Balance transfer calculator
A balance transfer calculator shows whether moving a credit-card balance to a 0% intro-APR card saves money after the transfer fee. Enter your balance, current APR, the intro length, the fee and your monthly payment to see the net saving, the breakeven, and whether you’ll clear it before the 0% window ends.
Net savings with a transfer
$1,233
How this estimate is calculated
We add the transfer fee to your balance, then simulate payoff at 0% during the intro window and at the post-intro APR afterward, at your fixed monthly payment. We compare that total cost — fee included — against staying on your current card at its APR with the same payment. A transfer is only flagged worthwhile when the interest avoided beats the fee.
See our full methodology for assumptions, limits and the 2026 data used.
Sources
- Federal Reserve G.19 (Consumer Credit) (as of 2026-02-28)
- Written by
- Colson — Founder & consumer-finance researcher, ColsonSuperApps LLC
- Verified
- Every figure checked against its cited primary source
- Last updated
- June 14, 2026
- Standards
- Editorial policy
These results are educational estimates based on the figures you enter and standard financial math, not financial advice or an offer of credit. Your actual rate, payment and terms depend on your credit, lender and other factors. Verify any number with the lender before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Is a balance transfer worth the fee?
Usually yes if your current APR is high and you can pay off most of the balance during the 0% window. The typical 3–5% fee is far less than a year of 20%+ interest. This calculator nets the fee against the interest saved to tell you for sure.
What happens if I don’t pay it off in time?
Any balance left when the intro period ends starts accruing at the card’s regular APR. To get the full benefit, set a monthly payment that clears the balance within the intro months — the calculator flags when yours doesn’t.