How to do a balance transfer with Chase
Editor's Note
A balance transfer can be a smart way to manage credit card debt, especially if you can take advantage of a 0% introductory APR. Chase offers several credit cards that support balance transfers, but there are some key rules and limitations to keep in mind before getting started.
Whether you're moving debt to a new Chase card or an existing one, here's how to transfer a balance with Chase and what to keep in mind along the way.
Related: Do balance transfers affect your credit score?
Can I transfer a balance with a Chase card?
Yes, you can transfer a balance to a Chase credit card (either a new or existing account). However, you can't transfer balances between two Chase cards.
This means if you're carrying a balance on one Chase card, you'll need to look at other issuers for a balance transfer opportunity.
How to transfer a balance to a new Chase card
If you're applying for a new Chase card that offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, you can request the transfer during your application or within the first 60 days of opening the account.
Here's how it works:
- Apply and get approved for a Chase card that supports balance transfers.
- Request the balance transfer by providing details such as:
- The name of your current card issuer
- Your account number
- The amount you'd like to transfer
- Wait for the transfer process, which typically takes 7-21 days.
To qualify for promotional 0% APR offers, balance transfers must be initiated within 60 days of account opening.
How to transfer a balance to an existing Chase card
Already have a Chase card with a promotional balance transfer offer? You can request a transfer online, through the Chase mobile app or by phone. Here's how:
- Log in to your Chase account online or via the app.
- Select your card, then look for the option to start a balance transfer.
- Enter the required information about the card you're transferring from.
- Review and accept the terms, then submit your request.
- Online and app-based requests are usually the quickest.
Related: How to do a balance transfer
Chase card balance transfer FAQs
Here are the answers to some common questions about Chase balance transfers:
Can I do a balance transfer between Chase cards?
No. Chase does not allow you to transfer the balance from one Chase card or product to another.
How much can I balance transfer to Chase?
You can transfer up to your available credit limit. Additionally, Chase generally caps balance transfers at $15,000 within 30 days.
How much does a balance transfer cost with Chase?
- Within the first 60 days of opening a new Chase card: Chase charges $5 or 3% of the amount being transferred, whichever is greater.
- After 60 days: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater.
How long does a balance transfer take with Chase?
Balance transfers with Chase can take a week to 21 days to post.
How to check the status of your Chase balance transfer
As mentioned, Chase states that balance transfers can take anywhere from a week to 21 days to be completed. Remember that the time frame depends on how quickly the other card issuer processes the transfer request.
With that in mind, there are ways to check on the status of your transfer request. You can log in to your Chase account and check if the transfer has been posted. If you don't see the balance displayed on your credit card account, you can contact Chase Card Customer Service at 1-800-432-3117.
Lastly, you can always check with the card issuer sending the transfer to determine if your balance has been paid. Remember that you must continue to make payments on any cards with other issuers until the balance transfer has been processed.
Related: Simple rules to stay out of credit card debt
Best Chase cards for balance transfers
Chase has three great balance transfer cards, all with no annual fee. These cards also offer a special promotional 0% APR on balance transfers. Here's a closer look at each card.
Chase Freedom Flex
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: None; this card is currently unavailable to new applicants.
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) has a generous 15-month promotional 0% APR introductory period on balance transfers and purchases (a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.74% after).
This card also earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories each quarter you actviate, 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery) and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Not to mention, when you pair this card with Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can convert your cash back to Ultimate Rewards.
For more information, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex®
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) has a generous 15-month promotional 0% APR introductory period on balance transfers and purchases (a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.74% after). This card also earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
For more information, read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Slate
Annual fee: $0.
Welcome offer: None.
Why we like it: Chase Slate® (see rates and fees) cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 21 months for purchases and balance transfers (a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24% after).
For more information, read our full review of the Chase Slate.
Bottom line
At TPG, we recommend paying your credit card balance in full every month. However, if you cannot, a balance transfer via issuers like Chase allows you to move high-interest credit card debt to a new card with a promotional 0% APR, saving you money in the process.
Apply here: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Apply here: Chase Slate®
Related: Best balance transfer credit cards
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app