Balance Transfer Calculator

Fee is added to the balance on day one. Intro APR, then regular APR — see the real cost.

How it works: Transfer fee (e.g. 3–5%) is added to your balance immediately. You pay intro APR for intro months, then regular APR on the remaining balance. Only cards with Balance Transfer Offered? = Yes qualify.
Explore Purchase APR Balance Transfer Cash Advance Fees & Rewards

Balance Transfer Calculator

Enter the offer from the card you’re considering — see the true cost if you carry it.

Upfront fee
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Total interest
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Total repaid
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Fee is part of the balance and accrues interest too.

What to look for
  • Long intro + low fee (0% × 15–21 mo, 3% fee) beats short intro, 5% fee.
  • If payoff ≤ intro months, you pay almost $0 interest — fee only.
  • Regular APR matters only if you’ll still carry after intro.
Browse BT cards →Purchase instead? →
Top Balance Transfer picks
Auto · 236 BT cards

Frequently asked questions

What data does this page show?

Calculate balance transfer fee + intro APR vs regular APR correctly. CFPB TCCP official data.

What is purchase APR?

The yearly rate on carried balances — lower APR means cheaper revolving debt.

Fee card vs no-fee card?

Divide the annual fee by your monthly spend: high spenders often win with rewards cards.

How current are the figures?

All figures reflect 2026 and update automatically from official sources.

Where do the numbers come from?

All figures are compiled from official U.S. government public data and refreshed automatically. LifeIndexData is 100% free to use and fully independent: we are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or compensated by any bank, lender or financial institution, and advertising never influences our data or rankings.

How do I cite this page?

LifeIndexData. "Balance Transfer Calculator — Credit Cards (2026)" (2026). https://lifeindexdata.com/usa/tools/cards/balance-transfer/

Is this financial advice?

No. All data is informational only — see our Disclaimer before making decisions.