Balance transfer credit card guide
If done properly and carefully, balance transfer credit cards will help manage credit card debt that is spread across several cards. Each balance transfer credit card is different, so know the balance transfer basics, but there are several benefits. By having fewer accounts, the monthly amount spent on reducing debt can be concentrated, and in some cases increased. Most balance transfer cards offer a 0% APR for balances transferred. This is usually only available when the consumer is approved, so having the other accounts' information available is important. Still more balance transfer credit cards offer an overall lower APR, freeing the user from unfavorable existing long-term rates.
Balance transfer cards are often not for general use—just as each consumer's situation varies, the benefits of the cards also change. No card is perfect, creating many balance tranfer pitfalls—there's always a trade out between benefits. Often, those cards with longer intro periods lack in other benefits. Another factor to consider is the balance transfer transaction fee. Many cards have this charge, which is typically around 3% of the transferred balance. This is added to the consolidated balance, so it should be considered when transferring large amounts.
Below is our list of the best balance transfer credit cards available online. Be sure to check all terms and conditions before applying.
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- 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories like travel, home improvement stores, department stores, gas, restaurants, pet stores and many more
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus® on all other purchases
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® through our exclusive online shopping site
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 0%* | 6 months on Purchases & Balance Transfers* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
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- 0% APR* on balance transfers and purchases for up to 12 months
- No annual fee
- Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
- $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases
- Secure, free online account management
- Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy significant discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 0%* | up to 12 months* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent/Good Credit* |
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- Pay-On-Time Bonus equal to a full month's interest every time you make 6 on-time payments in a row
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus® on all other purchases
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® through our exclusive online shopping site
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 3.99%* | 6 months on Purchases;
12 months on Balance Transfers* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
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- Double Miles on travel and restaurant purchases. One Mile for every dollar on all other purchases
- Flexible redemption options for travel, gift cards, or cash
- Double Miles through our exclusive online shopping site
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 0%* | 6 months on purchases & balance transfers* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
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- Excellent Credit Required - Applicants that do not have excellent credit will not be approved
- Low 7.25% fixed standard purchase APR and platinum benefits
- No balance transfer fee for balances transferred in response to this online offer
- No Annual Fee
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| None* | N/A* | 7.25% Fixed* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
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- Get 5% Cashback Bonus® on gas and auto maintenance purchase
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus® on all other purchases
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® through our exclusive online shopping site
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 0%* | 6 months on purchases & balance transfers* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
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- 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories like travel, home improvement stores, department stores, gas, restaurants, pet stores and many more
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus® on all other purchases
- 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® through our exclusive online shopping site
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| Intro APR | Intro APR Period | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Balance Transfers | Credit Needed |
| 0%* | 6 months on Purchases & Balance Transfers* | as low as 11.99%* | None* | Yes* | Excellent Credit* |
* See the online balance transfer credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of offer. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Here " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer's web site.
