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High credit card interest doesn't have to put a strain on your finances. Utilizing an introductory 0% APR balance transfer offer can help you pay down your credit cards faster. Instead of paying high interest, you can use those funds to pay down debts even faster. This can save you thousands of dollars in interest and reduce the cost of carrying high-interest debt. The money you were formerly spend on interest can go toward paying off the principal on your balance.
Before you opt for a balance transfer offer, check out this strategy to get an introductory 0% APR to avoid the fees and restrictions of using a balance transfer. If that isn't a good fit, we've assembled the best balance transfer offers below.
Page Contents
- Our Pick: Best All-Around 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Card
- Best 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards To Earn a Sign-Up Bonus
- Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Best 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Credit Card for Long Intro APR Period
- Top 0% Intro APR Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
- How To Choose an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
- Your current card issuer
- Length of intro 0% APR period
- Balance transfer fee
- Does it earn rewards?
- Welcome bonus
- Regular APR
- Annual fee
- Eligibility for that card
- Final Thoughts
Our Pick: Best All-Around 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Card
The Citi Double Cash is our pick for the best cash-back balance transfer card. While it doesn't feature the longest intro APR period of the cards in this post, it has a huge advantage over many other cards in the list. The Citi Double Cash features a stellar signup bonus and earns 2% cash back on every purchase, making it one of the best everyday cash-back cards on the market.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Learn More
Citi Double Cash® Card
Annual Fee$0
Welcome OfferEarn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Plus, get a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. (After that, the (Variable) APR will be 19.24% - 29.24% based on your creditworthiness.)
The Citi Double Cash is a dynamic, no-annual-fee cash-back rewards card that allows you to earn 2% traditional cash back, or convert your rewards to ThankYou Rewards points at a 1:1 ratio (2x ThankYou points per $1). When paired with a premium ThankYou Rewards earning card, the Citi Double Cash is now the best card available for everyday, non-bonus purchases.
If you're looking to pay down debt or finance a larger purchase, this card also comes with one of the best available introductory APR offers on balance transfers.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 2% cash back on every purchase - 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, the (Variable) APR will be 19.24% - 29.24% based on your creditworthiness
- Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).
- No annual fee
This card makes earning rewards simple with no need to worry about keeping track of bonus categories for purchases with specific types of merchants. You'll earn 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. Citi cash rewards now also convert to ThankYou points at 1:1 ($10 = 100 ThankYou points).
If you also hold the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card or Citi Prestige® Card, you can combine the rewards earned on your Citi Double Cash with those from your premium cards. That unlocks the ability to transfer points to Citi's airline and hotel transfer partners.
While there are plenty of great intro 0% cards to choose from, we think the Citi Double Cash provides outstanding all-around value for a balance transfer card.
Related: Citi Double Cash Card Review
Best 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards To Earn a Sign-Up Bonus
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Featuring a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR with a balance transfer fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%), the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is an excellent option for folks looking to make use of an intro balance transfer card that also offers huge long term value.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
How to Apply
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Annual Fee$0
Welcome Bonus25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card stands out with its $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it an economical choice for travelers. It offers a simple rewards structure, earning 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase. Purchases made in the Bank of America Travel Center earn 3 points per dollar. Points can be redeemed for travel or dining purchases, or for a statement credit up to 12 months after the purchase is made.
- 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases
While it doesn't deliver quite as good a return on expenses as the Citi Double Cash, this everyday travel rewards card features a stellar welcome offer of 25,000 online bonus points which you can redeem towards travel and dining purchases. You'll also earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases, pay no annual fee, and incur no foreign transaction fees.
Related: Bank of America Travel Rewards Card Review
Citi Custom Cash® Card
In addition to offering a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months (followed by a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR), the Citi Custom Cash gives new cardmembers a chance to earn a $200 cash-back bonus when signing up for the card and features strong earning rates across a wide range of spending categories.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Learn More
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Annual Fee$0
Welcome Bonus Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a distinctive and flexible cash back program that adapts to your top spending category. Every billing cycle, it automatically grants 5% cash back on the first $500 in your highest spend category, which can range from restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores to select streaming services, travel, transit, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment, and drugstores. Beyond this, all other purchases earn an unlimited 1% cash back. Notably, there's no annual fee, adding to its appeal. The cash back you earn is in the form of ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for cash back, or combined with rewards from other qualifying ThankYou Rewards cards and transferred to travel partners.
- Sign-up bonus of $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening, issued as 20,000 ThankYou® Points
- 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category on up to $500 of purchses each billing cycle
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for--the top earning category adjusts automatically each month to the eligible category in which you spend the most.
- Excellent intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent
- 1% cash back thereafter, plus, you'll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
- Eligible spending categories are: Restaurants, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Select Travel, Select Transit, Select Streaming Services, Drugstores, Home Improvement Stores, Fitness Clubs and Live Entertainment.
Plus, Citi Custom Cash cardholders earn 5% cash back in the one eligible category they spend the most each month.
Read More:Citi Custom Cash Card Review
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is one of just a handful of rewards cards providing the perfect trifecta of a strong welcome bonus, an excellent return on spending, and a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 29.24% variable APR).
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
How to Apply
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee$0
Welcome Bonus Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
It’s rare to find a card offering both a traditional signup bonus and a 0% introductory APR to new cardmembers. With the Altitude Go, you can earn a bonus worth $250 and take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 billing cycles (after that, a Variable rate of 18.24% - 29.24% will apply).
- 4X points on takeout, food delivery and dining
- 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, EV charging stations, and on streaming services
- 1 point on all other eligible purchases
New card members can take home an introductory offer of 20,000 points after meeting the minimum spending requirement — one of the best offers available in this category.
Related: Altitude Go Card Review
Best 0% Intro APR Balance Transfer Credit Card for Long Intro APR Period
The Citi Simplicity offers an outstanding 0% intro APR for 21 months (for transfers made in the first four months of card membership).
Citi Simplicity® Card
How to Apply
Citi Simplicity® Card
Annual Fee$0
Welcome Offer0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. (After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.)
The Citi Simplicity boasts a long 0% intro APR for balance transfers at 21 months. (After that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.)
This card is also among one of the most forgiving products on the market—with no late payment fees or penalty APR rate—if you miss a payment.
- No Late Fees
- No Penalty APR Rate
- No Annual Fee
- Access to your FICO® Score
This card doesn't earn any rewards. If you're looking for a card that combines rewards with a great intro APR, you'll find other options on our list ofbest 0% APR credit cards for balance transfers.
That gives you almost two years to pay down the balance on your account before the intro APR period ends (then a 19.24% - 29.99% variable APR).
Related: Citi SimplicityCardReview
Top 0% Intro APR Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
| Card | Best For | 0% Period on Balance Transfers | Regular APR | Transfer Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash® Card | Top Pick: Long intro period + cash back rewards | 18 months (transfers must be completed in first 4 months) | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR | Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min). | $0 |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | Top Pick: Longest intro period + no late fees | 21 months (transfers must be completed in first 4 months) | 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR | Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min) | $0 |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | Top Pick: Long intro period on purchases and balance transfers + great welcome offer + excellent everyday rewards card | for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% | $0 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Top Pick: Long intro period + top cash bonus offer + cash back rewards | for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% | $0 |
| U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | Long intro period | 21 billing cycles on balance transfers (for transactions made within 60 days of opening account) | 18.74% - 29.74% Variable APR | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. | $0 |
| BankAmericard® credit card | Long intro period on purchases and balance transfers | for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 16.24% - 26.24% Variable | 3% of the amount of each transaction | $0 |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | Long intro period | 21 months (transfers must be completed in first 4 months) | 18.24% - 28.99% variable APR | 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum | $0 |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | Top earning rates across a wide range of bonus categories | 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR | Balance transfer fee applies with this offer: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. | $0 |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | Valuable signup offer + great everyday cashback rate | for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days | 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% | $0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Valuable welcome bonus, 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). | 15 months - (first 15 months your account is open, not 15 months from time of transfer) | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR | Balance transfer fee applies | $0 |
