PickedFinance
Comparison guide

Best balance transfer credit cards

A balance transfer can stop interest on card debt for a while, but almost always costs a fee up front. We read each issuer’s page on Nov 10, 2026 for the 0% length, the transfer fee, the deadline to transfer and the APR that follows.

By PickedFinance Editorial TeamLast updated Rates checked Nov 10, 2026

Advertiser disclosure: links on this page go straight to each issuer’s or insurer’s own site. We don’t earn a commission from any product on this page, and no company paid to be included or to be placed higher. Commissions never affect which products we include or how we order them. How we make money.

How this page was made: it’s built from each provider’s own terms, rate and fee pages and from regulator sources, all listed at the bottom. We haven’t opened these accounts or products to test them, and we don’t give scores. Every rate shows the day we checked it. Our methodology.

Quick answer

Short answer: on Nov 10, 2026, Wells Fargo Reflect had the longest 0% balance transfer period we found, 21 months, with a 5% fee. Citi Simplicity and Citi Double Cash offered 18 months with a 3% fee on transfers made in the first 4 months. A lower fee can beat a longer period if you’ll pay off sooner.

Last updated Rates checked Nov 10, 2026

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (each rate shows the day we checked it on the provider’s page)
PickProductBest forKey terms
Longest 0% periodWells Fargo Reflect® CardThe most time to pay down a large balance0% intro APR (21 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; 5% of each transfer ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026
18 months with a 3% intro fee, no late feesCiti Simplicity® Card18 months at 0% with a lower intro fee and no late fees0% intro APR (18 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026
18 months plus 2% cash back on purchasesCiti Double Cash® CardPaying down a transfer while earning 2% on new spending0% intro APR (18 months, balance transfers only) as of Nov 10, 2026; 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026

For each card we read the issuer’s own terms or card page on Nov 10, 2026. Where an issuer page says a balance transfer fee applies but doesn’t show the amount (Discover, on the page we read), we say so rather than guess. We don’t score cards and every link goes straight to the issuer.

The CFPB[8][9][10] explains that the transfer fee is “usually a certain percentage of the amount you transfer or a fixed amount, whichever is more,” and that the promotional rate lasts a limited time, after which your rate may rise.

Our picks

0% intro APR (21 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; fee 5% of each transfer ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026.
Visit Wells Fargo (opens in a new tab)
18 months with a 3% intro fee, no late fees
Citi Simplicity® Card
0% intro APR (18 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; fee 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026.
Visit Citi (opens in a new tab)
18 months plus 2% cash back on purchases
Citi Double Cash® Card
0% intro APR (18 months, balance transfers only) as of Nov 10, 2026; fee 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026.
Visit Citi (opens in a new tab)

How do they compare?

Balance transfer terms on issuer pages, Nov 10, 2026
CardIntro APR on transfersTransfer feeAPR after introAnnual fee
Wells Fargo Reflect0% intro APR (21 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 20265% of each transfer ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 202617.74%, 24.24% or 28.49% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026
Citi Simplicity0% intro APR (18 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 20263% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 202617.74%–28.49% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026
Citi Double Cash0% intro APR (18 months, balance transfers only) as of Nov 10, 20263% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 202618.49%–28.74% APR (variable) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026
Discover it Balance Transfer0% intro APR (18 months on balance transfers; 6 months on purchases) as of Nov 10, 2026Applies; amount not shown on the page we read17.74%–26.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026No annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited0% intro APR (first 15 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026$5 or 3% (greater) on transfers within 60 days of opening; then $5 or 5% as of Nov 10, 202618.49%–27.99% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026
Wells Fargo Active Cash0% intro APR (12 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026$5 or 3% (greater) for 120 days; then up to 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 202618.74%, 24.74% or 28.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026
Amex Blue Cash Everyday0% intro APR (6 to 18 months depending on creditworthiness, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026$5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater as of Nov 10, 202619.74%–28.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026$0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026

The picks in detail

Longest 0% period

1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Best for: The most time to pay down a large balance

Wells Fargo’s Reflect terms (Nov 10, 2026) show 0% intro APR (21 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026 for balance transfers requested within 120 days of opening, then 17.74%, 24.24% or 28.49% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026. The transfer fee is 5% of each transfer ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026, higher than the 3% intro fees elsewhere. $0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026; 3% foreign transaction fee as of Nov 10, 2026. We didn’t see a welcome bonus on the page.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (21 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; 5% of each transfer ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026 Wells Fargo terms

