Balance Transfer Calculator
See exactly how much you save by moving credit card debt to a 0% APR balance transfer card — including the monthly payment needed to pay it off before interest kicks in.
Quick Answer
A balance transfer is worth it when the interest you save exceeds the transfer fee (usually 3-5%). Best cards offer 0% APR for 15-21 months. You must pay off the full balance before the promo period ends — or the remaining balance starts accruing interest at the regular APR.
Your Debt Details
Enter your current balance and card terms
0% APR for selected period
Fee: $150 on $5,000 balance
Default set to $343/mo — the payment needed to clear your balance before the 0% period ends.
You save on interest
$717
After paying the $150 transfer fee
Pay $343/mo to clear your balance before the 15-month 0% period ends.
Transfer fee
$150
3% of $5,000
Balance after fee
$5,150
Amount to pay off
Monthly payment needed
$343
to pay off in 15 months
Net savings
$717
interest saved minus fee
Pay-off Timeline Comparison
At $344/mo — adjust the monthly payment field above to explore scenarios
Keeping current card
Months to pay off
1 yr 6 mo
Total interest paid
$867
Total paid (principal + interest)
$5,867
After balance transfer
Months to pay off (at 0% APR)
1 yr 3 mo
Transfer fee + post-promo interest
$150
Total paid (principal + fee + interest)
$5,150
To Pay Off Before the 0% Period Ends
Calculated as (balance + transfer fee) divided by the intro period
Required monthly payment
$343
over 15 months at 0% APR
Balance + transfer fee
$5,150
$5,000 balance + $150 fee
Best Balance Transfer Cards (June 2026)
Common 0% intro APR offers — verify current terms before applying
| Card | Intro APR | Period | Transfer Fee | Regular APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Simplicity | 0% | 21 months | 3% | 18.24%–28.99% |
| Wells Fargo Reflect | 0% | 21 months | 5% | 17.24%–29.24% |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 0% | 15 months | 3% | 20.49%–29.24% |
| Discover it Balance Transfer | 0% | 18 months | 3% | 18.24%–27.24% |
APR ranges based on creditworthiness. Verified June 2026. Confirm current offers before applying.
See full reviews, eligibility requirements, and current promotional offers
Best balance transfer cards
Full rankings with eligibility requirements and editor picks
Credit card payoff calculator
See how long to pay off any balance at any APR and payment
Rates and card terms verified June 2026 against issuer disclosure pages. This calculator is for educational comparison purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Confirm current terms directly with each card issuer before applying. Credit card approvals are subject to creditworthiness.