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Published September 25, 2024

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Using a balance transfer card can help you pay off debt faster, but ignoring the terms can lead to high interest rates and fees — and, potentially, even more debt than you had in the first place.

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Balance transfer offers typically come with enticing signup deals, but it’s important to look at the entire product to get an idea of whether it’s the best. We’ve analysed over 100 Australian credit cards to find the best balance transfer credit cards for new cardholders. Learn more about how we evaluate cards.

Our top 10 balance transfer credit card picks

The product details appearing below, as well as information used in our analysis, is accurate as of 25 September 2024.

Excellent for: Longer promo period, 0% interest promo rate and higher transfer limit

ANZ Low Rate credit card

ANZ Low Rate credit card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. for 28 months on balance transfers with 3% BT fee
    21.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    13.74% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $58
    Waived first year with balance transfer offer
  • Intro Offer
    Alternative credit back offer available
Our Take

Not only does the ANZ Low Rate card offer 0% interest on balance transfers for over two years, but you can transfer up to 95% of your credit limit. Plus, its standard purchase rate is just 13.74%, making it a solid, all-round card for debt consolidation and everyday expenses.

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.
  • Offers flexible payment options, like instalment plans.
  • Low minimum credit limits available.

Cons:

  • Higher balance transfer fee than other options.
  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
Product Details
  • A credit card with a lower ongoing interest rate for your everyday purchases
  • Get a 0% p.a. balance transfer rate for a 28-month promo period, with a 3% balance transfer fee + $0 annual fee in the first year.
  • Or, get $250 back to your new card when you spend $1,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from approval.
  • Lower interest rate on purchases compared to other ANZ cards
  • Higher annual fee compared to the ANZ First card
  • Does not earn Reward Points or Qantas Points on purchases
  • Up to 3 additional cardholders (at no additional cost)
  • No complimentary insurances
  • ANZ Falcon Technology monitors your transactions to help identify fraud
  • Access to ANZ Cashrewards

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: No transfer fee and longer promo period

Bank of Melbourne Vertigo Card

Bank of Melbourne Vertigo Card
  • Intro Rate
    0.99% p.a. for 28 months on balance transfers with no BT fee
    21.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    13.99% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $55
  • Intro Offer
    Alternative cashback offer available
Our Take

The Vertigo Card has a lengthy promotional period and no transfer fees, which means you can move your balance over without adding to your debt. This can be particularly useful for people moving a large balance as the long promo period can help stretch out the repayments on the transferred amount.  

Note: The Vertigo card is also offered by the St.George Bank and BankSA, all of which are subsidiaries of the Westpac Group.    

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • Lower interest rate on purchases.
  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.
  • Cashback bonus also available with another balance transfer promotional offer (6.99% p.a. for 12 months). 

Cons:

  • Balance transfer promo rate may not be as competitive as some other offerings in the market.
  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • Can only use up to 80% of the credit limit for balance transfers.
Product Details

  • An everyday card with a lower rate on purchases, and a low annual card fee.
  • Get 0.99% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for up to 28 months.
  • Or, get 10% cashback on spend at selected supermarkets and petrol stations (up to $500 total cashback). Plus, 6.99% p.a. interest on balance transfers for up to 12 months when requested at card application. 
  • Lower purchase interest rate than other offerings in the market.
  • Up to 55 days interest-free
  • Link and pay with your eligible Bank of Melbourne credit card to get exclusive bonus Cashback when you shop on the new Bank of Melbourne Lounge on the ShopBack app.
  • Low minimum credit limit: If you haven’t used credit much before, or aren’t confident using it, the $500 minimum limit can help ensure your spend doesn’t get out of control.
  • Complimentary additional cardholder: Add a second cardholder (16 or over) for free, while keeping all the spend on the one account.
  • Secure ways to pay: Make purchases with your smartphone using your choice of mobile wallet, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
  • Fraud protection: Feel confident using our cards, with 24/7 fraud monitoring, Secure Online Shopping Service, and the Bank of Melbourne Fraud Money Back Guarantee
  • Access to My Offers Hub.
  • Visa Offers and Perks
  • Manage your repayments with options like Plan&Pay, Autopay, SMS and email alerts and more.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: 0% interest promo rate, lower revert rate and longer promo period

Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard

Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers with 3% BT fee
    12.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    12.99% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $49
  • Intro Offer
    N/A
Our Take

The Breeze Classic Mastercard’s lower annual fee and balance transfer revert rate provides a little breathing room after the promo period ends. While any remaining balances will still accrue interest, the lower revert rate can help prevent your debt from spiraling.

