Balance transfer credit cards can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest—but only if you choose the right card and have a payoff plan. The best balance transfer cards offer a long 0% intro APR, reasonable transfer fees, and no surprises.
Before applying, remember:
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Most cards charge a balance transfer fee (typically 3–5%)
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0% APR is temporary—you need a payoff timeline
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Transfers usually must be completed within 60–120 days
Below are the best credit cards for balance transfers, ranked by intro APR length, fees, and usability.
1. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card (Longest 0% Intro APR)
Citi
The Citi Diamond Preferred is a classic balance transfer card with one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available. It’s designed purely for debt payoff—not rewards—which keeps things simple and focused.
This card is ideal if your top priority is time to pay down a large balance without interest.
Best for
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Large balances
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Long-term payoff plans
Pros
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Very long 0% intro APR
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No annual fee
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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No rewards program
Link:
https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-diamond-preferred-credit-card
2. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (Best Overall Balance Transfer Card)
Wells Fargo
The Wells Fargo Reflect card offers a very long 0% intro APR on both balance transfers and purchases, making it a strong all-around option if you want flexibility.
It’s a good choice if you’re consolidating debt and still need a card for everyday expenses during the payoff period.
Best for
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Debt consolidation + new purchases
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Simplicity
Pros
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Long 0% intro APR
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No annual fee
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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No rewards
Link:
https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/reflect/
3. Citi® Simplicity® Card (Best for No Late Fees)
Citi
Citi Simplicity lives up to its name. In addition to a long 0% intro APR, it has no late fees and no penalty APR, which is rare and helpful if you’re rebuilding disciplined payment habits.
Best for
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People who want fewer penalties
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Budget-focused payoff plans
Pros
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Long 0% intro APR
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No late fees
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No annual fee
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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No rewards
Link:
https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-simplicity-credit-card
4. Chase Slate Edge℠ (Best for Ongoing APR Reductions)
Chase
Chase Slate Edge offers a competitive 0% intro APR and a unique feature: automatic APR reductions over time if you pay on time and pay down your balance.
This makes it a solid option if you want help keeping interest low even after the intro period ends.
Best for
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Long-term credit improvement
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Chase ecosystem users
Pros
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0% intro APR
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Possible APR reductions
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No annual fee
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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Shorter intro period than Citi cards
Link:
https://creditcards.chase.com/no-annual-fee/slate/edge
5. Discover it® Balance Transfer (Best Beginner-Friendly Option)
Discover
Discover’s balance transfer card is beginner-friendly and offers a 0% intro APR with no annual fee. Discover is also known for strong customer service, which can be helpful if you’re new to balance transfers.
Best for
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First-time balance transfers
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Simplicity and support
Pros
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0% intro APR
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No annual fee
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Strong customer service
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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Shorter intro period than some competitors
Link:
https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/balance-transfer/
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards (Best Hybrid Option)
Bank of America
While primarily a cash-back card, this option includes a 0% intro APR on balance transfers, making it useful if you want to pay down debt and earn rewards later.
Best for
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Paying off debt, then earning rewards
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Bank of America customers
Pros
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0% intro APR
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No annual fee
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Customizable rewards after payoff
Cons
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Balance transfer fee applies
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Not the longest intro period
Link:
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/cash-back-credit-card/
How to Use a Balance Transfer Card Correctly
To get the most value:
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Transfer balances immediately after approval
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Divide your balance by the number of 0% months to set a monthly payoff target
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Avoid new purchases unless they also have 0% APR
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Set up automatic payments
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Stop using old cards to prevent new debt
A balance transfer only works if spending habits change.
Final Takeaway: Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
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Longest 0% APR: Citi Diamond Preferred
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Best overall flexibility: Wells Fargo Reflect
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Least penalties: Citi Simplicity
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Chase option: Slate Edge
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Beginner-friendly: Discover it Balance Transfer
Used correctly, a balance transfer card is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get out of credit card debt.