The 7 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of June 2025

Balance transfer credit cards give borrowers a second chance at paying down their debts without the threat of predatory interest.

If you’re struggling with high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card could be your financial lifesaver. These cards allow you to move existing debt from one or more credit cards to a new card with a 0% introductory APR, giving you time to pay off your balance without the burden of interest. The key is finding the right balance transfer credit card that offers a long 0% APR period and low fees. In this guide, we’ll cover the top balance transfer cards for 2025 and how to choose the one that’s best for your financial situation.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Wells Fargo Reflect®
• Discover it® Cash Back
• Discover it® Chrome

How Do Balance Transfer Credit Cards Work?

Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you manage high-interest debt by allowing you to transfer your existing credit card balance to a new card with a 0% APR promotional period. This means you won’t be charged interest on the transferred balance for a set amount of time, usually ranging from 12 to 21 months. The goal is to pay off the balance during the 0% APR period, which can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in interest.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Apply for a Balance Transfer Card: First, apply for a card that offers a 0% APR on balance transfers. You’ll need to meet the credit score requirements, so check your credit before applying.
2. Transfer Your Balance: Once approved, you can transfer your existing debt from one or more credit cards to the new card. Keep in mind that there is typically a balance transfer fee (usually 3-5% of the amount transferred).
3. Pay Down Your Debt: During the promotional period, focus on paying off the transferred balance before the 0% APR ends. Once the intro period expires, the regular interest rate (APR) will kick in on any remaining balance.

Not only does this strategy reduce interest payments, but it also simplifies your finances by consolidating multiple debts into one manageable payment.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2025

Here are some of the top balance transfer credit cards for 2025, each offering standout features like long 0% APR periods, low fees, or additional rewards:

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Picture this: You’re working on paying off some old credit card debt, but you don’t want to stop earning rewards on your everyday spending. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card strikes a great balance between helping you manage your debt and rewarding you for everything else.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Versatile Rewards: Whether you’re grabbing takeout, booking a weekend getaway, or just stocking up on essentials, this card helps you earn cash back on almost everything you buy. It’s like getting a little bonus while you work on your debt.
• Generous Intro APR: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%. This gives you some breathing room to pay off your debt without losing out on rewards.
• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• High Regular APR: Once the intro period is up, the APR can get steep, so it’s crucial to pay off your balance before that happens to avoid losing the benefits of your rewards. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Shorter Intro Period: The intro APR period of 15 months is decent, but if you’ve got a larger balance, you might need more time to pay it down.

Real-Life Scenario: Maybe you’re someone who’s been chipping away at your debt but doesn’t want to give up earning rewards on new purchases. Chase Freedom Unlimited® lets you do both, making it a practical choice for balancing debt repayment with everyday spending.

Explore the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

In addition to giving you time to pay down debt, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed to help you save. With a year-long 0% intro APR period on balance transfers and major cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming subscriptions, this card gives you plenty of bang for your buck (terms apply).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• High Cash Back Rates: Earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Enjoy an intro APR of 0% on purchases and 0% on balance transfers for 12 months (20.24% - 29.24% Variable after intro period), giving you time to pay off debt.
• $0 Intro Annual Fee: There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee After First Year: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Limited Cash Back at Certain Stores: Purchases at Walmart®, Target®, and wholesale clubs like Costco don’t qualify for the higher cash back rates. 

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve got a family and regularly spend on groceries, gas, and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can help you maximize your spending.

Explore the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Enrollment is required for some benefits. Terms apply. For rates and fees on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, please see here.

3. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards

If your spending revolves around fun—dining out, streaming your favorite shows or catching a concert—the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers rewards where it matters most. Plus, it comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) after that; balance transfer fee applies, making it a strong contender for both entertainment lovers and budget planners alike.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Sign-up Offer: Get $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
• Cash Back on Groceries and Fun: Get 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 1% Cash Back on all other purchases..
• No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the perks sans an annual fee.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Superstores Don’t Qualify: Purchases at Walmart® and Target® won’t earn you cash back.
• Balance Transfer Fee: There is an introductory fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open. After that, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you at any other time.

