So you've got good credit – that FICO score hovering around 700 or higher – and you're staring at some stubborn credit card debt. Maybe it's from holiday shopping last year, or perhaps an unexpected medical bill threw things off track. I've been there too. About three years back, I had around $8,000 spread across two cards with insane 24% APRs. Felt like I was shoveling cash into a furnace every month. That's when I dug deep into balance transfer cards. Let me tell you, not all are created equal.
You're probably wondering: "Which cards actually give people with solid credit histories the best shot at crushing debt?" Good question. With over 20 offers floating around, it's easy to pick wrong and waste money on fees or lose your 0% window. We'll cut through the noise together.
Why Your Good Credit Score is a Superpower Here
Having good credit – typically 670 to 739 FICO or higher – changes everything. While someone with fair credit might get approved for a balance transfer card, they'll likely face shorter 0% periods (maybe 12 months) or higher balance transfer fees (up to 5%). But you? You've got leverage. Lenders will compete for you with longer intro periods and lower fees.
Remember my $8,000 debt? By moving it to a card with 0% for 18 months and a 3% transfer fee, I saved roughly $1,500 in interest. Could I have found better? Honestly, yes – I later discovered cards with 0% for 21 months. That's the thing about good credit; doors open wide.
Quick reality check: Even with good credit, your exact approval odds depend on income, existing debt, and recent inquiries. I once got unexpectedly denied by Chase despite a 740 score because I'd opened two cards in three months. Annoying? Absolutely. But temporary.
The Make-or-Break Factors When Choosing Balance Transfer Cards
Don't just chase the longest 0% period. I learned this the hard way. Here’s what actually matters:
What You Must Compare Side-by-Side
- 0% APR Duration: This is your debt-free runway. Anything under 15 months feels rushed if you have substantial debt. I recommend 18+ months for balances over $5,000.
- Balance Transfer Fee: Usually 3-5% of each transfer. Cards aimed at good credit users often cap this at 3%. Watch out for minimum fees too – $5 to $10 is common.
- Annual Fee: Most top balance transfer cards charge $0 annual fees. If they do charge, they better offer serious ongoing rewards.
- Post-Intro APR: That rate kicks in when your 0% period ends. If you might carry a balance later – say life happens – aim for under 18% variable APR.
- Credit Limit: Will they give you enough room? Nothing's worse than getting approved for $3k when you need to transfer $7k. Happened to my colleague last year.
Hidden Details That Can Burn You
Read the fine print. Seriously. Most issuers won't let you transfer balances between cards from the same bank. And here's a nasty surprise: some cards exclude balance transfers from signup bonus spending requirements. Found that out after transferring $5k to a travel card and missing the bonus by $300.
Oh, and payments? They usually apply to your lowest APR balance first. So if you make new purchases at 16.99% while carrying a 0% balance, you'll pay interest until the purchase balance is gone. Such a headache.
Top-Rated Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers With Good Credit
After analyzing offers and digging into real user approvals (including my own applications), these picks deliver for people with strong credit. Forget the fluff – here's how they actually perform:
| Card Name | 0% Intro Period | Balance Transfer Fee | Annual Fee | Min. Recommended Credit | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 21 months (then 18.24% - 29.99% variable) | 3% ($5 min) | $0 | 700+ FICO | Longest 0% period available. Cell phone protection. |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® | 21 months (then 18.24% - 28.99% variable) | 3% ($5 min) | $0 | 700+ FICO | Citi's flexible payment date option. No late fee first time. |
| BankAmericard® credit card | 18 billing cycles (then 16.24% - 26.24% variable) | 3% ($10 min) | $0 | 690+ FICO | Lower post-intro APR range. Free FICO score. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 15 months (then 20.24% - 28.99% variable) | 3% ($5 min) | $0 | 700+ FICO | 1.5% cash back on all purchases. $200 signup bonus. |
Detailed Reviews of Our Top Picks
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card – The Longest Runway
If your priority is maximum time, this is your card. The 21-month 0% period is unmatched. I used it to tackle $12k from a home repair emergency. What surprised me? The mobile app actually lets you track payoff progress visually. Nice touch.
Watch out: Approval seems to require at least $15k income. A freelance friend got denied despite a 720 score because his income was "variable." Customer service hours are also limited – weekends can mean wait times.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® – Flexible and Forgiving
Those 21 months with Citi matched Wells Fargo when I applied last year. Where it stands out? You can change your payment due date up to twice a year. Saved me when my payroll schedule shifted. Also, their first late fee waiver is automatic.
