7 Balance Transfer Cards That Can Save You $500+ in Interest

Is your credit card debt climbing each month? High interest rates can push your balance higher. You want to clear that debt fast. A smart move can save you hundreds in interest.

One of the best tools is a balance transfer card. The Wells Fargo Reflect Card gives 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers and low balance transfer fees. We also cover cards with cash back, long intro APRs and no late fees.

We compare APRs, rewards and credit score needs. You can find the best fit for your debt plan. Keep reading.

Key Takeaways

• Seven top cards—Wells Fargo Reflect, Citi Simplicity, Citi Diamond Preferred, Discover it Cash Back, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Citi Double Cash, and U.S. Bank Visa Platinum—offer 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 to 21 months.
• Each card charges a 3%–5% balance transfer fee (min $5) and waives an annual fee. You can save $500+ in interest by clearing your debt before the promo period ends.
• Issuers generally require good to excellent credit (FICO 630–850). Many cards add perks: Discover it gives 5% rotating and 1% flat cash back; Citi Double Cash gives 2% (1% on buys, 1% on pay); Wells Fargo Reflect covers $600 in device protection.
• To maximize interest savings, submit transfers within each card’s 60–120-day window, set a clear payoff plan, avoid new purchases, and use the issuer’s app to track due dates and your FICO score.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

This card gives you one of the longest 0% intro interest rate periods for balance transfers. It lets you move high-rate debt with a low transfer cost and use the Wells Fargo app to track your transfer dates.

Longest 0% Intro APR for Balance Transfers and Purchases

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers. You must complete transfers within 120 days of account opening. It ranks among the longest offers as of August 2025.

After the intro period, variable APR ranges from 17.24% to 28.99%. You pay a balance transfer fee, typically 3% or five dollars, whichever is more. The card has no annual fee and can save you on credit card interest.

You use Wells Fargo financial tools to track your credit limit and statement activity.

Key Features and Terms (Wells Fargo Reflect® Card)

This card gives one of the longest 0% APR periods for purchases and balance transfers among balance transfer credit cards. It has no annual fee and adds device protection up to $600.

1. Delivers 0% APR up to 21 months for balance transfers and new purchases.
2. Applies a 5% balance transfer fee, minimum $5, to each move.
3. Shifts any unpaid balance to a variable APR between 17.24% and 28.99% after the promo.
4. Waives annual fees so you avoid yearly charges.
5. Needs a 690 to 850 FICO® score to qualify.
6. Covers lost or damaged phone claims up to $600 with a $25 deductible.
7. Offers online tools and alerts to track expenses and payments across your credit cards.

Citi Simplicity® Card

This offer locks in a long 0% transfer rate, so you dodge interest rate hikes on old debt. It also skips late charges and shows your credit score in a handy app.

No Late Fees and Extra-Long Intro Period

Citi Simplicity charges no late fees or penalty APR, a rare feature among balance transfer credit cards. It carries a 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases.

You pay no annual fee. A 3% balance transfer fee, at least $5, applies for transfers in the first four months, then a 5% fee after that. You can use it to move high-interest debt and protect your credit score.

The long intro APR period gives you room to pay down debt. Your payments all go to principal at zero percent, not to high interest. After the intro period ends, a variable APR takes effect based on your credit profile.

Keep an eye on due dates and watch your credit utilization drop.

Key Features and Terms (Citi Simplicity® Card)

This card ranks among the best balance transfer cards as of August 2025. It won’t hit you with late fees or penalty rates.

• Grant zero percent APR on transfers and new buys for 21 months.
• Set transfers to post within four months of account opening to qualify.
• Charge a five dollar or five percent balance shift fee per move.
• Drop all late fees and avoid a penalty APR, no matter what.
• Switch to a variable APR after the introductory period ends.
• Carry no annual fee to cut overall interest payments.
• Use your Fico score and credit history to secure a higher credit limit.
• Include online tools and alerts in the mobile app for easy debt management.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card slashes your APR to zero for months on transfers, so you can tackle that high-rate debt head-on. It even shields your FICO score and trims fees that often sneak up on you.

Extended Balance Transfer Offer

You grab a 0% intro annual percentage rate for 21 months on balance transfers made within the first four months of account opening. You pay no interest on new purchases for 12 months.

That long introductory APR period beats many other options for debt consolidation and interest savings.

Such an offer slashes costs on bank cards and helps you clear balances faster. You use simple financial tools on the issuer’s app to track payments. You watch your FICO® Score climb as you cut down on high-interest debt.

Key Features and Terms (Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card)

This card shifts high rates into a long 0% zone. It ranks on NerdWallet’s best balance transfer cards for August 2025.

1. 18-Month 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers flips high APR into zero interest for debt consolidation. Then a 17.24%–27.99% variable APR takes over.
2. 5% balance transfer fee, with a $5 minimum, covers each shift of your balance. You avoid bigger fees that hit your wallet.
3. No annual fee means you skip yearly charges. This suits anyone tracking expenses.
4. Good to excellent credit scores unlock approval for this card. You need solid FICO® marks and a clean credit report.
5. NerdWallet ranks it among top balance transfer credit cards for August 2025. It stands out in debt consolidation offers.
6. Citi Entertainment® perks add dining and show deals for cardholders. You get fun extras while saving on interest.

