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Balance Transfer Calculator

A 0% balance transfer can wipe out interest — if you beat the clock. Enter your balance, the offer and your payment to see the net savings after the transfer fee.

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Net savings
Transfer fee
Interest if you stay
Interest after transfer
Paid off during intro?

See current 0% balance-transfer offers

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When a transfer is worth it

A balance transfer is worth it when the interest you avoid during the 0% window is larger than the transfer fee (typically 3–5%). The biggest wins come from paying aggressively so the balance is gone — or nearly gone — before the intro rate expires.

How it’s calculated & sources

We compute interest on your current card if you stay, then model the new card: the fee is added to the balance, the intro rate applies for the intro months, and any leftover balance reverts to the current APR. Net savings = interest avoided − interest still paid − the fee.

Benchmark: net interest saved over the 0% intro window, after the transfer fee. Typical fees are 3–5% (CFPB).

Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.

Worked example

Moving $6,000 from a 22% card to an 18-month 0% offer with a 3% ($180) fee, paying $350/month, clears it inside the window and saves well over $1,000 in interest net of the fee.

Frequently asked questions

Is the transfer fee worth it?

Usually yes if you carry the balance for several months — the avoided interest dwarfs a 3–5% fee. The calculator shows the net figure.

What happens when the 0% ends?

Any remaining balance starts accruing at the card’s regular APR. Aim to finish before then.