The best balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs can help you save money over a by allowing you to move existing debt from one credit card to another and pay no interest during an introductory period.
Cards with intro 0% APR offers often don’t charge an annual fee and occasionally come with other incentives such as rewards programs or welcome bonuses—but the real attraction is the 0% APR offer. However, most balance transfer cards charge a fee for you to transfer your balance, something you should weigh into your calculation for how much you may save.
At their core, balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs are a tool for those struggling with high-interest rates on outstanding credit card balances. They allow those seeking more financial flexibility when managing debt much-needed relief while minimizing potential interest charges associated with carrying a balance.
We analyzed a broad swath of balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.
Inside this article
- Best balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs of 2023
- Best overall: Wells Fargo Reflect
- Best for those likely to make late payments: Citi Simplicity
- Best long intro APR period card plus choose your own due date: Citi Diamond Preferred
- Best for 0% APR balance transfers plus cell phone insurance: U.S. Bank Platinum Visa
- Best for earning rewards: Citi Double Cash
- Best for a long introductory APR period: BankAmericard
- Best for valuable benefits: Chase Slate Edge
- Best for welcome bonus potential: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Best for redemption flexibility: Citi Rewards+
- Compare the best balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs
- Best balance transfer credit cards with 0% APR of 2023
- Methodology
- Frequently asked questions
Best balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs of 2023
Best overall: Wells Fargo Reflect
Best for those likely to make late payments: Citi Simplicity
Best long intro APR period plus choose your own due date: Citi Diamond Preferred
Best for 0% APR balance transfers plus cell phone insurance: U.S. Bank Platinum Visa
Best for earning rewards: Citi Double Cash
Best for a long introductory APR period: BankAmericard
Best for valuable benefits: Chase Slate Edge
Best for welcome bonus potential: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Best for redemption flexibility: Citi Rewards+
Best overall: Wells Fargo Reflect
Rating - 5/5
What you should know
The Wells Fargo Reflect credit card offers a long, 18-month 0% introductory APR period on both purchases and balance transfer, followed by the card's variable ongoing rate of 17.24% to 29.24%, plus the ability to extend the period by 3 months with on-time payments during the introductory period.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Get 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers
Get 3 additional months for a total of 21 months at 0% APR when you make your monthly payments on time
Benefits include cell phone protection, access to roadside dispatch, and My Wells Fargo Deals
Cons:
If you make a late payment, you won’t be eligible for the 3-month extension and the bank may end the 0% APR offer
Qualifying balance transfers must be made within four months of account opening
No cash back or other rewards offered
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 18 months (with an additional 3-month extension when minimum payments are made on time during the introductory period) on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable ongoing rate of 17.24% to 29.24%.
APR: 17.24% to 29.24% variable.
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5% of each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: Cell phone protection benefit, my Wells Fargo Deals, zero liability protection.
Best for those likely to make late payments: Citi Simplicity
Rating - 5/5
What you should know
If you occasionally miss or skip a credit card payment, the Citi Simplicity® Card won’t charge you any late or penalty fees. Though it offers no rewards nor welcome bonus, its introductory APR on balance transfers makes it a decent debt-buster. Be aware, however, that this card, like most credit cards, will report any delinquent payment behavior and that in turn can have a negative impact on your credit.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fees
Introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers
No late payment penalty fee
Cons:
3% foreign transaction fee
Balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
No reward potential
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.99%, plus a 0% introductory APR for 21 months on balance transfers, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.99%.
APR: 18.24% to 28.99% variable.
Balance transfer fee: 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: Convenience benefits such as no late or penalty fees and the ability to choose your payment due date, account alerts, tap to pay and 24/7 customer service, security benefits including $0 Fraud liability, and Mastercard ID theft protection.
Best long intro APR period card plus choose your own due date: Citi Diamond Preferred
Rating - 4.6/5
What you should know
Most balance transfer credit cards with 0% APR offers require qualifying transactions to be completed within 60 days of account opening. However, the Citi Diamond Preferred lets you complete balance transfers within a full four months of account opening.
Pros and cons
Pros:
New applicants receive four months to complete qualifying balance transfers and get 0% APR financing
21 months of 0% APR financing from the date of the first transfers
No annual fee
Cons:
Only 12 months of 0% APR financing on new purchases
No rewards
No meaningful card benefits outside of the intro 0% APR
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate of 17.24% to 27.99%, plus a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months, then a variable rate of 17.24% to 27.99%.
