Balance Transfer Calculator
Carrying a credit card balance at a high APR? See exactly what you would save (or lose) by moving it to a balance transfer card with a 0% intro period. Fast, free, and private. Your numbers never leave this page.
Compare your two options
Side-by-side comparison
Stay on current card
Month-by-month schedule
| Month | APR | Interest | Payment | Balance |
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Transfer to 0% card
Month-by-month schedule
| Month | APR | Interest | Payment | Balance |
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Transfer fee is added to your starting balance. Months marked 0% accrue no interest; after the intro period ends, the post-intro APR applies to any remaining balance.
How balance transfers work
A balance transfer moves debt from one credit card to another, usually to take advantage of an introductory 0% APR offer. Here is the plain version of the mechanics:
- You open a new card with a 0% intro APR. The intro rate typically lasts 12 to 21 months. During that window, your payments go entirely toward the balance instead of interest.
- You pay a transfer fee. Most issuers charge 3% to 5% of the amount moved. The fee is added to your new balance on day one, so a $5,000 transfer with a 3% fee starts at $5,150.
- The intro rate expires. Any balance left after the intro period starts accruing interest at the card's regular APR, which is often close to what you were paying before.
- Minimum payments still apply. You must make at least the minimum payment every month or you can lose the 0% rate. Paying the full monthly amount you entered above is what the savings estimate assumes.
A transfer usually wins when the interest you avoid during the 0% window is larger than the transfer fee. It loses when the fee is high, the intro window is short, or a big balance remains when the regular APR kicks back in.
Educational estimate, not financial advice
This calculator is an educational tool. It provides estimates only and is not financial advice, not a recommendation to open or use any credit product, and not a substitute for advice from a licensed financial professional. Card terms, fees, and APRs vary by issuer and can change. Always read the cardholder agreement before applying. See our Terms of Use.