When my now-husband and I purchased our residence, we anticipated making a couple of updates — new flooring, a recent coat of paint, redoing our major lavatory and including some new lighting fixtures.
However in the event you’ve ever renovated a home, you understand how rapidly one challenge turns into 5. In our case, our small listing turned a virtually full rework as soon as we uncovered hidden points: leaky home windows, tile layered on high of extra tile and a harmful jumble {of electrical} wires.
At current, I truly love being a home-owner, however in the event you had requested me about it through the rework, I could have had a distinct reply.
In fact, renovating and upgrading our residence meant our financial savings had been dwindling quickly, so we turned to bank cards to maintain tasks shifting alongside. This manner, we might guarantee the house we had been already paying a mortgage on was move-in prepared.
That is the place steadiness switch bank cards saved us.
We consolidated all of our miscellaneous purchases and cut up the balances between two bank cards to deal with paying them off inside the designated introductory annual share fee, or APR, intervals.
It wasn’t all the time simple, however this saved us from paying a cent of curiosity (extra on that in a bit).
So, in the event you’re staring down a high-interest steadiness or making an attempt to catch your breath after an enormous surprising expense, a steadiness switch card can provide the respiration room you want.
The most effective steadiness switch bank cards
Day by day E-newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day e-newsletter
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists
The knowledge for the Uncover it Money Again card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Evaluating the most effective steadiness switch bank cards
Listed below are TPG’s high suggestions for the most effective steadiness switch bank cards.
| Card | Greatest for | Welcome provide | Incomes charges | Annual payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Diamond Most well-liked Card | Stability transfers | Introductory 0% APR provide on purchases for 12 months from the date or account opening and 21 months for steadiness transfers from the date of the primary switch (should switch inside 4 months of account opening, $5 or 5% steadiness switch payment). After the introductory interval, a variable APR of 17.24%-27.99% will apply, primarily based in your creditworthiness. |
|
$0 |
| Wells Fargo Replicate Card | Financing bank card debt | 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying steadiness transfers for 21 months from account opening. After the introductory interval, a variable APR of 17.24%, 23.74% or 28.99% will apply, primarily based in your creditworthiness. Stability transfers made inside 120 days qualify for the introductory fee and a 5% or $5 minimal payment. |
|
$0 |
| Citi Double Money Card | Stability transfers with ongoing easy money again | 0% introductory APR for 18 months on steadiness transfers, adopted by a variable APR of 18.24% to twenty-eight.24% will apply, primarily based on creditworthiness. An introductory steadiness switch payment of three% of every switch (minimal $5) accomplished inside the first 4 months of account opening; after that the payment is 5% of every switch (minimal $5).
The Citi Double Money Card can also be providing $200 money again after you spend $1,500 on purchases inside the first six months from account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Blue Money Most well-liked Card from American Specific | Stability transfers and rewards on fuel and U.S. grocery store purchases | 0% introductory APR on purchases and steadiness transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, adopted by a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24% (see charges and charges).
New cardholders can even earn a $250 assertion credit score after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases inside the first six months of card membership. |
Money again is acquired within the type of Reward {Dollars} that may be redeemed as an announcement credit score or at Amazon.com checkout. |
$0 introductory annual payment, then $95 (see charges and charges) |
| Financial institution of America Custom-made Money Rewards bank card | Most well-liked Rewards members | 0% introductory APR to your first 15 billing cycles for purchases and any steadiness transfers made inside the first 60 days from account opening. After the introductory APR provide ends, a variable APR of 18.24% to twenty-eight.24% will apply primarily based in your creditworthiness. A steadiness switch payment of three% will apply for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
New cardholders can even earn a $200 money rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases inside the first 90 days from account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Blue Money On a regular basis Card from American Specific | Newbie money again and 0% APR on purchases and steadiness transfers | 0% introductory APR on purchases and steadiness transfers for 15 months, then a 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR (see charges and charges).
Moreover, earn a $200 assertion credit score after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. |
Money again is acquired within the type of Reward {Dollars} that may be redeemed as an announcement credit score or at Amazon.com checkout. |
$0 (see charges and charges) |
| Uncover it Money Again | Stability transfers with bonus year-one rewards | 0% introductory APR for 15 months from the date of account opening for brand new purchases or steadiness transfers that put up to your account by July 10, 2025. After the introductory APR expires, your APR shall be 18.24% to 27.24% primarily based in your creditworthiness.
