12 Best 0% Interest Balance Transfer Credit Cards

A balance transfer moves existing high-interest credit card debt onto a new card offering 0% introductory APR — meaning you pay zero interest on that debt for a set number of months. The average American household carries roughly $6,700 in credit card debt. At a typical 22% APR, that debt costs about $1,470 in interest each year. A well-executed balance transfer eliminates that interest cost entirely during the introductory period, letting every dollar you pay go directly toward the balance. Here is what you need to know before you apply.

• 1
  Which bank does a balance transfer with 0% interest? Wells Fargo, Citi, Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Discover, Capital One, and Navy Federal Credit Union all offer 0% intro APR balance transfer cards · Intro periods range from 12 to 21 months depending on the card · All require good to excellent credit (typically 670+ FICO) for the best offers

  Most major U.S. banks and several credit unions offer balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APR periods. The longest 0% windows currently available — 21 months — come from Wells Fargo (Reflect Card), Citi (Diamond Preferred and Simplicity), Chase (Slate), U.S. Bank (Shield Visa), and Bank of America (BankAmericard). Credit unions like Navy Federal and BECU also offer compelling no-fee transfer options, though membership eligibility requirements apply. The key difference between bank and credit union offers: major bank cards tend to have longer 0% windows (18–21 months) with transfer fees of 3–5%, while credit union cards sometimes offer no transfer fee at all but with shorter 0% windows (typically 12 months) or slightly higher ongoing APRs. Which is better depends on your balance size and timeline — the calculator in this guide helps you run that math.
• 2
  Are 0% interest balance transfers a good idea? Yes — when used correctly · Saves hundreds to thousands in interest on high-rate debt · Best for people who can realistically pay off the transferred balance before the 0% period ends · Not a good idea if you will add new spending to the card and not pay it off · The transfer fee (typically 3–5%) is almost always less than one month of interest on high-rate debt

  A 0% balance transfer is genuinely one of the most effective legal tools for reducing high-interest credit card debt — with important conditions. The math is straightforward: if you are paying 22% APR on a $5,000 balance, you are paying roughly $90 in interest every month. A one-time 3% transfer fee on that same balance costs $150. After two months, the transfer fee has paid for itself in avoided interest, and everything else is pure savings. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) considers balance transfers a legitimate debt-management strategy when used responsibly. The strategy fails when: (1) you continue spending on the transferred card and cannot pay off the growing balance, (2) you miss a payment and lose the 0% period early due to penalty APR terms (though Citi Simplicity specifically does not charge a penalty APR — a significant protection), or (3) the transfer period ends and you still have a large balance, now accruing interest at 17–29%. Success requires a concrete monthly payment plan — divide your transferred balance by the number of 0% months and pay at least that much every month.
• 3
  What does a 0% balance transfer mean exactly? You move debt from a high-interest card to a new card that charges 0% APR for a limited intro period (typically 12–21 months) · You still must make minimum payments · 0% applies to the transferred balance, not always to new purchases · A one-time transfer fee of 3–5% is usually charged · After the intro period, a standard APR (typically 17–28%) applies to any remaining balance

  A balance transfer moves what you owe on one credit card to a different card — usually one with a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory period. You apply for the new card, request the transfer during the application or shortly after approval, and your old card balance is paid off by the new card issuer. You then owe the new card that amount instead. During the 0% introductory period, no interest accrues on the transferred amount — provided you make minimum payments on time each month. Most issuers give you 60 to 120 days from account opening to complete the transfer and qualify for the 0% rate. One critical detail: the 0% APR on a balance transfer usually does not apply to new purchases — only to the transferred amount. If you make purchases on a balance transfer card and carry a balance, you may be charged interest on those purchases at the regular APR even while the transfer itself remains at 0%. Read the card terms carefully or call the issuer to confirm how your payments are applied.
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  Is there a 0% balance transfer with no fee? Yes — several credit unions offer no-fee 0% balance transfers · Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card: no transfer fee, 0% intro APR, 12-month intro period (membership required) · BECU Visa: no transfer fee, 0% for 12 months (Washington state/Pacific NW membership) · Most major bank cards charge 3–5% · The no-fee options typically have shorter intro windows and require credit union membership

