What cards offer both no balance transfer fee and 0% APR
Most cards that waive the balance transfer fee still charge interest after the promotional period ends. Cards that combine both — no fee to move a balance and no interest for a set number of months — are less common but do exist. The trade-off is usually a higher regular APR once the 0% period expires, or an annual fee.
The cards most likely to offer this combination are from major issuers like Chase, Citi, American Express, and Discover. They typically market these offers to people with good to excellent credit (usually 670 FICO or higher). The 0% period usually runs 6 to 21 months depending on the card, and the balance transfer fee, when waived, is normally 0% of the amount transferred instead of the standard 3% to 5%.
Because these offers change frequently and vary by your credit profile, the best approach is to check the current terms directly on the issuer's website or use a card comparison tool that shows real-time offer details. Your actual offer may differ from the advertised one based on your credit history and income.
Key Takeaways
- Cards offering both 0% APR and no balance transfer fee typically require good to excellent credit and may charge an annual fee or higher ongoing APR.
- The 0% period usually lasts 6 to 21 months, and you must transfer the balance during that window to lock in the rate.
- You can transfer a balance from another card, a store card, or sometimes a personal loan, but the card issuer sets the maximum transfer amount.
- Interest still accrues on new purchases made after the transfer unless the card also offers 0% on purchases, so use the card only to pay down the transferred balance.
- Once the promotional period ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance, so a payoff plan before that date is essential.
How the balance transfer and 0% period work together
When you transfer a balance to a card with both offers, the issuer waives the fee (saving you 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) and charges 0% interest on that transferred amount for the promotional period. During that time, every payment you make goes directly toward reducing the principal, not toward interest.
The 0% period applies only to the transferred balance, not to new purchases. If you use the card to buy something after the transfer, that purchase usually carries the regular APR when ready, even if the transferred balance is still in the 0% window. This is why these cards work best as a temporary debt-payoff tool, not as an everyday spending card.
The promotional period begins on the date the transfer posts to your account, not the date you request it. Transfers typically take 3 to 7 business days, so plan accordingly if you are trying to move a balance before a important date.
Which issuers currently offer this combination
Chase, Citi, American Express, and Discover have offered cards with both 0% balance transfer APR and waived or reduced balance transfer fees in recent years. Chase Freedom cards and Citi Simplicity cards have historically featured these terms. American Express Blue Cash cards sometimes include them. Discover It cards occasionally run promotions with both benefits.
The specific terms — the length of the 0% period, whether the fee is fully waived or reduced, and any annual fee — change several times per year. An offer available this month may be replaced by a different one next month. The issuer's website shows the current offer for your credit profile when you start the process, so that is the most reliable source.
Regional banks and credit unions sometimes offer balance transfer deals as well, though they are less widely advertised. If you have a relationship with a local bank or credit union, it is worth asking whether they have a balance transfer offer available.
Steps to transfer a balance to a new card
First, identify the card you want to transfer to and confirm the current offer includes both 0% APR and no balance transfer fee. Check the terms for the length of the promotional period and any limits on how much you can transfer.
Open the new card account. You will need to provide personal information, income, and authorization for a credit check. The issuer will tell you your credit limit and whether you are approved for the full amount you want to transfer.
Once the account is open, log into the card's online portal or call the customer service number on the back of the card. Look for a "balance transfer" or "transfer a balance" option. You will need the account number of the card you are transferring from, the amount to transfer, and the name and address of that card's issuer.
Submit the transfer request. The issuer will process it and send the funds to pay off the old card. This usually takes 3 to 7 business days. During this time, continue making at least the minimum payment on the old card to avoid late fees.
Once the transfer posts, verify the balance appears on your new card and the old card shows a zero or near-zero balance. Then focus on paying down the transferred balance before the 0% period ends.
What happens when the 0% period expires
On the day the promotional period ends, the regular APR takes effect on any remaining balance. If you still owe $2,000 and the regular APR is 18%, you will start paying interest on that $2,000 when ready. This is why having a payoff plan before the expiration date is critical.
Some people use a second balance transfer to another 0% card before the first period ends, moving the remaining balance to a new card with another promotional period. This works if you have good credit and can open another account, but each new process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report and lowers your credit score slightly. Doing this repeatedly can damage your credit and make it harder to open new accounts.
If you cannot pay off the balance before the 0% period ends and do not want to transfer again, your best option is to contact the issuer and ask whether they offer a lower-rate balance transfer or personal loan product. Some issuers will work with customers who have made on-time payments during the promotional period.
Comparing this option to other debt payoff strategies
A balance transfer card with no fee and 0% APR is most useful if you have $1,000 to $10,000 in high-interest debt and can pay it off within 12 to 21 months. The math is straightforward: if you owe $5,000 at 20% APR and transfer it to a card with 0% for 18 months, you save roughly $1,500 in interest if you pay it off during that window.
A personal loan from a bank or credit union may be a better option if you need a longer repayment period or have lower credit. Personal loans typically charge 6% to 36% APR depending on your credit, but the rate is fixed for the life of the loan, so you know exactly when you will be debt-free.
A debt consolidation loan bundles multiple debts into one payment, which can simplify your budget. However, these loans usually charge origination fees (1% to 5% of the loan amount) and higher interest rates than balance transfer cards during the promotional period.
If your debt is very large or you cannot pay it off in the promotional window, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you create a debt management plan. These services are usually free or low-cost and do not require a new credit process.
Risks and things to watch for
The biggest risk is not paying off the balance before the 0% period ends. If you transfer $3,000 and only pay $1,000 during the promotional period, the remaining $2,000 will suddenly accrue interest at the regular APR. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for one month before the period expires so you know how much you still owe.
Making a late payment during the promotional period can end the 0% offer early on some cards. Read the terms carefully to see whether a single late payment cancels the promotion or just triggers a penalty APR. Always pay at least the minimum on time, even if you are paying more toward the balance.
Using the card for new purchases during the 0% period is expensive because those purchases carry the regular APR when ready. If you spend $500 on the card while paying down a transferred balance, that $500 is charged interest from day one. Treat the card as a transfer-only tool until the balance is gone.
Closing the card after you pay off the balance can hurt your credit score because it reduces your available credit and shortens your average account age. If the card has no annual fee, consider leaving it open with a zero balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from a store credit card or personal loan?
Yes, most balance transfer cards accept transfers from any credit card, including store cards. Some issuers also allow transfers from personal loans or medical credit lines, though this is less common. Check the card's terms before explore to confirm what types of balances are may be able to access.
What if I do not have good credit?
Cards offering both 0% APR and no balance transfer fee typically require a credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still find cards with one of these benefits but not both. Some issuers offer 0% APR with a balance transfer fee, or a reduced fee with a shorter 0% period. A credit union may also offer better terms if you are a member.
How much can I transfer?
The maximum balance transfer amount is usually 90% to 95% of your credit limit, minus any fees. If you are approved for a $5,000 limit and the balance transfer fee is 0%, you can transfer up to $4,500 or $4,750 depending on the card. The issuer will tell you the maximum when you explore.
Does the balance transfer count toward my credit utilization?
Yes. A $3,000 balance transfer on a $5,000 credit limit uses 60% of your available credit, which can lower your credit score. However, paying down that balance quickly will improve your score over time. The temporary dip is usually worth it if the balance transfer saves you hundreds in interest.
Can I transfer a balance from the same issuer?
Most issuers do not allow you to transfer a balance from another card issued by the same company. For example, you cannot transfer a balance from one Chase card to another Chase card. You must transfer to a card from a different issuer.