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • Lower interest rate on purchases.
  • Transferred balances can use more than 90% of your credit limit.
  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.

Cons:

  • Higher balance transfer fee than other options.
Product Details
  • 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers: Limited time, new Breeze Mastercard® customers only. 3% balance transfer fee, plus other fees and charges, T&Cs apply. 
  • Up to 55 interest free days on purchases.
  • Application approved? Use your digital card right away while you wait for your physical card.
  • Instant card lock
  • Easy Instalments purchase plans
  • Minimum credit limit: $1,000
  • Foreign transaction fee: 2.95% of transaction amount.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Credit Card Conditions of Use.

Excellent for: Higher transfer limit, longer promo period and 0% interest promo rate

NAB Low rate credit card

NAB Low rate credit card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 28 months with 2% BT fee
    21.74% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    13.49% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $0 for the first year, then $59
  • Intro Offer
    Alternative cashback offer available
Our Take

With a 100% transfer limit, you have a better chance of moving your total balance onto the NAB Low Rate Card, consolidating your debt and keeping the number of credit card payments down to a minimum.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Lower interest rate on purchases.
  • No annual fee for the first year.
  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.

Cons:

  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • No flexible payment options, like instalment plans, available.
Product Details
  • Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 28 months with 2% balance transfer fee on a new NAB Low Rate Card. Unpaid balance transfer reverts to variable cash advance rate.
  • Enjoy no annual fee for the first year (usually $59).
  • NAB’s lowest interest rate on purchases
  • Up to 55 interest free days on purchases
  • Special offers with Visa Entertainment, including pre-sale tickets and member promotions
  • Add an additional cardholder at no extra cost 
  • Fraud and theft protection with world class security technologies
  • Global assistance for card emergencies

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Guide to Fees and Charges and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: 0% interest promo rate and longer promo period

Westpac Low Rate credit card

Westpac Low Rate credit card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 26 months with 2% BT fee
    21.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    13.74% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $59
    $0 in the first year for current Westpac customers.
  • Intro Offer
    Alternative cashback offer available
Our Take

No interest on balance transfers during the promo period, a longer promo period and lower APR makes the Westpac Low Rate card a solid choice for anyone looking to move a balance and then use the card for everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Higher credit limits up to $50,000+.
  • Offers flexible payment options, like instalment plans.
  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.

Cons:

  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • Can only use up to 80% of the credit limit for balance transfers.
Product Details
  • Request a 0% p.a. for 26 months balance transfer at application. A 2% balance transfer fee applies. After 26 months, the rate reverts to the variable cash advance rate.
  • Or, earn up to $350 cashback on your new credit card. 
  • First year’s card fee is waived for existing Westpac customers.
  • Lower ongoing interest rate on purchases: handy if you don’t intend to pay off your bill in full each month
  • Lower ongoing annual card fee of $59: to help trim your credit card costs, keeping money in your pocket
  • Up to 55 days interest-free: more opportunity to avoid interest charges on your purchases
  • Westpac customers can access exclusive bonus Cashback when shopping with their credit card through ShopBack
  • Split your purchases over $100 into 4 payments over 6 weeks with the PartPay feature on your credit card.
  • Use the Dynamic CVC on your digital card. The 3-digit number changes every 24 hours for added fraud protection.
  • Manage your credit card in the Westpac App, with features to help you budget, save and stay on top of your finances.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: Lower transfer fee, 0% interest during the promo period and earns rewards

Bankwest More Classic credit card

Bankwest More Classic credit card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 6 months with 1% BT fee
    19.99% after that
  • Purchase Rate
    19.99% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $100
  • Intro Offer
    N/A
Our Take

The More Classic Mastercard offers a lower transfer rate and 0% on transferred balances, while also earning 1.5 reward points on every dollar you spend, up to a limit — a solid pick for people who want perks with their credit.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Interest-free days available on purchases during balance transfer promo.
  • Ongoing balance transfer options for existing cardholders.
  • Offers flexible payment options, like instalment plans.

Cons:

  • Balance transfer promo period is less than one year.
  • Higher annual fee.
Product Details
  • 0% p.a. Intro balance transfer rate for first 6 months (1% balance transfer fee applies)
  • Earn 1.5 More Rewards points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to 150,000 points every year
  • Up to 44 interest free days on purchases
  • Easy Instalments purchase plans
  • $1,000 minimum credit limit

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Credit Card Conditions of Use.