  True no-fee 0% balance transfers exist, but they are primarily found at credit unions rather than major banks — and they come with membership eligibility requirements. Navy Federal Credit Union’s Platinum card offers a 0% intro APR (currently 0.99%) for 12 months on balance transfers with zero transfer fee and an ongoing APR that tops out at 18% — one of the lowest ceiling rates of any card in this guide. Membership requires military affiliation or a qualifying family member. BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) offers a similar no-fee structure for residents of Washington state and parts of Oregon and Idaho. The trade-off versus the major bank cards is clear: no fee, but a 12-month window versus the 21-month window from Wells Fargo or Citi. For a $10,000 balance, the math strongly favors the no-fee credit union card for people who can pay off the debt in 12 months. For people who need 18–21 months, paying the 3–5% fee to get the longer window is usually the better financial decision.
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  What credit score do I need for a 0% balance transfer card? Most 0% balance transfer cards require good to excellent credit: FICO 670–850 · Below 670: options are limited but credit unions may still approve lower scores · 580–669 (fair credit): consider secured cards or NFCC nonprofit credit counseling instead · Applying for multiple cards in a short period temporarily lowers your score · Check pre-approval tools before applying to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries

  The best 0% balance transfer cards — including the Wells Fargo Reflect, Citi Diamond Preferred, Chase Slate, and BankAmericard — generally require a FICO credit score of 670 or higher for approval, and the most competitive terms typically go to applicants at 720 or above. Your credit score is not the only factor: card issuers also look at your income relative to existing debts, your payment history, and how many new accounts you have opened recently. If your score is below 670, applying for multiple cards and being denied can further lower your score through hard inquiries. Wells Fargo, Citi, and Bank of America all offer pre-approval or pre-qualification tools that check your eligibility without a hard pull on your credit — use these before applying to gauge your odds without risking your score. If your score is below 640, a balance transfer card may not be accessible right now. The NFCC (nfcc.org) connects people with nonprofit credit counselors who can help design a debt-payoff plan appropriate for your credit situation.
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  How long is the 0% intro period on balance transfer cards? Typical range: 12 to 21 months · Longest available (as of recent updates): 21 months — Wells Fargo Reflect, Citi Diamond Preferred, Citi Simplicity, Chase Slate, U.S. Bank Shield, BankAmericard · Most common: 15–18 months · No general-purpose card currently offers 0% for 24 months or longer

  The balance transfer market has settled around 21 months as the current ceiling for 0% introductory APR periods on general-purpose credit cards. That is nearly two years of interest-free paydown — long enough to eliminate a $5,000 balance with monthly payments of about $238, or a $10,000 balance with payments of about $476. Store credit cards and furniture financing offers sometimes advertise 24–36 month deferred interest promotions, but these work differently — they charge interest retroactively to the original purchase date if you have not paid the full balance by the end of the period. That is a completely different (and potentially costly) structure from a true 0% APR. When comparing cards, the total savings depend on three numbers together: the length of the 0% period, the transfer fee percentage, and the ongoing APR once the intro period ends. A card with a lower fee but shorter period may cost more overall than one with a higher fee and longer window, depending on how long it takes you to pay off the debt.
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  Can I transfer a balance from one bank to another? Yes — that is exactly how balance transfers work · You cannot transfer a balance to a card from the same issuer (e.g., Chase-to-Chase) · You can transfer from any card to a card from a different bank or credit union · Common transfers: paying off a high-rate Visa with a new 0% Citi, Wells Fargo, or Chase card · Store cards, personal loans, and some auto loans may also be transferable

  A balance transfer moves debt from one lender to another — specifically, from a card or loan at one financial institution to a new card at a different institution. The one firm rule, enforced by all issuers: you cannot transfer a balance between cards from the same issuer. If you have a Chase Freedom card with a high balance, you cannot transfer it to a Chase Slate or another Chase product — the transfer must go to a Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, or other non-Chase card. Beyond credit cards, balance transfers can sometimes also pay off store cards, personal loans, home equity lines of credit, and even some auto loans — depending on the receiving card’s terms. Call the new card issuer before assuming a non-credit-card debt is eligible. The transfer process itself is usually initiated when you apply for the new card (you enter the account number and amount you want to transfer) or shortly after approval in your online account. Most transfers are completed within 5–7 business days, though some take up to 3 weeks. Keep making minimum payments on your old card until you confirm the balance has been transferred.

