Balance Transfer Calculator
Compare keeping your balance vs transferring to a 0% intro rate card — including transfer fees. Compare keeping your credit card balance vs transferring to a 0% introductory rate card. See how much you can save including balance transfer fees.
01 —INPUTS
The total amount you owe on your current card
Your current card's purchase rate
The introductory interest rate (usually 0%)
How long the introductory rate lasts
The interest rate after the intro period ends
How much you can pay each month
One-time fee charged on the transferred balance (typically 1-3%)
02 —RESULTS
Current Card
Total Interest$3,042.03
Payoff Time33 months
Balance Transfer
Total Cost (fee + interest)$968.60
Payoff Time28 months
You Save$2,073.43
Time Saved5 months
How this works: We compare paying off your balance on the current card vs transferring to a card with a 12-month 0% intro rate. The balance transfer fee of 2% is added to your transferred balance. After the intro period, the rate reverts to 19.99%. If a monthly payment doesn't cover a period's interest, that balance can never be paid down — we show that instead of a false payoff date.
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Tax Accuracy & Sources
Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2026-27
This calculator is an estimate tool and may not cover all personal circumstances. For state-based taxes, confirm details with your state or territory revenue office.
Common questions
What is a balance transfer?
A balance transfer moves your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower (often 0%) introductory interest rate. You typically pay a one-time transfer fee of 1-3% of the balance.
Are balance transfers worth it?
They can save you hundreds in interest if you pay off the balance during the introductory period. But if you don't pay it off before the revert rate kicks in, the savings may be less than expected.
What happens when the intro period ends?
The interest rate reverts to the card's standard purchase rate (often 19-22%). Any remaining balance starts accruing interest at this higher rate.
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