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it Cash Back gives you 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 14 months. You earn 5% rewards on rotating categories and 1% on other buys, plus you get free FICO Score updates and smart account alerts.

0% Intro APR with Cash Back Rewards

The Discover it® Cash Back card brings 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, and on balance transfers for 18 months. Its regular APR runs from 18.24% to 27.24% variable. You can shift high-interest debt onto this balance transfer credit card and cut down your interest costs.

The card carries no annual fee.

You earn 5% cash back in rotating categories on everyday buys, and 1% on other purchases. It also gives an Unlimited Cashback Match for your first year, so all the cash back doubles automatically.

Redeem rewards as statement credit, deposit them into a savings account, or swap them for gift cards.

Key Features and Terms (Discover it® Cash Back)

Discover it Cash Back stands out with a 14 month no interest offer. This card sits among the best balance transfer credit cards as of August 2025.

1. Introductory APR Period: It offers zero percent variable apr for 14 months on balance transfers and purchases.
2. Post-Introductory Rate: Rates run from 18.24% to 29.99% after the promo, driven by your FICO® score.
3. No Annual Fee: You pay zero yearly cost, so you avoid maintenance fees.
4. Balance Transfer Fee: A standard transfer fee applies; this card moves your debt without an annual fee.
5. Rotating Category Rewards: You earn 5% cash back on quarterly themes, up to $1,500 in spend.
6. Flat Rate Rewards: You get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
7. First Year Match: Discover doubles your cash back rewards at year end.
8. Credit Range: Applicants need a score between 690 and 850 to qualify.
9. Debt Consolidation Tool: It lets you centralize high-interest debt under one intro apr.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited® hands you 1.5% cash back on every purchase and offers a strong intro APR for transfers. Use the Chase app and a tracker to keep tabs on rewards, variable APR, and your credit limit.

Versatile Cash Back and Balance Transfer Features

This card gives you a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. You pay a 3% balance transfer fee in the first 60 days, then 5%. The variable apr ranges from 18.99% to 28.49%.

You earn 1.5% cash back on all spending, up to 5% in select categories like dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases. Its mobile portal shows your FICO score and credit limit, and links to budgeting tools.

Merchants from grocery stores, ride share trips, and travel rewards programs all earn cash back. Moving high-interest debt from other balance transfer credit cards works with the same 0% offer.

A statement credit posts your savings right after transfer. The portal sends alerts on your intro APR end date and any penalty apr warnings.

Key Features and Terms (Chase Freedom Unlimited®)

Chase Freedom Unlimited stirs up savings and perks in one card. Savvy spenders tap into its 0% intro APR and generous cash back.

• Earn a $200 sign-up bonus once you spend $500 in purchases within 3 months.
• Carry no annual fee, so every dollar saved counts toward your debt payoff.
• Collect 1.5% cash back on all purchases, ideal for everyday buys.
• Score 5% back on travel bookings via Chase Travel and 3% at restaurants and drugstores.
• Transfer high-interest balances with a 0% intro APR for 15 months; then face a variable 19.24% to 27.99% APR.
• Pay a 3% balance transfer fee or $5 minimum per transfer, whichever is higher.
• Enjoy status as one of the best balance transfer credit cards as of August 2025, named by industry experts.
• Check your FICO® Score and available credit limit in real time through the Chase mobile app’s financial tools.

Citi Double Cash® Card

This card earns you 2% cash back, half on buys, half on pay-offs. It also offers a long 0% APR period for debt consolidation, so you can shrink balances and protect your FICO® score.

2% Cash Back and Long Intro APR for Transfers

Among balance transfer cards, Citi Double Cash Card saves you money on debt consolidation. It returns 2% cash back: one percent on every purchase and one percent as you pay. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, if completed within four months.

Purchases earn no intro rate and start to gather interest right away. The balance transfer fee runs 3% of your payment, or five dollars.

Use this card to cut credit card debt. Its variable APR applies after 18 months. You can track your progress in an online banking portal. A spending tracker helps you watch interest savings.

This tool fits savvy personal finance moves.

Key Features and Terms (Citi Double Cash® Card)

The Citi Double Cash® Card gives 2% cash back on every spend, one percent at purchase and one percent on payment. It also offers a long 0% intro APR period on balance transfers to ease your debt load.

• The card charges a 3% balance transfer fee for the first four months, then increases to 5%.
• It applies a variable APR from 18.24% to 28.24%, based on your FICO® score.
• There is no annual fee to worry about with this credit card.
• You earn one percent cash back when you buy items and another percent when you pay your bill.
• A credit score between 630 and 850 boosts your approval odds with Citi.
• You can use it to consolidate high-interest debt and save on credit card interest rates.
• The issuer reports to major credit bureaus, which can help build your FICO® score.
• You gain interest savings during the zero percent promo period on transfers.

U. S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

With the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, you can move old balances with a small transfer fee and dodge extra interest for months.

