Balance Transfer Calculator
See if a 0% APR balance transfer will actually save you money.
Your current debt
The credit card balance you want to transfer
Balance transfer offer
Details from the new card you're considering
Usually 0%
Usually 3-5%
Check the fine print — it's often higher than your current card
Your payoff plan
How much can you pay monthly?
To pay off during promo period:
/month for months
You won't pay off during the promo period
At /month, you'll have left when the % APR kicks in. Consider increasing your payment to /month.
Keep current card
Balance transfer
The math
Balance transfer tips
Mark your calendar
Set a reminder for when the promo ends. Don't get surprised by the rate jump.
Don't use the new card
New purchases usually don't get the 0% rate. Keep it just for the transfer.
Transfer quickly
Most offers require transfer within 60-90 days of opening the account.
How balance transfers work
A balance transfer moves debt from a high-interest card to one with a promotional low (often 0%) APR. This can save significant money on interest — but only if you do the math first.
The key question
Will you pay off the balance before the promo ends? If not, the post-promo APR (often 20%+) might eat up your savings.
When balance transfers make sense
- You can pay off the balance during the promo period
- The transfer fee is less than the interest you'd pay
- You won't add new debt to either card
- Your credit score is good enough to qualify for 0% offers
Watch out for
- Transfer fees — Usually 3-5% of the balance
- Promo expiration — Rates jump dramatically after
- New purchases — Often charged at regular APR immediately
- Late payments — Can void the promo rate