This card may even match all of the money again earned throughout the brand new account’s first 12 consecutive billing intervals. |
|
$0 |
Citi Diamond Most well-liked Card
Welcome provide: New candidates can obtain an introductory 0% APR provide on steadiness transfers for 21 months from the date of the primary switch. Transfers have to be accomplished inside 4 months from account opening. After the introductory interval, a variable APR of 17.24%-27.99% will apply, primarily based in your creditworthiness.
Annual payment: $0.
Standout advantages: The 21-month 0% APR on steadiness transfers on the Citi Diamond Most well-liked offers you an extended runway to repay debt with out curiosity snowballing. It is one of many longest provides accessible, making it an incredible choice when you have a bigger sum to repay. It additionally comes with no annual payment.
Remember that there’s a $5 or 5% steadiness switch payment for every switch, however in the event you use the complete introductory interval properly, the curiosity financial savings can far outweigh the upfront value. You may have 4 months from account opening to finish a steadiness switch.
The Citi Diamond Most well-liked additionally offers you entry to your FICO credit score rating and to Citi Leisure for early ticket gross sales and particular occasions.
Backside line? In case your objective is to get again on observe financially, this card retains issues easy and stress-free.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Citi Diamond Most well-liked Card.
Apply right here: Citi Diamond Most well-liked Card
Wells Fargo Replicate Card
Welcome provide: New candidates can obtain a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying steadiness transfers for 21 months from account opening. After the introductory interval, a variable APR of 17.24%, 23.74% or 28.99% will apply, primarily based in your creditworthiness. Stability transfers made inside 120 days from account opening qualify for the introductory fee.
Annual payment: $0.
This card is a good choice for paying off present debt and financing a significant expense with out curiosity. Whereas the cardboard would not earn rewards or a welcome bonus, it does provide cellphone safety towards injury or theft for as much as $600 once you pay your month-to-month invoice on the cardboard (topic to $25 deductible). You may even have entry to My Wells Fargo Offers for cash-back provides.
Bonus: The Wells Fargo Replicate Card has no annual payment.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Wells Fargo Replicate Card.
Apply right here: Wells Fargo Replicate Card
Citi Double Money Card
Welcome provide: New candidates can obtain a 0% introductory APR for 18 months on steadiness transfers, so long as the switch is accomplished inside 4 months from account opening. After the introductory interval, a variable APR of 18.24% to twenty-eight.24% will apply, primarily based in your creditworthiness. The Citi Double Money Card can also be providing $200 money again after you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months from account opening. This bonus provide shall be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou factors, which could be redeemed for $200 money again.
Annual payment: $0.
This card additionally means that you can convert your money again into Citi ThankYou factors, which opens the door to extra versatile journey redemptions when paired with an eligible Citi card just like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see charges and charges).
The Citi Double Money is a strong choose for many who wish to consolidate debt and earn easy rewards lengthy after their steadiness is paid off.
For the 0% introductory fee to use, you will want to finish your steadiness switch inside 4 months. The steadiness switch payment is barely 3% for the primary 4 months — after that, your payment shall be 5% of every switch ($5 minimal).
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Citi Double Money Card.
Apply right here: Citi Double Money Card
Blue Money Most well-liked Card from American Specific
Welcome provide: Earn a $250 assertion credit score after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases inside the first six months of account opening. This card additionally provides a 0% introductory APR on purchases and steadiness transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, adopted by a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24%.
Annual payment: $0 introductory annual payment for the primary 12 months, then $95 (see charges and charges).
Standout advantages: The Blue Money Most well-liked is a powerhouse for on a regular basis spending, providing 12 months of 0% introductory APR on new purchases and steadiness transfers (then a variable fee of 20.24%-29.24%). A 3% steadiness switch payment will apply.
It shines with standout cash-back charges: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (on as much as $6,000 per 12 months, then 1%), 6% on streaming companies and three% at U.S. fuel stations.
Cardholders can even earn as much as $7 again every month as an announcement credit score (as much as $84 in a calendar 12 months) after spending $9.99 or extra on eligible subscriptions to a Disney Bundle. Enrollment is required; phrases apply.
In the event you plan to earn the welcome bonus, goal to spend $3,000 early and full your steadiness switch inside 60 days to lock within the introductory APR. However do not spend for the sake of spending. Make certain your spending is strategic and crucial.
The steadiness switch have to be requested inside 60 days of account opening for the 0% introductory APR.
I would suggest this card in the event you’re on the lookout for a strong cash-back card for grocery store and fuel purchases as soon as you’ve got paid down your debt.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Blue Money Most well-liked Card from American Specific.