You can use the U.S. Bank app to track your credit line and watch your FICO® Score climb.

Competitive Introductory APR Offer

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum card has a strong intro APR offer. It grants 0% APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, but watch the balance transfer fee. That deal can slash high-rate debt and save hundreds in interest.

After the intro, the card charges 17.74% to 28.74% variable APR. It has no annual fee and includes cell phone protection up to $600 per claim. The U.S. Bank mobile app acts as a financial tool to track balances and payments.

Key Features and Terms (U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card)

Your wallet can breathe easier with this Visa option. It ranks among best balance transfer credit cards for August 2025.

1. 0% APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers
2. Variable APR ranges from 18.74% to 29.74% after the introductory APR period
3. Balance transfer fee runs 3% of each transfer or at least $5
4. No annual fee ever applies
5. Recommended credit score spans 690 to 850
6. Aids in debt consolidation and cuts high-interest credit card debt

Tips to Maximize Your Savings with Balance Transfer Cards

Balance transfer cards can slash interest costs fast. Planning and discipline will yield major savings.

1. Use a balance transfer calculator to compare potential interest savings against the balance transfer fee, like 3 percent or a $5 minimum, before you apply.
2. Submit transfer requests within 45 to 120 days of opening a new account to snag the full 0 percent introductory APR window.
3. Craft a clear payment plan to eliminate all high-interest debt before the promo period expires.
4. Keep older cards open to bolster payment history and reduce your credit utilization ratio on your FICO score.
5. Treat a balance transfer as a one-time debt-payoff tool rather than a revolving credit line to avoid new high-interest charges.
6. Avoid new purchases and meet due dates to dodge penalty APRs and late fees.
7. Maintain payments on old cards until the transfer posts on both issuer statements.
8. Leverage perks like cell-phone protection up to $600 or Signature Concierge service for extra value.
9. Check smaller banks or credit unions for no-fee balance transfers, but note their stricter credit requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Balance Transfer Cards

One wrong move can wreck your interest savings. A hard inquiry may knock down your FICO score for two years.

1. Missing payments can cancel your 0% intro APR. You may face a penalty APR over 15%.
2. Forgetting fees can eat your savings. Most balance transfer credit cards charge a 3% balance transfer fee on debt consolidation moves.
3. Skipping deadlines costs you big. After the intro period ends, a 15-29% variable APR kicks in.
4. Piling on applications hurts your FICO score. Hard inquiries can drop your credit score by a few points and stay on your report for two years.
5. Adding new balances defeats the goal. Continued overspending can leave you with high-interest debt again.
6. Picking wrong terms steals value. Few issuers now offer a long 0% promo APR without a transfer fee on a balance transfer.
7. Exceeding your limit triggers extra charges. Hitting the credit limit may block transfers or add transaction fees.
8. Ignoring the fine print risks surprises. Read all terms to see fees, restrictions, and penalty APR triggers.
9. Failing to budget leaves you stuck. A simple table or budget app helps you track payments and manage credit card debt.
10. Overlooking benefits steals value. A Citi Double Cash® Card can earn 2% cash back, while Wells Fargo Reflect® Card adds cell phone protection.

Takeaways

You can slash interest by hundreds of dollars with these picks. The long-APR offer and a fee-free card top the list. That cash back option and a simple 2% card also give cash back.

Smart use of balance transfer cards supports debt consolidation and personal finance goals. A clear payoff plan and tools like a credit score tracker keep you on track.

FAQs

1. What is a balance transfer credit card and how does it save me over $500 in interest?

A balance transfer credit card moves your high-interest debt onto a new card with a low or zero intro apr. You pay a small balance transfer fee, but you dodge big interest charges. Pick one of the best balance transfer cards and watch your interest savings grow.

2. Are there hidden fees or penalty apr to watch out for?

Some cards charge a balance transfer fee when you move funds. Others may hit you with a penalty apr if you miss a payment. Many top picks, like the Reflect card or the Simplicity card, come with no annual fee and no cell phone protection fee in the intro period. Always read the advertiser disclosure so you know every cost.

3. Can I earn rewards while I cut down credit card debt?

Yes, you can mix deals. A cash back card, such as Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back, gives you cash back on drugstore purchases or dining at restaurants. A travel rewards card, like Chase travel, lets you rack up miles. You save on high-interest debt and still earn perks.

4. How does my credit score or fico score affect approval?

Your credit score, and your fico score, tell card issuers if you can handle new credit. A higher score helps you land a bigger credit limit. A larger limit means more room to move your debt and more interest savings.

5. If I still have debts after the intro apr ends, what can I do?

You can try debt consolidation with personal loans or a home equity line of credit. You may tap home equity or open a line of credit to spread out payments. That way you avoid a big penalty apr bite when your low rate period ends.

6. What’s the best way to plan once the intro apr expires?

Mark your calendar for the last intro apr day. Pay off as much as you can before variable apr kicks in. If you need more time, move any leftover balance to another zero-apr card or refinance with a second mortgage or heloc. Always keep an eye on credit card interest rates so you stay ahead.