Real-Life Scenario: If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment, this card rewards you for your lifestyle, while the 0% intro APR gives you time to manage your balance effectively.

Enrollment is required for some benefits.

Explore the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

4. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

If you’re looking for a card that can pull double duty—offering both an intro APR of 0% on balance transfers for 15 months and cash back rewards—look no further than the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Whether you’re buying groceries or shopping online, this card helps you earn rewards while giving you breathing room on your balance.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Everyday Cash Back: 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Terms apply.
• No Annual Fee: All these perks come without an annual fee.
• Plan It® Feature: Manage large purchases by breaking them into fixed monthly payments with Amex’s Plan It®.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Shorter Intro Period: The intro 0% on balance transfers and purchases lasts 15 months (20.24% - 29.24% Variable after intro), which might not be ideal if you need more time to pay off your balance. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• High Regular APR: The APR can climb once the intro period is over, so make sure you pay off your balance within the introductory period.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re frequently hitting the grocery store or filling up on gas, this card can help you rack up rewards while managing your balance interest-free for 15 months.

Enrollment is required for some benefits. Terms apply. For rates and fees on the Blue Cash Everyday® Card, please see here.

Explore the Blue Cash Everyday® Card

5. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® card touts an impressive 0% intro APR for 21 months with a few perks, making this card a good choice for those who are serious about paying down their balance.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Long 0% Intro APR Period: Take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% variable APR after the intro period).
• Phone Theft Protection: With this card, you get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft, subject to a $25 deductible.
• No Annual Fee: Pay down your balance without an annual fee (see rates and fees).

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Limited Perks: This card doesn’t have rewards programs like some of the others.
• Quarterly Limits: The 5% cash back is capped each quarter, so keep that in mind if you tend to spend a lot in those categories.

Real-Life Scenario: If a long 0% intro APR period to help you pay down debt is more important to you than certain rewards, then the Wells Fargo Reflect® card is one to look at.

Explore the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

6. Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back card is a favorite for its 0% intro APR for 15 months. Combine that with rotating 5% cash back categories, which can help you earn big on everyday purchases, and this card offers a rewarding way to manage your finances.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Long 0% Intro APR Period: Take advantage of 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%-27.24% variable APR after the intro period).
• High Cash Back in Rotating Categories: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and more (up to the quarterly maximum) when you activate.
• Unlimited Cash Back: Even if your purchases don’t fall into the 5% category, you’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
• No Annual Fee: All the perks without an annual fee. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Rotating Categories: While the 5% cash back is a great offer, the categories rotate quarterly, so you’ll need to track which categories are active.
• Quarterly Limits: The 5% cash back is capped each quarter, so keep that in mind if you tend to spend a lot in those categories.

Real-Life Scenario: If you like to optimize your cash back by focusing on specific categories each quarter while paying down your debt, the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you plenty of opportunities to earn big rewards.

Explore the Discover it® Cash Back card

7. Discover it® Chrome

The Discover it® Chrome card is a favorite for gas and restaurant rewards. Couple that with its 0% intro APR for 15 months, and this card offers a rewarding way to manage your finances.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Long 0% Intro APR Period: Take advantage of 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%-27.24% variable APR after the intro period).
• 2% Cash Back at Gas Stations and Restaurants: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
• Unlimited Cash Back: You’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
• No Annual Fee: All the perks without an annual fee. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Quarterly Limits: The 2% cash back is capped each quarter, so keep that in mind.
• High Regular APR: The APR will climb once the intro period is over, so make sure you pay off your balance within the introductory period.

Real-Life Scenario: If you spend big at restaurants and gas stations, the Discover it® Chrome card gives you a great way to earn while managing your finances.

