Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help consumers save money on interest payments by allowing them to transfer existing high-interest debt from other credit cards to a new card with a lower or 0% introductory interest rate for a specified period. This can be an effective strategy for consolidating debt and paying it off more efficiently.

These cards typically offer a promotional interest rate for a period ranging from six months to over a year, during which time the transferred balance accrues little to no interest. It's important to note that balance transfer cards often come with a transfer fee, usually a percentage of the amount transferred, although some cards may waive this fee as part of the promotional offer. To maximize the benefits, it's crucial to pay off the transferred balance before the introductory period ends, as any remaining debt will then be subject to the card's regular interest rate, which can be quite high. Additionally, cardholders should avoid making new purchases with the card unless it also offers a 0% purchase APR, as new purchases might not be covered by the promotional rate and could incur interest charges. Careful consideration and timely payments are essential to fully leverage the advantages of balance transfer credit cards.