Credit Card Balance Transfer Calculator
Compare what you'd pay by staying put versus transferring your balance — fees included — to see your real net savings.
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by the CalcMyCard editorial team
A balance transfer is usually worth it if the interest you'd save during the promotional period is greater than the transfer fee (typically 3-5% of the balance). Enter your numbers below to see your exact net savings, fee included.
Balance transfer offers can look like an obvious win — "0% APR for 18 months!" — but the fee changes the math, and if you can't pay off the balance before the promo ends, the savings can evaporate entirely. This calculator nets everything out so you know the real answer before you apply.
What this calculator compares
You'll enter your current balance, your current card's APR, how much you can pay each month, and the terms of the transfer offer (fee, promotional APR, promo length, and the go-to APR after the promo ends). The calculator then compares the total cost of staying on your current card against the total cost of transferring — fee included — at the same monthly payment.
The fee is real, but so is the savings
A 3% fee on a $6,000 transfer is $180 upfront. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to what a 24.99% APR would otherwise cost over the same period — often well over $1,000 in interest on a balance that size. The break-even point depends heavily on your APR gap and how quickly you can pay down the balance, which is exactly what the calculator solves for.
The single biggest risk: not finishing in time
The promotional rate is temporary. Any balance still outstanding when the promo ends starts accruing interest at the card's standard (often high) go-to APR — and on some "deferred interest" promotions, missing the deadline can retroactively charge interest back to the transfer date. Divide your balance by the number of promo months to find the flat payment that guarantees a $0 balance right when the promo ends; this calculator does that math automatically.
Comparing it to a personal loan
A balance transfer isn't your only option for consolidating high-interest debt. If your credit or balance size makes a fixed-rate personal loan more attractive, compare both side by side with the Debt Consolidation vs. Balance Transfer Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a balance transfer worth the transfer fee?
Usually yes, if you're carrying a high-APR balance for more than a few months. Transfer fees typically run 3-5% of the transferred amount, but that's often far less than the interest you'd otherwise pay over the promotional period. This calculator nets the fee against the interest saved to show you the real answer.
What happens if I don't pay off the balance before the promo APR ends?
Any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the card's standard (often high) go-to APR. To get the full benefit of a transfer, divide your balance by the number of promo months and try to pay at least that much each month.
Can I transfer a balance between cards from the same bank?
Generally no — most issuers won't let you transfer a balance to another card issued by the same bank. You'll need an offer from a different issuer.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Your card issuer's actual calculation may differ slightly based on its compounding method, fees, and grace period rules — always confirm against your official statement.