Excellent for: No transfer fee, lower purchase rate and 0% interest on BTs

Virgin Money Low Rate Credit Card

Virgin Money Low Rate Credit Card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 15 months with no BT fee
    21.69% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    12.99% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $99
  • Intro Offer
    N/A
Our Take

With no transfer fees and 0% interest on balance transfers, the Virgin Money Low Rate Card allows you to move your balance without adding more debt to the transferred amount. Plus, it has a lower APR when compared to some of its competitors.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Lower interest rate on purchases.
  • No balance transfer fee.
  • Higher credit limits up to $50,000+ available.

Cons:

  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • Higher annual fee.
  • No interest-free days on purchases during the promo period.
Product Details
  • Get 0% p.a promo interest rate for 15 months with our balance transfer offer. 
  • A lower 12.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases.
  • Competitive annual fee of $99.
  • Earn loads of Virgin Money Bonus Points: Access a range of partner offers through the Virgin Money app to earn Bonus Points and other epic benefits from brands like The ICONIC, Menulog and many more.
  • Virgin Money app: The Virgin Money app keeps you in the know, with a spend tracker, alerts and clever insights into your credit card spend – and more.
  • Digital wallet: Use your phone or wearable to pay from your credit card account, with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
  • Personal Concierge: Take advantage of round-the-clock access to the Visa Platinum Concierge Service. It’s the next best thing to having your very own personal assistant and all it takes is a phone call or a mouse click, anytime, anywhere in the world.
  • Visa payWave: Pay for anything from coffee to a set of monogrammed bath towels with a simple wave of your Virgin Money Credit Card anywhere with a Visa payWave sensor.
  • Fraudshield: Your card is safe with Fraudshield. If there are any unusual transactions on your account, we’ll reach out. And you won’t be liable for fraudulent transactions made with your card.
  • Visa Platinum Benefits: Enjoy first choice of seats to some of the most sought-after events in Australia. No queuing, no waiting, no disappointment. Go to some of the biggest concerts, hottest shows and most exciting sports events, before pre-sales and before they go on sale to the general public.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Rates and Fees and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: Longer promo period, no transfer fee and earns rewards

Velocity Flyer Credit Card

Velocity Flyer Credit Card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months with 1% BT fee
    20.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    20.74% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $149
  • Intro Offer
    Velocity Points offer also available
Our Take

The Velocity Flyer Card offers no transfer fees and a lengthy promo period at 0% on balance transfers, as well as earning 0.5 to 0.66 Velocity Frequent Flyer Points on every dollar you spend, up to a limit — great for Virgin Australia regulars.

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • Earn rewards. 
  • No balance transfer fee.
  • Higher credit limits up to $50,000+ available.

Cons: 

  • Interest on purchases exceeds 20%.
  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • Higher annual fee.
Product Details
  • Get 0% p.a. promo interest rate for 24 months with a balance transfer and $0 annual fee for the first year, and $149 after that.
  • Or, get the 60,000 Velocity Points offer, which comes with 0% p.a. for 12 months on balance transfers and half annual fee for the first year.
  • Earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points on your eligible everyday spend: $100 spent will earn you 66 Velocity Frequent Flyer Points up to $1,500 each monthly statement period, and half a point per dollar spent thereafter.
  • Fly more, earn more: Earn 1 extra Velocity Point for every $1 spent directly with Virgin Australia using your Flyer Credit Card.
  • Complimentary Insurance: 90 days complimentary Purchase Protection Insurance, and Extended Warranty Insurance for up to 12 months.
  • Enjoy an exclusive $129 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher: You can redeem this perk every year when you make a retail purchase in the 2 months prior to requesting the voucher. 
  • Virgin Money app: The Virgin Money app keeps you in the know, with a spend tracker, alerts and clever insights into your credit card spend – and more.
  • Digital wallet: Use your phone or wearable to pay from your credit card account, with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
  • Personal Concierge: Take advantage of round-the-clock access to the Visa Platinum Concierge Service. It’s the next best thing to having your very own personal assistant and all it takes is a phone call or a mouse click, anytime, anywhere in the world.
  • Visa payWave: Pay for anything from coffee to a set of monogrammed bath towels with a simple wave of your Virgin Money Credit Card anywhere with a Visa payWave sensor.
  • Fraudshield: Your card is safe with Fraudshield. If there are any unusual transactions on your account, we’ll reach out. And you won’t be liable for fraudulent transactions made with your card.
  • Visa Platinum Benefits: Enjoy first choice of seats to some of the most sought-after events in Australia. No queuing, no waiting, no disappointment. Go to some of the biggest concerts, hottest shows and most exciting sports events, before pre-sales and before they go on sale to the general public.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Rates and Fees and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: 0% promo interest rate, no transfer fee and earns rewards

