Balance Transfer Calculator 2026
Calculate how much you save by moving high-rate debt to a 0% APR balance transfer card. See if you can pay it off before the promo period ends.
Best Balance Transfer Cards in 2026
Top options for 0% balance transfers include cards with 15-21 month promo periods at 3-5% transfer fees. Compare: a 3% fee on $6,000 is $180, but you save hundreds more in interest during the promo — nearly always worth it if you can realistically pay off the balance.
Critical rule: Don't use the balance transfer card for new purchases during the promo. Payments often go to the 0% balance first, leaving new purchases accruing interest at 25%+. Keep the old card for small regular purchases and pay it in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
A balance transfer moves existing credit card debt to a new card — usually one offering a 0% introductory APR for 12–21 months. You pay a transfer fee (typically 3–5%) upfront, then pay down the balance interest-free during the promo period. Any remaining balance after the promo ends accrues interest at the regular rate (often 20–29%).
Most balance transfer fees are 3–5% of the amount transferred. Some cards offer 0% transfer fee promotions. Compare the transfer fee against the interest you would save — even a 3% fee is usually worth it if you are paying 20%+ APR on your current card and can pay off the balance within the promo period.
Divide your balance by the number of promo months. Example: $6,000 balance ÷ 18 months = $333/month minimum to pay off before interest kicks in. Use this calculator to see your exact required monthly payment and whether the transfer makes financial sense.
Opening a new card causes a small, temporary dip (hard inquiry). However, the lower utilization on your existing cards can improve your score over time. Avoid closing old cards after the transfer — the available credit keeps your utilization ratio healthy.