Balance Transfer Cards: Do the Math First

A 0% transfer offer can reduce interest, but transfer fees, deadlines, new purchases, and the post-promo APR decide whether it saves money.

Start with the fee

A transfer fee is often a percentage of the moved balance. Add it to the payoff math before comparing the offer with the current card.

Build the monthly payment

Divide the transferred balance plus fee by the promotional months. Pay enough to finish before the promotion ends rather than treating 0% as a pause.

Watch new purchases

New purchases may have a different APR, and carrying a transferred balance can affect the purchase grace period. Read the terms before spending on the card.

Credit profile effects

A new card can add an inquiry and lower average account age while increasing available credit. Do not assume the score effect will be positive or predictable.