How to do a balance transfer
Editor's Note
If you're new to the world of credit cards, you might be wondering about balance transfers.
In short, it's a type of transaction in which debt is moved from one credit card account to another. When utilized correctly, balance transfers can save you money on interest payments since you're transferring your balance from a high-interest card to a lower-interest card.
If you're curious about how to transfer a balance, here's a quick guide to get you started.
Find the balance transfer card for you
Only some credit cards are eligible to take on balance transfers, whether for personal use or business.
Many balance transfer credit cards offer perks like extended 0% annual percentage rate (APR) introductory periods, along with some cash-back rewards and welcome offers.
If you don't already have one, you'll want to find and apply for a balance transfer card that works for you.
Here are some things you'll want to consider:
- Duration of the introductory APR period: The card will switch to a higher variable APR after the introductory period if you haven't paid off the transfer balance in full.
- Balance transfer fees: These are the costs of executing your transfer, usually 3%-5%.
- How long it takes to complete the transfer: Consider how quickly you need the transfer; most issuers take 5-7 days, while others can take up to 21 days. Additionally, make sure not to miss any payments while your transfer is being executed.
The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees), for example, offers an 18-month introductory 0% APR period for balance transfers, plus a solid cash-back earning rate, meaning you don't have to sacrifice rewards on future purchases just to consolidate your debt.
After the introductory balance fee offer ends, a variable APR of 17.49%-27.49% will apply, based on your creditworthiness. A 3% introductory balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) will apply within the first four months your account is open. After the introductory balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5% ($5 minimum).
There's also the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which offers 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 17.49% - 27.49% will apply.
Our guide to the best balance transfer cards will give you a good idea of where to start.
Related: Citi Double Cash credit card review and Bank of America Customized Cash review
How to do a balance transfer
Once you have the right card, you'll want to request the balance transfer. This is done by contacting the issuer of your balance transfer card — not the issuer of the card from whom you're transferring the balance.
The process for requesting balance transfers varies by issuer, but they can generally be done online or by phone. Also, keep in mind that some cards have transfer balance limits, meaning you won't always be able to transfer the entirety of a balance to your card.
Wait for the balance transfer to go through
Next, you wait until you receive confirmation that the transfer has been successful.
Again, the exact wait time varies by issuer, and it can take two weeks or longer for an issuer to approve and execute a balance transfer. This means you may have additional payments to make on the debt you're trying to move while you wait for the transfer to be finalized.
With major issuers, balance transfers are generally done directly. This means the issuer will post a payment directly to your old account for the amount approved, and then that amount (plus any applicable transfer fee) will show up on your new account.
Pay off the balance on your balance transfer card
Finally, you'll want to make timely payments to bring down the balance you've transferred before the introductory period ends so that you don't incur additional interest charges. Late payments can sometimes nullify introductory periods, putting you right back at square one.
To avoid racking up credit card interest, try to get in the habit of paying off all your cards in full and on time — one of our 10 commandments of credit card rewards.
Related: 6 simple rules to stay out of credit card debt
Bottom line
Starting the process to transfer a balance is pretty straightforward once you have an idea of what to expect.
Balance transfer credit cards are a great way to pay down debt without worrying about sky-high interest rates. Just make sure you pay the transferred balance off before the end of the introductory period.
Related: How to choose a credit card with 0% APR
Updated 1/5/2026
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- 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