Chase balance transfer cards let you move debt from another card to a new Chase account, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period
Chase offers several credit cards with balance transfer promotions — typically 0% APR for 6 to 21 months, depending on the card. During that window, interest charges pause on the transferred balance, which means more of your payment goes toward principal. You transfer the debt by providing Chase with your old card details, and Chase pays off that balance on your behalf. You then owe Chase instead of your original card issuer.
The catch is that most Chase balance transfer cards charge a fee upfront — usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. That fee is added to your balance when ready. So if you transfer $5,000 at 3%, you owe $5,150 from day one. The math still often works in your favor if the old card charged 18% or 22% APR, but you need to do the calculation before you start.
Balance transfers work best if you can pay down the full transferred amount before the promotional period ends. Once the 0% window closes, the regular APR kicks in — and it can be high. If you still owe money after the promotion expires, you'll pay interest on whatever remains.
Key Takeaways
- Chase balance transfer cards typically offer 0% APR for 6 to 21 months, but charge an upfront fee of 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.
- You must have a credit score of roughly 670 or higher to be considered for most Chase balance transfer cards, though approval is not may provide.
- The transfer itself takes 5 to 14 business days after your new Chase account opens, and you can track its progress in your online account.
- You should plan to pay off the transferred balance before the promotional period ends, because the regular APR applies to any remaining balance after that date.
- Some Chase balance transfer cards waive the fee for transfers completed within the first 60 days, so timing your process matters.
Which Chase cards offer balance transfer promotions
Chase rotates its balance transfer offers, so the specific cards and terms change throughout the year. As of now, cards that commonly feature balance transfer promotions include the Chase Slate Edge, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Sapphire Preferred — but the length of the 0% period and the fee structure vary by card and by your creditworthiness.
Before you open an account, visit Chase's website and filter for "balance transfer" in the card search tool. Each card's details page will show the current promotional APR period and the transfer fee. Some cards waive the balance transfer fee entirely if you complete the transfer within 60 days of account opening; others charge the fee no matter when you transfer.
You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask about current balance transfer offers on specific cards. A representative can tell you what terms you might receive based on your credit profile, though they cannot may provide approval until you formally request the card.
Credit score and approval requirements
Chase balance transfer cards typically require a credit score of 670 or higher, though some cards ask for 700 or above. Your score is one factor — Chase also looks at your income, existing debts, and payment history. Having a high score does not may provide approval, and having a lower score does not automatically disqualify you.
If you have been denied for a Chase card in the past, you can reapply after six months. Your credit profile may have improved, or Chase's criteria for that specific card may have shifted. You can check your credit score for free through services like AnnualCreditReport.com (the official federal site) or through your bank's online portal if it offers free credit monitoring.
explore for a new card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. Multiple applications in a short time can compound this effect, so space out your applications if you are considering more than one card.
How to request a balance transfer
Once your new Chase card is approved and arrives, you have two main ways to initiate the transfer. The first is to log into your Chase online account or mobile app, find the balance transfer option (usually under "Transfers" or "Manage Card"), and enter the details of the card you want to pay off — the card number, the amount to transfer, and the issuer's name. Chase will then contact that issuer and arrange payment.
The second method is to call the number on the back of your new Chase card and speak to a representative. They will ask for the same information and can process the transfer over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions about the fee or the promotional period, or if you want confirmation that the transfer went through before you hang up.
You can also request a balance transfer check from Chase — a check made out to your old card issuer that you mail to them yourself. This is less common and slower, but it is an option if the online and phone methods do not work for your situation.
Timeline and tracking your transfer
After you request the transfer, Chase typically processes it within 5 to 14 business days. During this time, your new Chase card is active and you can use it for purchases, but the balance transfer is still pending. You will see a note in your online account showing the transfer status — usually "pending," "in progress," or "completed."
Once the transfer completes, the amount appears as a balance on your new Chase card, and your old card issuer receives payment from Chase. Your old card balance drops to zero (or to whatever amount was not transferred). You can now focus on paying down the Chase balance during the 0% promotional period.
If the transfer does not appear after 14 business days, log into your Chase account and check the status again, or call the number on your card. Delays are rare, but they can happen if there is a discrepancy in the card number or issuer name you provided.
Managing your balance during the promotional period
While your balance transfer sits at 0% APR, you still owe the full amount — the interest is just paused. Make at least the minimum payment each month to keep your account in good standing. Missing a payment can end the promotional rate early and trigger late fees.
Create a payment plan that divides your transferred balance by the number of months in your promotional period. If you transferred $5,000 and have 12 months at 0%, aim to pay roughly $417 per month. This ensures you clear the balance before the regular APR kicks in. If you can pay more, do — every extra dollar reduces the amount that will be charged interest later.
Avoid making new purchases on the card if possible, or keep them minimal. New purchases usually carry the card's regular APR from day one, even during the balance transfer promotion. If you must use the card, pay off new charges when ready so they do not sit at a higher rate.
What happens when the promotional period ends
On the day the 0% period expires, any remaining balance on your Chase card switches to the card's regular APR. That rate depends on the specific card and your creditworthiness, but it typically ranges from 16% to 24%. If you still owe $2,000 when the promotion ends, you will start paying interest on that $2,000 at the new rate.
To avoid this, pay off the full transferred amount before the last day of the promotional period. Set a calendar reminder for one month before the promotion ends so you have time to make a final large payment if needed. If you cannot pay off the balance in time, you have the option to transfer the remaining amount to another balance transfer card — but this resets the clock and triggers another transfer fee.
Some people use a balance transfer as a temporary tool to buy time while they pay down debt aggressively. Others use it as a stepping stone to a lower-rate personal loan or a debt consolidation plan. Either way, the goal is to stop paying interest on old debt and redirect that money toward reducing what you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a new Chase card?
No. Chase does not allow you to transfer a balance from one of their cards to another Chase card. You can only transfer balances from cards issued by other banks. If you want to move debt between Chase cards, you would need to pay it down manually or explore other options like a personal loan.
What if I miss a payment during the promotional period?
Missing a payment can end your 0% promotional rate when ready and trigger a late fee (usually $25 to $40). Your balance will then accrue interest at the regular APR. Set up automatic minimum payments through your Chase account to avoid this risk, even if you plan to pay more manually.
Can I transfer a balance if I have bad credit?
Most Chase balance transfer cards require a credit score around 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may not be approved. You can still request a card and see what happens — the worst outcome is a denial. If denied, focus on paying down existing debt and checking your credit report for errors that might be dragging your score down.
Does a balance transfer hurt my credit score?
A balance transfer itself does not hurt your score, but the hard inquiry from explore for the new card will lower it by a few points temporarily. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age. However, if the transfer helps you pay down debt faster, your credit score will recover and improve over time as your overall debt decreases.
What if the balance transfer fee is more than I save on interest?
Do the math before you transfer. If you owe $3,000 at 22% APR and transfer it at a 3% fee, you pay $90 upfront but save roughly $200 in interest over 12 months at 0%. The transfer makes sense. But if you owe $1,000 and can pay it off in two months anyway, the fee might outweigh the benefit. Use a balance transfer calculator on Chase's website or a third-party site to compare scenarios.