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.