Apply right here: Blue Money Most well-liked Card from American Specific
Financial institution of America Custom-made Money Rewards bank card
Welcome provide: The Custom-made Money Rewards card at present provides a $200 money rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases inside the first 90 days from account opening. This card additionally provides a 0% introductory APR to your first 15 billing cycles for purchases and any steadiness transfers made inside the first 60 days from account opening. After the introductory APR provide ends, a variable APR of 18.24% to twenty-eight.24% will apply primarily based in your creditworthiness.
Annual payment: $0.
I favored the thought of no annual payment and versatile rewards in a class of my selection. Choices embrace fuel, eating, on-line procuring and journey. Cardholders additionally earn 2% at grocery shops and wholesale golf equipment, and 1% on every little thing else, capped at $2,500 per quarter in mixed bonus class spending.
What units this card aside is the Financial institution of America Most well-liked Rewards program — members can increase their earnings by 25% to 75%, turning that 3% into as a lot as 5.25% money again.
As a result of the interval for incomes the welcome bonus and making an eligible steadiness switch is fairly quick, I ended up forgoing the welcome provide to get essentially the most out of the 15 months of my steadiness switch. I additionally favored the three% steadiness switch payment, versus the 5% that different playing cards supplied.
Now that I’ve paid off my steadiness switch, I rotate my customized cash-back classes relying on what I am utilizing my different bank cards for and make the most of BankAmeriDeals cash-back provides.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Financial institution of America Custom-made Money Rewards bank card.
Apply right here: Financial institution of America Custom-made Money Rewards bank card
Blue Money On a regular basis Card from American Specific
Annual payment: $0 (see charges and charges).
Standout advantages: I normally suggest this card to mates who’re simply entering into the bank card rewards recreation or who need a no-fuss card with strong perks. The three% money again at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. fuel stations and on U.S. on-line retail purchases (on as much as $6,000 per class yearly, then 1%) provides up quick, particularly in the event you’re like me and all the time order one thing from Goal or Publix (my native grocery retailer).
Though I did not use this card for a steadiness switch, I take pleasure in having it in my pockets for easy money again with no annual payment. With a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and steadiness transfers, it doubles as a great short-term financing instrument. A 3% steadiness switch payment will apply.
Add in advantages like entry to Amex Provides, a Disney Bundle assertion credit score, House Chef assertion credit score and journey protections, and this card packs shocking worth for no annual payment. Choose advantages require enrollment.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Blue Money On a regular basis Card from American Specific.
Apply right here: Blue Money On a regular basis Card from American Specific
Uncover it Money Again Credit score Card
Welcome provide: As a substitute of a conventional welcome provide, the Uncover it Money Again Credit score Card will match all of the money again earned through the first 12 consecutive billing intervals that the brand new account is open. This card additionally provides a 0% introductory APR for 15 months from the date of account opening for brand new purchases or steadiness transfers that put up to your account by August 10, 2025. After the introductory APR expires, your APR shall be 18.24%- 27.24% primarily based in your creditworthiness.
Annual payment: $0.
Standout advantages: The rotating 5% classes are literally fairly helpful, particularly since I can earn bonus rewards in classes the place I’d usually earn simply 1% (like PayPal and Amazon).
After I was on the lookout for a steadiness switch, I already had this card in my pockets, and seen I had an present provide for 12 months at 0%. Realizing I’d ultimately open a brand new bank card once we had been achieved paying down our debt, deciding on this present provide made sense for me. Which jogs my memory: You’ll want to examine your present playing cards to see when you have any provides already accessible.
For brand new cardholders, the 15-month 0% APR window to scale back an older steadiness is a strong period of time. A 3% steadiness switch payment will apply.
Lengthy-term, this card is nice for incomes 5% on bonus classes each quarter. The one catch? You need to activate the 5% classes earlier than incomes, however Uncover makes it simple with reminders.
For extra particulars, learn our full overview of the Uncover it Money Again Credit score Card.
Study extra: Uncover it Money Again Credit score Card
What to think about when selecting a steadiness switch bank card
There are a number of elements to think about when choosing a steadiness switch card.
I needed to consolidate small balances on a number of playing cards into one or two fundamental accounts. I additionally needed a low steadiness switch payment and not less than 12 months to pay my balances off fully. I did not wish to pay an annual payment, however I did need a card that will serve me long-term in some capability, so ongoing perks mattered.
