Card issuers advertise balance transfers as a way to escape high interest, but the transfer fee and what happens after the intro period ends both matter. This calculator compares staying on your current card against transferring, using the same fixed monthly payment in both scenarios, so you can see the real total cost either way.
Stay on current card
Transfer balance
The transfer fee is charged upfront and added to what you owe, so it only pays off if the interest you avoid during the 0% period is bigger than the fee itself. If any balance is still left when the intro period ends, it starts accruing interest again at the card's standard rate — which is why the calculator keeps running the numbers past that point instead of stopping at month one. If you're not sure your current card's real payoff timeline, check it first with the credit card payoff calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is a balance transfer always cheaper?
Not always. If you can pay off the balance quickly on your current card, or if the transfer fee is high relative to the interest you'd actually pay, staying put can work out cheaper. Run both numbers before deciding.
What happens if I don't pay it off during the 0% period?
Any balance left over starts accruing interest at the card's standard APR, same as any other card. This calculator accounts for that automatically.
Does a balance transfer affect my credit score?
Opening a new card typically involves a hard credit check, which can cause a small, temporary dip. Your credit utilization can also shift depending on the new card's limit.
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This calculator gives estimates for information only and is not financial advice. Real offers vary by issuer and creditworthiness — check the specific card's terms before transferring.