The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Credit Cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Best for financing credit card debt
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.
MoreDetails
“More details on the best balance transfer credit cards”
Not all of our best balance transfer credit cards offer a welcome bonus, but a select few do.
Most of our best balance transfer credit cards do not have an annual fee.
Some of our best balance transfer cards offer cash back within various purchase categories.
Most of our balance transfer cards earn cash back on purchases which can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Most of our balance transfer cards do not come with additional benefits.
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.
To choose the best balance transfer cards, TPG’s editorial team considered the primary perks — including the introductory APR period, balance transfer fees and the eligibility criteria for the card. To narrow down what card is best for you from our curated selection, you can consider other factors like annual fees, welcome bonuses and bonus categories.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a balance transfer credit 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.
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.
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.
Everything you should know to select the right card for your financial needs
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.
Best for financing credit card debt
| Rate | Category |
|---|
$0
17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
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.
Best for financing credit card debt
$0
17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
Best for balance transfers
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.
Best for balance transfers
Best for simple gas and restaurants rewards
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.
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.
Best for simple gas and restaurants rewards
Best for gas and U.S. supermarkets
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.
Best for gas and U.S. supermarkets
Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
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.
Best for no-frills cash-back rewards
Best for maximizing rotating categories
The Discover it Cash Back is a solid no-annual-fee option for earning elevated cash back on rotating spending categories. Cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories (activation required), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover's first-year Cashback Match adds even more value by automatically matching all the cash back earned during the first cardmember year, with no limit on the match.
Best for maximizing rotating categories
Best for BofA Reward™ members
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 BofA Rewards™ earn even higher rates (though the BofA 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.
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Best for BofA Reward™ members
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases 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.
Best for Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card
Best for beginner cash back
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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
Best for beginner cash back
Best for paying down credit card debt
The Chase Slate is a good fit for consumers who want to pay down high-interest debt or finance a large purchase without paying interest during the introductory period. Its standout feature is a lengthy 21-month introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, giving cardholders valuable time to pay down balances without accruing interest. While it doesn't earn rewards, its no-annual-fee structure and built-in credit monitoring tools make it a practical financial management card.
Best for paying down credit card debt
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| financing credit card debt | No offer | N/A | $0 | Apply now at Wells Fargo's secure siteSee rates & fees | |
What’s your favorite credit card for balance transfer — and why?
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express"The Blue Cash Preferred provides new cardholders with a lengthy intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. Coupled with great earning rates in popular categories — like groceries — this card works overtime to maximize your cash back, earning a well-deserved spot in your wallet."
"The Citi Double Cash allows new cardholders to enjoy a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers. The base part of the Citi Double Cash is that it comes with no annual fee and earns 2% cash-back on all purchases. No optimization strategy needed which is why it remains a fan-favorite in my wallet."
| Rate | Category |
|---|
$0
16.74% - 27.49% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
$0
16.74% - 27.49% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Unlimited Cashback Match™
$0
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent/Good
Unlimited Cashback Match™
$0
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent/Good
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
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.
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Unlimited Cashback Match™
$0
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent/Good
The Discover it Cash Back is a solid no-annual-fee option for earning elevated cash back on rotating spending categories. Cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories (activation required), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover's first-year Cashback Match adds even more value by automatically matching all the cash back earned during the first cardmember year, with no limit on the match.
Unlimited Cashback Match™
$0
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR
670-850
Excellent/Good
The Discover it Cash Back is a solid no-annual-fee option for earning elevated cash back on rotating spending categories. Cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in rotating bonus categories (activation required), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover's first-year Cashback Match adds even more value by automatically matching all the cash back earned during the first cardmember year, with no limit on the match.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
$200
$0
17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
670-850
Excellent/Good
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 BofA Rewards™ earn even higher rates (though the BofA 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.
.
$200
$0
17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
670-850
Excellent/Good
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 BofA Rewards™ earn even higher rates (though the BofA 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.
.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Earn 20,000 bonus Points
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases 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.
Earn 20,000 bonus Points
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Citi Strata℠ Card offers solid reward rates and a welcome bonus of 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases 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.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 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. |
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
$0
19.74%-28.74% Variable
Excellent to Good
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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
| Rate | Category |
|---|
$0
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Chase Slate is a good fit for consumers who want to pay down high-interest debt or finance a large purchase without paying interest during the introductory period. Its standout feature is a lengthy 21-month introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, giving cardholders valuable time to pay down balances without accruing interest. While it doesn't earn rewards, its no-annual-fee structure and built-in credit monitoring tools make it a practical financial management card.
$0
18.24% - 28.24% Variable
670-850
Excellent, Good
The Chase Slate is a good fit for consumers who want to pay down high-interest debt or finance a large purchase without paying interest during the introductory period. Its standout feature is a lengthy 21-month introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, giving cardholders valuable time to pay down balances without accruing interest. While it doesn't earn rewards, its no-annual-fee structure and built-in credit monitoring tools make it a practical financial management card.
| balance transfers |
| No offer |
| N/A |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| simple gas and restaurants rewards |
| Unlimited Cashback Match™ |
| 1 - 2 $ |
| $0 |
| at Capital One's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| gas and U.S. supermarkets |
| As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. |
| 1 - 6% cash-back |
| $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
| at American Express's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| no-frills cash-back rewards |
| $200 cash back |
| 2 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| maximizing rotating categories |
| Unlimited Cashback Match™ |
| 1 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Capital One's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| BofA Reward™ members |
| $200 |
| 1 - 6% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Bank of America's secure site |
| Citi ThankYou points enthusiasts who want flexibility and a no-annual-fee card |
| Earn 20,000 bonus Points |
| 1 - 5X points |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| beginner cash back |
| As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. |
| 1 - 3% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at American Express's secure siteSee rates & fees |
| paying down credit card debt |
| No offer |
| N/A |
| $0 |
| at Chase's secure siteSee rates & fees |
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
Matt Moffitt is a contributing editor and expert in getting the most out of credit cards and points (he carries at least 25 cards in his wallet at any given time). Originally from Sydney, Australia, he won the Green Card Lottery and lived in Austin, Texas for 10 years before relocating to Spain in 2025.
Compliance associate Paige Balcom joined TPG in 2022 and has spent her time working in the credit card industry reviewing content across sites such as CNET, CreditCards.com and Bankrate. She has used her knowledge to train new writers and other compliance members on the intricacies of compliance across multiple brands and partners.
