The Best Low-Cost, Balance Transfer Credit Card Right Now

Published February 16, 2012

[Update: Some offers mentioned below have expired. You can view the current offers from our marketplace. Disclosure: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]

Chase has sweetened the deal on the Slate from Chase: No Balance Transfer Fee credit card. The zero percent intro period has been extended from 12 months to 15 months. I rarely see a balance transfer card that waives the fee and gives an intro period longer than a year.

This is a good deal, folks. The balance transfer fee is usually 3 percent. On a $10,000 transfer you'll save $300. Plus, you get 15 months to pay off your debt without paying interest. Here's an important caveat: You must do your balance transfer within 30 days of opening your account. If you don't do it in that time frame, you'll have to pay the 3 percent transfer fee.

I still like the Citi Simplicity Card for balance transfers, but alas, this card's amazing 21-month intro period just got decreased to 18 months. Plus you have to pay the transfer fee. So if you can pay your debt off in 15 months, this Slate card is a better low-cost option right now.

Here are a few highlights of this card:

  • You must have excellent credit to qualify
  • After the intro period ends, the go-to APR ranges from 11.99 percent to 21.99 percent (V) APR
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3 percent

Now, you also get a zero percent intro APR on purchases for 15 months. But if you're doing a balance transfer, I beg you not to put new purchases on this card. Here's your chance to pay off your debt.

If you want to know how things can spiral out of control if you buy stuff with your new balance transfer card, read my blog about 5 Credit Card Catastrophes (and How to Avoid Them). Putting new purchases on your balance transfer card is number one on my list.

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