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.

Discover® More® Card - No Balance Transfer Fee*

Limited Time Offer - $0 Balance Transfer Fee!* 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Citi Simplicity® Card

0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness. Peace of mind through direct access to a service representative, no late fees and no penalty rate No annual fee

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.* 24/7 access to personalized concierge service providing assistance in booking hotel, flights, concert tickets and much more Special access for Citi cardmembers to purchase presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and other unforgettable live entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass® $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions No annual fee*

Citi ThankYou® Card

Enjoy 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 22.99% based upon your creditworthiness* Plus earn 1 ThankYou Point for every $1 you spend on purchases Earn an anniversary bonus on points earned from purchases every year* Enjoy no limit on the number of points you can earn Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more No annual fee*

Discover® More® Card - Balance Transfer Fee*

0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® More® Card

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® Open Road Card

Receive a $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 2% automatically at any gas station and any restaurant all year long* Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® Motiva Card

Earn Cashback Bonus® for your good credit management 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Miles by Discover® Card

Earn up to $120 in travel rewards--1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first year 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 16.99%* No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Chase Freedom^® Visa - $100 Bonus Cash Back

This offer is for people with a good to excellent credit history which means, among other things, that your credit history is clear of bankruptcy and seriously delinquent accounts Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months 0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers and 6 months on purchases 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at gas stations and on Amazon.com from 1/1/12 - 3/31/12. You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like grocery stores, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter! Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases and up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase No annual fee and rewards never expire