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.
U.S. Bank Cash 365 American Express Card
Last reviewed: September 10, 2020
The U.S. Bank Cash 365 card’s introductory period for balance transfers is on the short side and the regular APR is high, though cardholders may enjoy the card’s high rate of cash back on every purchase if they can manage to pay down their balance. This offer is no longer available on our site.
Mastercard® Black Card™
Last reviewed: April 9, 2024
The Mastercard Black Card’s introductory period for balance transfers is long; however, the $495 annual fee on this luxury card is probably beyond the means of the average cardholder.
Regions Prestige Visa Signature credit card
Last reviewed: November 17, 2020
The introductory period for balance transfers on the Regions Prestige Visa Signature card is too short and the 4 percent fee for balance transfers is higher than average.
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.
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Last reviewed: May 2, 2024
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.
Regions Visa Signature Premium credit card
Last reviewed: September 10, 2020
The Regions Visa Signature Premium card is a poor choice for a balance transfer: The balance transfer period is too short, the fee for balance transfers is high and the $125 annual membership fee is through the roof.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa Signature credit card
Last reviewed: February 7, 2023
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.
M&T Visa credit card
Last reviewed: May 8, 2020
The balance transfer period on the M&T Visa card is relatively short and it charges a higher-than-average balance transfer fee.
Mastercard® Titanium Card™
Last reviewed: May 2, 2024
The Mastercard Titanium Card offers a long introductory period for balance transfers and a reasonable regular APR, though most cardholders may be hard-pressed to afford the card’s $195 annual fee.