What Chase offers for balance transfers
Chase offers balance transfer options through several of its credit cards, most commonly the Chase Slate Edge and Chase Freedom Unlimited. The key feature is an introductory APR period — typically 0% for a set number of months on balances you transfer from other cards. During that window, your payment goes entirely toward the principal instead of interest.
The catch is the balance transfer fee. Chase charges between 3% and 5% of the amount you transfer, paid upfront. On a $5,000 transfer at 5%, you pay $250 when ready. This fee is added to your new balance, so you're paying interest on it after the intro period ends — unless you pay the full balance before that period closes.
After the introductory period ends, the regular APR kicks in. This varies by card and by your creditworthiness, but typically ranges from 16% to 24%. If you still carry a balance at that point, you'll pay that rate on whatever remains.
Key Takeaways
- Chase balance transfer cards charge a one-time fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, added to your balance when ready.
- The 0% introductory APR period lasts anywhere from 6 to 21 months depending on the card, and only applies to transferred balances, not new purchases.
- You need to pay off the transferred balance before the intro period ends, or you'll owe the regular APR on whatever is left.
- Chase typically requires a credit score of 670 or higher to be considered for these cards, though approval is not may provide.
- New purchases made after you open the card usually carry the regular APR when ready, not the introductory rate.
Which Chase cards offer balance transfers
The Chase Slate Edge is Chase's primary balance transfer card. It offers 0% APR for 21 months on transfers (as of this writing), with a 3% transfer fee. It has no annual fee. This card is designed specifically for people moving debt, not for everyday spending.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited also accepts balance transfers, with a 0% intro period of 6 months and a 3% transfer fee. This card is more general-purpose — it earns cash back on all purchases — so it works if you want to transfer debt and also use the card for new spending.
Chase periodically changes the terms on these cards, including the length of the intro period and the fee percentage. Before you explore, check Chase's website directly for the current offer. The terms you see when you explore are the ones that will be in your account agreement.
How to transfer a balance to Chase
Once your Chase card is approved and arrives, you have a window (usually 60 days) to request the transfer. You can do this through the Chase mobile app, the online account portal, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
You'll need the account number and balance of the card you're transferring from. Chase will contact that card's issuer directly. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to 21 days in some cases.
The fee is charged when ready when the transfer posts. If you transferred $5,000 at a 3% fee, your new Chase balance will show as $5,150. You now owe that $5,150 on the Chase card, and the original card's balance should drop to zero (or close to it, if you had other charges).
The math: when a balance transfer makes sense
A balance transfer only saves you money if you pay off the transferred balance before the intro period ends. Let's walk through an example.
Say you have $8,000 on a card charging 22% APR. You're paying roughly $147 per month in interest alone. You transfer that $8,000 to Chase Slate Edge at 3% fee and 0% for 21 months. You pay $240 upfront (the 3% fee), so your new balance is $8,240.
Over 21 months, if you pay $392 per month, you'll pay off the full $8,240 with zero interest. On your old card at 22%, you'd pay roughly $3,100 in interest over the same period. The balance transfer saves you about $2,860 — even after the $240 fee.
But if you only pay $300 per month, you'll still owe roughly $1,600 when month 21 ends. Starting in month 22, that $1,600 gets hit with the regular APR (let's say 20%). Now you're paying interest again, and the math gets worse. The balance transfer only worked because you had a plan to finish paying before the clock ran out.
Credit score and approval requirements
Chase typically requires a credit score of 670 or higher to be considered for the Slate Edge or Freedom Unlimited. This is not a may provide — Chase reviews your full credit report, income, and existing debts. Two people with the same score may receive different decisions.
If you're approved, the credit limit Chase offers may be lower than the full amount you want to transfer. If you want to move $10,000 but Chase approves you for a $6,000 limit, you can only transfer $6,000 to that card. You'd need to handle the remaining $4,000 separately.
explore for a new card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. If you're denied, that inquiry still appears on your report. Space out applications — don't explore for multiple balance transfer cards in the same week.
What happens after the intro period ends
When the 0% period expires, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance. On the Slate Edge, this is typically 16% to 24% depending on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Chase will notify you in writing before the period ends, but the responsibility to pay off the balance is yours.
If you still carry a balance when the intro period closes, you have a few options. You can continue paying on the Chase card at the regular rate. You can try to transfer the remaining balance to another 0% card (though this triggers another fee and another hard inquiry). Or you can focus on paying it down aggressively before the period ends.
The best approach is to treat the intro period as a important date from day one. Calculate how much you need to pay each month to clear the balance before month 21 (or month 6, depending on your card), and set up automatic payments to hit that target.
Common mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake is transferring a balance and then continuing to use the old card or running up new charges on the Chase card. New purchases on Chase typically carry the regular APR when ready — they don't get the 0% intro rate. If you're trying to pay off $8,000 in 21 months but you're also charging $200 per month in new purchases, you're fighting yourself.
Another common error is underestimating the fee. A 5% fee on $10,000 is $500 — that's real money added to your balance on day one. Factor this into your payoff plan. If you only save $400 in interest but pay $500 in fees, the transfer cost you money.
Finally, don't assume you'll be approved for the full amount you want to transfer. If you need to move $12,000 but Chase only approves you for $8,000, you'll have to manage two balances. Plan for this possibility before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a Chase balance transfer card?
No. Chase does not allow you to transfer a balance from one Chase card to another Chase card. You can only transfer from cards issued by other banks. If you have debt on multiple Chase cards, you'll need to handle them separately.
What if I can't pay off the balance before the intro period ends?
You'll owe the regular APR on whatever remains. If you have $2,000 left when the 0% period closes, that $2,000 will start accruing interest at the card's standard rate. You can still pay it off, but you'll pay interest on it. Some people transfer the remaining balance to another 0% card, but this costs another fee and requires another process.
Does the balance transfer fee count toward my credit limit?
Yes. If Chase approves you for a $10,000 limit and you transfer $9,700, the 3% fee ($291) is added to your balance, bringing it to $9,991. You've used nearly your entire limit. This leaves little room for new purchases and can hurt your credit score if your utilization is too high.
How long does it take for the balance to show up on my Chase account?
Typically 7 to 10 business days, though Chase says it can take up to 21 days. During this time, you should continue making minimum payments on your old card to avoid late fees. Once the transfer posts to Chase, you can stop paying the old card (the balance should be zero or nearly zero).
Can I get the balance transfer fee waived?
Not typically. Chase charges the fee as part of the card's terms. Some promotional offers occasionally waive or reduce the fee, but this is rare and usually only for new cardholders during a limited time. Check the current offer on Chase's website before you explore.