Managing credit card debt can feel overwhelming, but using a balance transfer credit card can provide some much-needed relief. These cards allow you to move your existing credit card debt to a new card, often with a 0% introductory APR for a set period, giving you a chance to pay down your debt without accruing interest. However, choosing the right balance transfer credit card requires a bit of research to ensure you’re getting the best deal. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best balance transfer credit cards of 2025, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they can help you save money.
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer credit card is a type of credit card that allows you to transfer existing debt from one or more credit cards to the new card, typically at a lower interest rate. Many balance transfer cards come with a 0% introductory APR for a specific period, such as 12 to 18 months. This promotional period helps you pay down your balance without accumulating additional interest, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
How Does a Balance Transfer Work?
To complete a balance transfer, you’ll need to apply for a new credit card that offers a balance transfer promotion. Once approved, you can initiate the transfer by providing your new card issuer with the account information for the credit card(s) you want to transfer. Most credit card companies will charge a fee for each transfer (usually 3% to 5% of the amount being transferred), but even with the fee, the savings from the lower interest rate can be substantial.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Balance Transfer Credit Card
Before jumping into the process, here are a few things to consider when choosing the best balance transfer credit card for your needs:
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Introductory APR Period: The longer the 0% APR period, the more time you’ll have to pay off your debt without incurring interest. Look for cards with longer promotional periods (12 months or more).
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Balance Transfer Fee: Most cards charge a balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the transfer amount). Be sure to calculate this fee into your savings to ensure that the card is still a good deal.
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APR After the Introductory Period: Once the promotional 0% APR period expires, you’ll be subject to the card’s regular APR. It’s important to know what this will be in case you’re unable to pay off the balance before the promotion ends.
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Credit Score: Balance transfer credit cards are usually offered to people with good to excellent credit. Check your credit score before applying to ensure you meet the card’s requirements.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive into the best balance transfer credit cards for 2025.
1. Chase Slate Edge℠
Best For: No Balance Transfer Fee (First 60 Days)
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Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
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Balance Transfer Fee: $0 fee on transfers made within the first 60 days (3% after that)
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Regular APR: 18.74% – 27.49% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a fantastic option for those looking to transfer a balance without paying an upfront fee. If you complete your balance transfer within the first 60 days, you can avoid the typical 3% to 5% balance transfer fee that many cards charge. The card also offers a generous 0% APR for 18 months, giving you ample time to pay down your debt without accruing interest.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Access to valuable financial management tools via the Chase Mobile app
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Earn 2% back on purchases at grocery stores and home improvement stores (on the first $1,000 per month)
2. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Best For: Long 0% APR Period
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Introductory APR: 0% for 21 months on balance transfers
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Balance Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5)
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Regular APR: 16.24% – 26.24% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: If you’re looking for the longest possible 0% APR period, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is an excellent choice. It offers a massive 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers, which gives you almost two years to pay off your balance without paying interest. While there’s a balance transfer fee of 5%, this fee is often outweighed by the long-term savings from the 0% APR offer.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Access to Citi Entertainment® for exclusive events and experiences
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Useful mobile app for account management
3. Discover it® Balance Transfer
Best For: Cashback on Purchases
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Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
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Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for transfers made in the first 60 days (5% after)
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Regular APR: 16.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: The Discover it® Balance Transfer card stands out by combining a 0% APR period with a cashback program. You’ll get 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter (such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations), and 1% cashback on all other purchases. The 0% APR for 18 months makes it a great option for consolidating debt, while the cashback rewards offer the chance to earn while you’re paying off your balance.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Cashback match at the end of your first year (Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned)
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Free access to your FICO® score
4. BankAmericard® Credit Card
Best For: No Annual Fee and Long 0% APR Period
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Introductory APR: 0% for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers
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Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min $10)
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Regular APR: 18.74% – 28.74% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: The BankAmericard® Credit Card is a solid choice for those who want a long 0% APR period without paying an annual fee. The 18-month 0% APR period on balance transfers provides plenty of time to pay down debt, and the 3% balance transfer fee is on the lower end of the spectrum. If you already have an existing Bank of America relationship, you may also qualify for additional benefits.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Access to the Bank of America® Online Banking tools and mobile app
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No penalty APR for late payments (as long as the payment is made within 60 days)
5. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Best For: Extending Your 0% APR Period
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Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, with an extension of up to 3 additional months if payments are made on time during the introductory period
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Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5)
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Regular APR: 17.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a great introductory 0% APR period, and with the opportunity to extend that period by 3 months, it’s one of the best cards for those needing a little extra time. This is a great option for people who may need more than 18 months to pay off their balance but want to avoid paying interest during the promotional period.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Free access to your FICO® score
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Online account management tools
6. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Best For: The Longest 0% APR Period
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Introductory APR: 0% for 20 billing cycles on balance transfers
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Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5)
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Regular APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
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Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s One of the Best: For those looking for the longest 0% APR period on balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is hard to beat. With an impressive 20-month 0% APR offer, this card gives you more time to pay off your balance without interest. The 3% balance transfer fee is reasonable, especially considering the extended 0% APR period.
Additional Benefits:
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No annual fee
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Access to U.S. Bank’s mobile banking tools
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24/7 customer support
How to Maximize Your Balance Transfer Savings
Once you’ve selected the best balance transfer credit card for your needs, here are some tips to ensure you make the most of the offer:
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Pay More Than the Minimum: Even with 0% APR, it’s important to pay more than the minimum payment each month to avoid interest once the promotional period ends.
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Transfer Balances Early: Make the balance transfer as soon as you’re approved to maximize the amount of time you have at 0% APR.
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Avoid New Purchases: Don’t add new purchases to your balance transfer card during the promotional period, as they may accrue interest at the regular APR rate.
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Make Timely Payments: Missing payments can cause your introductory APR to expire prematurely or trigger late payment fees, undermining your ability to pay off the balance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right balance transfer credit card can help you take control of your finances and reduce the burden of credit card debt. With the best balance transfer cards of 2025 offering long 0% APR periods, low fees, and additional perks like cashback and rewards, you can save money while working toward becoming debt-free. Be sure to compare different cards based on your financial needs and goals, and use your balance transfer card strategically to pay down your debt effectively.
Call to Action: Ready to tackle your credit card debt? Explore these top balance transfer credit cards today and start saving!