Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards (2026)
Balance transfer cards are one of the most powerful tools for paying off credit card debt. By moving high-interest balances to a card with 0% intro APR, you can save hundreds or thousands in interest and pay off debt faster. The best balance transfer cards offer long 0% periods with reasonable transfer fees.
How We Choose These Cards
Our methodology for ranking the best balance transfer cards
All card data is verified against issuer websites and updated monthly. Last verified: March 2026. See our advertiser disclosure for details on how we are compensated.
Top 6 Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Citi® Double Cash Card
The original 2% cash back everywhere card - simple and effective for maximizing everyday spending.
Pros
- 200 cash welcome bonus (~$200 value)
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 18 months
- 2x on all purchases
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- High ongoing APR (up to 29.24%)
Key Benefits
- 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- No annual fee
- No rewards categories to track
- Redeem cash back at any amount
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases with a generous intro APR period.
Pros
- 200 cash welcome bonus (~$200 value)
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- 2x on all purchases
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- High ongoing APR (up to 29.99%)
Key Benefits
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- $200 cash rewards bonus
- Cell phone protection up to $600
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Straightforward unlimited cash back on every purchase with no rotating categories to track.
Bonus Categories
Pros
- 200 cash welcome bonus (~$200 value)
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
- Up to 3x on dining, drugstore
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- High ongoing APR (up to 29.24%)
Key Benefits
- Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
- No annual fee
- Redeem cash back for any amount
Discover it® Cash Back
Rotating 5% categories with unique Cashback Match for first year - effectively double cash back.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
No annual fee cash back card with elevated rewards on everyday spending categories.
Citi® Custom Cash Card
Automatically earn 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle.
Tips for Choosing a Balance Transfer Card
- Calculate your total interest savings: multiply your balance by your current APR, then subtract the transfer fee.
- Complete the balance transfer within 60 days of opening the card to get the intro rate.
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment to protect your 0% rate.
- Do not use the new card for purchases; focus solely on paying down the transferred balance.
- If you cannot pay off the full balance, look for the longest 0% period available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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