Pros

  • 21 months at 0% on purchases and transfers
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • 5% transfer fee
  • Transfers must be requested within 120 days
  • No rewards shown on the terms page
Visit Wells Fargo (opens in a new tab)
18 months with a 3% intro fee, no late fees

2. Citi Simplicity® Card

Best for: 18 months at 0% with a lower intro fee and no late fees

Citi’s card page (Pricing Details, Nov 10, 2026) shows 0% intro APR (18 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026, then 17.74%–28.49% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026. Transfers completed in the first 4 months cost 3% ($5 minimum); after that, 5%. Citi also lists “no late fees,” “no penalty rate” and $0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026. Citi’s separate terms page wouldn’t load for us.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (18 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026 Citi terms

Pros

  • 18 months at 0% on purchases and transfers
  • No late fees and no penalty rate
  • 3% intro transfer fee

Cons

  • No rewards program shown
  • Fee rises to 5% after the first 4 months
Visit Citi (opens in a new tab)
18 months plus 2% cash back on purchases

3. Citi Double Cash® Card

Best for: Paying down a transfer while earning 2% on new spending

Citi shows 0% intro APR (18 months, balance transfers only) as of Nov 10, 2026, then 18.49%–28.74% APR (variable) as of Nov 10, 2026. The fee is 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026. There’s no intro APR on purchases, and Citi says balance transfers don’t earn cash back. Keep in mind the CFPB’s[8][9][10] warning: if you make new purchases on the card carrying a transferred balance, you may lose the grace period on those purchases.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (18 months, balance transfers only) as of Nov 10, 2026; 3% ($5 min) within the first 4 months; then 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026 Citi terms

Pros

  • 18 months at 0% on transfers
  • 2% cash back on purchases

Cons

  • No 0% period on purchases
  • 3% foreign purchase fee
Visit Citi (opens in a new tab)
Best for 18 months on transfers with Discover’s rewards

4. Discover it® Balance Transfer

Best for: 18 months on transfers with Discover’s rewards

Discover’s page (Nov 10, 2026) shows 0% intro APR (18 months on balance transfers; 6 months on purchases) as of Nov 10, 2026, then 17.74%–26.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026, with no annual fee. It says a balance transfer fee applies, but the amount wasn’t on the page we read, so we can’t compare it here. Check the rates and fees on the application before transferring.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (18 months on balance transfers; 6 months on purchases) as of Nov 10, 2026 Discover terms

Pros

  • 18 months at 0% on transfers
  • Lowest top-end ongoing APR on this page (26.74%)

Cons

  • Only 6 months at 0% on purchases
  • Transfer fee amount not shown on the page we read
Visit Discover (opens in a new tab)
Best for A 15-month window on a card you’ll keep for rewards

5. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for: A 15-month window on a card you’ll keep for rewards

Chase’s pricing page shows 0% intro APR (first 15 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026, then 18.49%–27.99% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026. The transfer fee is $5 or 3% (greater) on transfers within 60 days of opening; then $5 or 5% as of Nov 10, 2026. The card earns 1.5% to 5% cash back with $0 annual fee as of Nov 10, 2026.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (first 15 months, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; $5 or 3% (greater) on transfers within 60 days of opening; then $5 or 5% as of Nov 10, 2026 Chase terms

Pros

  • Good rewards after the intro period
  • 3% intro fee

Cons

  • Shorter 0% period than Reflect or Citi
  • Only 60 days to get the 3% fee
Visit Chase (opens in a new tab)
Best for A shorter transfer on a 2% card

6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for: A shorter transfer on a 2% card

Wells Fargo’s terms show 0% intro APR (12 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026 for transfers requested within 120 days, then 18.74%, 24.74% or 28.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026; the fee is $5 or 3% (greater) for 120 days; then up to 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (12 months, purchases and qualifying balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; $5 or 3% (greater) for 120 days; then up to 5% ($5 min) as of Nov 10, 2026 Wells Fargo terms

Pros

  • 3% intro fee for 120 days
  • 2% cash rewards on purchases

Cons

  • Only 12 months at 0%
Visit Wells Fargo (opens in a new tab)
Best for A possible long window, if your credit qualifies

7. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Best for: A possible long window, if your credit qualifies

Amex’s terms show 0% intro APR (6 to 18 months depending on creditworthiness, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026, then 19.74%–28.74% APR (variable, after the intro period) as of Nov 10, 2026, for transfers requested within 60 days. The length (6 to 18 months) is set by your creditworthiness, so you won’t know it until you’re approved. Fee: $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater as of Nov 10, 2026.

