What Chase's 0% balance transfer offer is
Chase offers a 0% introductory rate on balance transfers for a set period — typically 6, 12, or 18 months depending on the card and the current promotion. During this window, you pay no interest on the amount you transfer from another card. After the introductory period ends, the regular purchase and balance transfer rate kicks in, which varies by card and your creditworthiness.
The offer applies only to balances you move from other cards, not to new purchases you make after opening the account. You will also pay a balance transfer fee upfront, usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. This fee is added to your balance and subject to the 0% rate during the promotional period.
Chase offers this promotion on several cards in their lineup. The specific terms — how long the 0% period lasts, what the regular APR will be afterward, and the fee percentage — change based on which card you choose and what promotions are running at the time you open the account.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's 0% balance transfer rate lasts between 6 and 18 months, after which the regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
- You pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, added to your balance when ready.
- The 0% rate covers only the balance you transfer, not new purchases made after you open the card.
- To move money from another card, you will need the account number of the card you are transferring from and the amount you want to move.
- The introductory rate applies only during the promotional period; after it ends, interest accrues on any remaining balance at the card's standard APR.
Which Chase cards offer 0% balance transfers
Chase rotates its balance transfer promotions, so the cards offering 0% terms change throughout the year. Cards that frequently carry this offer include the Chase Slate Edge, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Sapphire Preferred, though the exact terms vary by card and promotion timing.
Before opening a card, check the current offer on Chase's website or call Chase directly at the number on the back of an existing Chase card. The offer details — the length of the 0% period, the balance transfer fee, and any other terms — appear in the offer disclosure before you submit your process.
Not all Chase cards offer 0% balance transfers at all times. If the card you want does not currently have this promotion, you can ask a Chase representative when the next promotion might be available, though they cannot may provide timing.
How to request a balance transfer with Chase
Once your Chase card arrives and is activated, log into your Chase online account or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Balance Transfers" or "Transfers" — the exact name depends on which card you have. Select the option to request a balance transfer.
You will need the account number of the card you are transferring from and the amount you want to move. Enter both, then confirm the transfer. Chase will contact the other card's issuer to pull the balance. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to two weeks.
You can also call the number on the back of your Chase card and speak to a representative who can process the transfer over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions about the fee, the timeline, or whether a specific balance is may be able to access for the 0% rate.
Balance transfer fees and what they cost
Chase charges a balance transfer fee as a percentage of the amount you move. This fee is typically 3% to 5%, depending on the card and promotion. A $5,000 transfer at 4% costs $200, which is added to your balance on day one.
The fee itself is subject to the 0% introductory rate. If you have 12 months at 0%, the $200 fee does not accrue interest during those 12 months. However, if you do not pay off the full balance before the 0% period ends, interest will begin accruing on whatever remains, including the fee portion.
Some Chase cards occasionally offer a 0% balance transfer fee promotion in addition to the 0% rate, meaning you transfer the balance with no upfront cost. These promotions are less common and usually appear on premium cards. Check the offer details before you explore to see if a fee waiver is included.
What happens when the 0% period ends
When your introductory period expires, the regular APR for balance transfers applies to any remaining balance. This rate is not fixed; it depends on your credit score, payment history, and the card's terms. Chase will notify you in writing before the 0% period ends, telling you what the new rate will be.
If you still owe money when the rate changes, interest begins accruing on the next billing cycle. For example, if you have a $3,000 balance remaining and the new APR is 18%, you will owe roughly $45 in interest that month (the exact amount depends on your daily balance and billing cycle).
To avoid paying interest after the promotional period, aim to pay off the entire transferred balance before the 0% rate expires. If you cannot, consider whether you can transfer the remaining balance to another 0% card, though you will pay another balance transfer fee to do so.
How the 0% rate affects new purchases
The 0% introductory rate applies only to balances you transfer from other cards. Any new purchases you make after opening the Chase card are subject to the regular purchase APR, which is typically higher than the balance transfer rate and may not have an introductory period at all.
This means if you transfer $5,000 at 0% and then charge $1,000 in new purchases, the $5,000 is interest-free for the promotional period, but the $1,000 begins accruing interest when ready at the card's standard purchase rate. Keep these two balances separate in your mind when you are planning your payoff strategy.
Some Chase cards offer a separate 0% introductory rate on new purchases as well, but this is a different promotion and must be listed separately in the offer terms. Always read the full disclosure to understand whether new purchases are covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a different Chase card?
Yes, you can transfer a balance between Chase cards. However, you cannot transfer a balance from a card to itself. You will still pay the balance transfer fee and receive the same 0% introductory rate as you would transferring from another bank's card.
What if my balance transfer is denied?
Chase may deny a balance transfer request if the amount exceeds your credit limit, if the card you are transferring from is closed or in default, or if there are fraud concerns. If your transfer is denied, call Chase to learn the specific reason. You may be able to request a lower amount or resolve the issue and try again.
Does the balance transfer count toward my credit limit?
Yes. A $5,000 balance transfer uses $5,000 of your available credit. If your credit limit is $10,000, you will have $5,000 left to use for new purchases. The balance transfer fee is also counted against your limit.
Can I make payments during the 0% period?
Yes, and you should. Payments reduce your balance and lower the amount of interest you will owe after the 0% period ends. Chase will explore your payment to the transferred balance first, then to new purchases. Make payments as large as you can afford to pay off the transfer before the promotional rate expires.
What is the regular APR after the 0% period ends?
The APR after the introductory period varies by card and your creditworthiness. Chase will disclose the range — for example, 16% to 25% — before you open the account. Your specific rate within that range depends on your credit score and history. Chase will tell you the exact rate before the 0% period ends.