Worth the fee?
Let's do the math.
See whether a 0% APR balance transfer will actually save you money — or just shift it around.
Your current debt.
The credit card balance you want to transfer.
The offer.
Details from the new card you're considering.
Usually 0%
Usually 3–5%
Check the fine print — it's often higher than your current card.
Your payoff plan.
How much can you pay monthly?
To pay off during the promo
/month for months
Keep current card
Balance transfer
The arithmetic.
Balance transfer tips.
Mark your calendar
Set a reminder for when the promo ends. Don't get surprised by the rate jump.
Don't use the new card
New purchases usually don't get the 0% rate. Keep it just for the transfer.
Transfer quickly
Most offers require transfer within 60–90 days of opening the account.
How balance transfers work
A balance transfer moves debt from a high-interest card to one with a promotional low (often 0%) APR. This can save significant money on interest — but only if you do the math first.
When balance transfers make sense
- You can pay off the balance during the promo period
- The transfer fee is less than the interest you'd pay
- You won't add new debt to either card
- Your credit score is good enough to qualify for 0% offers
Watch out for
- Transfer fees — usually 3–5% of the balance
- Promo expiration — rates jump dramatically after
- New purchases — often charged at regular APR immediately
- Late payments — can void the promo rate