| Citi Rewards+® Card | Solid welcome offer + long intro period + solid return on spending | 15 months (transfers must be completed in first 4 months) | 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR | Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min). | $0 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | No annual fee + intro & balance transfer APRs + high return on dining | 12 billing cycles | 18.24% - 29.24% Variable APR | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Valuable signup offer, earns flexible Ultimate Rewards when paired with premium UR earning cards | 15 months - (first 15 months your account is open, not 15 months from time of transfer) | 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. | $0 |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Top cash back card for on dining, entertainment, grocery stores | 15 months - (first 15 months your account is open, not 15 months from time of transfer) | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR | Balance transfer fee applies | $0 |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Valuable welcome offer, high-value cash back rewards | 15 months (on balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening) - Terms Apply | 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR - Rates & Fees | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. - Rates & Fees | $0 - Rates & Fees |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Valuable welcome offer, earns flexible Capital One miles | 15 months from account opening | 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR | Balance transfer fee applies | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Solid welcome offer + long intro period + solid return on spending | 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (for transactions made within 120 days of opening account) | 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR APR | 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5 | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Long intro offer | 21 months from account opening (for transactions made within 120 days of opening account) | 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR APR | 5%, min: $5 | $0 |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Fantastic cash back card, long intro period | 15 months | 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | 3% | $0 |
| Discover it® Balance Transfer | Long intro period | 18 months | 13.99% - 24.99% Variable APR | 3% until May 10, 2024 | $0 |
How To Choose an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
The best introductory 0% APR card is always going to be subjective, dependent on your financial situation and how fast you can pay down the debt. Cards featuring the longest 0% intro period are not inherently better than cards offering a shorter timeframe before the introductory APR ends. Each card on the list above provides a different combination of features, and you’ll want to factor all the elements into the equation before you apply for a card.
Some of the deciding factors to consider include:
Your current card issuer
The most significant determining factor has nothing to do with APR rates. It boils down to the simple fact you can’t transfer a balance between two cards from the same card issuer. For example, Chase won’t allow you to transfer the balance from your Chase Sapphire Reserve® to a newly opened Chase card that offers an intro balance transfer offer. You’ll need to look at Amex, Citi, or any card issuer other than Chase for a balance transfer card.
Length of intro 0% APR period
You need to work out exactly how much you can afford to pay each month and work backward to determine how much time is required to pay your balance down. Give yourself some breathing room on this one. After all, if you miss a payment and your account is no longer in good standing, you can kiss your introductory APR goodbye.
Balance transfer fee
One of the factors we give plenty of weight to when evaluating introductory APR cards is the balance transfer fee. Let’s say you're choosing between three intro APR cards and you’re transferring a balance of $10,000. Say you're considering one card that charges a 3% transfer fee and one that charges a 5% transfer fee. The card charging a 3% transfer fee will give you a $200 head start on the cards charging a 5% transfer fee. That money could go to paying down a substantial portion of the initial card balance.
Does it earn rewards?
If you want to hang onto the card long-term, a card that provides a decent return on spending is going to rank much higher than one that doesn't.
Welcome bonus
A welcome bonus can go a long way towards making up for the balance transfer fee, sometimes leaving you with extra cash in your pocket when all is said and done. If a card features a welcome offer, it should weigh heavily in the card's favor when making your decision.
Do note that a balance transfer generally doesn't count toward earning a welcome bonus, though. To earn it, you'll likely need to make new purchases on your card. Consider how that interacts with your existing credit card debt.
Related: A Beginner's Guide to Building Healthy Credit
Regular APR
If you don’t think you can pay the entire balance down before the introductory APR period ends, the regular APR on the card will have a significant impact on the card you pick. You might be able to roll the transfer to a new card charging 0% intro APR on balance transfers. However, you shouldn't count on this being an option — especially with rising interest rates.
Annual fee
If you’re focused on paying down your credit card balance, it doesn’t make sense to pay a yearly fee on the balance transfer card. Every card we have listed features no annual fee.
Eligibility for that card
It also bears mentioning that you might be ineligible for some of these cards. If you have the maximum number of cards from a particular bank or have opened too many credit cards recently, you might not be eligible for your first choice on this list. The rules can be complicated at times.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Final Thoughts
When choosing a balance transfer card, look for one that provides a long intro APR period, charges no annual fee, and preferably doesn’t charge a balance transfer fee (or provides a welcome offer to balance out the fee). Selecting the right card could save you thousands of dollars in fees and interest over the introductory term. That can provide a low-cost method of servicing existing credit card debt.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees)
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