Honest gripe: Their fraud alerts are hyper-sensitive. Had my card frozen three times during normal travel. Good security, sure, but frustrating when you're buying gas at midnight.
BankAmericard® – The Low-Rate Workhorse
The 18-month term is solid, but the real win is the post-intro APR as low as 16.24%. If there's any chance you won't pay off entirely during 0%, this softens the blow. My brother kept a small balance post-intro and paid just $9 in interest over two months.
Caveat: Transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening. Miss that window and you lose the 0% offer. Learned that lesson the hard way with a similar card years back.
Applying for Balance Transfer Cards: Step-by-Step
Getting approved for one of these best credit cards for balance transfers with good credit isn't rocket science, but messing up costs money. Here's how to do it right:
- Check Your Exact Credit Score – Use Discover's free scorecard or Capital One's CreditWise. Don't guess.
- Calculate Your Needed Limit – Add up all balances you'll transfer plus possible fees. Need $5k? Apply for cards that typically grant $5k+ limits to good credit applicants.
- Pick 1-2 Cards Maximum – Each application causes a hard inquiry. Too many hurt your score. I applied for two cards same day and got both – inquiries combined.
- Have These Ready:
- Social Security Number
- Annual income (include alimony/rental income)
- Existing card numbers and balances to transfer
- Employer info
Warning: Balance transfers usually take 2-3 weeks. Keep paying minimums on your old cards until the transfer completes! I almost missed a payment assuming it was instant.
Using Your New Card Without Sabotaging Yourself
Got approved? Nice work. Now don't blow it. Here's where people crash:
Do:
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum due date. Life gets busy.
- Divide your total balance by intro months. That's your target monthly payment. $6,000 over 18 months? Aim for $333/month.
- Freeze the card in a block of ice if you'll be tempted to spend. Seriously did this with my Target card.
Don't:
- Assume all purchases get 0% APR. They don't unless specified.
- Close old accounts immediately. It shortens your credit history.
- Miss payments. One late fee often voids the entire 0% offer. Brutal policy.
Remember how I mentioned my $8k debt? I set calendar alerts every 14 months saying "RATE CHECK." When that 0% expired, I initiated another transfer. Took discipline but saved thousands.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Does transferring a balance hurt my credit score?
Short-term? Maybe a small dip from the hard inquiry and lower average account age. Long-term? Reducing credit utilization (your balance vs limit) helps. My score dropped 15 points initially but rebounded +40 points within six months as I paid it down.
Can I transfer balances between my own cards?
Usually yes, but not within the same bank. Chase won't let you move debt from a Sapphire to a Freedom card. Between different issuers? Almost always allowed.
What if I can't pay off the full balance before 0% ends?
First, call your issuer 60 days before expiry. Some offer extensions if you've paid on time. If not, apply for another balance transfer card before the rate jumps. If stuck with high APR, prioritize this debt over others.
Are there cards with $0 balance transfer fees?
Rarely. Only card I've seen is the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card – but it requires excellent credit (740+) and offers just 18 billing cycles. Usually a 3% fee beats paying 20%+ interest elsewhere though.
Red Flags That Scream "Avoid This Card!"
Not every offer deserves your good credit. Steer clear if you see:
- Deferred Interest: Retail store cards (like Best Buy) often use this. If not paid in full by promo end, all back interest is charged. Sneaky.
- Short 0% Periods: Anything under 12 months makes debt payoff math brutal for most balances.
- High Ongoing APRs: Cards charging 29.99% variable APR after intro? Predatory unless you're 100% sure you'll payoff.
- Annual Fees Over $100: Unless you'll use premium travel perks, that fee wipes out savings.
Last summer, a bank offered me a "special" 9-month 0% card with a $150 annual fee. Calculated the fees vs interest savings... I'd have lost $60. No thanks.
Final Reality Check Before You Apply
The best credit cards for balance transfers with good credit are tools, not magic wands. I've seen folks transfer $10k at 0%, then rack up new debt on old cards. Don't be that person.
Calculate your break-even point: [(Balance Transfer Fee) / (Monthly Interest Saved)] = Months to recover fee. If your fee is $240 and you save $120/month in interest? Break-even is 2 months. Worth it.
Got multiple balances? Consider transferring only high-APR debts first. A $2k balance at 24% costs more monthly than $5k at 15%.
Ultimately, these cards shine when paired with a real payoff plan. Set reminders. Automate payments. Celebrate milestones. Seeing that balance hit zero after exploiting a 0% period? That's the ultimate credit card hack.
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