How to transfer a balance to a Chase credit card
You can transfer a balance to most Chase credit cards by calling Chase, using the online account portal, or mailing a balance transfer request form. Chase will contact your old creditor directly to pay off the balance, then add it to your new Chase card. The process typically takes 7 to 21 days from the time Chase receives your request. You'll need the account number and balance amount from the card you're transferring from, plus the name and address of that creditor.
Not every Chase card offers balance transfers. Cards that do usually come with an introductory rate — often 0% APR for a set period, typically 6 to 21 months depending on the card — followed by a standard purchase APR. Chase charges a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, calculated upfront and added to your balance.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a balance transfer through Chase's website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
- Chase will pay your old creditor directly, so the transferred balance appears on your Chase card within 7 to 21 days.
- A balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% is added to the amount you transfer and charged to your new card.
- The introductory 0% APR period varies by card and typically lasts between 6 and 21 months; interest accrues at the standard rate after that period ends.
- You must have an open Chase credit card account to transfer a balance; you cannot transfer to a card you haven't yet received.
Transfer through Chase's website or mobile app
Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase Mobile app. Go to the card you want to transfer the balance to, then look for "Balance Transfers" or "Transfers" in the menu. Select the option to request a balance transfer.
Enter the name of the creditor you're transferring from, the account number, and the amount you want to transfer. Chase will show you the balance transfer fee (3% to 5% of the amount) and the introductory APR period for your card. Review the terms, then submit the request. You'll receive a confirmation number and an estimated completion date.
Chase will send payment to your old creditor within one to three business days. The creditor processes the payment, which can add another 5 to 18 days. You can check the status of your transfer in your Chase account under "Pending Transfers" or by calling customer service.
Transfer by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card. Tell the representative you want to request a balance transfer. Have ready the name of the creditor, your account number with that creditor, and the balance amount you want to transfer.
The representative will confirm your identity, review the balance transfer terms and fee, and submit the request on your behalf. They'll give you a confirmation number and tell you when to expect the transfer to complete. Ask them to note in your account that you've requested a transfer, so if you call back you won't have to repeat the information.
Transfer by mail
Some Chase cards come with balance transfer checks in the mail. These are checks you write to your old creditor, and Chase treats them as a balance transfer rather than a cash advance (which carries a higher fee and rate). Write the check for the amount you want to transfer, make it payable to your old creditor, and mail it to them.
Include a note with the check stating that it's a balance transfer payment. Your old creditor will deposit it, and Chase will see the charge on your account as a balance transfer. This method is slower than online or phone requests because it depends on mail delivery and your old creditor's processing time.
What happens after you request a transfer
Chase sends the payment to your old creditor within one to three business days. Your old creditor then processes the payment and closes or reduces your account balance with them. During this time, you may still see the old balance on your old creditor's website because their systems update on different schedules than Chase's.
The transferred balance appears on your Chase statement within 7 to 21 days. The balance transfer fee is added to this amount. You'll start making payments on the Chase card, and the introductory 0% APR period begins. After the promotional period ends, any remaining balance will accrue interest at the standard purchase APR for your card.
Continue making at least the minimum payment on your old card until the balance shows as zero. Some creditors send a final statement after the balance is paid off. Keep this for your records.
Limits on how much you can transfer
Chase limits the balance transfer amount to your available credit on the new card, minus the balance transfer fee. For example, if your credit limit is $5,000 and you request a $4,000 transfer, the 4% fee ($160) is added, bringing your total balance to $4,160. This must fit within your $5,000 limit.
You cannot transfer a balance that exceeds your credit limit. If you need to transfer more than your current limit allows, you can request a credit limit increase from Chase before starting the balance transfer. However, Chase will not increase your limit solely to accommodate a balance transfer request.
Introductory rates and what comes after
Chase balance transfer cards typically offer 0% APR on transferred balances for 6 to 21 months, depending on the specific card. During this period, you pay no interest on the transferred amount, though you still owe the balance transfer fee. Any new purchases you make on the card usually accrue interest at the standard purchase APR when ready, even during the promotional period.
When the introductory period ends, the remaining balance on your transfer will begin accruing interest at the card's standard purchase APR. This rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. To avoid paying interest, you should aim to pay off the transferred balance before the promotional period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance to a Chase card I just opened?
Yes, you can request a balance transfer as soon as your Chase card is open and active. You don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail. You can start the transfer through the online portal or by calling customer service using the temporary card number provided when you opened the account.
What if my balance transfer is denied?
Chase may deny a balance transfer if your available credit is too low, if you've recently opened the account, or if there's a fraud alert on your account. Call Chase customer service to ask why the transfer was denied. If it's a credit limit issue, you can request an increase and try again. If it's a fraud concern, you'll need to resolve that first.
Do I have to pay off the entire balance during the 0% period?
No, but any balance remaining after the promotional period ends will accrue interest at the standard APR. To avoid interest charges, plan to pay off the transferred balance before the 0% period expires. If you can't pay it all off, paying as much as possible during the promotional period minimizes the interest you'll owe later.
Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a different Chase card?
Yes, you can transfer a balance between Chase cards. However, you cannot transfer a balance from a card to itself. The receiving card must be a different account. The same fees and introductory rates explore as with transfers from other creditors.
What if my old creditor won't accept the balance transfer payment?
This is rare, but if it happens, contact Chase when ready. Chase can reissue the payment or, in some cases, issue the funds back to you. Ask your old creditor why they rejected the payment — sometimes it's a technical issue that can be resolved by resubmitting the transfer request.