If you’re struggling with credit card debt, you’re not alone. With sky-high interest rates, paying off your balance can feel like a never-ending battle. But what if you could hit pause on interest and make real progress toward becoming debt free?
That’s exactly what the best balance transfer credit cards can do. By moving your existing credit card debt to a new card with a 0% introductory APR, you can focus on paying off what you owe without interest slowing you down.
How a balance transfer card works
A balance transfer credit card allows you to shift your existing credit card debt onto a new card with a temporary 0% interest rate — often for periods of 12 to 21 months. That means every dollar you pay goes directly toward your debt, not toward interest charges.
Here’s how to use one of these cards effectively:
- Find the right card: Look for a balance transfer card with a long 0% APR period and low (or no) transfer fees.
- Transfer your debt: Move your balance from your high-interest credit card to the new one.
- Pay aggressively: Divide your total balance by the number of interest-free months and aim to pay that amount each month.
- Stay disciplined: Avoid making new purchases on the card. Your goal is to pay off your balance before the 0% period ends.
Start getting out of debt today. Check out our list of the best balance transfer credit cards to potentially save thousands of dollars in interest payments.
Why it works so well
The average credit card interest rate is currently 24.21%, making it tough to chip away at your balance. But with a balance transfer card, you can:
- Pay off debt faster: Every payment goes toward your balance, not interest.
- Save hundreds (or thousands) in interest: Even a few months of 0% interest can make a huge difference.
- Simplify your payments: Moving multiple balances onto one card can make managing your debt easier.
What to watch out for
While balance transfer cards can be a game-changer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Balance transfer fees: Some cards charge a 3%-5% fee on the amount you transfer. Make sure the savings outweigh the cost.
- The 0% period is temporary: Once it expires, a regular APR kicks in. Aim to pay off your balance before that happens.
- New purchases may accrue interest: Some cards only offer 0% APR on balance transfers, not new spending.
Is a balance transfer card right for you?
If you have high-interest credit card debt and a good credit score (typically 670 or higher), a balance transfer card is one of the smartest ways to get out of debt faster and cheaper.
But the key is using it wisely. Don’t treat a new line of credit as an excuse to spend more. If you stick to your payoff plan, you could be debt free by the time your 0% introductory APR period ends.