BOQ Blue Visa Credit Card

BOQ Blue Visa Credit Card
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months
    20.74% p.a. on purchases and 21.74% p.a. on transferred balances after that
  • Purchase Rate
    20.74% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $60
    Increasing to $89 from 31 October 2024
  • Intro Offer
    N/A
Our Take

The Blue Visa Credit Card doesn’t charge a transfer fee, and earns one Q Rewards points for every dollar you spend, up to a limit. Q Rewards can be redeemed for cash, statement credits or eVouchers. 

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers during the nine month promotional period
  • Earns rewards.
  • No balance transfer fee.

Cons: 

  • No interest-free days on purchases during the promo period.
  • Promo periods are less than one year.
  • After the promo, rates rise above 20% for both purchases and balance transfers.
Product Details
  • 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months, with no balance transfer fee. Purchase rate reverts to ongoing purchase rate thereafter, balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate thereafter. No interest free days apply on retail purchases at the end of the promotional period while you have a balance transfer.
  • Up to 44 days interest free
  • With BOQ’s Credit Card rewards program, Q Rewards, every dollar you spend on Eligible Transactions becomes points.
  • Purchase Protection Insurance: Cover for lost, stolen or damaged goods within 90 days of purchase (terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply).
  • Security and fraud protection
  • Instalment Plans
  • From 31 October 2024, the following changes will apply to the BOQ Blue Credit Card: the Annual Cardholder Fee will increase to $89; the interest rate on Retail Purchases will increase to 20.99% p.a. and the interest rate on Cash Advances will increase to 21.99% p.a.

For more information, we recommend reviewing  this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Features, Fees and Charges and Credit Card Terms and Conditions.

Excellent for: No annual fee, 0% promo interest rate and earns rewards

HSBC Premier World Mastercard

HSBC Premier World Mastercard
  • Intro Rate
    0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months with 2% BT fee
    21.99% p.a. after that
  • Purchase Rate
    19.99% p.a.
  • Annual. Fee
    $0
  • Intro Offer
    N/A
Our Take

The Premier World Mastercard has no annual fee and offers 0% interest on balance transfer for 12 months, so you can focus on reducing your debt rather than paying annual fees.  

Pros & Cons

Pros: 

  • No annual fee.
  • Choose to earn Rewards Plus or Qantas Points.
  • Travel perks, like airport lounge access and complimentary travel insurance, included.

Cons: 

  • Revert rate rises above 20% after promo ends.
  • No flexible payment options, like instalment plans, available.
Product Details
  • Get 0% pa promo interest rate on balance transfers for 12 months (2% balance transfer fee applies)
  • Experience all the perks of a global credit card without any annual card fees.
  • Choose whether you want to earn Rewards Plus or Qantas Points.
  • Get up to 10% off when you book your next adventure with your credit card via Agoda or Expedia.
  • Enjoy bespoke airport experiences, with access to over 1,000 lounges for you to relax in and offers at the best airport shops
  • HSBC Rewards Plus: Earn 1.5 Rewards Plus points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $120,000 spent per year. Redeem your points for cashback, gift cards, or travel.
  • Qantas Rewards: Earn 1.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, up to $120,000 during the first 12 months of your account, and 1 Qantas Point per $1 in subsequent years. Unlock bespoke offers from 27,000 local and global retail partners with our home&Away Privilege Program.
  • Complimentary travel insurance: Get domestic and international travel insurance with rental vehicle excess insurance in Australia, transit accident insurance, extended warranty insurance, and purchase protection insurance.
  • Travel in style with 2 airport lounge passes every year with Mastercard Travel Pass, provided by DragonPass
  • Use My Card Controls to help keep your spending safe with transaction limits and the ability to lock or unlock your card.
  • Discover over 4,500 ways to save when you get the HSBC Instant Savings app.

For more information, we recommend reviewing this product’s Target Market Determination, the Credit Card Key Facts and Credit Card Terms.

