A 0% balance transfer card can eliminate interest while you pay down debt — but the math only works if you use it correctly. Here's exactly how each card compares.
Side-by-side comparison
| Card | 0% Intro Period | Transfer Fee | Regular APR After | Credit Needed | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Slate Edge | 0% for 18 months | 3% transfer fee | 19.99%–29.99% | Good (670+) | Apply now → |
| Citi Simplicity | No late fees | 3% transfer fee | 18.99%–29.99% | Good (670+) | Apply now → |
| BankAmericard | No annual fee | 3% transfer fee | 15.99%–25.99% | Good (670+) | Apply now → |
| NerdWallet | Compare all cards | Varies | Varies | Any | Compare cards → |
NoSlaveToDebt may receive compensation from card issuers. Balance transfer offers change frequently — verify terms on the card issuer's website before applying.
Card details
One of the most competitive intro offers available. Pair with the avalanche method to eliminate high-interest debt before the rate resets.
Apply now →No late fees and no penalty APR — a rare combination. Strong choice if you're worried about missing a payment during the payoff period.
Apply now →No annual fee and a competitive regular APR after the intro period. Best value if you already have a Bank of America relationship.
Apply now →Compare every current 0% balance transfer offer side by side — intro periods, transfer fees, regular APR, and credit requirements.
Compare all cards →The math
A worked example: $5,400 balance at 24.99% APR, transferred to a 0% card with a 3% fee for 18 months.
| Without transfer | With transfer (0% for 18 mo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance | $5,400 | $5,400 + $162 fee = $5,562 |
| Interest over 18 months | ~$1,827 | $0 |
| Transfer fee | $0 | $162 (3%) |
| Net cost | $1,827 in interest | $162 (fee only) |
| Net savings | — | ~$1,665 |
| Required monthly payment | ~$300/mo | $309/mo (to pay off in 18 mo) |
Run the math on your own balance → Use the Balance Transfer Savings Calculator
Watch out
FAQ
Most 0% balance transfer offers require a 670+ credit score ("good" credit). The best offers — longest 0% periods and lowest transfer fees — typically require 720+. Check your score before applying. A hard inquiry drops your score 5–10 points temporarily.
A balance transfer affects your score in two ways: (1) the hard inquiry from applying drops it 5–10 points temporarily, and (2) opening a new card increases your total available credit, which can improve your credit utilization ratio and help your score long-term. Paying off the transferred balance on time helps significantly.
The remaining balance starts accruing interest at the card's regular APR — typically 19–29%. There is no deferred interest (that's a medical credit card trap). You only pay going forward on the remaining balance. To avoid this, calculate the required monthly payment before transferring: divide (balance + transfer fee) by the number of promo months.
No — balance transfers must cross issuers. You can't transfer a Chase balance to another Chase card. Chase to Citi, Citi to Discover, etc. Check issuer eligibility before applying. This is one of the most common balance transfer mistakes.
NoSlaveToDebt may receive compensation from card issuers listed on this page. Balance transfer offers change frequently — verify all terms directly with the card issuer before applying.
Not sure a transfer card is right for you? Compare balance transfer vs. personal loan — which works better for your situation.
Compare Options →Don't qualify for a transfer card? See all debt relief options — NFCC counseling, settlement, and DIY payoff compared honestly.
Debt Relief Options →Wondering if consolidating is even the right move? See debt consolidation vs. payoff strategy — when it wins and when paying it down directly beats it.
Consolidation vs. Payoff →After you transfer, how aggressively should you pay? See the minimum vs. extra payment math — what each extra dollar saves and why the promo deadline matters.
Minimum vs. Extra →Card chosen — now which payoff strategy? See snowball vs. avalanche compared — which is right when you have multiple debts to clear.
Snowball vs. Avalanche →Ramsey opposes balance transfers — is he right? See Dave Ramsey vs. avalanche — the honest case for and against his no-credit-card stance.
Ramsey vs. Avalanche →Once you pick a card, see your payoff plan. Use the credit card payoff calculator— enter your balance and rate to see exactly when you'll be debt-free.
Credit Card Calculator →Don't qualify for a 0% card? A personal loan may get you a lower rate. See the personal loan payoff calculator — run your balance and rate to compare.
Personal Loan Calculator →Carrying medical bills alongside credit card debt? See the medical debt guide — most bills are 0% and negotiable, so they rarely need a balance transfer.
Medical Debt Guide →Want to model exactly how much a 0% transfer saves you? Download the free debt payoff spreadsheet — enter your balance, current rate, and transfer fee to see the total interest savings.
Get Spreadsheet →Want to see how balance transfers worked for real people? Read real debt payoff stories — how others used 0% cards and other strategies to get to zero.
Read Stories →Card chosen — now see your payoff date at 0% interest. Use the free debt payoff calculator— enter your transferred balance and new rate to map out exactly when you'll be done.
Try the Calculator →Want deeper guides on using balance transfers effectively? Browse the debt payoff blog — strategy breakdowns on consolidation, payoff methods, and making the most of a 0% period.
Read the Blog →Credit card applications check your DTI alongside your credit score. Use the free DTI calculator — see your current ratio and whether a new card improves or strains your debt load.
DTI Calculator →Eliminating credit card interest is one of the fastest ways to grow your net worth. Track your progress with the net worth calculator — see assets minus liabilities improve as the balance drops to zero.
Net Worth Calculator →Before you apply, run the numbers on your specific balance. Use the balance transfer calculator — enter your balance, transfer fee, and payoff timeline to see exactly what you save.
Balance Transfer Calculator →