Balance Transfer Calculator
See what a balance transfer really saves you. This tool factors in the transfer fee, the intro APR and how long it lasts, and the regular APR after — then compares it against staying on your current card at the same monthly payment. Free, no signup.
The $150 transfer fee (3%) is added to your balance up front, so the transfer starts at $5,150.
Transfer vs. Staying Put
With transfer
1y 6m
$0 interest + $150 fee
= $150 total cost
Staying on current card
1y 9m
$1,143 interest
= $1,143 total cost
You save
$993
by transferring — even after the $150 transfer fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a balance transfer save me?
It depends on your balance, the transfer fee, the length of the 0% (or low) intro period, and your current APR. This calculator simulates the transfer month by month — including the fee added up front and the regular APR after the intro period — then compares it to staying on your current card at the same payment, so you see the net interest saved.
How does the transfer fee work?
Most balance-transfer cards charge a one-time fee of 3–5% of the amount transferred, added to your new balance up front. On a $5,000 transfer a 3% fee is $150. The calculator includes this fee in the transfer’s total cost so the savings figure is honest.
Is a balance transfer worth it?
A transfer is worth it when the interest you avoid during the intro period is greater than the transfer fee. It works best if you can pay off most or all of the balance before the intro APR ends. If your monthly payment is too low to clear the balance in time, the regular APR kicks back in and eats into the savings — the calculator shows exactly when that happens.
What happens when the intro APR ends?
Any balance remaining after the intro period starts accruing interest at the card’s regular APR. This calculator switches to the regular APR automatically once the intro months are up, so a balance you don’t pay off in time is charged realistically rather than assumed to stay at 0%.
Should I keep using the card after transferring?
Generally no. New purchases can complicate how payments are applied and may not get the intro rate. To get the most from a balance transfer, stop adding new charges and focus every payment on clearing the transferred balance before the intro period ends.