Back to Top

Methodology

Summary of our selections

Card nameExcellent forAnnual fee
ANZ Low Rate credit cardLonger promo period, 0% interest promo rate and higher transfer limit.$58 (waived first year).
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo CardNo transfer fee and longer promo period.$55.
Bankwest Breeze Classic Mastercard0% interest promo rate, lower revert rate and longer promo period.$49.
NAB Low rate credit cardHigher transfer limit, longer promo period and 0% interest promo rate.$59 ($0 for the first year).
Westpac Low Rate credit card0% interest promo rate and longer promo period.$59 ($0 in the first year for current Westpac customers).
Bankwest More Classic credit cardLower transfer fee, 0% interest during the promo period and earns rewards.$100.
Virgin Money Low Rate Credit CardNo transfer fee, lower purchase rate and 0% interest on BTs.$99.
Velocity Flyer Credit CardLonger promo period, no transfer fee and earns rewards.$149.
BOQ Blue Visa Credit Card0% promo interest rate, no transfer fee and earns rewards.$60 (increasing to $89 from 31 October 2024).
HSBC Premier World MastercardNo annual fee, 0% promo interest rate and earns rewards.$0.

How to compare balance transfer credit cards

By Georgia Rose | Edited by Athena Cocoves

A balance transfer is when you move debt from one credit card to another. This is typically done to take advantage of a lower interest rate on a new card, giving you some breathing room to pay down the balance. But not all balance transfer cards are created equal. Fees, interest rates, transfer limits and promotion lengths are just some of the factors that can vary dramatically among issuers. 

Use our comparison guide to help you narrow down your choices


Comparing balance transfer features

Some features may be more important to you than others. For example, if you have a balance of $5,000, you may want a card with a longer promotional period to give you more time to pay it down. You may also need a card with a transfer limit of at least 95% to make sure all of your debt can be moved over. 

Here are some of the most important features to consider when comparing your options for balance transfer cards:

Promotional balance transfer interest rate

Range: 0% – 7%

What it is: This rate applies to any balance you transfer to the new card under the promotional offer.

Why it matters: Low introductory rates, like 0%, mean you can focus on paying down the existing debt without accruing more interest.

Length of balance transfer promotion

Range: 6 – 28 months

What it is: This is the number of months that the balance transfer promotional offer applies.

Why it matters: A longer promotional period means you can spread out your repayments and pay less each month.

Balance transfer fee

Range: 0% – 3%

What it is: This is the fee charged to complete the balance transfer.

Why it matters: It’s typically added to the balance you are transferring and becomes part of the overall debt. Lower fees mean adding less to your debt when making the move.

Transfer limit

Range: 80% – 100% of credit limit on new card.

What it is: This is the amount of debt you can transfer from one card to another, set by the card receiving the transfer.

Why it matters: Higher limits make it more feasible to transfer the total balance to the new card and consolidate your debt so you can manage the repayments more easily.

Standard balance transfer rate (‘Revert rate’)

Range: 12.99% – 25.99%

What it is: This rate applies to all transferred balances that are not subject to a promotional offer. After a balance transfer promotion ends, this is the rate that typically applies to any remaining balance due.

Why it matters: A lower standard balance transfer rate will be easier to deal with if you fail to pay off the debt by the end of the promotion.


Other important features to consider

It’s easy to get swept away by a card’s promotional offer, but it’s just as important to look at its standard rates and fees before applying. After all, when the promotional period ends, these are the features you’ll be left with. 

Range: 0% – 23.99%.

What it is: This rate applies to most new purchases you make with the card.

Why it matters: If you use the card for everyday purchases, a low rate can reduce the chances of falling into another debt spiral. However, it’s highly advisable to pay off any new purchases you make in full each month.

Range: Typically 0%.

What it is: This rate applies to purchases made within the promotional purchase interest rate period, if applicable. Low promotional purchase rates mean you can make new purchases without paying interest on the balance for a set period.

Why it matters: But adding to your debt is never the answer. Try to avoid making unnecessary purchases with your new card until the existing debt is paid down.

Range: 0 – 55 days.

What it is: This is the number of days after a purchase is made until interest is charged.

Why it matters: It’s worth noting that most cards do not allow interest free days on regular purchases during balance transfer promotional periods.

Range: $0 – $1000+.

What it is: Issuers may waive this fee for the first year, depending on the offers available.

Why it matters: Since many balance transfer offers last longer than one year, you should account for this charge in your repayment plan.

Range: Varies among reward programs.

What it is: This includes rewards like points or cash back on eligible purchases, and can be used to buy flights, merchandise and more.

Why it matters: Some cards charge a fee for access to rewards.

Range: Varies among reward programs.