I additionally needed to be cognizant of what number of new playing cards I would open, as my now-husband and I weren’t married on the time. I knew a marriage ceremony and honeymoon had been on the horizon, and that these occasions can be nice alternatives to money in on playing cards with excessive welcome bonuses, so I additionally thought-about these elements.
Charges and timing
When choosing a steadiness switch card, take into account the introductory APR (you must goal for 0%), the steadiness switch payment (which tends to range between 3% and 5%) and the size of time you will must repay the steadiness switch.
If it’s essential switch the next steadiness, on the lookout for a decrease payment and longer time could also be helpful. All of the playing cards on our listing provide a 0% APR for an introductory interval of 12-21 months.
Keep in mind that in the event you pay the minimal cost every month, you’ll seemingly not repay your steadiness switch in time. As a substitute, you will wish to take your whole, together with the steadiness switch payment, and divide it by the variety of months it’s a must to pay it off.
For instance, in case your whole is $5,525 and you’ve got 12 months to pay it off, you will wish to pay $460.42 month-to-month. In any other case, curiosity will accrue on the remaining steadiness on the variable APR.
Most well-liked rewards
One other issue to think about is how you will use the cardboard after paying off your steadiness switch. If the precedence is extra time, I would counsel foregoing excited about rewards.
In the event you’re extra versatile in how lengthy it’s essential repay your steadiness, take into account a rewards or cash-back program that aligns along with your spending habits.
Whereas these is probably not the first focus in the event you’re seeking to switch debt, some playing cards present perks starting from 1%-6% again on on a regular basis purchases, which might add worth in the event you use the cardboard after transferring your steadiness.
Welcome bonus
Some steadiness switch playing cards provide welcome bonuses to sweeten the deal, however these bonuses usually have a minimal spending requirement inside the first few months of opening the cardboard.
In the event you anticipate spending cash on requirements (like groceries and utility payments) and may afford to hit the minimal spending requirement for the bonus earlier than making the steadiness switch, it will probably assist offset the price of the steadiness switch charges or present future rewards.
That mentioned, if chasing a bonus will push you additional into debt, skip it. When initiating the switch, you will need your card to have a $0 steadiness to maximise the 0% APR window.
Annual payment
Most steadiness switch playing cards — like those on our listing — do not cost an annual payment. The exception is the Amex Blue Money Most well-liked, which waives its payment the primary 12 months and expenses $95 after that. In the event you’re selecting a card with a payment, ensure that its long-term rewards and advantages justify the fee.
Nonetheless, in case your solely objective is to repay a steadiness, stick with a no-fee choice to hold issues easy and inexpensive.
How we selected the most effective steadiness switch bank cards
We rated the most effective playing cards primarily based on introductory APR interval, reimbursement size, switch charges, and added worth like rewards or long-term perks.
To find out about how TPG evaluates and chooses playing cards for our roundups, take a look at our methodology web page.
Redemption choices for steadiness switch bank cards
Stability switch bank cards aren’t usually recognized for flashy redemption perks. In spite of everything, their greatest worth helps you save on curiosity.
In my case, utilizing a steadiness switch card helped my now-husband and me repay our rework in 15 months whereas paying virtually no curiosity. We selected bank cards with a 3% steadiness switch payment, serving to scale back prices the place we might. Had it not been for these two steadiness transfers, we might have seemingly paid a whole lot of {dollars} in curiosity.
Now, I nonetheless use those self same playing cards—my Financial institution of America Custom-made Money Rewards card for customized rotating 3% classes, and my Uncover it for five% bonus classes like Amazon and PayPal.
Backside line
Typically, we find yourself with surprising prices, whether or not or not it’s via a house rework, like me, or an unlucky emergency.
In the event you accumulate high-interest debt, the precise steadiness switch bank card may give you respiration room and provide help to get again on observe.
Choose a card with a 0% introductory APR, know the switch payment, and observe your payoff timeline rigorously. The objective, in spite of everything, is to get it paid off through the 0% introductory window, so skip making the minimal cost and as a substitute divide your whole by the period of time you’ve got been given to make the most of that low APR provide.
In the event you can afford to hit a welcome bonus spending requirement whereas planning your switch, even higher.
As soon as your steadiness is paid, some playing cards can proceed delivering worth, whether or not via rewards, perks or class bonuses.
Simply bear in mind: The actual win is staying debt-free as soon as you’ve got paid issues off.
For charges and charges of the Amex Blue Money Most well-liked, click on right here.
For charges and charges of the Amex Blue Money On a regular basis, click on right here.
