the card's quarterly spending cap limits its long-term appeal.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Elevated cash-back earnings on restaurant and gas station purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- First-year Cashback Match
Cons
- Quarterly caps on bonus earnings
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.74% - 26.74% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
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.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 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 Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- 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 18.49% - 28.74%, 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).
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 Capital One's secure site | simple gas and restaurants rewards | Unlimited Cashback Match™ Open Intro bonus INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. 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 - 2 $ Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||||
at American Express's secure site | gas and U.S. supermarkets | As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply. | 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 |
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.