The best credit card with no balance transfer fee is the ESL Visa® Credit Card because it gives you a year to pay off your balance transfer interest-free and has a low ongoing APR of 12.75% - 17.99% variable APR.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Intro Balance Transfer APR | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Membership requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESL Visa® Credit Card*
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on ESL Federal Credit Union's secure site |
0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 12.75% - 17.99% variable APR | Live in certain New York state counties and meet other eligibility requirements (e.g. affiliation with George Eastman Museum). See full requirements. |
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on ESL Federal Credit Union's secure site |
|
Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card*
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on Hudson Valley Credit Union's secure site |
0% for 12 months on balance transfers | 16.50%-18.00% APR | Live, volunteer, attend school, work, or worship in eligible locations. See full requirements. |
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on Hudson Valley Credit Union's secure site |
|
BECU Visa Credit Card*
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on Boeing Employee's Credit Union's secure site |
0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 14.24% to 25.24% variable | Live in an eligible location, employees of BECU, Boeing and members of partner associations. See full requirements. |
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on Boeing Employee's Credit Union's secure site |
|
Kinecta MyPower Credit Card*
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on Kinecta Federal Credit Union's secure site |
5.99% Introductory APR for a period of 18 billing cycles | 13.24%-18.00% Variable | Anyone can apply for a card. See full requirements. |
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on Kinecta Federal Credit Union's secure site |
|
Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card*
|
0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening | 11.49% to 18.00% (variable) | Personal or family ties to the armed forces, DoD or National Guard. See full requirements. | ||
PSECU Visa® Classic*
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on PSECU's secure site |
4.9% until Dec. 31, 2025 on balance transfers | 12.90% Variable | Live with or are related to a PSECU member, affiliation with certain Pennsylvania colleges, universities, employers and partner organizations. See full requirements. |
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on PSECU's secure site |
|
PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa*
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on PFFCU's secure site |
0% for 9 months | 14.4% to 18.00% variable | Work as police officer, firefighter or for select employee groups and also residents of specific Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties. See full requirements. |
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on PFFCU's secure site |
|
OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards*
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on OnPoint Community Credit Union's secure site |
4.99% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 17.25%-27.75% Variable | Live or work in an eligible location or are related to someone who is eligible for membership. See full requirements/a>. |
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on OnPoint Community Credit Union's secure site |
|
BethPage Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card*
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on Bethpage Federal Credit Union's secure site |
2.99%-4.99% for the first 12 months on balance transfers | 12.90%-18.00% Variable | Anyone can apply for a card. See full requirements. |
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on Bethpage Federal Credit Union's secure site |
|
Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card*
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0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening | 19.49%–29.49% Variable | Edward Jones customers | ||
CEFCU World Mastercard*
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on CEFCU's secure site |
1.99% APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 14.75% to 24.25% APR | Live or work in an eligible location, employees of CEFCU or partner companies, related to or live with someone who meets eligibility requirements or spouse of a member who passed away. See full requirements. |
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on CEFCU's secure site |
|
CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard*
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on CEFCU's secure site |
1.99% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers | 15.75%-25.25% Variable | Live or work in an eligible location, employees of CEFCU or partner companies, related to or live with someone who meets eligibility requirements or spouse of a member who passed away. See full requirements. |
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on CEFCU's secure site |
|
CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard*
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on CEFCU's secure site |
1.99% for 12 months on balance transfers | 14.75%-24.25% APR | Live or work in an eligible location, employees of CEFCU or partner companies, related to or live with someone who meets eligibility requirements or spouse of a member who passed away. See full requirements. |
Learn More
on CEFCU's secure site |
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 12.75% - 17.99% variable APR applies
The ESL Visa® Credit Card is low on fees and high on savings. You won’t have to pay balance transfer, annual or cash advance fees. Plus, you’ll have a year to pay off your balance transfer before being subject to a low ongoing 12.75% - 17.99% variable APR.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% for 12 months on balance transfers then a Variable 16.50%-18.00% APR applies
While the Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer rewards or perks, it does offer an intro APR of 0% for 12 months on balance transfers. After that, there’s a low ongoing variable 16.50%-18.00% APR. So if you can’t pay off your card before the interest-free period ends, you won’t be stuck paying high interest rates on your remaining balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% Intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 14.24% to 25.24% variable APR applies
The BECU Visa Credit Card gives you a year to pay off your balance transfer before paying a cent of interest, after which any remaining balance will be subject to a 14.24% to 25.24% variable APR. Plus, there are several ways to qualify for membership even if you don’t live in Washington, Oregon or Idaho.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Balance transfer APR: 5.99% Introductory APR for a period of 18 billing cycles, then a 13.24%-18.00% Variable APR applies
Unlike many of the cards on this list, the Kinecta MyPower Credit Card is accessible to anyone in the U.S. It doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers, but the intro APR of 5.99% Introductory APR for a period of 18 billing cycles will help you save on high-interest credit card debt. Once the introductory period ends, you’ll be subject to a low ongoing 13.24%-18.00% Variable APR on any remaining balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening then a 11.49% to 18.00% (variable) APR applies
