Top 10 Balance Transfer Credit Cards in 2025: Pros, Cons, and Key Details
If you’re dealing with high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card can offer you a valuable way to save on interest and pay down your balance faster. With the right balance transfer card, you can shift your existing credit card balance to a new card with a 0% introductory APR, often lasting up to 21 months. During this interest-free period, every payment you make goes directly toward reducing your balance, allowing you to make real progress without interest charges adding up. However, with so many balance transfer cards available, each with unique terms, fees, and benefits, it’s essential to find the one that best aligns with your financial needs.
In this post, we’ll review 10 of the top balance transfer credit cards, covering each card’s introductory APR offer, ongoing APR, balance transfer fees, annual fees, and rewards. Whether you’re looking for the longest 0% APR period, a card with no annual fee, or one that offers rewards like cash back on purchases, this guide will break down the pros and cons of each option. We’ll explore cards that prioritize debt management, like the Citi Simplicity® and Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, as well as rewards-focused cards like the Discover it® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Credit Card.
By understanding the features of each card, you can make an informed decision that fits your financial goals. Our detailed look at balance transfer credit cards will help you compare options and choose the best balance transfer card for paying off debt, managing spending, and potentially even earning rewards. Let’s dive into the top balance transfer cards and discover the one that could help you take control of your finances and build a more stable financial future.
Top 10 Balance Transfer Credit Cards in 2025
1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Intro Offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period (check current rates).
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally long 0% APR period—21 months.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5), which adds to debt transferred.
- No rewards program for spending after the intro period, limiting ongoing benefits.
2. Citi Simplicity® Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after intro period (check current rates).
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- No late fees or penalty APR for occasional missed payments, providing flexibility.
- Extended 0% APR period for balance transfers.
- Cons:
- High balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).
- No rewards for regular spending.
3. U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 21 billing cycles on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after intro period (check current rates).
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- Long introductory period, giving ample time to pay down balances.
- No annual fee, making it a good option for low-cost debt management.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5).
- No rewards program to earn back while spending.
4. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- Extended 0% APR period on balance transfers.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).
- No rewards program.
5. Citi Double Cash® Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: Up to 2% cash back (1% when buying, 1% when paying).
- Pros:
- Offers cash-back rewards of up to 2%, even during the balance transfer period.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5).
- No intro APR for purchases, so new purchases will accrue interest.
6. BankAmericard® Credit Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers within the first 60 days.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- No annual fee.
- 0% APR intro period for 18 billing cycles.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $10).
- No rewards program for spending.
7. Chase Slate Edge®
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: None.
- Pros:
- 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers.
- Automatic APR reduction opportunity after six months of on-time payments and spending.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5).
- No rewards program.
8. Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a quarterly max) and 1% on all other purchases.
- Pros:
- Generous rewards rate, with 5% cash back on quarterly categories and 1% on other purchases.
- Cashback Match™ bonus, which doubles all cash back earned in the first year.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (increasing to 5% on future transfers).
- 5% cash-back categories require quarterly activation.
9. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Credit Card
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- Pros:
- 2% cash back on all purchases with no cap, making it one of the more generous rewards cards.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5), which rises to 5% for later transfers.
- No bonus cash-back categories for extra earnings.
10. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Intro Offer: 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers.
- APR: Variable APR after the intro period.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Rewards Rate: 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select department stores, 1% on other purchases.
- Pros:
- 3% cash back on groceries, 2% on gas and department stores, ideal for frequent spenders in these categories.
- No annual fee.
- Cons:
- Balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5).
- Cash-back rewards in certain categories are capped at spending limits.
Final thoughts on the top balance transfer cards in 2025
In conclusion, choosing the right balance transfer credit card can play a key role in your journey to financial wellness. A good balance transfer card can help you pay down debt faster, saving you significant money on interest and giving you more control over your finances. Whether you need a long 0% APR period, a low balance transfer fee, or ongoing rewards, there’s likely a balance transfer card that fits your needs.
For those prioritizing the longest interest-free period, cards like the Citi Simplicity® Card or Wells Fargo Reflect® Card stand out, providing up to 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers. This gives you ample time to work down larger debts without the burden of interest charges. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for rewards that continue to deliver value after your debt is paid off, the Discover it® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offer cash-back rewards that make ongoing spending more rewarding.
Remember to factor in balance transfer fees, which can range from 3% to 5%, as they can influence the total cost of your transfer. Some cards, like the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum, balance a low fee with a solid APR period, ideal for those focused on minimizing costs.
Ultimately, maximizing the benefits of a balance transfer credit card involves a disciplined approach to repaying your balance within the introductory APR period. Making regular payments and reducing the balance to zero before the APR kicks in can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in interest charges. By selecting a card that aligns with your financial priorities—whether that’s debt reduction, earning rewards, or avoiding fees—you can make meaningful strides toward a debt-free future and gain peace of mind. Choose wisely, stick to your repayment goals, and let your balance transfer card be a tool to guide you toward financial stability and freedom.