Key terms: 0% intro APR (6 to 18 months depending on creditworthiness, purchases and balance transfers) as of Nov 10, 2026; $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater as of Nov 10, 2026 American Express terms

Pros

  • 3% fee
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Intro length isn’t known until approval
  • 60-day transfer deadline
Visit American Express (opens in a new tab)

Does the fee pay for itself?

The fee is charged once, up front. On a $5,000 transfer, a 3% fee is $150 and a 5% fee is $250. Compare that with the interest you’re paying now. If your current card charges 25% APR and you’d pay the balance off within a year, the interest you avoid is usually far larger than the fee. If you’ll pay it off in a few months either way, the cheaper fee matters more than the longer period.

Divide the balance plus fee by the number of 0% months to get the monthly payment that clears it before the rate jumps.

Rules that protect intro rates

The CFPB[8][9][10] says an introductory rate must stay in effect for at least six months unless you are more than 60 days late on a payment, and the issuer must tell you how long it lasts and what rate applies afterward. Paying more than 60 days late can let the issuer raise the rate on all balances, including the transferred balance.

Who should skip this

  • You’ll keep adding new charges. Transfers only help if the balance goes down; the CFPB[8][9][10] warns that new purchases on the same card may not get a grace period.
  • The balance is small or nearly paid off. A 3% to 5% fee may cost more than the interest you’d save.
  • Your credit was hurt by the debt. The CFPB notes you probably won’t get low rates on balance transfers if debt problems have affected your credit score. A nonprofit credit counselor may be a better first call.

Frequently asked questions

Which card has the longest 0% balance transfer?
Of the cards we checked on Nov 10, 2026, Wells Fargo Reflect had the longest: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers requested within 120 days, with a 5% fee ($5 minimum).
Can a card charge a balance transfer fee on a 0% offer?
Yes. The CFPB[8][9][10] says a credit card company is permitted to charge a balance transfer fee on a zero percent offer, and the fee is usually a percentage or a fixed amount, whichever is more.
How soon do I have to transfer?
It varies. On the terms we read Nov 10, 2026: Wells Fargo Reflect and Active Cash require transfers to be requested within 120 days; Amex Blue Cash Everyday within 60 days; Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 3% fee applies to transfers within 60 days; and Citi’s 3% fee applies to transfers completed in the first 4 months.
What happens when the 0% period ends?
Any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the card’s regular variable APR, shown in the table above as the APR after intro.
Do you earn money if I apply?
No. Links on this page go directly to issuers with no affiliate tracking.

Sources

Every source below was opened and read for this page (rates last checked Nov 10, 2026). Providers’ own pages are labeled with the provider’s name; regulator pages are labeled with the agency. Rates and terms change often, so confirm on the provider’s site before you apply.

  1. Wells Fargo: Reflect terms (wellsfargo.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  2. Citi: Simplicity card page (Pricing Details) (citi.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  3. Citi: Double Cash card page (Pricing Details) (citi.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  4. Discover: Discover it Balance Transfer card page (discover.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  5. Chase: Freedom Unlimited pricing & terms (sites.chase.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  6. Wells Fargo: Active Cash terms (wellsfargo.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  7. American Express: Blue Cash Everyday rates & fees (americanexpress.com, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  8. CFPB: Credit cards key terms (consumerfinance.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  9. CFPB: What do I need to know about consolidating my credit card debt? (consumerfinance.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  10. CFPB: How long can I keep a low rate on a balance transfer or other introductory rate? (consumerfinance.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)
  11. CFPB: What is a balance transfer fee? (consumerfinance.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)
best of

Best 0% intro APR credit cards

A 0% intro APR on purchases lets you spread a big expense over months without interest, as long as you pay it off before the intro period ends. We read each issuer’s page on Nov 10, 2026.

best of

Best credit cards

There’s no single best credit card. Start with what you need it for: cash back, travel, an interest-free period or building credit. Each pick below links to a full comparison, and every figure is dated and taken from the issuer’s own page.

guide

APR vs APY: what’s the difference?

APY (annual percentage yield) tells you what you’ll earn on savings, including compounding. APR (annual percentage rate) tells you what borrowing costs per year. Compare savings by APY and loans or cards by APR, never one against the other.