Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards — October 2026

A balance transfer card lets you move debt to a card with 0% intro APR — up to 21 months. That can save you hundreds in interest. Watch the transfer fee (usually 3–5%).

By Financialist · October 17, 2026

Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Fact checked ✓

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A balance transfer card lets you move debt to a card with 0% intro APR — up to 21 months. That can save you hundreds in interest. Watch the transfer fee (usually 3–5%).


1. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card — 4.8/5

Best for: Longest 0% window on transfers

  • Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on balance transfers (complete within 4 months of account opening); 0% for 12 months on purchases
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% intro ($5 minimum)
  • Regular APR: 16.74%–27.49% variable
  • Annual fee: $0

Pros

  • 21 months at 0% is among the longest available
  • Low 3% intro transfer fee
  • Free FICO score access

Cons

  • Earns no rewards
  • Transfers must be completed within 4 months

Apply now


2. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card — 4.8/5

Best for: 0% on both purchases and transfers

  • Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening
  • Balance transfer fee: 5% ($5 minimum)
  • Regular APR: 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% variable
  • Annual fee: $0

Pros

  • 21 months at 0% on purchases too — rare
  • Up to $600 cell phone protection
  • $0 annual fee

Cons

  • 5% transfer fee is higher than Citi's
  • Earns no rewards

Apply now


3. BankAmericard® Credit Card — 4.7/5

Best for: Long 0% with low regular APR

  • Intro APR: 0% for 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days
  • Balance transfer fee: 5%
  • Regular APR: 15.24%–26.24% variable
  • Annual fee: $0

Pros

  • 21 billing cycles at 0%
  • Lower starting regular APR than most
  • $0 annual fee

Cons

  • 5% balance transfer fee
  • Transfers only qualify in the first 60 days
  • No rewards

Apply now


4. Citi Double Cash® Card — 4.5/5

Best for: Balance transfer plus ongoing cash back

  • Intro APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% intro ($5 minimum), then 5%
  • Regular APR: 18.49%–28.74% variable
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Rewards: Up to 2% cash back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)

Pros

  • 18 months at 0% plus real cash back rewards
  • $0 annual fee
  • Keeps earning after the debt is gone

Cons

  • Shorter 0% window than the top picks
  • Must pay your bill to earn the full 2%

Apply now


5. Chase Slate® — 4.4/5

Best for: Chase customers

  • Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on balance transfers (check current terms)
  • Balance transfer fee: Check current fee
  • Annual fee: $0

Pros

  • Long 0% window
  • Free credit score and dashboard tools
  • Good if you already bank with Chase

Cons

  • Terms change — verify the current offer
  • No rewards

Apply now


How we picked these

We ranked cards on the length of the 0% intro APR, balance transfer fees, regular APR, and annual fees. Terms change — always check the issuer's site. A balance transfer doesn't erase debt; have a payoff plan for when the intro period ends.

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Guides are for general information, not personalized financial advice.