Balance Transfer Calculator
Enter your current card balance, its APR, and the new card offer to find out whether a balance transfer saves you money. The calculator shows the transfer fee, total interest on each card, net savings, and the monthly payment you need to clear the debt before the promotional period ends. A month-by-month schedule and a side-by-side cost visual update as you type.
How a balance transfer works
A balance transfer moves debt from one or more existing credit cards to a new card, usually one offering a promotional 0% APR for a set period. During that window, every dollar of your monthly payment goes toward principal rather than interest, which can dramatically cut the total cost of carrying the debt. The catch is the transfer fee, typically 3% to 5% of the amount moved. The calculator compares two scenarios side by side: staying on your current card at your current APR, and transferring to the new card. Net savings is the interest you avoid minus the fee you pay.
When a balance transfer makes financial sense
A balance transfer is most valuable when: (1) your current APR is high (above roughly 18%), (2) the promotional period is long enough for you to pay off the bulk of the balance, and (3) you can qualify for the new card. Run the numbers carefully. A 5% fee on a $6,000 balance is $300 upfront. If you only save $250 in interest because the promo period is short or you cannot afford the monthly payment, the transfer costs you money. The required monthly payment field tells you exactly what you need to pay each month to reach a zero balance before the promotional rate expires.
The required monthly payment and why it matters
Once you know the transferred amount (balance plus fee), divide it by the number of promotional months if the promo APR is 0%: that is your break-even payment. At any APR above 0%, the formula is slightly higher due to compounding, and this calculator uses the standard annuity formula to get the precise figure. If your budget allows only a smaller payment, the balance at promo end field shows exactly how much will remain when the higher regular APR kicks in, and the month-by-month schedule lets you track both cards to the month they hit zero.
Avoiding common balance transfer mistakes
Do not use the transfer card for new purchases: most issuers apply payments to the promotional balance first, so new purchases can sit accruing interest at the regular rate. Cancel or freeze new spending on the card once the transfer is complete. Watch for a minimum payment trap: always paying only the minimum keeps the balance alive well past the promo period. Finally, a hard credit inquiry when you apply can dip your score by a few points, so only apply if the net savings justify it.
Typical balance transfer card terms
| Promo APR | Promo period | Transfer fee | Post-promo APR | Credit required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 21 months | 3% | 19.99-29.99% | Good to Excellent (670+) |
| 0% | 18 months | 3% | 20.24-29.99% | Good to Excellent (670+) |
| 0% | 15 months | 3% | 19.24-29.99% | Good (670+) |
| 0% | 12 months | 5% | 17.99-27.99% | Fair to Good (640+) |
| 5.99% | 24 months | 0% | 13.99-23.99% | Excellent (720+) |
Representative terms as of mid-2026. Actual offers vary by issuer and applicant creditworthiness.
Frequently asked questions
What is a balance transfer fee and how much is it?
A balance transfer fee is a one-time charge for moving your balance to a new card, expressed as a percentage of the transferred amount. Most cards charge 3% to 5%, so transferring $5,000 at 3% costs $150. The fee is added to your new card balance on day one. A handful of cards occasionally offer a $0 or limited-time fee waiver, but those come with shorter promotional periods.
Does a balance transfer hurt my credit score?
Applying for a new card triggers a hard inquiry, which can reduce your score by a few points temporarily. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age. On the other hand, paying down your old card reduces your credit utilization ratio, which can raise your score over time. For most people the net effect is neutral to slightly positive once the balance starts falling.
What happens to my remaining balance after the promotional period ends?
Any balance still on the card when the promotional period ends starts accruing interest at the regular post-promotional APR, which is often 20% to 30%. That is why the "balance at promo end" and "required monthly payment" outputs are the most important numbers to watch. If you cannot pay off the balance in time, consider whether the remaining interest cost still beats staying on your original card.
Can I transfer a balance from multiple cards?
Yes. Most issuers allow you to transfer from several cards up to the new card credit limit. Add all the balances together and enter the total in the balance field. The transfer fee applies to the combined amount. Make sure the new card limit is large enough to cover the total plus the fee.
Is there a minimum credit score required for a balance transfer card?
The best 0% promotional offers generally require good to excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 670 or above. Cards aimed at fair credit (640 to 669) tend to have shorter promotional windows or lower credit limits. Check your score before applying so you can target cards you are likely to qualify for without multiple hard inquiries.
Should I close my old card after the transfer?
Usually no. Closing an old card reduces your total available credit and raises your overall utilization ratio, which can lower your score. Keep the old card open with a $0 balance if there is no annual fee, or use it lightly and pay in full each month. The exception is if having the card open tempts you to run up new debt.