Explore the Discover it® Chrome card

These cards offer some of the best balance transfer terms for 2025. If your priority is a long 0% APR period, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for rewards alongside your balance transfer, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express allows you to earn cash back while tackling your debt.

How to Choose the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card

When selecting a balance transfer credit card, there are a few important factors to consider:

• Length of the 0% APR Period: The longer the introductory 0% APR period, the more time you’ll have to pay off your debt without interest. Look for cards that offer at least 12 months of 0% APR, though 18-21 months is ideal for larger balances.
• Balance Transfer Fees: Most cards charge a fee of 3-5% for transferring your balance. While this fee can add up, it’s usually worth it for the savings you’ll gain from avoiding high-interest charges. However, if you’re transferring a smaller balance, look for cards with lower fees to avoid cutting into your savings.
• Regular APR: Once the 0% APR period ends, the regular APR kicks in. If you think you won’t be able to pay off the full balance before the intro period expires, opt for a card with a lower ongoing APR to minimize interest charges.
• Credit Score Requirements: Balance transfer cards often require a good to excellent credit score (typically 670 or higher). Make sure you qualify before applying to avoid a hard inquiry that could impact your score.
• Transfer Limits: Some cards limit the amount you can transfer, so check to make sure the card can accommodate the full balance you want to move.

The Benefits of Using a Balance Transfer Credit Card

Balance transfer credit cards come with several benefits, especially if you’re dealing with high-interest debt:

• Reduced Interest Payments: By transferring your balance to a 0% APR card, you’ll eliminate interest charges for the duration of the promotional period, allowing you to focus on paying down the principal.
• Debt Consolidation: A balance transfer can simplify your financial life by consolidating multiple high-interest credit card balances into one payment. This can make managing your debt easier and less stressful.
• Faster Debt Payoff: With no interest charges, every payment you make goes directly toward reducing your balance, helping you pay off debt faster and more efficiently.
• Potential Savings: Avoiding interest for 12 to 21 months can result in significant savings, especially if you’re transferring a large balance. Those savings can help you pay off your debt even faster.

Things to Watch Out for When Using Balance Transfer Credit Cards

While balance transfer credit cards can be an excellent tool for managing debt, there are a few potential pitfalls to be aware of:

• Balance Transfer Fees: The typical fee for a balance transfer is 3-5% of the amount being transferred. While this fee can be worth it for long-term savings, it’s important to calculate the total cost before deciding to transfer a balance.
• Short Introductory Periods: If the 0% APR period is too short, you may not be able to pay off the entire balance before the regular APR kicks in. Choose a card with a promotional period that matches your payoff timeline.
• Accumulating More Debt: It’s tempting to keep using your original credit card after transferring the balance. However, this can lead to even more debt if you’re not careful. Be mindful of spending habits to avoid falling into this trap.

How to Qualify for a Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you’re trying to eliminate credit card debt, a balance transfer might be the game-changer you need. But before you dive in, it’s important to know what it takes to qualify for the best balance transfer credit cards.

Many of the best balance transfers on credit cards come with lengthy 0% intro APR periods, allowing you to focus on paying down your debt without racking up interest. In most cases, you’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for this type of balance transfer card. While exact requirements vary by issuer, a FICO credit score of 690 or higher gives you the best shot. For example, cards like the Citi Diamond Preferred® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and the Discover it® Cash Back tend to approve applicants with scores in the good to excellent range (690–850). Even so, approval isn’t guaranteed — issuers also look at your income, account opening history, and total debt obligations.

Some balance transfer cards for good credit will consider applicants with scores in the mid-600s, but you may face a shorter 0% intro APR window or a higher balance transfer fee. If your credit isn’t quite there yet, improve it by making minimum monthly payments on time and lowering your credit utilization.

Also, remember that you typically can’t transfer a balance between two cards from the same issuer. So, if you’re carrying a balance on a Chase card, you’ll need to apply for a balance transfer card from a different company like Discover, Citi, or Capital One.

