Credit Card Balance Transfer Calculator
Model a balance transfer using the same monthly payment in both paths. The estimate separates the transfer fee, promotional period, and the APR after the offer ends.
Balance transfer assumptions
Current balance ($)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
|---|---|
Current APR (%)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
Monthly payment ($)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
Transfer fee (%)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
Promo APR (%)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
Promo monthsiUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. | |
Go-to APR (%)iUse your best current estimate; lender and account terms control. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter the card balance, current APR, and a payment you can maintain.
- Set the transfer fee and promotional terms from the offer.
- Compare total modeled interest/cost if you stay versus transfer.
Results explained
The headline is the modeled total cost of the transfer path: the upfront fee plus interest accrued before payoff. The comparison assumes no new purchases and the same fixed payment in both paths.
Quick reference: balance transfer terms
A fee can be worthwhile only if the promo period and payment clear enough of the balance.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee | Balance × transfer fee rate |
| Promo period | Promo APR applied for entered months |
| Post-promo period | Go-to APR applies to remaining balance |
Issuer rules, transfer limits, deferred interest, and new-purchase APRs vary by offer.
How it’s built
The stay and transfer balances are each simulated monthly. The transfer starts with the fee added, then changes from promo APR to go-to APR after the promo months.
Example
A $6,000 balance with a 3% fee begins the transfer path at $6,180. A 0% 18-month offer can help if the payment meaningfully reduces that balance before the go-to APR begins.
FAQ
Does the fee earn interest?
This calculator adds it to the transfer balance, so it is paid down with the account.
Should I close the old card?
That is a credit and budgeting decision outside this calculator.
What if I cannot pay it off during promo?
The go-to APR is applied to the remaining balance after the selected promo months.