What it is: This may include bonus reward points, cash back or accelerated reward rates, and are typically offered to new cardholders as an incentive to apply.

Why it matters: While rewards may sound appealing, be mindful of overspending. You don’t want to rack up more debt just to earn rewards you don’t need. You should also check to make sure the rewards offer is available with the balance transfer offer.


Pros of a balance transfer

  • Gives you time to pay off the debt without accruing interest.
  • Some balance transfer offers also come with waived annual fees and other perks, helping you save more money.
  • Consolidating debt from multiple cards can make paying it off more manageable—you only have one payment to make each month. 
  • Making smart money moves to reduce your debt can boost your confidence in money management, and give you the momentum to create healthy financial habits.

Cons of a balance transfer

  • Promotional rates are temporary, leaving any unpaid balances subject to higher rates once the offer ends.
  • Balance transfer fees typically apply, and add to your debt.  
  • You may not be able to transfer all of the debt onto one credit card. Applying for multiple credit cards in a short period of time may negatively affect your credit score.
  • Balance transfer offers can lead to a cycle of moving debt from one card to another, and never actually paying it off. In short: if you make a transfer, create a repayment plan and stick to it as best you can.

When are credit card balance transfers worth it? 

If you think you can pay off the debt during the promotional period, are eligible for the offer and can move all of your debt to the new card, then a balance transfer may be worth it. 

Just be mindful of the card’s standard rates before you apply — if you can’t clear the debt within the promotional period, the balance could eventually be subject to higher rates than your current card. Ending up with more debt is certainly not worth it. 

🤓 Nerdy Tip

Promotional balance transfers may only apply to new cardholders, depending on the offer. So, if you’re looking to transfer a balance onto a card you already own, look for promotions that apply to existing customers. 

To consolidate your debt

Combining your credit card balances into a single amount can be worth it if you have multiple debts. It can:

It’s important to be realistic about how much you can repay during the low-rate period and whether you can solely focus on paying down the balance.

One alternative to a credit card balance transfer is a debt consolidation loan. It works by rolling your debts into one loan, and charging a lower average interest rate. This may be worth considering if you think you won’t pay off your debt during a credit card’s promotional period. Plus, the overall fees, charges and rates on a new loan will typically work out cheaper than what you’re currently paying. 

🤓 Nerdy Tip

Remember, you can always negotiate with your credit card issuer if you’re struggling to pay off debt. They may offer you a lower interest rate, waive fees or give you more time to pay it down. Many lenders have hardship programs that can help you manage the debt more efficiently. Plus, the National Debt Hotline is also available for guidance and help.  

To avoid compounding interest

Interest can increase your debt quicker than you may think. The below graph shows how, after just 6 months at 21% interest, a balance of $5,000 can accrue more than $500 of interest, making it harder to pay it down. 

The above table is based on a minimum payment of 3% or $20, whichever is higher. 


How much could you save? 

The amount you can save depends on the size of your debt, the interest you’re currently paying, the length of the low-interest or interest-free offer, and the fees involved.

For example, let’s say you have an unpaid balance of $5,000 on a credit card with a 21% interest rate.

In order to clear the balance in two years, you’d need to pay roughly $260 every month. After the two years are up, you will have paid a total of $6,019 — over a thousand AUD in interest, according to Moneysmart’s credit card calculator

However, if you move the balance to a card with a two year interest-free offer, a $55 annual fee and no transfer fees, you’d need to pay about $208 every month and make no new purchases to clear the debt. And after the two years are up, you’d have paid off the $5,000 and paid zero interest.

Interest-free period lengthMonthly payment to clear $5,000 balance during interest-free period*
9 months$556
12 months$416
15 months$333
18 months$278
21 months$238
24 months$208
* Not including transfer fees or annual fees

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

What Is A Credit Card Balance Transfer?

What Is A Credit Card Balance Transfer?

A credit card balance transfer allows you to move existing credit card debt to a new card, often with a lower interest rate.

How To Transfer A Credit Card Balance

How To Transfer A Credit Card Balance

Transferring a credit card balance from one card to another is fairly straightforward, but fees and rates can differ among issuers.

Types Of Credit Cards In Australia

Types Of Credit Cards In Australia

Types of credit cards include rewards, low-interest, balance transfer and credit-building cards. When choosing a credit card, consider your spending habits and ability to repay the balance.

How To Pay Off Your Credit Card

How To Pay Off Your Credit Card

Tricks to paying off credit cards include repaying more than the minimum, consolidating debt, using a balance transfer, and other debt relief strategies.

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