Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of 2026

Transferring high-interest credit card debt to a 0% APR card can save you hundreds or thousands in interest charges. The best balance transfer cards offer long intro periods, low fees, and manageable post-intro rates.

Quick Summary: The Citi Simplicity® Card stands out with 21 months at 0% APR on balance transfers, a 3% fee, and uniquely forgiving policies including no late fees ever. For those who also want rewards, the Citi Double Cash® pairs an 18-month 0% period with 2% cash back on all purchases.

Detailed Reviews

1. Citi Simplicity® Card

The Citi Simplicity combines the longest balance transfer period with consumer-friendly policies that provide a genuine safety net during debt payoff.

The Good:

• 21 months 0% APR on balance transfers (from date of first transfer)
• 12 months 0% APR on purchases
• 3% balance transfer fee—among the lowest
• No late fees ever (unique in the industry)
• No penalty APR (your rate won’t increase for missed payments)
• No annual fee
• Citi Entertainment access for events and experiences

The Not-So-Good:

• No rewards program
• Must complete transfers within 4 months of account opening
• Variable APR of 19.24%-29.99% after intro period
• Limited additional benefits

Best For: Anyone focused purely on debt payoff who wants a safety net. The no-late-fee policy is genuinely valuable if you’re managing tight cash flow.

Safety Net Value: Most cards charge $40 late fees AND increase APR to 29.99% after late payments. Citi Simplicity charges neither—your payoff plan stays intact even if you stumble.

3. Citi Double Cash® Card

The Double Cash proves balance transfer cards don’t have to be one-trick ponies—you get competitive 0% financing plus the market’s best flat-rate rewards.

The Good:

• 18 months 0% APR on balance transfers
• 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
• 3% balance transfer fee for first 4 months, then 5%
• No annual fee
• Cash back never expires
• No caps on rewards earning

The Not-So-Good:

• No 0% APR on purchases (only balance transfers)
• No welcome bonus
• Must pay your balance to earn the second 1%
• 5% fee after first 4 months

Best For: People who want ongoing value after debt payoff. Once you clear your balance, you have a top-tier everyday rewards card.

Long-Term Play: Pay off debt at 0%, then use the card for 2% back forever. On $2,000/month spending, that’s $480 annually—this card pays you back.

5. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

U.S. Bank’s Platinum card adds unexpected value through cell phone protection—saving money even while you pay down debt.

The Good:

• 18 billing cycles 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases
• 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum)
• Cell phone protection up to $600 (pay bill with card)
• No annual fee
• Roadside dispatch services
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

The Not-So-Good:

• No rewards program
• Best approval odds require U.S. Bank relationship
• Regional bank with limited branch presence
• Standard post-intro APR

Best For: Anyone paying a cell phone bill who wants to save on carrier insurance while also paying down debt.

Insurance Savings: Cancel your carrier’s $10-15/month phone protection. Pay your bill with this card and get $600 coverage with a $25 deductible—free.

How Much Can You Save?

Savings Calculator by Balance

Assuming 22% APR on your current card(s):

Balance	Interest/Year	Savings (21 mo @ 0%)	Minus 3% Fee	Net Savings
$3,000	$660	$1,155	$90	$1,065
$5,000	$1,100	$1,925	$150	$1,775
$8,000	$1,760	$3,080	$240	$2,840
$10,000	$2,200	$3,850	$300	$3,550
$15,000	$3,300	$5,775	$450	$5,325
$20,000	$4,400	$7,700	$600	$7,100

Calculations assume balance remains constant (minimum payments); actual savings higher with paydown

Balance Transfer Strategies

The Full Payoff Strategy

Goal: Eliminate debt completely during 0% period

Execution:

1. Calculate exact monthly payment needed
2. Add 10% buffer for emergencies
3. Set up autopay for that amount
4. Redirect any windfalls (tax refunds, bonuses) to payoff

Best For: Those with stable income who can commit to aggressive payoff

The Interest Arbitrage Strategy

Goal: Minimize interest while maintaining liquidity

Execution:

1. Transfer balance to 0% card
2. Pay minimum on card
3. Put the payment difference in a high-yield savings account
4. Earn 4-5% on money that would have gone to debt
5. Pay off balance in full before intro ends

Example: $10,000 balance

• Would pay: $800/year interest at 8% (or $2,200 at 22%)
• Instead earn: $450/year in HYSA at 4.5%
• Net benefit: $1,250-$2,650/year

Warning: Requires discipline. Don’t spend the savings account.

The Ladder Strategy

Goal: Handle more debt than one card allows

Execution:

1. Apply for Card A, transfer $15,000
2. After 6-12 months, apply for Card B
3. Transfer remaining balance from Card A to Card B
4. Get fresh 0% period on remaining balance

Caution: Multiple applications affect credit score. Time carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a balance transfer affect my credit score? Short-term: Small dip from hard inquiry and new account. Long-term: Often improves score by lowering credit utilization ratio if you keep old accounts open.

Can I transfer a balance from a card at the same bank? No. Issuers don’t allow transfers between their own cards (e.g., Citi to Citi).

What’s the maximum I can transfer? Usually your credit limit minus a buffer. A card with a $10,000 limit might allow $8,000-9,500 in transfers. You often won’t know your limit until approved.

How long do balance transfers take? 7-14 days typically. Continue paying your old card until the transfer confirms to avoid late payments.

Do I still earn rewards on balance transfer cards? Only if the card has a rewards program (like Citi Double Cash). Most dedicated balance transfer cards don’t offer rewards.

What happens to my old card after the transfer? It remains open with a zero (or reduced) balance. Keep it active with a small monthly charge to maintain your credit history.

Should I transfer multiple cards to one new card? Yes, if possible. Consolidating to one payment simplifies management. Just ensure total transfers fit within your new credit limit.

Our Methodology

We evaluated balance transfer cards on six criteria:

1. Intro Period Length (30%): Months at 0% APR
2. Balance Transfer Fee (25%): Percentage charged on transfers
3. Post-Intro APR (15%): Rate after intro period ends
4. Consumer Protections (10%): Late fee policies, penalty APR
5. Additional Benefits (10%): Rewards, cell protection, etc.
6. Accessibility (10%): Approval odds for target credit profiles

Editorial Note: Terms and rates are subject to change. Always verify current offers and read all terms before applying.