All 12 cards below have no annual fee, offer 0% introductory APR on balance transfers, and are available to U.S. residents. Cards are listed roughly in order of longest 0% intro period. Always verify current terms at each issuer’s website — rates and offers change.

• 1
  Wells Fargo Reflect® Card — Best Overall for Longest 0% Period

  0% period: 21 months (purchases + balance transfers from account opening) · Transfer fee: 5% (min $5) · Transfer deadline: 120 days from account opening · Regular APR after intro: 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Notable perk: Up to $600 cell phone protection against damage or theft ($25 deductible) · Best for: Anyone with a larger balance who needs the maximum time to pay it down · Apply: wellsfargo.com

  ⏱️ 21 months — longest window📱 Cell phone protection included⚠️ 5% transfer fee🚫 No rewards
• 2
  Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card — Best for Long Transfer Window + Low Fee

  0% period: 21 months on balance transfers (12 months on purchases) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 4 months, then 5% · Transfer deadline: Transfer within 4 months for the 3% fee · Regular APR after intro: 16.49%–27.24% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Best for: People who want 21 months on transfers but plan to do all transfers upfront within 4 months — the 3% fee saves money vs. the standard 5% · Apply: citi.com

  ⏱️ 21 months on transfers💰 3% fee if transferred in first 4 months📊 16.49% floor — lower ongoing APR🚫 No rewards
• 3
  Citi Simplicity® Card — Best If You Worry About Missing Payments

  0% period: 21 months on balance transfers (21 months on purchases) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 4 months, then 5% · Transfer deadline: 4 months from account opening for intro fee · Regular APR after intro: 17.49%–28.24% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · The standout feature: No late fees. No penalty APR. Ever. If you slip up and pay late, Citi Simplicity will not raise your interest rate or charge a late fee. This is the only major card in this guide with this protection — exceptionally valuable for seniors or anyone managing multiple bills. · Apply: citi.com

  ⏱️ 21 months transfers + purchases🛡️ No late fees — ever🛡️ No penalty APR — ever🚫 No rewards
• 4
  Chase Slate® Credit Card — Best from Chase for Balance Transfers

  0% period: 21 months (purchases + balance transfers) · Transfer fee: 5% (min $5) · Transfer deadline: 60 days from account opening · Regular APR after intro: 18.24%–28.24% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Notable: Backed by Chase’s fraud protection and Zero Liability policy — any unauthorized charges are fully covered. Access to Chase Credit Journey for free credit score monitoring. · Best for: Existing Chase customers who prefer managing everything in one banking relationship · Apply: chase.com

  ⏱️ 21 months🛡️ Zero Liability fraud protection📊 Free credit score monitoring⚠️ Transfer must happen within 60 days
• 5
  U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card — Best for Longest Period + Side Perks

  0% period: 21 billing cycles (purchases + balance transfers) · Transfer fee: 5% (min $5) · Transfer deadline: 60 days from account opening · Regular APR after intro: 16.99%–27.99% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Unique perks: 4% cash back on prepaid travel through the U.S. Bank Travel Center + a $20 annual statement credit when you make 11 consecutive monthly purchases. Rare among balance transfer-focused cards to include any rewards whatsoever. · Best for: People who want the full 21-month window but also want some ongoing value after the 0% period ends · Apply: usbank.com

  ⏱️ 21 months✈️ 4% on travel — rare for BT card💵 $20 annual credit⚠️ 60-day transfer window
• 6
  BankAmericard® Credit Card — Best from Bank of America

  0% period: 21 billing cycles (purchases + balance transfers) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 60 days, then 5% · Transfer deadline: 60 days from account opening (also applies to the lower 3% intro fee) · Regular APR after intro: 14.99%–25.99% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Notable: The ongoing APR floor of 14.99% is one of the lowest of any major bank card in this guide — if you have an excellent credit score, you could end up with a genuinely low ongoing rate after the intro period. No penalty APR. · Apply: bankofamerica.com

  ⏱️ 21 months📊 14.99% ongoing APR floor — very low💰 3% fee in first 60 days🚫 No rewards
• 7
  Citi Double Cash® Card — Best When You Also Want Cash Back

