Top 10 Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help consumers save money on interest payments by allowing them to transfer existing high-interest debt from other credit cards to a new card with a lower or 0% introductory interest rate for a specified period. This can be an effective strategy for consolidating debt and paying it off more efficiently.
These cards typically offer a promotional interest rate for a period ranging from six months to over a year, during which time the transferred balance accrues little to no interest. It's important to note that balance transfer cards often come with a transfer fee, usually a percentage of the amount transferred, although some cards may waive this fee as part of the promotional offer. To maximize the benefits, it's crucial to pay off the transferred balance before the introductory period ends, as any remaining debt will then be subject to the card's regular interest rate, which can be quite high. Additionally, cardholders should avoid making new purchases with the card unless it also offers a 0% purchase APR, as new purchases might not be covered by the promotional rate and could incur interest charges. Careful consideration and timely payments are essential to fully leverage the advantages of balance transfer credit cards.
- Citi Simplicity® CardView All
Citi Simplicity® Card - No late fees, no penalty rate, simple terms.
- Wells Fargo Reflect® CardView All
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card - Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Low intro APR, extended interest-free period.
- Discover it® Balance TransferView All
Discover it® Balance Transfer - 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months.
- BankAmericard® credit cardView All
BankAmericard® credit card - Early credit card, now known as Visa.
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum CardView All
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card - U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: Low APR, no annual fee.
- Chase Slate Edge℠View All
Chase Slate Edge℠ - Low APR, no annual fee, credit-building rewards card.
- Citi® Diamond Preferred® CardView All
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card - Low-interest, no annual fee, balance transfer-focused credit card.
- HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit cardView All
HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card - No annual fee, global acceptance, rewards program.
- American Express Cash Magnet® CardView All
American Express Cash Magnet® Card - Unlimited 1.5% cash back, no annual fee.
Top 10 Balance Transfer Credit Cards
1.
Citi Simplicity® Card
Pros
0% intro APR
No late fees
No annual fee
Long intro APR period
Flexible payment options.
Cons
High regular APR
No rewards program
Limited benefits
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee.
2.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Pros
0% intro APR
long intro period
no annual fee
cell phone protection
flexible rewards.
Cons
High regular APR
foreign transaction fee
limited rewards categories
requires good credit
no sign-up bonus.
3.
Discover it® Balance Transfer
Pros
0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Cashback rewards
No annual fee
Cashback match first year
Flexible redemption options.
Cons
High balance transfer fee
High regular APR after intro period
Limited international acceptance
Requires good credit
Cashback categories capped.
4.
BankAmericard® credit card
Pros
No annual fee
Fraud protection
Intro APR offers
Online and mobile banking
Wide acceptance.
Cons
High regular APR
Limited rewards
Foreign transaction fees
Strict approval requirements
Minimal benefits.
5.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Pros
0% intro APR on purchases
0% intro APR on balance transfers
No annual fee
Cell phone protection
Free credit score access.
Cons
No rewards program
Balance transfer fee
High regular APR
Foreign transaction fees
Limited benefits compared to competitors.
6.
Chase Slate Edge℠
Pros
0% intro APR
No annual fee
Free credit score
Automatic credit line increase
Introductory APR on balance transfers.
Cons
High regular APR
No rewards program
Limited benefits
Balance transfer fee
No sign-up bonus.
7.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Pros
0% intro APR on purchases
0% intro APR on balance transfers
no annual fee
access to Citi Entertainment
flexible payment due dates.
Cons
No rewards program
balance transfer fee
foreign transaction fees
high ongoing APR
limited travel benefits.
8.
HSBC Gold Mastercard® credit card
Pros
No annual fee
0% intro APR on balance transfers
travel benefits
purchase protection
fraud protection.
Cons
Foreign transaction fee
high regular APR
limited rewards
no sign-up bonus
limited acceptance.
9.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited 1.5% cash back
Intro APR on purchases
Purchase protection
Extended warranty.
Cons
Foreign transaction fees
Higher APR after intro period
Limited reward redemption options
No bonus categories
Requires good credit.