How to move your balance to Bank of America
You can transfer a balance from another credit card to a Bank of America card by requesting it through your account online, by phone, or in a branch. Bank of America will contact the other card issuer directly and arrange payment to them — you do not pay both cards yourself. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 10 business days, though the other issuer may take longer to close the account.
You will need the account number of the card you are transferring from, the current balance, and the card issuer's name. Bank of America will show you the transfer fee (usually 3% of the amount transferred) and the promotional rate that applies, if any, before you confirm. The fee is added to your new balance on the Bank of America card.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America processes balance transfers online, by phone at 1-800-732-9194, or in person at a branch — all three routes take the same amount of time.
- The transfer fee is typically 3% of the amount you move, charged to your Bank of America card when ready.
- Promotional rates on balance transfers vary by card and by your credit profile — you see the exact rate before you confirm the transfer.
- The transfer reaches the other card issuer in 7 to 10 business days, but that issuer may take weeks to post the payment and close the account.
- You should stop using the old card once the transfer completes to avoid carrying balances on both cards.
Starting a balance transfer online through your Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America account and select the credit card you want to transfer the balance to. Look for a link labeled "Balance Transfers" or "Manage Your Card" — the exact wording varies by card type. Click it and select "Request a Balance Transfer."
Enter the account number of the card you are transferring from, the issuer name, and the amount. Bank of America will show you the transfer fee and the rate that applies to that transfer. Review both numbers carefully — the rate may differ from your regular purchase rate. Confirm the transfer, and it will be submitted when ready.
You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. The transfer typically appears as a pending transaction within 24 hours and posts to your Bank of America account within 7 to 10 business days. During this time, continue making minimum payments on the old card to avoid late fees.
Requesting a balance transfer by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-732-9194 and tell them you want to request a balance transfer. Have your Bank of America card number, the account number of the card you are transferring from, the issuer name, and the balance amount ready.
The representative will confirm the transfer fee and the rate, then submit the request on the call. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Ask the representative to note in your account that you have requested the transfer, so if you call back you do not have to repeat the information.
Processing time is the same as online — 7 to 10 business days for the transfer to post to your Bank of America account. The representative can also tell you whether your card has a promotional rate on balance transfers and how long that rate lasts.
Transferring a balance in a Bank of America branch
Visit a Bank of America branch with your Bank of America card and a statement or account number from the card you want to transfer from. A banker can submit the request on the spot and give you a confirmation number before you leave.
In-branch processing takes the same 7 to 10 business days as online or phone requests. The banker can also discuss which Bank of America card might work best for your situation and answer questions about promotional rates or fees.
What happens after you request the transfer
Bank of America sends the payment directly to the other card issuer. You do not receive a check or make a separate payment. The other issuer typically receives the funds within 7 to 10 business days and applies them to your account.
The other card issuer may take an additional 1 to 3 weeks to post the payment, update your balance, and send you a final statement. During this time, your old account may still show a balance even though Bank of America has already sent the payment. This is normal and does not mean the transfer failed.
Once the old issuer posts the payment, your balance on that card should drop to zero (or to any remaining balance you did not transfer). At that point, you can close the account if you wish, though closing it may affect your credit score slightly. Many people leave the account open but unused.
Understanding balance transfer fees and rates
Bank of America charges a balance transfer fee of 3% on most cards, though some premium cards charge 2%. This fee is calculated on the amount you transfer and added to your Bank of America balance when ready. If you transfer $5,000, you will owe $150 (at 3%) or $100 (at 2%) in fees, plus the $5,000 principal.
The promotional rate on a balance transfer is separate from the fee. Many Bank of America cards offer 0% APR on balance transfers for a set period — commonly 6, 12, or 18 months depending on the card and your creditworthiness. After the promotional period ends, the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.
You see both the fee and the rate before you confirm the transfer. If the rate or fee is higher than you expected, you can cancel the request and try a different Bank of America card, or decide not to transfer at all.
Limits on how much you can transfer
Bank of America does not publish a single maximum balance transfer amount. Instead, your limit depends on your credit line and your account history. Generally, you can transfer up to your available credit, but Bank of America may allow you to transfer slightly more if you have a strong payment history.
If you try to transfer more than your limit, Bank of America will tell you the maximum amount you can move and ask you to choose a lower figure. You can request a credit line increase separately if you want to transfer a larger balance, though approval is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from one Bank of America card to another Bank of America card?
No. Bank of America does not allow transfers between its own cards. You can only transfer a balance from another bank's card to a Bank of America card. If you want to consolidate multiple Bank of America balances, you would need to contact customer service to discuss other options.
What if the other card issuer does not receive the transfer?
Bank of America tracks the payment and can confirm whether it reached the other issuer. If the payment fails — usually because the account number was wrong or the account was closed — Bank of America will contact you and ask you to resubmit with correct information. The fee is not charged if the transfer does not go through.
Do I have to pay the balance transfer fee upfront?
No. The fee is added to your Bank of America balance and you pay it along with the transferred amount over time. If you pay off the balance during the promotional period, you still owe the fee.
Can I make a balance transfer if I have a low credit score?
You can request a balance transfer regardless of your credit score, but approval depends on Bank of America's review of your account. If your score is very low, Bank of America may deny the request or offer a higher rate. You will see the decision before you confirm.
What happens if I miss a payment on the transferred balance?
A missed payment on your Bank of America card will be reported to credit bureaus and may end your promotional rate early, meaning the regular APR applies when ready to the remaining balance. Contact Bank of America as soon as you realize you will miss a payment to discuss options.