APR: 17.24% to 27.99% variable.
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: Automatic account alerts, choose your payment due date, Mastercard ID theft protection, and $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
Best for 0% APR balance transfers plus cell phone insurance: U.S. Bank Platinum Visa
Rating - 4.4/5
What you should know
The U.S. Bank Platinum Visa's long introductory 0% APR period is the main event with this card. But the included cell phone insurance when you pay your bill with the card is a solid extra perk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers
Choose your own due date
Cons:
3% ($5 minimum) balance transfer fee
2% fee on foreign transactions made in U.S. dollars and 3% fee on foreign transactions made in foreign currencies
No reward potential
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then an ongoing variable rate of 18.74% to 28.74%.
APR: 18.74% to 28.74% variable.
Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount ($5 minimum).
Foreign transaction fees: 2% fee on foreign transactions made in U.S. dollars and 3% fee on foreign transactions made in foreign currencies.
Other perks and benefits: Cell phone protection benefit, convenience benefits such as autopay and due date choice, and security benefits including ID Navigator powered by Norton LifeLock.
Best for earning rewards: Citi Double Cash
Rating - 4.4/5
What you should know
The Citi® Double Cash Credit Card is a top-notch choice for everyday use, due to its simple and generous rewards. But the card's lengthy introductory APR period on both purchases and balance transfers also makes it a great option for those who need to finance a large purchase or consolidate debt.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fees
Introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers
Excellent cash-back rewards
Cons:
3% foreign transaction fee
Balance transfer fee of 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Few additional benefits
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Unlimited 2% cash back—1% cash back when you make purchase and an additional 1% cash back when you pay for the purchase.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24%.
APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable.
Balance transfer fee: 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: No cash-back caps or category restrictions, multiple ways to redeem ThankYou points including on travel, Mastercard ID theft protection, $0 liability on unauthorized charges, lost wallet service, 24-hour fraud protection.
Best for a long introductory APR period: BankAmericard
Rating - 4.4/5
What you should know
When your main focus is finding the longest 0% APR offer available, the no-frills BankAmericard from Bank of America delivers. It offers 21 months of introductory 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, with no annual fee and no penalty APR if you miss a payment or pay late.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Introductory low APR period for both purchases and balance transfers
Long low introductory APR period
Cons:
No rewards offered
Few benefits available
There’s a balance transfer fee
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 21 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then a variable ongoing rate of 16.24% to 26.24%.
APR: 16.24% to 26.24% variable.
Balance transfer fee: 3% ($10 minimum).
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: No penalty APR, credit education, $0 liability guarantee, Balance Connect for overdraft protection of associated Bank of America Accounts, convenience features.
Best for valuable benefits: Chase Slate Edge
Rating - 4.4/5
What you should know
The Chase Slate Edge's extra benefits, plus its other perks and APR reduction program make the card worth exploring for a balance transfer. This card also offers robust travel and purchase protections.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fee
Introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers
Purchase and travel protection benefits
Cons:
3% - 5% ($5 minimum) balance transfer fee
3% foreign transaction fee
No reward potential
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, then a variable ongoing rate of 19.24% to 27.99%.
APR: 19.24% to 27.99% variable.
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 60 days from account opening, then $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: Automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months, lower your APR by up to 2% each year with on-time payments, and spending a minimum of $1,000 on the card by each account anniversary, down to a minimum APR of 16.74%, auto rental collision damage waiver.
Best for welcome bonus potential: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Rating - 4.4/5
What you should know
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card has staying power long past the 18-month 0% APR offer. The no-annual-fee card’s unique rewards structure lets you choose each month which spending category from a list of six where you want to earn 3%. And it offers 2% back on groceries and wholesale clubs—up to a combined $2,500 in spending in the 3% and 2% categories each quarter. All other spending earns 1% cash back.
Pros and cons
Pros:
Get 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers
Choose your 3% category rewards from a list of 6
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Cons:
Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap
Few benefits
There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and an unlimited 1% on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then an variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24%.
APR: 18.24% to 28.24% variable.
Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction (minimum $10).
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase (eligibility required, terms apply), flexible cash back redemption options, automatic redemption option, $0 fraud liability, Balance Connect for overdraft protection with associated Bank of America accounts, convenience benefits including digital wallet and contactless chip technology.
