About the Credit Card Balance Transfer Calculator
A balance transfer can save real money by parking your debt at a 0% or low intro rate — but the upfront transfer fee and the rate after the intro period can erase the benefit. This calculator compares the total cost of staying put with transferring, at your payment level.
How it’s calculated
Staying: interest is simulated at your current APR until payoff. Transferring: the fee is added to the balance, the intro rate applies during the intro months, then the post-intro rate applies. Savings = interest if you stay − (transfer interest + fee).
Example calculation
Moving a $6,000 balance to a 0% card for 15 months with a 3% fee ($180), while paying $300/month, can save well over $1,000 versus staying at 22.9%.
Frequently asked questions
When is a balance transfer worth it?
When the interest you avoid during the intro period is larger than the transfer fee — and especially if you can clear the balance before the intro rate ends.
What happens after the intro period?
Any remaining balance starts accruing at the card's regular APR, which can be high. Aim to pay the balance off before the promotion ends.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Your actual figures may vary with lender terms, fees, and market conditions.