If you have ties to the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense or National Guard, you should consider the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. You’ll have a hard time finding a card with lower introductory and ongoing interest rates for your balance transfer. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making the card an excellent choice if you’re traveling abroad.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer rate: 4.9% until Dec. 31, 2025 on balance transfers, then a 12.90% Variable APR applies
The PSECU Visa® Classic is a solid choice for Pennsylvania residents who are looking for a no-fee balance transfer card with low rates. Plus you can qualify for a credit line of up to $30,000, making this card potentially a great choice for those who need to transfer a large balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% for 9 months then a 14.4% to 18.00% variable APR applies
In addition to offering an interest-free period on balance transfers, the PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa allows you to earn rewards points on every purchase. The card’s low ongoing 14.4% to 18.00% variable APR on balance transfers will make it less expensive to pay off any remaining balance after the introductory period ends.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 4.99% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 17.25%-27.75% Variable APR applies
If you live in an eligible location, the OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards provides the opportunity to get a low intro APR on balance transfers. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back on every purchase — a rate that’s competitive with some of our favorite cash back credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 2.99%-4.99% for the first 12 months on balance transfers then a 12.90%-18.00% Variable APR applies
The BethPage Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card is one of the few cards on this list that is available to consumers nationwide. It offers a low intro APR on balance transfers as well as a low ongoing APR once the promotional period ends. It also has the potential to be a great option if you need a high credit limit, since you can qualify for a credit line of up to $35,000.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles for balances transferred within 60 days from account opening then a 19.49%–29.49% Variable Variable APR applies
The Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card is a solid choice if you’re a business owner who’s planning to transfer a balance in the first 60 days opening your account. Along with an interest-free period on balance transfers, you’ll get a 0% introductory fee for balances transferred within the first 60 days; after that, 3% of each transferred amount, $5 minimum. Plus, the card offers rewards and valuable perks like travel accident insurance and global emergency services.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 1.99% APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a Variable 14.75% to 24.25% APR applies
The CEFCU World Mastercard may be ideal if you plan to travel after paying off your transferred debt. In addition to its intro APR offers, you’ll get elevated rewards on travel purchases, including fuel, dining and hotels. You’ll also enjoy a handful of travel perks, like concierge service and special offers from Mastercard.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR:1.99% introductory APR for 12 months on balance transfers then a 15.75%-25.25% Variable APR applies
The CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard offers an intro APR on balance transfers for a year before the ongoing 15.75%-25.25% Variable APR kicks in. It’s a card worth having even after you pay off your balance — you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 1.99% for 12 months on balance transfers then a Variable 14.75%-24.25% APR applies
The CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard is a fair choice if you’re looking to transfer your high-interest debt to a card with a low interest rate. Plus you’ll earn rewards on every purchase.
The best no-fee balance transfer credit cards are issued by credit unions, which require membership for all cardholders. Becoming a member can be tricky if you don’t live near a particular credit union or work for a qualifying organization, like the military or an affiliated company. That said, here are some workarounds you can try:
The following balance transfer credit cards are worth considering despite charging balance transfer fees. In general, they’re easier to qualify for because they’re issued by national banks rather than credit unions. They also provide longer 0% interest introductory periods, which could help you save thousands on interest payments if you’re able to pay off your balance before the intro period ends. Plus, many of them offer rewards, making them valuable long after you’ve paid off your balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro APR of 0% intro apr for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% - 28.49% (variable).
Potential savings: $1,162
You’ll have a hard time finding a better cash back balance transfer card than the Citi Double Cash® Card. In addition to its long intro APR on balance transfers, it earns a high rate of cash back. You earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro APR of 0% intro apr for 21 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% - 29.24% (variable).
Potential savings: $1,180
The Citi Simplicity® Card offers an exceptionally long intro APR of 0% intro apr for 21 months on balance transfers, followed by a 18.49% - 29.24% (variable) APR. It doesn’t assess late fees or a penalty APR if you pay your bill late. This can be a huge relief if you accidentally miss your bill due date (though we recommend always paying your bill on time).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 15.74% - 25.74% Variable APR.
Potential savings: $1,164
The BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students is our top balance transfer credit card for students who want to consolidate debt. You’ll have over a year to pay off your balance transfer interest-free before paying a 15.74% - 25.74% Variable APR. Plus, you’ll have ongoing access to your credit score and other educational tools, so you can learn how to manage your finances responsibly.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then 18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on balance transfers.
Potential savings: $1,162
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card has a long introductory offer on balance transfers and purchases. Plus, it’s worth keeping around after you pay off your balance transfer — thanks to the unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days Then, a 18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR on balance transfers applies
Potential savings: $1,162
Like the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you more than a year to pay off your balance transfer interest-free. It also lets you earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice. 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases. 1% cash back on all other purchases. .
Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% introductory APR periods on balance transfers ranging from 6 to 21 months. This means that every penny of your monthly payments will go toward your balance during the promotional interest-free period. The best cards for balance transfers help you save money by waiving balance transfer fees (typically 3% to 5% of the amount of each transfer) or offering long interest-free introductory periods to pay off your balance.