  0% period: 18 months on balance transfers (not on purchases) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 4 months, then 5% · Transfer deadline: Balance transfers must be requested within the first 4 months for intro 0% to apply · Regular APR after intro: 18.49%–28.49% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · The standout: Earns 2% cash back on everything — 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay. The only balance transfer card in this guide that delivers serious ongoing rewards value after your debt is paid off. · Best for: People who can pay off the balance in 18 months and want a card they will actually keep using long-term · Apply: citi.com

  ⏱️ 18 months on transfers💰 2% cash back ongoing✅ Best long-term value of any BT card⚠️ 0% on transfers only, not purchases
• 8
  Discover it® Cash Back — Best for Rewards While Paying Down Debt

  0% period: 18 months on balance transfers and purchases · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee · Regular APR after intro: Variable (see issuer site) · Annual fee: $0 · Standout feature: 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (groceries, gas, restaurants, etc.) and 1% on everything else. At the end of your first year, Discover automatically matches all cash back you earned — so if you earn $200, you get $400. · Best for: People disciplined enough to spend only on the rotating categories and pay those purchases off monthly while using the card primarily to clear the transferred debt · Apply: discover.com

  ⏱️ 18 months💰 5% rotating category cash back🎁 First-year cash back match (unlimited)⚠️ Rotating categories require activation
• 9
  Chase Freedom Unlimited® — Best for Rewards + Decent Transfer Window

  0% period: 15 months (purchases + balance transfers) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 60 days, then 5% · Regular APR after intro: 18.24%–27.74% Variable · Annual fee: $0 · Rewards: 5% on Chase travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else. Sign-up bonus: $200 after $500 in spending within 3 months. · Best for: People with a manageable balance that can be paid off in 15 months who also want a strong cash back card to keep using forever after · Trade-off: Shorter 0% window — only right for people confident in a 15-month payoff timeline · Apply: chase.com

  ⏱️ 15 months💰 1.5–5% cash back🎁 $200 sign-up bonus⚠️ Shorter 0% window — only if you can pay off in 15 months
• 10
  Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards — Best BofA Card With Rewards

  0% period: 18 billing cycles (purchases + balance transfers within first 60 days) · Transfer fee: 3% intro fee for first 60 days, then 5% · Regular APR after intro: Variable (see issuer site) · Annual fee: $0 · Rewards: 3% cash back in the category of your choice (online shopping, dining, travel, gas, or home improvement) — changed monthly. 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. 1% everywhere else. · Best for: People who spend heavily in one discretionary category and want a single card that handles both the debt transfer and long-term rewards earning · Apply: bankofamerica.com

  ⏱️ 18 months💰 3% in your chosen category🛒 2% at groceries + warehouse clubs⚠️ 60-day window for transfers
• 11
  Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card — Best No-Fee Transfer Card

  0% period: 0.99% intro APR (near-zero) for 12 months on balance transfers · Transfer fee: $0 — no balance transfer fee at all · Transfer deadline: Transfer within 60 days of account opening · Regular APR after intro: 10.24%–18.00% Variable — one of the lowest ongoing APR ceilings of any card in this guide · Annual fee: $0 · Eligibility: Requires military affiliation (active duty, veterans, National Guard, DoD civilians, or qualifying family members) · Best for: Active military, veterans, and their families who can pay off the balance in 12 months · Apply: navyfederal.org

  🚫 Zero transfer fee📊 10.24%–18% ongoing APR — very low🎖️ Military/veteran membership required⚠️ 12-month window only
• 12
  Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards — Best for Simple Flat-Rate Cash Back

  0% period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers · Transfer fee: 3% for first 15 months, then none · Regular APR after intro: Variable (see issuer site) · Annual fee: $0 · Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase — flat rate, no categories to track, no activation needed. · Best for: People who want the simplest possible cash back structure with no rotating categories to remember, combined with a reasonable 15-month transfer window · Apply: capitalone.com

  ⏱️ 15 months💰 1.5% cash back — flat rate, always✅ No categories to track⚠️ 15-month window — best for smaller balances

See how much a balance transfer could save you based on your actual situation. Enter your numbers below for a quick estimate.

If you need help evaluating whether a balance transfer is right for your debt situation, or if your balance is too large for a single transfer, nonprofit credit counselors can provide free or low-cost guidance.