Balance Transfer Calculator

Balance transfer cost comparison

The transfer path adds the transfer fee to the starting balance, applies each monthly payment without interest during the introductory period, and then amortizes any remaining balance at the post-intro APR. Transfer cost equals the upfront fee plus post-intro interest. The current-card path applies the same monthly payment to the original balance at the current APR. Net savings equal current-card interest minus the transfer fee and post-intro interest, which keeps the promotion from looking free when the fee is financed.

Intro APR payoff example

Transfer an $8,000 balance with a 3% fee and the new starting balance is $8,240. Paying $350 per month during an 18-month 0% window reduces it to about $1,940. At an 18.99% post-intro APR, the remaining balance takes about six more payments and adds roughly $107 of interest. Against keeping the balance at 22.99% with the same payment, the modeled transfer saves about $2,279 after the $240 fee.

Promotion details that change the answer

• Confirm whether the transfer fee is added to the balance, paid separately, or subject to a minimum dollar charge.
• Keep new purchases out of the model unless the disclosure gives them the same promotional APR; purchases can have a different rate and payment allocation.
• A true introductory APR and a deferred-interest promotion are different structures. Read the issuer's disclosure for the end-of-promotion treatment and late-payment conditions.