There are limitations to consider. You can’t transfer balances between cards from the same credit card company, or issuer. For example, you can’t transfer a balance from one Citi card to another Citi card. You’ll also need to make your transfer within a set time limit in order to take advantage of the promotional interest rate. This time limit is called a balance transfer window, and it’s typically 60 days from the date you open your account.
A balance transfer fee is exactly what it sounds like — a fee you pay every time you transfer a balance to a new card. Balance transfer fees are typically 3% or 5% of the amount of each transfer (with a minimum fee of either $5 or $10).
When you transfer an existing balance to a card that charges a balance transfer fee, the fee will be added to your balance at the time of the transfer. So instead of paying the balance transfer fee upfront, you can pay it off over time as you pay down your transferred balance.
The balance transfer fee will reduce the amount you’re allowed to transfer. For example, let’s say you’re approved to transfer a maximum of $5,000 to a card with a 3% balance transfer fee. The balance transfer fee of $150 ($5,000 x 3% = $150) will lower the amount you can transfer to $4,850 ($5,000 – $150 = $4,850).
The main benefit of a no-balance transfer fee credit card is that you’ll save money by avoiding the balance transfer fee. These fees generally range from 3% to 5%, which means you would save between $180 and $300 on a $6,000 balance.
A card with no balance transfer fee can often save you more than transferring to a card with a longer intro period, especially considering that the ongoing interest rates on these cards also tend to be lower. As you can see in the comparison table below, the no-balance transfer fee card has a lower overall cost for transferring and paying down a balance compared to the card with a longer 0% APR.
| Card A (balance transfer fee) | Card B (0% transfer fee) | |
|---|---|---|
| Intro APR | 0% for 21 months | 0% for 12 months |
| Regular APR | 22% | 14% |
| BT fee | 3% | 0% |
| Cost to transfer $6,000 balance | $180 | $0 |
| Interest paid ($300 monthly payment) | $0 | $137 |
| Overall cost | $180 | $137 |
Calculating how much a balance transfer fee will cost you is pretty straightforward. Simply multiply the amount you plan to transfer by the balance transfer fee. For example, if you want to transfer a $10,000 balance to a card that charges a 5% balance transfer fee, the fee will equal $500 ($10,000 x 5% = $500).
As mentioned earlier, the balance transfer fee will be subtracted from the initial amount you’re allowed to transfer — reducing that amount to $9,500 ($10,000 – $500 = $9,500).
There are a few things to look for when it comes to choosing a balance transfer credit card. In addition to choosing a card with no or a low balance transfer fee, you’ll also want to make a plan to pay off the total amount of the transfer within the promotional period. You’ll be charged interest on any balance remaining after the promotional period ends.
| A no-balance transfer fee credit card is a good choice if: | A no-balance transfer fee credit card is a bad choice if: |
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After you’re approved for a balance transfer credit card, you’ll need to initiate the transfer online or by phone with the new credit card company. Be ready to provide information about the account where you currently owe a balance, including:
You should remain current on your existing credit card payments until you receive confirmation that your transfer has been completed. It may take up to three weeks for your balance to transfer.
To avoid paying interest on your balance transfer, you’ll need a credit card that offers a long 0% APR introductory period on balance transfers. Generally, you will find longer introductory offers with cards that charge a balance transfer fee. If you’re transferring a large balance, the money you’ll save on interest payments will offset the balance transfer fee if you’re able to pay off the card before the introductory period ends.
Major banks like Chase and Bank of America don’t offer balance transfer credit cards with no transfer fees. Most no-fee balance transfer credit cards come from credit unions, which may be available regionally or have restrictions to qualify.
Depending on the issuer, a balance transfer can take several weeks to process. With Chase balance transfers, for example, most transfers are processed within one week; however, they may take up to 21 days. Similarly, the typical American Express balance transfer takes five to seven days, though some can take up to six weeks.
When you apply for a new balance transfer credit card, a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report. This will lower your credit score by a few points and will remain on your credit report for two years, although the negative impact will lessen over time.
On the other hand, having more available credit can decrease your total credit utilization ratio, which may improve your credit score. As you make regular on-time payments to pay off your debt, you will likely see your credit score increase over time.
To get a balance transfer credit card that offers free balance transfers, simply find a card and apply. For the best chance of being approved for a credit card, make sure your credit score falls within the card’s recommended credit range.
To bring you our list of best balance transfers cards with no fee, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor data.
Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best balance transfer credit cards. However, your balance transfer needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to transfer and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
The information related to the ESL Visa® Credit Card, Hudson Valley Visa® Platinum Credit Card, BECU Visa Credit Card, Kinecta MyPower Credit Card, Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card, PSECU Visa® Classic, PFFCU Contactless Rewards Visa, OnPoint Signature Visa® with Cash Back Rewards, BethPage Mastercard® Low Rate Credit Card, Edward Jones Business Plus MasterCard Credit Card, CEFCU World Mastercard, CEFCU Cash Back Credit Mastercard, CEFCU Rewards Credit Mastercard, Citi Double Cash® Card, Citi Simplicity® Card, BankAmericard® Credit Card for Students, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Wings Visa Platinum Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Chase Freedom Unlimited® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
