A 0% intro APR is only free if you outrun the clock. Model the fee, the window, and the rate waiting on the other side.
Enter your balance, APRs, and planned payment.
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A balance transfer moves credit card debt onto a new card offering 0% (or very low) introductory APR for a fixed window, typically charging a 3-5% upfront fee. This simulator compares your current card's interest against the transfer's fee-plus-residual-interest outcome based on your actual monthly payment. See the payoff-order angle with our debt avalanche guide.
Carriers of revolving card debt above ~15% APR who can qualify for promotional offers, disciplined payers confident they can finish within the intro window, and anyone deciding between a transfer and our modeled consolidation loan.
Example Input
Balance: $9,000 at 22.9% APR. Offer: 0% for 18 months with 3% fee ($270), regular APR 26.99% after. Payment: $500/month.
Sample Output
Current card: ~$2,180 interest to clear. Transfer: $270 fee, cleared in month 18 with ~$0 interest. Net savings: ~$1,910 if the promo window is enough.
Example Input
Same balance but only $300/month payments.
Sample Output
$2,700 remains when the promo ends, accruing 26.99% afterward. Residual interest erases most of the benefit; the calculator recommends a larger payment or a longer promo term.
When a 0% offer arrives pre-approved, before applying (check the regular APR and fee first), when planning aggressive payoff sprints, and when comparing multiple offers with different promo lengths and fee percentages.
Enter your statement balance, current purchase APR, the promo length in months, promo APR, the transfer fee percentage, and the honest monthly payment you will sustain. The simulation charges the fee upfront, applies zero promo interest, then switches to the post-promo APR on any remainder.
Underpaying relative to the window is failure mode #1. Others: missing the post-promo APR in the fine print, new purchases sometimes accruing interest immediately (no grace period while a transfer balance exists), deferred-interest store promos that differ from true 0%, and closing the old card accidentally shortening credit history.
Industry standard is 3% (minimum $5-$10) on cards with good ongoing rewards, occasionally 5% on longest promos. Some issuers waive fees for intro periods; at 0% fee, transfers beat nearly every alternative.
The application causes a hard inquiry and a new account lowers average age temporarily. However, moving balances can lower utilization on the original card quickly, often netting improvement within 1-2 cycles. Avoid maxing the new card above 30% utilization.
The remaining balance converts to the card's regular purchase APR, commonly 25-29% today, applied immediately to whatever is left. That is why sizing your payment to finish inside the window (or having a backup plan) is essential.
Everything computes locally in your browser, compatible with all modern browsers, with no application links or lead forms. Iterate payment amounts until the promo clears comfortably, then execute with confidence.
Follow this 3-step planning sequence to compare the current calculator with the next useful financial or career check.
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