Chase balance transfers move debt from another card to a Chase card, usually with a lower interest rate for a set period
A Chase balance transfer lets you move an existing credit card balance to a Chase card that offers a promotional interest rate — often 0% for a limited time. Chase runs the transfer for you: you provide the account details of the card you're paying off, Chase sends the money directly to that card issuer, and the balance appears on your new Chase card instead. You then pay the Chase card during the promotional period, ideally before the regular rate kicks in.
The main reason to do this is to pause interest charges while you pay down debt. If you owe $5,000 on a card charging 22% interest and move it to a Chase card with 0% for 18 months, you stop paying interest on that $5,000 for those 18 months — as long as you don't add new charges and you make your payments on time. Most Chase balance transfer cards also charge a one-time fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, added to your balance.
Key Takeaways
- Chase balance transfer cards charge a one-time transfer fee (typically 3% to 5%) that gets added to your balance on day one.
- The 0% promotional rate lasts a set number of months — commonly 12 to 21 months depending on the card — then the regular purchase or balance transfer rate applies.
- You must have a credit score in the good to excellent range (usually 670 or higher) to be considered for most Chase balance transfer offers.
- The transfer itself takes 7 to 14 business days, and you should keep making minimum payments on your old card until the transfer completes.
- Any new purchases on the Chase card during the promotional period typically accrue interest at the regular rate when ready, so use the card only to pay down the transferred balance.
Which Chase cards offer balance transfers
Chase offers balance transfer promotions on several cards, though the specific cards and terms change. The Chase Slate Edge has historically been positioned as a balance transfer card with no annual fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred also carry balance transfer offers, though they charge annual fees. You can check Chase's current offers on their website or by calling their customer service line to see which cards are running promotions right now.
Each card has different terms: the length of the 0% period varies, the transfer fee may differ, and some cards waive the first transfer fee or offer it at a lower rate. Read the offer details carefully before you open the account, because the promotional terms are locked in at the time you open the card — you cannot negotiate them later.
How to start a balance transfer with Chase
If you already have a Chase credit card, you can request a balance transfer through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card. Log into Chase.com, go to your card account, and look for a "Balance Transfer" or "Transfers" option in the menu. You'll enter the name of the card issuer you're transferring from, the account number, and the amount you want to move. Chase will then contact that issuer and initiate the transfer.
If you don't yet have a Chase card, you need to open one first. You can open a card online at Chase.com by providing your Social Security number, income, and other personal details. Chase will tell you within seconds or minutes whether you're approved. Once you have the card, you can request the balance transfer through your new account, or Chase may offer you the option to start a transfer during the process process itself.
Before you request the transfer, gather the details of the card you're paying off: the issuer name, your account number on that card, and the balance you want to move. You'll also need to know your credit limit on the new Chase card — Chase will not transfer more than your available credit, and the transfer fee counts against that limit.
What happens during the transfer period
Once you request the transfer, Chase typically processes it within 7 to 14 business days. During this time, keep making at least the minimum payment on your old card — the transfer is not when ready, and you're still responsible for that balance until it's paid off by Chase. Missing a payment during the transfer window can hurt your credit score and may disqualify you from the promotional rate.
When the transfer completes, the balance moves to your Chase card and the old card balance drops to zero (or to any new charges you've made). Your Chase statement will show the transferred balance, the transfer fee, and the promotional 0% rate. The promotional period clock starts on the date the transfer posts to your account, not the date you requested it.
During the promotional period, focus on paying down the transferred balance. Any new purchases you make on the Chase card will accrue interest at the regular rate when ready — they are not covered by the 0% promotion. To avoid confusion and extra interest, consider using a different card for new purchases until you've paid off the transfer.
Understanding the transfer fee and the math
The transfer fee is a percentage of the amount you transfer, charged upfront. If you transfer $5,000 and the fee is 3%, you pay $150, which is added to your balance. Your new Chase balance is now $5,150. If the promotional period is 18 months, you need to pay roughly $286 per month to clear the balance before the regular interest rate kicks in.
The fee is worth paying if the interest rate on your old card is significantly higher than the regular rate on the Chase card, and if you can pay off the balance during the promotional window. For example, if your old card charges 22% and the Chase card's regular rate is 18%, and you can pay off the balance in 12 months, the transfer fee is usually cheaper than the interest you'd pay on the old card. But if you cannot pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you'll owe interest on the remaining balance at the regular rate, which may not be much better than where you started.
What to do if your transfer is denied or delayed
If Chase denies your balance transfer request, it's usually because your credit limit is too low, your credit score doesn't meet the card's requirements, or you've requested a transfer that exceeds your available credit. You can request a credit limit increase on your Chase card by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your account online. A higher limit gives you more room to transfer.
If the transfer is taking longer than 14 business days, contact Chase customer service. Delays sometimes happen if the old card issuer is slow to process the payment or if there's a discrepancy in the account information you provided. Chase can check the status and push the issuer if needed. Keep your old card active and in good standing until the transfer fully completes.
After the promotional period ends
When the 0% promotional period expires, any remaining balance on your Chase card will start accruing interest at the card's regular balance transfer rate or purchase rate, whichever applies. This rate varies by cardholder and is based on your creditworthiness at the time the rate takes effect. You can find the regular rate in your card's terms or by calling Chase.
If you still have a balance when the promotional period ends, you have a few options: pay it off as quickly as possible to minimize interest, request another balance transfer to a different card (though this requires opening a new account and paying another transfer fee), or accept the regular interest rate and work on paying it down over time. The best strategy is to pay off the entire transferred balance before the promotional period ends, so you never pay interest on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a different Chase card?
No. Chase does not allow you to transfer a balance between two Chase cards you own. You can only transfer from a card issued by another bank or credit card company. If you want to move debt between Chase cards, you would need to pay off the old card with cash or another method.
What's the difference between a balance transfer fee and interest?
The transfer fee is a one-time charge (usually 3% to 5%) added to your balance when the transfer completes. Interest is the ongoing cost of borrowing, calculated as a percentage of your balance per month. During the 0% promotional period, you pay no interest, but you still owe the transfer fee upfront.
Do I need to close my old card after the balance transfer?
You don't have to, but you should pay it off completely first. Closing a card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit. Leaving it open with a zero balance is usually better for your credit, as long as you don't rack up new debt on it.
What happens if I miss a payment during the promotional period?
Missing a payment can end your 0% promotional rate when ready, and the regular interest rate will explore to your remaining balance. You'll also face a late fee and a mark on your credit report. Make at least the minimum payment on time every month to keep the promotional rate active.
Can I do multiple balance transfers to the same Chase card?
Yes, you can request multiple transfers to the same card as long as you have available credit. However, all transfers to that card share the same promotional period — they all end on the same date. Each transfer incurs its own fee.