Can you transfer more than one balance to a 0% APR card? (2024)

The Chase Freedom® is not currently available to new cardholders. Please visit our list of the best cash-back cards for alternative options.

Credit card debt burdens many Americans, but completing a balance transferis a way to dig yourself out.

Balance transfer credit cards offer interest-free periods, often 12 to 20 months, that you can use to pay off high-interest credit card debt faster than chipping away at balances on an existing card that charges interest.

If you have credit card debt on multiple cards, it can be a good idea to consolidate it to one balance transfer card to save money on interest charges and manage your debt better.

You can generally transfer as many balances as you want to a single 0% APR card, but you'll need to meet certain requirements.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to transferring more than one balance to a 0% APR card.

How to transfer multiple balances to a 0% APR card

  1. Open a card from a different issuer
  2. Calculate how much debt you want to transfer
  3. Review the balance transfer limits
  4. Transfer debt within the eligible time period

1. Open a card from a different issuer

Balance transfers can't be completed between cards from the same issuer, so you'll need to check that the cards with debt differ from the balance transfer card you plan to open.

Be careful with debt on co-branded cards, since those cards may not have the issuer present in the card's name. You'll need to verify the issuer by checking your cardholder agreement, calling customer service or searching online.

For instance, if you have debt on a Citi card you can't transfer debt to another Citi card. And if you're looking to transfer debt from both a Citi card and a Discover card, opt for a balance transfer card that isn't from either of those issuers, such as cards from Amex, Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America.

2. Calculate how much debt you want to transfer

When you're looking to complete a balance transfer, you should take note of the amount of debt you want to transfer. Add up all the balances across your existing cards to calculate your total balance, which is important to know for the next step.

So if you have $3,000 on one card and $4,000 on another, your total balance would be $7,000.

3. Review the balance transfer limits

Once you open a balance transfer card, you'll need to consider the amount of debt you're actually allowed to transfer. While you want to transfer the total balance you calculated in step two, you may not be able to.

Card issuers often limit the total balance(s) you can transfer to a percentage of your credit limit or specific dollar amount. For instance, terms for theCiti Simplicity® Card state that the total amount of your balance transfer request (plus balance transfer fees) can't exceed your available credit limit.

For example, if you open the Citi Simplicity Card and receive a $10,000 credit limit, you should be able to transfer up to $10,000, including the balance transfer fees.

It's also important to know that balance transfer limits also consider any new purchases charged to your card as well as any balance transfer fees. So, if you have a $10,000 credit limit and charge $3,000 in new purchases, you'll only be able to transfer up to $7,000.

In addition, some balance transfer cards incur a 3% fee or higher, which will also be applied to your total limit. TheCiti Simplicity Card charges an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater for transfers completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Keep in mind that balance transfer requests vary among card issuers and cardholders. The balance transfer limit you receive can vary based upon your credit history at the time you submit the request.

4. Transfer debt within the eligible time period

Balance transfer cards have two important time periods:

  1. Length of the introductory 0% APR
  2. Amount of time you have to qualify for the 0% APR

You'll typically choose a balance transfer card based on how long the 0% APR lasts (among other factors), and you should be aware of the qualification requirements.

In order to take advantage of a no-interest period, you'll need to transfer balances within a specific amount of days from the date your account is opened. Expect the time frame to be around 60 days, although certain cards extend that to four months, such as theCiti Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) andCiti Simplicity® Card.

If you transfer balances outside of the required time period, you won't be eligible for the intro 0% APR. The best way to ensure you don't miss out on the interest-free period is to transfer balances when you apply for the card (if that's an option) or right after account opening.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

As an enthusiast and expert in personal finance, particularly in credit cards and debt management, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the intricacies of balance transfers. I've closely followed the trends and updates in the credit card industry, staying abreast of the latest offerings and strategies for effective debt reduction.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about transferring multiple balances to a 0% APR card:

1. The Chase Freedom® and Alternative Options

The article begins by highlighting that the Chase Freedom® is currently not available to new cardholders. This is a key piece of information, signaling that there may be changes in the credit card landscape or specific offerings. To address this, the article suggests exploring alternative options from a list of the best cash-back cards. This indicates a broad understanding of the credit card market and the importance of adapting to changing circ*mstances.

2. Balance Transfer Basics

The central theme revolves around utilizing balance transfer credit cards to manage and reduce credit card debt. The article explains that these cards often offer interest-free periods, typically ranging from 12 to 20 months. This demonstrates an understanding of how these interest-free periods can be leveraged to pay off high-interest credit card debt more efficiently.

