What Chase balance transfer cards offer and how they work
Chase offers several credit cards with balance transfer promotions that let you move debt from another card to a Chase card, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period. The most common Chase cards with balance transfer offers are the Chase Slate Edge, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Sapphire Preferred. Each card has different promotional rates and timeframes — some offer 0% APR for 6 months, others for 12 months or longer, depending on which card you choose and current offers.
When you transfer a balance, Chase pays off the debt on your old card and adds it to your new Chase card. You then make payments to Chase instead of your previous card issuer. The goal is to pay down the transferred balance during the promotional period before the regular APR kicks in. Most Chase balance transfer cards also charge a transfer fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount you move — which gets added to your balance when ready.
The process itself takes 7 to 14 business days from the time you request the transfer until the funds reach your old card issuer. During that time, you should keep making minimum payments on your original card to avoid late fees.
Key Takeaways
- Chase balance transfer cards charge a one-time fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, added to your new balance right away.
- You need an active Chase credit card account before you can request a transfer; you cannot transfer a balance during the process process.
- The promotional 0% APR period lasts anywhere from 6 to 21 months depending on the card, and the regular APR applies after that period ends.
- Transfers take 7 to 14 business days to post, so contact your old card issuer if the transfer does not appear within that window.
- You can transfer balances from any credit card, store card, or line of credit — not just other bank cards.
Which Chase cards offer balance transfer promotions
Chase rotates its balance transfer offers, so the cards available and their terms change throughout the year. As of now, the Chase Slate Edge typically offers one of the longest promotional periods — often 0% APR for up to 21 months on transfers, with a 3% transfer fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred also carry balance transfer offers, though their promotional periods are usually shorter (6 to 12 months) and their transfer fees may differ.
Before you explore for any card, check the current offer on Chase's website or call Chase directly at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the exact terms. The promotional rate, length of the promotion, and transfer fee all depend on the specific offer at the time you open the account. You can also ask a Chase representative whether you are likely to be approved based on your credit profile before you formally explore.
Not every Chase card has a balance transfer offer at all times. If you already have a Chase card, you may be able to request a balance transfer through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card, even if that card does not currently advertise a balance transfer promotion.
Steps to request a balance transfer after you open a Chase card
Once your Chase card arrives and is activated, you can request the balance transfer. You do not need to wait for a statement or for the card to be used — you can initiate a transfer as soon as the account is open. Here is how:
- Log into your Chase online account or mobile app and look for "Balance Transfers" or "Transfers" in the menu.
- Select the Chase card you want to transfer the balance to.
- Enter the name of the card issuer you are transferring from (for example, "Capital One" or "American Express").
- Provide the account number of the card you are paying off.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer. Chase will show you the maximum available based on your credit limit and any promotional limits.
- Confirm the transfer fee (shown as a percentage or dollar amount) and review the promotional APR period.
- Submit the request.
Chase will send the transfer request to your old card issuer within one business day. The funds typically arrive within 7 to 14 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit the request — save this for your records.
What to do while the transfer is processing
After you submit a balance transfer request, your old card account is still active and you still owe the balance to that issuer. Continue making at least the minimum payment on your original card until the transfer posts. If you stop paying and miss a payment, it will damage your credit score even though you have requested a transfer.
Check your original card's online account or call the issuer around day 10 to confirm the transfer has posted. If it has not arrived by day 14, contact Chase customer service at the number on your new card to ask for a status update. Occasionally transfers are delayed due to account number errors or issuer processing delays, and Chase can help troubleshoot.
Once the transfer posts to your old card, that balance will show as paid off or zero. You can then stop using that card, though you may want to keep the account open to preserve your credit history. Do not close the old account when ready after the transfer — closing it can lower your credit score.
Understanding the transfer fee and promotional period
The balance transfer fee is not optional — it applies to every transfer you make, even if you transfer the full amount during the promotional period. If you transfer $5,000 and the fee is 3%, you will owe $5,150 on your new Chase card ($5,000 plus $150 fee). This fee is charged when ready and counts toward your credit limit.
The promotional 0% APR period begins on the date the transfer posts to your Chase account, not the date you request it. If you transfer $5,000 with a 0% APR for 12 months, you have 12 months from the posting date to pay off that $5,150 without interest charges. Any balance remaining after the promotional period ends will be charged the card's regular APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
To avoid interest charges, divide the transferred amount by the number of months in the promotional period and pay at least that much each month. For a $5,150 balance with a 12-month promotion, aim to pay at least $430 per month. Paying more than the minimum will reduce the total interest you owe if any balance remains after the promotion ends.
What happens if the transfer is denied or delayed
Chase may deny a balance transfer request if your credit limit is too low, if you have recently opened the account, or if the transfer amount exceeds Chase's internal limits for that card. If your request is denied, you will see a message in your online account or receive a phone call explaining the reason.
If the denial is due to a low credit limit, you can ask Chase to increase your limit and then resubmit the transfer request. If it is denied because the transfer amount is too high, you can request a smaller transfer and move the remaining balance later. Some cardholders split large balances across multiple transfers or multiple cards to work within these limits.
If your transfer is delayed beyond 14 business days, contact Chase when ready. Provide your confirmation number and ask for a status update. Chase can contact your old card issuer to track down the transfer or resubmit the request if there was an error.
How balance transfers affect your credit score
A balance transfer will temporarily lower your credit score because opening a new card account triggers a hard inquiry and adds a new account to your credit report. However, moving debt from one card to another does not change your total debt — it just moves it around. Your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using) may improve if your new Chase card has a higher credit limit than your old card.
Over time, as you pay down the transferred balance during the promotional period, your credit score should recover and improve. The key is to avoid opening new accounts or taking on new debt while you are paying off the transfer, and to make all payments on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance before my Chase card arrives in the mail?
No. You must set up your physical card or set up your account online before you can request a transfer. However, you can request the transfer as soon as your account is active — you do not need to wait for a statement or use the card first.
What if my old card issuer does not accept the transfer?
This is rare, but it can happen if your account is closed, flagged for fraud, or in collections. If the transfer is rejected, your old card issuer will contact you or Chase will notify you. You can then pay off the old card manually or try transferring a smaller amount.
Can I transfer a balance from a store credit card or a line of credit?
Yes. Chase accepts transfers from most credit cards, store cards, and lines of credit. You will need the account number and the issuer's name. Some limits may explore depending on the type of account.
What if I cannot pay off the balance before the promotional period ends?
Any remaining balance will be charged the card's regular APR after the promotion ends. You can request a new balance transfer to another card (if you may have access to) to extend the 0% period, but you will pay another transfer fee. Alternatively, you can continue paying down the balance at the regular APR.
Do I have to use the Chase card after I transfer a balance?
No. You can transfer a balance and never use the card for new purchases. However, keeping the account active and in good standing helps your credit score. If you do make new purchases, those will be charged the regular APR, not the promotional rate — only the transferred balance gets the 0% period.