Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards 2026: 0% APR Offers Compared
A balance transfer card lets you move existing credit card debt to a new card with 0% interest for 15 to 21 months. You pay a one-time transfer fee (typically 3% to 5%), then make payments with no interest accumulating. On a $5,000 balance at 25% APR, this saves over $1,100.
How Much Will You Save?
Assumes equal monthly payments of $278/month over 18 months. Actual savings vary.
Interest Savings at Common Balance Levels
| Balance | Current APR | 0% Period | Transfer Fee (3%) | Interest Avoided | Net Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | 25% | 18 months | $90 (3%) | $750 | $660 |
| $5,000 | 25% | 18 months | $150 (3%) | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| $10,000 | 25% | 21 months | $300 (3%) | $2,500+ | $2,200+ |
| $15,000 | 22% | 21 months | $450 (3%) | $3,300+ | $2,850+ |
Best Balance Transfer Cards 2026
| Card | 0% Period | Transfer Fee | Purchases 0% Period | Regular APR | Credit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Diamond Preferred Longest 0% + Low Fee | 21 months | 3% intro (min $5) first 4 months, then 5% | 12 months 0% on purchases | 16.74% - 27.49% | 670+ |
| Citi Simplicity No Late Fees | 18 months | 3% intro (min $5) first 4 months, then 5% | 18 months 0% on purchases | 17.74% - 28.49% | 670+ |
| Wells Fargo Reflect Longest 0% Period | 21 months | 5% (min $5) | 21 months 0% on purchases | 17.74%, 24.24% or 28.49% | 670+ |
| BankAmericard Low Regular APR | 21 billing cycles | 5% | 21 billing cycles 0% on purchases | 15.24% - 26.24% | 670+ |
| Chase Slate Best Chase Option | 21 months | Fee applies (see Chase pricing terms) | 21 months 0% on purchases | 18.49% - 28.49% | 670+ |
| U.S. Bank Shield Visa Tied Longest Period | 21 billing cycles | 5% (min $5) | 21 billing cycles 0% on purchases | 17.24% - 28.24% | 670+ |
Among the longest 0% periods at 21 months on transfers, with the 3% intro fee (first 4 months, then 5%) that makes it cheaper than the flat-5% cards on large balances. Its regular APR also starts lower than most balance transfer cards, which matters if you carry a residual balance after the intro period. Purchases get a shorter 12 months at 0%.
An 18-month 0% period on transfers, three months shorter than the Citi Diamond Preferred, but with no late fees and no penalty APR, which are meaningful protections for people who might miss a payment. It also gives 18 months at 0% on new purchases, against 12 on the Diamond Preferred. The 3% intro transfer fee applies only in the first 4 months, so transfer early. No rewards to complicate things.
Tied for the longest 0% period at 21 months on purchases and transfers (transfers must post within 120 days). The flat 5% transfer fee is higher than the Citi cards' 3% intro fee, so the Citi options usually cost less on large balances. No rewards.
21 billing cycles of 0% on purchases and on transfers made within 60 days, paired with the lowest regular APR in this table. Best choice if you expect to carry a small residual balance after the intro period ends. No penalty APR.
Chase's balance transfer card, reintroduced in 2026 to replace the discontinued Slate Edge, with 21 months at 0% on purchases and transfers. Check the transfer fee in Chase's pricing terms before you apply, and transfer early.
U.S. Bank's current 0% card, replacing the discontinued Visa Platinum. Offers 21 billing cycles of 0% on purchases and on transfers made within 60 days, with a 5% ($5 minimum) transfer fee. Solid option if you already bank with U.S. Bank.
How Balance Transfers Work: Step by Step
Apply for a card with a 0% intro period. You need a 670+ credit score for the best cards. Approval is typically instant online.
Once approved, call or log in to request the transfer. Provide the old card account number and the amount to transfer. Most transfers complete within 5 to 10 business days.
Keep the old account open (closing it hurts your credit score) but do not charge new purchases. Focus on paying down the transferred balance.
To pay off $5,000 in 21 months, pay at least $238/month. Set up autopay for at least the minimum to avoid penalty APR, and pay as much above that as possible.
The regular APR (18-29%) kicks in on any remaining balance after the intro period. Mark the end date in your calendar 3 months in advance as a reminder.