Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
See which balance transfer cards offer the best perks.If you want to pay down your debt and save money, a balance transfer card might be the way to go. But with so many balance transfer cards on the market today, there’s no way you can evaluate them all. From introductory rates and bonus offers to rewards and fees, there’s a lot you need to analyze before choosing a card.
To make your job easier, GOBankingRates compared hundreds of credit cards and thousands of data points — including annual fees, balance transfer fees, annual percentage rates and more — for its first annual Best Credit Cards rankings. Here are GOBankingRates’ picks for the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2019.
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2019 Guide
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
- Some of the Best Balance Transfer Card Offers of October 2019
- Learn More About Balance Transfer Cards
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card
If you typically carry a balance on your card, you’ll want a low interest rate, and Navy Federal’s Platinum Credit Card has a variable APR of just 7.99%-18.00%. But for balance transfers, you’ll pay 0% for 12 months. This card is best for those who are looking for a low interest rate to pay off large purchases over time.
Highlights: You’ll pay no annual fee, no balance transfer fees, no foreign transaction fees and no cash advance fees. You’ll also possibly get a very low interest rate.
Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months, 7.99%-18.00% afterward
Balance Transfer Fees: $0
Annual Fee: $0
APR for Purchases: 7.99%-18.00%
The Fine Print: To qualify for Navy Federal’s financial products, you (or a family member) must have ties to the armed forces, Department of Defense or National Guard.
Navy Federal More Rewards American Express Card
In addition to its Platinum card, Navy Federal Credit Union offers the More Rewards American Express Credit Card, which offers three times the points at supermarkets, gas stations, transit, and restaurants and one point per dollar on everything else. The card does not carry an annual fee, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees or cash advance fees. The APR for purchases and balances transfers after the first year is 11.65%-18.00%.
PenFed Gold Visa Card
The PenFed Gold Visa Card is PenFed Credit Union’s lowest-rate card, and the low APR applies to all purchases — including cash advances. The card is great for everyday use, and the fees are easy to understand.
Highlights: You can earn a $100 statement credit if you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days, you’ll pay no annual or foreign transaction fees, you’ll get one year of balance transfers at 0% APR and your card will be EMV chip-enabled for enhanced security.
Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months, then 8.99%-17.99%
Balance Transfer Fees: 3% per transaction
APR for Purchases: 8.99%-17.99%
Annual Fee: $0
The Fine Print: If your minimum payment is not received within 60 days, your entire account is subject to change to the non-variable penalty APR. The penalty APR will remain in place until you make three monthly payments in a row on or before the due date.
SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card
With the SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll get 5% cash back on up to $6,000 in qualifying gas and grocery purchases in the first 12 months, 2% unlimited cash back on gas and grocery purchases after that, and 1% unlimited cash back on all other qualifying purchases.
Highlights: You’ll also get a 10%, 25% or 50% Loyalty Cash Bonus — based on your deposit relationship with SunTrust — when you redeem your rewards directly into a SunTrust checking, savings or money market account. There are no annual or foreign transaction fees, and you’ll get free access to your FICO score. You’ll also get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, 12.99%-22.99% after that
Balance Transfer Fees: $10 or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater
APR for Purchases: 0% intro APR for 15 months, 12.99%-22.99% after that
Annual Fee: $0
The Fine Print: Late and returned payments could cost you up to $39. Cash advances will cost you $10 or 4% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater.
Amex EveryDay Credit Card
The Amex EveryDay Credit Card is great for shopping, particularly at U.S. supermarkets, where you’ll earn two times the points on up to $6,000 per year. And you’ll get one point for every eligible dollar on other purchases. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra points with this card.
Highlights: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $1,000 in qualifying purchases within your first three months of membership. If you make 20 or more separate purchases in a billing period, you’ll earn 20% extra points on those purchases.
Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 15 months on transfers requested within 60 days of account opening, 14.74%-25.74% after that
Balance Transfer Fees: $0
APR for Purchases: 0% for the first 15 months, 14.74%-25.74% after that
Annual Fee: $0
The Fine Print: If you travel out of the country, be careful — you’ll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%. Cash advance fees are $10 or 5% of the amount for each transaction, whichever is greater. And late and returned payments could cost you up to $39.
HSBC Gold Mastercard Credit Card
Compared to the other best balance transfer cards on this list, the HSBC Gold Mastercard Credit Card offers the longest 0% APR introductory period for balance transfers. It also offers a few benefits that will appeal to travelers, including physical damage and theft protection for most rental vehicles and a 15% savings on airport meet-and-greet services.
