
Balance Transfer Credit Cards - Reviews
A balance transfer credit card is ideal for avoiding interest while you pay down credit card debt. Many credit cards offer 0% APR balance transfers for an introductory period of time – generally 12 to 18 months – upon sign-up.
By moving a balance from a high-interest credit card to a balance transfer credit card, you can pay off debt faster and gain control of your finances. Along with this tremendous perk, many balance transfer credit cards offer added incentives like welcome offers and rewards programs. Some even include new purchases in your 0% intro APR period as well.
Our CreditCards.com experts rated the best balance transfer credit cards for 2021 based on several factors: length of the 0% intro APR period on transfers and purchases, sign-up bonuses, balance transfer and account fees, penalty APRs and rewards program benefits. In our balance transfer credit card reviews below, you can compare intro introductory APR offers, check out welcome offers, explore rewards programs and find expert insights to help you spot the best fit.

RBFCU CashBack Rewards card
Last reviewed: November 15, 2023
Though the introductory period for balance transfers on the RBFCU CashBack card only lasts 12 months, cardholders who can afford to pay it off in that time can save some money on the transfer thanks to the card’s lack of a balance transfer fee.

The Ultimate Cash Back card from Santander Bank
Last reviewed: November 15, 2023
The introductory period for balance transfers on the Santander Ultimate Cash Back Mastercard is short, though you can save money on your transfer thanks to the card’s lack of a balance transfer fee.

Mastercard® Black Card™
Last reviewed: April 7, 2025
With a $495 annual fee, the Mastercard Black Card is one of the priciest cards in its class, and comes with travel benefits that don’t hold up to other luxury cards.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Last reviewed: April 7, 2025
While it doesn’t carry the most generous balance transfer offer, the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards card is one of the few travel rewards cards that can help you chip away at debt.

HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card
Last reviewed: December 29, 2022
The HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard offers a long introductory period for balance transfers and new purchases, but its balance transfer fee is on the high side. This offer is no longer available on our site.

PNC Premier Traveler Visa Signature credit card
Last reviewed: June 4, 2024
With its high annual fee and relatively short 12-month introductory period, the PNC Premier Traveler card is not your best option for transferring a balance. However, if you manage to pay down your balance in the first year before the fees and interest rates kick in, you’ll have a very good travel rewards card.

M&T Visa credit card with rewards
Last reviewed: March 5, 2021
The M&T Visa card charges a lower APR than most rewards credit cards, but the benefits it offers are modest and the above balance transfer fee it charges could cut into cardholders’ savings.

HSBC Platinum Mastercard with rewards
Last reviewed: September 10, 2020
This low earnings rewards credit card charges a pricey fee for transferring a balance and only gives cardholders 12 months to take advantage of its interest-free promotion. This offer is no longer available on our site.