Drowning in high-interest credit card debt? A balance transfer credit card could be your smartest move this year. By shifting your existing balance to a new card with a 0% APR intro offer, you can pay down debt faster and keep more money in your pocket. Here’s your clear, concise guide to the best balance transfer credit cards for U.S. consumers in 2025-plus what to watch for before you apply.
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer credit card lets you move debt from one or more cards to a new card, often with a 0% APR for a set period. This means you can pay off your balance without racking up more interest, making it easier to get ahead financially.
Why Choose a 0% APR Balance Transfer Card?
- Save on interest: Every dollar goes toward your principal, not interest.
- Simplify payments: Consolidate multiple balances into one monthly bill.
- Get out of debt faster: Take advantage of the interest-free window to pay down your balance.
Not sure if a balance transfer card is what you need? Have a quick scan of other type of cards here.
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Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for 2025
Here are the top picks for U.S. consumers, featuring long 0% APR intro periods, low fees, and no annual fees
| Card Name | 0% Intro APR Period (BT) | Regular APR (Variable) | Balance Transfer Fee | Annual Fee | Rewards | Key Benefits & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 21 months | 17.24% – 28.99% | 5% (min $5) | $0 | None | Extra-long intro APR, $0 annual fee, cell phone protection, large balances |
| 2. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | 21 months | 17.24% – 27.99% | 5% (min $5) | $0 | None | Long intro APR, $0 annual fee, ID Theft Protection, Citi Entertainment access |
| 3. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | 18 months | 18.74% – 29.74% | 3% (min $5) | $0 | None | Long intro APR, no annual fee, free credit score access |
| 4. Citi® Double Cash® Card | 18 months | 18.24% – 28.24% | 3% (min $5) | $0 | 2% cash back (1%/1%) | Earn cash back while paying off debt, long intro APR, no annual fee |
| 5. Discover it® Chrome | 18 months | 18.24% – 27.24% | 3% (intro), then 5% | $0 | 2% at gas/restaurants, 1% | Cash back rewards, no annual fee, solid intro APR |
| 6. Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 15 months | 18.99% – 28.49% | 3% (min $5) | $0 | 1.5%–5% cash back | High rewards on purchases, no annual fee, flexible for BT & new spending |
| 7. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from Amex | 15 months | 20.24% – 29.24% | 3% (min $5) | $0 | 1%–3% cash back | Strong rewards for groceries/gas, no annual fee, valuable after BT is paid off |
🔝 Breakdown of our Picks for Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Here is a detailed breakdown of what we have displayed above. Remember these are cards are geared towards U.S. consumers, featuring long 0% APR intro periods, low fees, and no annual fees;
1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on qualifying balance transfers (must be completed within 120 days).
- Regular APR: 17.24%–28.99% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater.
- Highlights: Extended 0% APR period, no annual fee, and up to $600 in cellphone protection when you pay your bill with the card.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card – Apply Here
2. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Intro APR: 0% for 21 months on balance transfers; 0% for 12 months on purchases.
- Regular APR: 17.24%–27.99% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater.
- Highlights: One of the longest 0% APR periods for balance transfers, making it ideal for large balances.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card – Apply Here
3. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- Intro APR: 0% for 21 billing cycles on balance transfers and purchases.
- Regular APR: 17.74%–28.74% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater.
- Highlights: Extended 0% APR period and the option to set up a fixed monthly payment plan through the ExtendPay feature.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card – Apply Here
4. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Intro APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers.
- Regular APR: 18.24%–28.24% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater, for the first 4 months; 5% thereafter.
- Highlights: Earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), making it a great option for ongoing rewards.
Citi® Double Cash Card – Apply Here
5. Discover it® Chrome (Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards)
- Intro APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers.
- Regular APR: 17.24%–28.24% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 3 transfers; 5% thereafter.
- Highlights: Earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter), and 1% on everything else. Discover also matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year automatically — a valuable first-year bonus with no cap.
Discover it® Chrome – Apply Here
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
- Regular APR: 18.99%–28.49% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 60 days; 5% thereafter.
- Highlights: Earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with higher rates on certain categories. Ideal for those who want to earn rewards while paying down debt.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Apply Here
7. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
- Regular APR: 19.24%–29.99% variable.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 60 days, then 5% (minimum $5).
- Highlights: Earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on other purchases. Includes access to Amex Offers and purchase protection.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express – Apply Here
💡 Tips for Maximizing Your Balance Transfer
- Complete Transfers Promptly: Ensure balance transfers are completed within the introductory period to qualify for the 0% APR.
- Avoid New Purchases: New purchases may not be covered under the 0% APR and could accrue interest immediately.
- Make Consistent Payments: Paying more than the minimum payment can help reduce your balance faster and avoid interest charges once the introductory period ends.
- Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit score and report to ensure there are no errors and to maintain eligibility for future credit opportunities.
What to Watch For – (Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards)
- Balance transfer fees: Usually 3%–5% of the transferred amount.
- Transfer deadlines: Most cards require you to transfer balances within 60–90 days to qualify for the 0% APR.
- Post-intro APR: Make sure you can pay off your balance before the intro period ends, or you’ll face higher interest rates.
Related Options: 0% APR Credit Cards
Some cards also offer 0% APR on new purchases, which can help if you need to finance a big expense while paying down your balance. Always check the terms to see if purchase APR offers align with your needs.
🧠 Related Articles:
- Best Rewards Credit Cards
- Best Secured Credit Cards
- Travel Credit Cards (Best)
- Credit Cards Guide
- “Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Big Purchases in 2025”
- “How to Build Credit with Secured Credit Cards”
- “Balance Transfer vs. Debt Consolidation Loans: Which Is Better for You?”