Best for redemption flexibility: Citi Rewards+
Rating - 3.75/5
What you should know
The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers modest rewards compared to most reward cards on the market, but its unique round-up feature and redemption incentives make it an interesting offer, as does the ability to take advantage of a low intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
No annual fees
High reward potential
Low introductory APR period
Cons:
Intro fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
3% foreign transaction fees
Minimal additional perks or protections
More details
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 2 ThankYou points per dollar at supermarkets and on gas, and 1 ThankYou point per dollar on all other purchases and ThankYou points round up to the nearest increment of 10 on every purchase.
Welcome bonus: 20,000 bonus ThankYou points after spending $1,500 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable rate of 17.74% to 27.74%.
APR: 17.74% to 27.74%
Balance transfer fee: 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other perks and benefits: 10% ThankYou point reward when you redeem ThankYou points, and there are multiple ways to redeem them, including gift cards, travel rewards and paying off certain purchases on your bill as a statement credit.
Compare the best balance transfer cards with 0% introductory APRs
| Card name | Annual fee | Intro APR offer | Ongoing APR | Balance transfer fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect | $0 | 0% introductory APR for 18 months (with an additional 3 month extension when minimum payments are made on-time during the introductory period) on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable ongoing rate of 17.24% to 29.24% | 17.24% to 29.24% variable | $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5% of each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5 | None |
| Citi Simplicity | $0 | 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24%, plus a 0% introductory APR for 21 months on balance transfers, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24% | 18.24% to 28.24% variable | 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) | None |
| Citi Diamond Preferred | $0 | 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable ongoing rate of 17.24% to 27.99%, and a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months, then a variable ongoing rate of of 17.24% to 27.99% | 17.24% to 27.99% variable | $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater | None |
| U.S. Bank Platinum Visa | $0 | 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then an ongoing variable rate of 18.74% to 28.74% | 18.74% to 28.74% variable | 3% of each transfer amount ($5 minimum) | None |
| Citi Double Cash | $0 | 0% introductory APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24% | 18.24% to 28.24% variable | 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) | Unlimited 2% cash back—1% cash back when you make purchase and an additional 1% cash back when you pay for the purchase |
| BankAmericard | $0 | 0% introductory APR for 21 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then a variable ongoing rate of 16.24% to 26.24% | 16.24% to 26.24% variable | 3% ($10 minimum) | None |
| Chase Slate Edge | $0 | 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months, then a variable ongoing rate of 18.74% to 27.49% | 18.74% to 27.49% variable | $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 60 days from account opening, then $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater | None |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards | $0 | 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening, then an variable ongoing rate of 18.24% to 28.24% | 18.24% to 28.24% variable | 3% of each transaction (minimum $10) | 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and an unlimited 1% on all other eligible purchases |
| Citi Rewards+ | $0 | 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a variable ongoing rate of 17.74% to 27.74% | 17.74% - 27.74% variable | 3% introductory fee for each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) | 2 ThankYou points per dollar at supermarkets and on gas, and 1 ThankYou point per dollar on all other purchases and ThankYou points round up to the nearest increment of 10 on every purchase |
Best overall: Wells Fargo Reflect
Card highlights
With the Wells Fargo Reflect credit card, you can enjoy a lengthy 18-month introductory APR period on balance transfers and purchases, with the potential to extend the promotional period by 3 months if all payments are made on time. After this promotional offer expires, you'll be subject to a variable ongoing rate of 17.24% to 29.24%.
The card's introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) for 120 days from account opening (then up to 5% of each balance transfer with a $5 minimum) makes it a relatively affordable option among balance transfer cards.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers cardholders a smaller variety of benefits relative to many rewards cards, but the benefits include cell phone protection, access to my Wells Fargo Deals for discounts and money-saving offers, zero liability protection and a credit monitoring tool. While none of these benefits will likely draw anyone away from a rewards card, they may still offer convenience for those using the card primarily as the balance transfer card it is.
Best for those likely to make late payments: Citi Simplicity
Card highlights
We never recommend anyone ever make a late payment, as it will negatively impact your credit but this card is a worthy option when mistakes do happen. Although it doesn't offer rewards or a welcome bonus, the card's introductory APR on balance transfers makes it one of many attractive balance transfer options from Citi.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers numerous convenience features, such as no late fees or penalty fees, automatic account alerts, and contactless payment via tap-and-go technology—however, it lacks rewards. While this card also gives the ability to select your own payment due date, provides Mastercard ID theft protection, and offers a $0 liability on unauthorized charges and 24/7 customer service, the primary benefit of the card remains its introductory APR on balance transfers.
