Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards — May 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
- Location-Based Rate Tables
- Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
- Finance Calculators
Top balance transfer credit cards currently available include: IU7 Federal Credit UnionIU7 Federal Credit Union2300 Freeport Rd, New Kensington, PA, 15068 4669A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 11.33%'s Credit Card Balance Transfer has an APR of 1.99%, Washington Business BankWashington Business Bank223 5th Ave Se, Olympia, WA, 98531A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.90%'s Visa Balance Transfers has an APR of 1.99%, First Heritage Federal Credit UnionFirst Heritage Federal Credit Union501 Gardner Rd, Wellsboro, PA, 16933 9586A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.30%'s VISA BALANCE TRANSFER has an APR of 1.99%, Greater Niagara Federal Credit UnionGreater Niagara Federal Credit Union2901 MILITARY RD, NORTH TONAWANDA, NY, 14304 1251A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.93%'s VISA® Balance Transfer has an APR of 2.34%, and Westerra Credit UnionWesterra Credit Union8555 W Belleview Ave Ste F17, Parker, CO, 80238A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 3.61%'s Business Visa Balance Transfer has an APR of 2.99%. Rates as of May 10, 2026 per MonitorBankRates.
Balance transfer credit cards let you move high-interest debt to a lower APR, reducing monthly interest charges and helping you pay off the principal faster. Comparing rates from multiple lenders before transferring can save hundreds or thousands in interest.
We display transparent financial health metrics — A–F Safety Grades, Star Ratings, and Texas Ratios — so you can choose a stable, highly-rated institution.
Rates reflect actual verified offers. Last Updated: May 10, 2026
Compare Balance Transfer Credit Card Rates Nationwide
Intro rate expires: 12 months
Intro rate expires: June 2027; Regular APR: 10.45% - 22.45%
Intro rate expires: 12 months
No additional details provided.
Intro rate expires: 12 months; Regular APR: 12.40%-21.00% variable APR+
Intro rate expires: 12 Months; Regular APR: standard APR
For the LIFE of transactions made before 7/31/26
As Low As; Rates may vary from the rate shown based on your credit score. View the loan rate sheet for details.
Intro rate expires: 6 monthly billing cycles; Regular APR: standard rate
Intro rate expires: 12 months; Regular APR: 13.40%-21.00% variable
No additional details provided.
As Low As; * Minimum Amount May Apply. Please call (518) 483-8668 for more information.
As Low As; Intro rate expires: 12 months; Regular APR: null
Intro rate expires: 6 months
Regular APR: 9.90%
Intro rate expires: 12 months; Regular APR: 14.40%-21.00% variable APR+
As Low As; (for 12 months) (After that, your fixed rate will be 7.99% - 14.99%.)
Intro rate expires: May 25
As Low As
No additional details provided.
No additional details provided.
Balance Transfer Credit Card APR Trend
Daily national average APR compiled from 1,256 banks & credit unions — updated daily.
APRs fell 0.009 pts to 11.23%, down from 11.24% last week.
Averages from 2,104 APR quotes across 1,256 institutions • As of May 12, 2026
What Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card?
A balance transfer credit card allows you to move existing high-interest debt from one or more cards onto a new card, ideally at a lower ongoing APR. Many cards offer promotional low or 0% APR periods for transferred balances, giving you time to pay down principal without accruing interest.
Credit unions frequently offer balance transfer cards with competitive ongoing APRs and lower balance transfer fees than large bank issuers. After any introductory period ends, the ongoing APR is what determines your long-term cost, making it the most important figure to compare.
When evaluating a balance transfer offer, look at the ongoing purchase APR (not just the promo rate), the balance transfer fee, the length of any promotional period, and the penalty APR. MonitorBankRates displays these alongside Safety Grades and financial health metrics.
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified Rate Data: We aggregate balance transfer credit card APRs nationwide directly from the official websites of banks and credit unions using our proprietary rate aggregation technology. By pulling data straight from institutions’ own digital properties and manually verifying rates daily, every APR on MonitorBankRates.com is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems monitor 8,500+ banks and credit unions across all 50 states. Balance transfer offers vary widely by institution and location — using the state filter is highly recommended to surface the best options available in your area.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate team verifies and updates credit card APRs daily. Every product listed features its own specific “last updated” date. Introductory balance transfer rates and fees, where disclosed, appear in the product details panel.
Proprietary Institution Health & Safety Grades: MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective FDIC and NCUA regulatory data — including the Texas Ratio — ensuring you choose financially secure institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Balance Transfer Credit Cards
What is a balance transfer credit card?
Is there a fee for balance transfers?
How long does a balance transfer take?
Will a balance transfer hurt my credit score?
What happens after the promotional period ends?
Top Balance Transfer Credit Cards Today
- IU7 Federal Credit Union: 1.99% APR (Credit Card Balance Transfer)
- Washington Business Bank: 1.99% APR (Visa Balance Transfers)
- First Heritage Federal Credit Union: 1.99% APR (VISA BALANCE TRANSFER)
- Greater Niagara Federal Credit Union: 2.34% APR (VISA® Balance Transfer)
- Westerra Credit Union: 2.99% APR (Business Visa Balance Transfer)
More Credit Card Options