Highlights: You’ll get plenty of extras with this card, and it offers the longest period for 0% APR balance transfers in the group at 18 months. It also comes with no annual or foreign transaction fees, a late payment fee waiver and no penalty APR.
Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 18 months; 12.74%, 16.74% or 20.74% after that
Balance Transfer Fees: Either $10 or 4% — whichever is greater — per each balance transfer and credit card check
APR for Purchases: 0% for the first 18 months; 12.74%, 16.74% or 20.74% after that
Annual Fee: $0
The Fine Print: The late payment fee waiver only applies the first time you don’t make the minimum payment on time in a given one-year period.
At a Glance: Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2019
Paying off debt is a challenge, but opening a balance transfer credit card can help you get there by paying less interest. Compare the top balance transfer credit cards by their balance transfer fees and the length of their intro APR periods.
| Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2019 | |||
| Credit Card | 0% Intro APR Period for Balance Transfers | Balance Transfer Fee | Annual Fee |
| Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card | 12 months | $0 | $0 |
| PenFed Gold Visa Card | 12 months | 3% per transaction | $0 |
| SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card | 15 months | $10 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater | $0 |
| Amex EveryDay Credit Card | 15 months | $0 | $0 |
| HSBC Gold Mastercard Credit Card | 18 months | Either $10 or 4%, whichever is greater, will apply on each balance transfer and credit card check | $0 |
Some of the Best Balance Transfer Card Offers of October 2019
Any of the balance transfer cards on this list can save you a lot of money. In addition to reducing your interest rate to 0% for 12 months or more on transferred balances, you get perks like cash bonuses to help pay down your balance or points you can redeem for purchases. Just be mindful of the criteria for redeeming these rewards — you’ll need to charge $500 to $1,000 within three months after opening your account to qualify.
| Best Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers of October 2019 | ||||
| Credit Card | 0% Intro APR Period for Balance Transfers | Balance Transfer Fee | Associated Perk | How To Earn the Bonus |
| PNC points Visa | 12 months | 3% or $5 per transfer, whichever is greater | 50,000 bonus points | Spend $750 within three months of account opening |
| US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card | 12 months | $5 or 3% of the amount per transfer, whichever is greater | $150 bonus | Spend $500 on eligible purchases within 90 days of account opening |
| Citi Rewards+ | 15 months | $5 or 3% per transfer, whichever is greater | 15,000 bonus points good for a $150 thankyou.com gift card | Spend $1,000 within first three months of account opening |
| SavorOne Rewards from Capital One | 15 months | 3% during first 15 months of account opening | $150 cash bonus | Spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening |
| Amex Cash Magnet Card | 15 months | $5 or 3% per transfer, whichever is greater | $200 cash back | Spend $1,000 in the first three months of account opening |
| Trio Credit Card from Fifth Third Bank | 12 months | $5 or 4% per transfer, whichever is greater | $100 bonus | Spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening |
| BBVA Rewards Card | 13 months | $10 or 4% per transfer, whichever is greater | $100 account credit | Open an account by Oct. 31, 2019, and spend $1,500 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 15 months | Greater of $5 or 3% per transfer, with a $5 minimum, for the first 15 months; then 5% with a $5 minimum | $200 cash bonus | Spend $500 within three months of account opening |
Choose a balance transfer credit card with rewards that work for you. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card pays the highest cash bonus and has a low minimum purchase requirement to qualify. This card and Citi Rewards+ have a generous 15 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, giving you more time to pay off your balances before interest kicks in. And the Amex Cash Magnet card is a good choice for consumers who use their credit card for many purchases every month. It’s smart to consider how you use your credit cards, so you can choose the card that aligns with your financial habits.
How Balance Transfers Work
Balance transfers can save you money and consolidate your payments. When you make a balance transfer on a credit card, you are transferring debt — or a balance — from another loan or credit card. This allows you to pay off your balance without incurring interest.
However, you must be careful when choosing a balance transfer credit card because it might come with fees and a high interest rate.
Learn More: How Credit Card Balance Transfers Work
How To Do a Balance Transfer Online
It’s easy to do a balance transfer online. First, decide what the best balance transfer card for your situation is, and apply for it.
Once you’re approved and you have your card, you can make a balance transfer online by providing the new credit card company with your old account numbers and designating how much of your balance you want to transfer onto the new card. It’s that simple.
How Long Does a Balance Transfer Take?
The length of time it takes to transfer a balance to another card varies with each credit card company, but you can typically expect a time frame of several days to a few weeks. It will usually take less time if you apply for a balance transfer online, and you’ll have the added benefit of being able to monitor your application’s progress.
