Are Balance Transfers Worth It? Here is the Math

Published June 2026 · 4 min read

You owe USD 10,000 on a card at 22% APR. A balance transfer card offers 0% APR for 15 months with a 3% fee (USD 300). Is it worth it? Almost always yes — if you can pay it off within the promo period. USD 10,000 at 22% costs about USD 1,500 in interest over 15 months with typical payments. Paying USD 300 instead saves USD 1,200.

When a Balance Transfer is NOT Worth It

If you cannot pay off the balance before the 0% period ends, the post-promo APR kicks in — often at the same high rate as your old card, sometimes higher. And balance transfers affect your credit score temporarily due to the hard inquiry and new account. Use our Balance Transfer Calculator to run your exact numbers.