Best long intro APR period plus choose your own due date: Citi Diamond Preferred
Card highlights
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card's lengthy low introductory APR and "choose-your-own-due-date" offer makes it an attractive option for balance transfers, but be aware that there is a high balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is greater). Choosing your own payment due date can help you time your payments to when it’s most convenient for you, whether that’s the first of the month, on payday or another date of your choosing. Before applying for this card, carefully calculate if doing a balance transfer will actually save you money.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: As with other Citi cards, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card allows you to select your payment due date. Access to the Citi Entertainment program adds extra value with exclusive events and experiences. You can also use the card with digital wallets for convenient online or in-store payments and tap your card with contactless pay for quick transactions without swiping or inserting.
However, none of these benefits match up to the major benefits of competing cards, and this card is best used for its introductory APRs, especially its lengthy introductory balance transfer APR period.
Best for 0% APR balance transfers plus cell phone insurance: U.S. Bank Platinum Visa
Card highlights
The lengthy introductory APR period and the card's cell phone protection benefit make it a worthy contender on our list of the best 0% introductory APR balance transfer cards.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 2% fee on foreign transactions made in U.S. dollars and 3% fee on foreign transactions made in foreign currencies.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The U.S. Bank Platinum Visa offers cardholders a variety of benefits, including cell phone protection and convenience and security benefits. The cell phone protection covers up to $600 for damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular bill with the card. Convenience benefits include autopay and the ability to choose your own due date. Security benefits include ID Navigator powered by Norton LifeLock, which provides 24/7 monitoring of your personal information and alerts in case of suspicious activity.
Best for earning rewards: Citi Double Cash Card
Card highlights
With its lengthy introductory APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent option for those looking to finance a large purchase or consolidate debt. But this card's ongoing rewards program offers great value that extends beyond the length of the introductory APRs.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn an unlimited 2% cash back—1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% cash back when you pay for the purchase.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: Like many cards with a 0% APR offer, the Citi® Double Cash Credit Card offers attractive rewards giving it staying power long beyond the introductory APR offer. Other convenience benefits include Mastercard ID theft protection and $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
Best for a long introductory APR period: BankAmericard
Card highlights
The BankAmericard credit card offers an extra-lengthy introductory period for both purchases and balance transfers and its fees overall are competitive with the lowest on this list. Its benefits beyond the intro period, however, are few. Like most of the cards on our list, it doesn't offer rewards.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: The BankAmericard offers no penalty APR, credit education resources, access to a monthly FICO score, and a $0 liability guarantee. In addition, it also offers Balance Connect for overdraft protection of associated Bank of America Accounts as well as digital wallet capabilities and contactless chip technology.
Best for valuable benefits: Chase Slate Edge
Card highlights
The Chase Slate Edge earns its place on our list with its highly-competitive introductory APR, but seals its spot with the extra benefits: Discounts on DashPass and Instacart+ membership, APR reduction program, and a variety of other perks Chase cards are known for make this card an appealing option. It also provides the most travel and purchase protections of any card on this list, but we'd still recommend using a different card for travel since this card doesn’t earn any rewards on travel spending.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: After making on-time payments and spending $500 in the first six months with your new Chase Slate Edge card, you can become eligible for an automatic review for a higher credit limit. The potential to lower your APR by up to 2% each year is incentivized by on-time payments and at least $1,000 in spending on the card by each account anniversary, down to a minimum APR of 16.74%. Cardholders also receive auto rental collision damage waiver, three months of DashPass membership followed by 50% off DashPass for an additional nine months, three months of Instacart+ membership, My Chase Plan financing options, access to Chase Offers, purchase protection and extended warranty protection as well as zero liability protection.
Best for welcome bonus potential: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Card highlights
With choose-your-own bonus rewards and a hefty welcome bonus, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a good card long past its use as a balance transfer card. The flexible reward redemptions are nice, too, but it's still best utilized by those who also bank with Bank of America for increased reward potential via the bank’s Preferred Rewards program and other convenience perks.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and an unlimited 1% on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers Bank of America Preferred Rewards members an opportunity to earn up to 75% more cashback with each purchase, but these bonus rewards are subject to minimum deposit requirements. The card offers an automatic redemption option which allows customers to see earned rewards deposited directly into a Bank of America savings or checking account. The card also offers convenience benefits, too.
