How does a 0% balance transfer work?

You move a balance to a card offering a low or 0% introductory APR for a set period (often 12–21 months). You usually pay a transfer fee (commonly 3%–5%), and any balance left when the promo ends is charged the regular APR.

Is a balance transfer worth the fee?

It can be if the interest you avoid during the promo is larger than the transfer fee and you have a realistic plan to pay it down before the promo ends. The simulator compares those numbers for you.

Does a balance transfer hurt my credit?

The new-card application adds a hard inquiry, and a near-maxed transfer card can raise utilization on that account. Paying the balance down steadily usually helps over time.

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Balance Transfer Payoff Simulator

Estimate whether a 0% intro APR balance transfer is worth the fee and monthly payment discipline.

Balance to transfer

Current card APR %

Monthly payment

Transfer fee %

Promo APR %

Promo length months

Balance transfer approval, credit limit, fee, and post-promo APR are lender-specific. Do not open new credit only because an estimate looks good.

How this tool works

Enter the balance you want to move, your current APR and monthly payment, plus the transfer fee, promo APR, and promo length of the offer. The simulator estimates interest saved during the promo window, any remaining balance when it ends, and whether the fee is worth it.

Why it matters for your credit

A 0% intro-APR balance transfer can pause interest while you pay down principal — but only if you can clear most of the balance before the promo ends and the transfer fee does not erase the savings. Modeling it first keeps a "free" offer from quietly costing you.

Frequently asked questions

How does a 0% balance transfer work?: You move a balance to a card offering a low or 0% introductory APR for a set period (often 12–21 months). You usually pay a transfer fee (commonly 3%–5%), and any balance left when the promo ends is charged the regular APR.
Is a balance transfer worth the fee?: It can be if the interest you avoid during the promo is larger than the transfer fee and you have a realistic plan to pay it down before the promo ends. The simulator compares those numbers for you.
Does a balance transfer hurt my credit?: The new-card application adds a hard inquiry, and a near-maxed transfer card can raise utilization on that account. Paying the balance down steadily usually helps over time.

This tool gives an educational estimate only — not a promise of a specific score change, approval, or lender decision. Explore all free tools, dispute letter templates, or the credit guides.