Lastly, be prepared to act fast. Some balance transfer offers require you to complete your balance transfer request within a few days after approval (typically 60–120 days) to take advantage of the intro balance transfer fee or 0 percent balance transfer credit cards promotional rates.

Methodology

To find the best balance transfer credit cards, we reviewed dozens of top-rated credit cards based on user-first criteria. We looked for cards with generous intro APR and the best balance transfer offers with low costs and added perks. 

Here’s what we considered when picking the best balance transfer credit cards:

• Length of intro APR: We prioritized cards offering 0 percent balance transfer credit cards for at least 15 months, with special consideration for cards like the Wells Fargo Reflect®, which goes up to 21 months. The longer your balance transfer APR is 0%, the more time you have to pay down your balance without added interest.
• Balance transfer fees: A typical balance transfer fee is 3% to 5% of the amount moved. While not avoidable in most cases, we preferred cards with lower introductory fees or that offer a solid savings opportunity even after the fee.
• Annual fee: All of the best balance transfer cc’s on our list come with no annual fee, allowing users to focus their money on paying down their debt, not paying to carry the card.
• APR after the intro period: Once the intro APR on balance ends, the APR on balance transfers can spike. We noted the best balance transfer credit cards with relatively lower ongoing rates, ideal for people needing more time to pay off their balance.
• Eligibility: Since many of these cards are considered balance transfer cards for good credit, we reviewed credit score requirements, making it easier for readers to match their financial profile to the right card.

What didn’t factor into our list? Sign up bonuses. While some of these cards offer cash or account credit bonuses, we focused squarely on their ability to help you manage credit card debt effectively. We also didn’t weigh rewards programs heavily unless they were relevant to users who plan to use the card beyond the transfer.

FAQs About Balance Transfer Credit Cards

How does a balance transfer work?

A balance transfer allows you to move existing credit card debt from one or more cards to a new balance transfer credit card with a 0% intro APR for a limited period. Once approved, the new card issuer pays off your old card’s balance, and you repay the transferred amount under the new card’s terms. This can help you save money on interest while simplifying your payments.

To retain your promotional rate, complete the balance transfer request within the required time window and keep up with minimum monthly payments.

When is a balance transfer a good idea?

A balance transfer is smart if you’re dealing with high-interest debt and want to consolidate it under a single, lower-rate card. The best credit card for balance transfer typically combines a long promotional APR period with low or no fees, giving you the best shot at becoming debt-free faster.

If you aim to pay off debt more affordably over time, low-interest credit cards’ balance transfer options can offer long-term savings even after the introductory APR period ends. These cards are also helpful if you’re juggling multiple payments — consolidating into one card can help you stay on track and reduce your stress. Just be mindful of any balance transfer fees and whether your new credit limit can accommodate the full debt you want to move.

Do balance transfers hurt credit scores?

Not necessarily, but they can impact your credit score temporarily. When you apply for a new balance transfer card, the issuer will do a hard inquiry, which may lower your score slightly. Also, opening a new account reduces your average account age, another factor in your credit score.

However, a balance transfer can also help your credit in the long run. Increasing your available credit and reducing your overall utilization ratio (assuming you don’t rack up more debt) could improve your score. To get the best results, avoid closing your old card, make all payments on time, and don’t add new charges to your existing cards.

Can I transfer balances between cards from the same issuer?

No, most credit card issuers don’t allow balance transfers between their own products. You’ll need to transfer the balance to a card from a different issuer.

What happens if I don’t pay off the balance before the 0% APR period ends?

If you don’t pay off the balance in full before the promotional period ends, the remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card’s regular APR, which can be quite high. To avoid this, try to pay off as much of the balance as possible during the 0% APR period.

How often can I use a balance transfer card for new debts?

Once you’ve completed the initial balance transfer, you can continue using the card for new purchases, but be aware that new purchases may not qualify for the 0% APR. Check the card’s terms to confirm whether new purchases are eligible for the promotional rate.

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