Best for redemption flexibility: Citi Rewards+
Card highlights
The Citi Rewards+® Credit Card offers modest rewards compared to most reward cards, but earning rewards help it stand out on this list. Its redemption bonuses offer a nice incentive to redeem points, but its introductory APR remains one of its hallmark features.
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar at supermarkets and on gas, and 1 ThankYou point per dollar on all other purchases and ThankYou points round up to the nearest increment of 10 on every purchase.
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus ThankYou points after spending $1,500 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Other benefits and drawbacks: Each time you redeem ThankYou points with the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card, you also receive an extra 10% value from the rewards—and your points never expire. The card also provides access to digital wallets, 24/7 customer service, and Citi Entertainment.
Best balance transfer credit cards with 0% APR of 2023
Introductory APR offers on balance transfers provide customers trying to climb out of debt a stepping stone to manage it more effectively. The 0% interest period means your payment will go entirely toward knocking out the principal rather than being siphoned off to pay interest fees.
Balance transfer cards with a 0% intro APR offer allow consumers to transfer high-interest balances from other credit cards to a new card with a 0% APR for a certain period of time—typically somewhere between 6 and 21 months. This can be an effective way to save money on interest payments and could be a good option for those who are trying to pay off debt but need some additional time.
The potential catch with a balance transfer offer is that the best offers are typically reserved for those with good to excellent credit, which may put some of the longest offers out of reach for those who may need the break on interest the most.
While considering the best balance transfer credit cards with 0% introductory APRs, it's important to remember that the zero won’t last forever and the card’s regular ongoing interest rate will apply on any balances remaining at the end of the intro period. Additionally, a balance transfer fee will likely apply to any balance you move from another card, so you'll want to do the math to make sure you’ll actually save money overall by doing a balance transfer.
What is a 0% APR balance transfer?
A 0% introductory APR balance transfer card is a type of credit card that offers a no-interest-during-the-period promotion for a specific period of time—usually 6 to 21 months. During this time, users must still make minimum payments and should be careful to have a plan to pay off the entire balance before the introductory offer expires.
Balances transferred to a card will still be subject to a balance transfer fee, so it's important to ensure moving the balance isn't more expensive than the cost to simply carry it on your existing card while you pay it down. Balance transfer fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the amount being transferred. A balance transfer can be a great way to save money on interest payments and pay off your debt without the added pressure of rapidly-accruing interest, but it's important to remember interest will begin to accrue again at the end of the intro 0% APR period.
Pros and cons of a 0% balance transfer card
The main benefit of a 0% balance transfer card is the potential to save money on interest payments during the promotional period. Major caveats exist, however. Balance transfer cards typically come with a balance transfer fee, and the 0% APR may not apply to additional purchases made on the card. It’s also important to make sure you pay off your balance before any introductory APR period ends or you may be left with a high-interest balance once again.
Credit cards in general typically offer extremely high ongoing APRs, and balance transfer cards are no different. Despite many of the best balance transfer cards with 0% APR not offering rewards or many other perks, the ongoing APRs of cards on this list skew quite high and are generally not a good choice for long-term use.
What to look for in a 0% balance transfer credit card
When considering a 0% balance transfer credit card, look for one that offers a long enough 0% APR period to give you enough time to pay off your balance. You should also consider a card with a low balance transfer fee, as every extra dollar you pay to transfer a balance reduces the value of your overall savings on interest. Finally, when comparing cards, think about if the card offers any useful benefits beyond the introductory APR period, like rewards or other perks that make it a card you’d still want to use. Be sure to read the fine print and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of any card before applying.
Best alternatives to a 0% balance transfer card
If a 0% balance transfer card isn’t an option for you, there are still ways to save money if your looking for a helping hand to pay down high-interest credit card debt. A personal loan or a home equity loan may be a good option for those who need to consolidate debt without using a balance transfer card. Credit counseling services can help you develop a plan to pay off your debt in a more manageable way if you're still feeling stuck. Ultimately, the best option will depend on your individual needs and situation.
Methodology
Sound Dollar’s credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We considered the annual fees, the length of the promotional APR on balance transfers, the amount of the balance transfer fees, and the value of any additional benefits outside of the low intro period.