When I look up the "best" balance transfer cards, I find a lot of misguided advice that doesn't prioritize balance transfer fees & the APR that follows intro periods. In this article, I wanted to provide information that corrects those common problems while still including some cards with balance transfer fees & high later APRs when they're viable though ruling many of the typically "best" cards out of the equation.
Factors to Consider for "Best"
The Missing Prioritization of Balance Transfer Fees in Many Balance Transfer Articles
The "Best" Personal Balance Transfer Cards w/ No Balance Transfer Fees, 0% APR for 12 months-18 months:
FTF Platinum: 12 month 0% APR, 11.99%-18% APR After Promo, No Annual Fee, & $500-$25k Limit, No SUB, No Cash Advance Fee
Easiest approvals of the 3 cards with First Tech. No signup bonus.
Transfers needed within 90 days
FTF Choice Rewards: 12 month 0% APR, 13.25%-18% APR After Promo, No Annual Fee, & $10k-$35k Limit, $200 SUB Value
FTF Odyssey Rewards: 12 month 0% APR, 11.99%-18% APR After Promo, $75/yr Annual Fee, $25k-$100k Limit, $300 SUB Value
Honorable Mentions with FTC & Additional Information on FTF cards
In Branch 18 Month 0% APR, No Balance Transfer Fee Offer with Slate Edge
Wings Visa Platinum: 12 months 0% APR, No Balance Transfer Fees, 12.9%-18% After Promo Period
Honorable Mention: Navy Federal Platinum Card w No Balance Transfer Fee & 12 months .99% APR on Balance Transfers within 60 days, then 10.74%-18% APR
Honorable Mention: Navy Federal More Rewards Amex Card w No Balance Transfer Fee & 12 months .99% APR on Balance Transfers within 60 days, then 14.9%-18% APR, w/ $400 value SUB after spending $4k within 90 Days
The "Best" Business Balance Transfer Cards w/ No Balance Transfer Fees, 0% APR for 12 months:
Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard®: 0% Intro APR for 1st 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, 0% Balance Transfer Fee for transfers within 60 days, 19.99%-29.99% after promo, $150 SUB
The "Best" Balance Transfer Cards w/ Balance Transfer Fees & Long 0% APR Promo Periods:
BankAmericard® credit card: 0% APR for 21 Billing Cycles, 3% Balance Transfer Fee, 15.99%-25.99% After Promo, No Annual Fee
Citi Simplicity® Card: 0% APR for 21 Months on Balance Transfers, 3% Balance Transfer Fee, 18.99%-29.74% After Promo, No Annual Fee
Wells Fargo Reflect Card: 0% APR for 21 months for Balance Transfers w 5% Balance Transfer Fee, No Annual Fee, 17.99%-29.99% After Promo
The "Best" Balance Transfer Cards for Long-Term Low APRs on Balance Transfers within 1st 90 Days & No Balance Transfer Fees:
These cards all have an APR as low as 9.4% that keeps going for the life of the balance transfer. They're all with NASA Federal Credit Union, & all have no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, no foreign transaction fee, & ability to check for prequalified offer/rate with no hard credit inquiry:
VISA Classic: 12.4%-17.99% APR After Promo, Up to $30k Limit
VISA Platinum Advantage Rewards: 14.40% - 17.99% APR After Promo, up to $30k Limit, 1%? in Points on Charges
VISA Platinum Cash Rewards: 17.99% APR After Promo, up to $30k Limit, 1.5% Cashback on Charges
Best Balance Transfer Cards to Return To:
These are cards where you're looking to do balance transfers on a recurring basis.
Major Caveat: If this is you, you likely need to focus less on credit cards & more on some other things.
Best Cards
Best Balance Transfer Card for Rewards:
Citi Double Cash: 0% APR for 18 Months on Balance Transfers, 3% Intro Balance Transfer Fee, 18.99%-28.99% APR after promo, 2% cashback which can be converted into Citi Thank You Points Effectively
More Rewards Cards
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See Doctor of Credit's Resources
Other Resources I used or at least checked include: