Credit cards

Balance transfer cards explained

What happens when you move a balance to another card, and how to work out whether it is worth it.

Last reviewed: November 2026 · Educational information, not financial advice.

Key points

A balance transfer moves debt from one credit card to another, often at a low introductory rate.
Card companies can charge a balance transfer fee even when the introductory rate is very low.
When the introductory period ends, the regular APR applies to whatever balance is left.
New purchases on the card may start accruing interest right away.

How a balance transfer works

You open, or already have, a card that accepts balance transfers, and ask the issuer to pay off a balance on another card. The debt then lives on the new card. If the new card has a lower introductory rate, more of each payment goes toward the balance instead of interest during that period.

The costs to check

Item	What to look for
Balance transfer fee	Usually a percentage of the amount transferred, added to your balance. It can apply even on a very low introductory rate.
Introductory period	How many months the low rate lasts, and whether it applies only to transfers made within a certain window.
Regular APR	The rate that applies to the remaining balance after the introductory period.
Purchase APR	New purchases may not get the introductory rate and may accrue interest immediately.
Late payments	Paying more than 60 days late can let the issuer raise the rate on your balances.

Is it worth it?

Do the math: add the transfer fee to the interest you expect to pay during and after the introductory period, and compare it with what you would pay by keeping the balance where it is. A transfer tends to help most when you can pay off most or all of the balance before the introductory rate ends, and when you stop adding new charges to the old card.

A simple plan

Divide the balance plus the fee by the number of introductory months. That is roughly what you need to pay each month.
Set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Avoid new purchases on the transfer card unless you understand the purchase APR.
Note the date the introductory rate ends.

Remember: the issuer decides whether to approve you and sets your credit limit, which also limits how much you can transfer.

Comparing credit cards?

Choose Credit card on Zelphina to see partner offers. Each issuer sets its own approval criteria and terms.

Explore options on Zelphina