What the Chase Freedom balance transfer offer includes
The Chase Freedom card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a set period from the date you open the account. This means any balance you transfer from another card will not accrue interest during that window. After the introductory period ends, a standard variable APR applies to any remaining balance.
The card charges a balance transfer fee — typically 3% of the amount transferred, with a minimum fee. This fee is added to your balance when ready, so if you transfer $5,000, you pay $150 upfront. The fee appears on your first statement.
You must request the balance transfer when you open the account or shortly after. Chase does not automatically move money from your old card. You initiate the transfer by providing your old card details, and Chase sends the payment directly to that card issuer on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
- The 0% introductory APR period lasts a specific number of months from account opening, and you can find the exact length on the card's current offer page before you open the account.
- You pay a balance transfer fee (usually 3% of the amount) upfront, added to your new balance on the Chase Freedom card.
- You request the transfer when opening the account; Chase pays your old card issuer directly, not you.
- Any balance remaining after the introductory period is charged the card's regular APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
- You can use the card for new purchases during the introductory period, but those typically carry a different (higher) APR than transferred balances.
How to request a balance transfer on the Chase Freedom card
Start the balance transfer request during the account opening process. Chase will ask you for the name of the card issuer you want to transfer from, your account number on that card, and the amount you want to move. Have your old card statement or the card itself in front of you so you can provide accurate details.
If you do not complete the transfer during signup, you can still request one after your account opens. Log into your Chase online account, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer a Balance." You will enter the same information: the issuer name, your account number, and the transfer amount. Chase will then contact your old card issuer and arrange payment.
The transfer typically posts within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, keep making at least the minimum payment on your old card to avoid late fees. Once the transfer completes, your old card balance will drop and your Chase Freedom balance will increase by the transfer amount plus the fee.
Understanding the introductory period and what happens after
The 0% introductory APR applies only to the balance you transferred, not to new purchases you make with the card. New purchases are charged the card's regular APR from day one. This is a critical difference — if you plan to use the card for new spending, expect to pay interest on those charges when ready.
The introductory period is measured in months from your account opening date, not from when the transfer posts. So if the offer is 0% for 18 months and you open the account on January 15, the 0% period ends around July 15 of the following year, regardless of when the actual transfer money arrives.
When the introductory period ends, any remaining balance on the transferred amount is charged the card's regular APR. This rate depends on your credit score and current market conditions. If you still owe money at that point, your monthly interest charges will jump significantly. Many people use the introductory window to pay down the balance as much as possible before the regular rate kicks in.
Balance transfer fees and how they affect your payoff plan
The 3% balance transfer fee (or whatever percentage Chase is currently charging) is not optional — you pay it to move the money. On a $10,000 transfer, that is $300 added to your balance when ready. This fee is part of the total amount you need to pay off during the introductory period to avoid interest charges.
When you calculate how much to pay each month, include the fee in your target. If you transferred $10,000 plus $300 in fees and have 18 months to pay it interest-free, you need to pay roughly $572 per month to clear the balance before the regular APR kicks in. Paying less means you will carry a balance into the higher-rate period.
Some people transfer multiple balances to the same Chase Freedom card. Each transfer incurs its own 3% fee, and all transferred balances share the same 0% introductory period. This can work if you are consolidating high-interest debt, but the fees add up quickly.
When a balance transfer makes sense and when it does not
A balance transfer is most useful if you have high-interest credit card debt and a solid plan to pay it off during the 0% period. If you are carrying $8,000 at 22% APR on another card and can pay it off in 15 months, moving it to the Chase Freedom card saves you hundreds in interest — even after paying the 3% fee.
A balance transfer is less useful if you cannot pay off the balance before the introductory period ends. Once the regular APR applies, you are back to paying interest, and you have also paid the upfront fee for no real benefit. It is also not useful if your current card already has a 0% offer with more time remaining, or if you are only moving a small balance where the fee eats up most of the interest savings.
Consider your credit score before explore. The Chase Freedom card requires good to excellent credit. If your score is lower, you may not be approved, or you may receive a higher APR on new purchases. A hard inquiry will also temporarily lower your score by a few points.
How the Chase Freedom card compares to other balance transfer options
Other cards offer balance transfer promotions with different terms. Some offer longer 0% periods (up to 21 months on certain cards), while others charge lower fees (as low as 0% for the first 60 days). The Chase Freedom card is competitive but not always the longest or cheapest option available.
If you are comparing cards, look at three things: the length of the 0% period, the balance transfer fee percentage, and the regular APR that applies after the promotional period. A card with an 18-month 0% period and a 3% fee may be better than one with a 21-month period and a 5% fee, depending on how much you are transferring and how quickly you can pay it down.
You can also explore non-card options like personal loans from banks or credit unions. These have fixed interest rates and fixed repayment terms, which some people find easier to budget for than a credit card with a changing APR. However, personal loans typically require a hard inquiry and a credit check, just like a credit card process.
Mistakes to avoid when using a Chase Freedom balance transfer
Do not assume the 0% rate applies to new purchases. It does not. If you transfer a balance and then use the card for groceries or gas, those new charges are charged interest from day one. Keep new purchases to a minimum during the introductory period, or use a different card for everyday spending.
Do not miss a payment. If you miss even one payment during the introductory period, Chase may end the 0% offer and explore the regular APR to your entire balance when ready. This is called a "penalty APR" and can be as high as 29.99%. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid this.
Do not close your old card when ready after the transfer. Closing a card can hurt your credit score by reducing your available credit and changing your credit history length. Wait at least a few months, and consider keeping the old card open with a $0 balance.
Do not transfer more than you can realistically pay off. The introductory period sounds long, but it passes quickly. If you transfer $15,000 and only pay $500 per month, you will still owe $9,000 when the 0% period ends. Plan your transfer amount based on your actual monthly budget, not on the maximum the card will allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to the Chase Freedom card?
No. Chase does not allow balance transfers between its own cards. You can only transfer balances from cards issued by other banks. If you have a balance on another Chase card, you would need to pay it down or transfer it to a non-Chase card first.
What happens if I do not pay off the balance before the 0% period ends?
The remaining balance is charged the card's regular APR, which varies by creditworthiness but is typically 18% to 27%. Interest accrues daily on the unpaid balance. You can still pay it off after the promotional period ends, but you will pay interest on whatever remains.
Can I do another balance transfer after the first one posts?
Yes. You can request additional balance transfers to the same Chase Freedom card after your account is open. Each transfer is subject to the same 3% fee and shares the same 0% introductory period. However, there is usually a limit on the total amount you can transfer, based on your credit limit.
Does the balance transfer fee count toward my credit limit?
Yes. If your credit limit is $10,000 and you transfer $9,700, the $291 fee is added to your balance, bringing it to $9,991. This uses up nearly your entire credit limit, leaving very little room for new purchases or other activity.
How do I know if my process was approved for the balance transfer offer?
When you open the Chase Freedom card, the approval letter or online account will specify whether the balance transfer offer is included. Not all approvals come with the promotional offer — it depends on your credit profile. If you are approved but do not see the balance transfer option in your account, contact Chase customer service to confirm whether it is available to you.