Check Out: Apple Card Review
Benefits and Risks of Balance Transfer Cards
Balance transfer cards can help you consolidate debt, simplify your payments and save money in the long run. That said, balance transfer cards do not come without risks, some of which include hidden fees, losing your promotional interest rate if you miss a payment and not qualifying for the promotional 0% interest rate.
Find Out: Do Balance Transfers Affect My Credit Score?
Tips for Choosing the Best Balance Transfer Credit Card
When you’re searching for a balance transfer credit card, look for a 0% introductory APR for regular purchases and balance transfers. “Make sure the 0% financing does apply to balance transfers,” said Jason Steele, a credit card and travel expert.
In addition, pay attention to how long that 0% intro APR period lasts — the longer the intro period, the better. “The other thing you’re looking for is the longest duration possible, so 15 or 18 months, although they make cards that are 21 months,” said Steele. “But anything over 15 months is pretty strong right now.”
Also, consider the regular APR after the intro period ends, annual fees and additional perks, such as rewards, points and cash back.
Lastly, read up on the balance transfer fees. Many cards charge either a dollar amount or a percentage amount of the transfer, whichever is greater. “Generally, this fee is 3%, although a few cards are now at 5%, and some cards just do 0%,” said Steele. “So if you get one of those 0% cards, that’s ideal.”
Before you choose a card, read the fine print so you know what you’re getting into. And whatever you do, don’t immediately make expensive purchases with your balance transfer card — you’ll just be getting yourself into more debt. In fact, consider setting up automatic payments for the card so you won’t be penalized for missing a payment.
Is a Balance Transfer Card Right for Me?
It’s pretty simple to figure out if a balance transfer card is right for you. If you’re struggling to make your current credit card payments on time and you’re falling into debt, it might be time to get a balance transfer credit card. Take a look at your current card’s interest rate. If you think it’s too high, see if your card issuer offers balance transfer cards with lower rates and fees.
It’s also important that you find a card with a high enough credit limit to cover your previous balance (or balances) — and one with an introductory period that’s long enough for you to pay off the balance before the interest rate increases. If you find a card that offers all of that, then a balance transfer credit card is likely a good idea.
Keep reading to find out how to make your balance transfer credit cards pay off.
Learn More About the Best Credit Cards of 2019
Erika Giovanetti contributed to the reporting for this article.
Daria Uhlig has over 10 years of experience as a freelance writer specializing in personal finance and real estate. Her bylines appear on national sites, including USA Today, MSN and CNBC.
Methodology: GOBankingRates identified the best balance transfer credit cards by analyzing the following factors among dozens of cards with a 0% intro APR for balance transfers: (1) length of 0% intro APR period for balance transfers; (2) length of 0% intro APR period for purchases; (3) balance transfer rate; (4) balance transfer fees; (5) annual fees; (6) regular APR for purchases; and (7) any perks associated with opening a card that might extend its value past the promotional APR period. All fees and rates are subject to change at the credit card issuers’ discretion. Some offers might no longer be available on the credit card issuers’ websites, depending on how you access the webpage. All data for the Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2019 was sourced from each financial institution’s website or promotional material and is accurate as of Sept. 13, 2019. Please verify terms and conditions — especially sign-up bonuses and other bonus offers — before opening an account. Every month, GOBankingRates’ research team updates data and details on each credit card in order to maintain accurate and relevant information for readers; however, credit card rankings remain the same as of the original date the research was conducted and rankings were established: June 12, 2019.
Editorial Disclosure: GOBankingRates is a personal finance and consumer interest rate website owned by ConsumerTrack Inc., an online marketing company serving top-tier banks, credit unions and other financial services organizations. Some companies mentioned in this article might be clients of ConsumerTrack Inc., which serves more than 100 national, local and online financial institutions. Rankings and roundups are completely objective, and no institution, client or otherwise, paid for inclusion or specific placement. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of GOBankingRates alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the companies included in the article. All fees and rates are subject to change at the issuers’ discretion. Some interest rates might be short-term or promotional offers only, and it is possible additional terms and conditions must be met in order to obtain the interest rates listed. Rates and availability might vary by region. Verify terms and conditions before opening an account.
GOBankingRates bases its assessment of “best” and “top” products on the above-stated parameters to create a baseline for comparison. This assessment is an approximation of “best” and “top” designed to help consumers find products that might be appropriate for them. There could be other options available as well. Consumers should consider various options appropriate for their personal circumstances.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by American Express. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone and have not been endorsed by American Express.
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