3. Consolidating Debt and Saving Money

Consolidating debt is presented as a practical strategy to save money on interest charges and manage debt effectively. The article suggests consolidating multiple credit card debts onto a single balance transfer card. This insight reflects a deep understanding of debt consolidation as a financial tool.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Multiple Balances

The article provides a step-by-step guide to transferring multiple balances to a 0% APR card:

i. Open a Card from a Different Issuer

  • Emphasizes the importance of choosing a balance transfer card from a different issuer to enable the transfer.

ii. Calculate How Much Debt to Transfer

  • Advises readers to calculate the total balance of their existing cards, a fundamental step in the balance transfer process.

iii. Review Balance Transfer Limits

  • Highlights the need to understand balance transfer limits, which can be a percentage of the credit limit or a specific dollar amount. The example of the Citi Simplicity® Card is used to illustrate this concept.

iv. Transfer Debt within the Eligible Time Period

  • Stresses the significance of transferring balances within the specified time frame to qualify for the introductory 0% APR. It also mentions that this period is typically around 60 days, with variations among different cards.

This comprehensive breakdown showcases a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in the balance transfer process and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and consideration of individual credit card terms and conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my expertise in personal finance allows me to dissect and explain the concepts presented in the article, providing you with a solid foundation to make informed decisions regarding credit card debt and balance transfers. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

Can you transfer more than one balance to a 0% APR card? (2024)

FAQs

Can you transfer more than one balance to a 0% APR card? ›

If your card with a 0 percent introductory annual percentage rate (APR) allows you to transfer debts and pay them off during the zero-interest introductory period, then you can transfer multiple balances onto your card.

Can you transfer multiple balances to a balance transfer card? ›

If you have credit card debt on multiple cards, it can be a good idea to consolidate it to one balance transfer card to save money on interest charges and manage your debt better. You can generally transfer as many balances as you want to a single 0% APR card, but you'll need to meet certain requirements.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card? ›

Yes, potential downsides to balance transfers include balance transfer fees, higher interest rates after the introductory period and the possibility of getting into more debt if you don't manage your spending habits properly.

How many 0% interest cards can I get at once? ›

There's technically no limit to the number of credit cards you can have at once, and the same goes for 0% APR cards as well – as long as your credit is good enough to get approved and you use your cards responsibly by making payment on time.

Can you have more than one 0% interest credit card? ›

Yes, in theory you can have as many 0% interest credit cards as your heart desires, so long as your applications are approved. Whether or not that's a good thing for your credit and finances long term is another thing entirely.

How many balance transfers is too many? ›

In theory, you can transfer balances between different issuers' cards as many times as you like, but the balance transfer fees may start to eat into any savings a lower interest rate may offer. Is it OK to have two balance transfer cards? Yes, you can have multiple balance transfer cards.

Does multiple balance transfers affect credit score? ›

A balance transfer can improve your credit over time as you work toward paying off your debt. But it can hurt your credit if you open several new cards, transfer your balance multiple times or add to your debt.

How does a 0% APR balance transfer work? ›

A 0% APR credit card balance transfer offer means that the credit card issuer offering the balance transfer pays off all or a portion of the outstanding balance on your old account, and then adds this same balance to your new balance transfer card, so you'll now owe your new credit card issuer.

How does it work when you transfer balance for 0% interest? ›

Most balance transfer credit cards offer 0% APR during an introductory period typically lasting between 12 and 21 months. During that time, you pay zero interest on transfers—so every dollar of your payment goes toward paying down the balance.

What does 0% APR for balance transfers mean? ›

If the borrowed money has a 0 percent APR, no interest will be charged on that money for a fixed period of time. Zero-interest credit cards, or 0 percent intro APR credit cards, allow cardholders to make payments with no interest on purchases, balance transfers or both for a set period of time.

Does 0 APR hurt credit? ›

Carrying high balances on a 0 percent intro APR card might cause short-term damage to your credit score — but carrying those balances after the introductory APR expires creates a long-term problem. Once your zero-interest period ends, any unpaid balances will begin to accrue interest at the regular interest rate.

What credit card has the longest 0% interest rate? ›

Here's a Summary of the Longest 0% APR Cards for Purchases
  • Rates & Fees. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card *
  • Chase Slate Edge℠ *
  • BankAmericard® credit card.
  • State Farm Good Neighbor Visa® Card *
  • BankAmericard® credit card for Students *
  • U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card *

What happens to an old credit card after a balance transfer? ›

After a balance transfer takes place, your old account remains open. The original card issuer will typically only close your account if you make a request for it to do so. Unless you have a good reason to cancel your old credit card, however, you may want to think twice before you close the account.

Is 7 credit cards too many? ›

So, while there is no absolute number that is considered too many, it's best to only apply for and carry the cards that you need and can justify using based on your credit score, ability to pay balances, and rewards aspirations.

Are balance transfers worth it? ›

Is a balance transfer fee worth it? If you have a significant amount of credit card debt, the 3% balance transfer fee (or sometimes even a 5% fee) is absolutely worth paying when transferring your balance to a card that has a 0% intro APR offer, but only if you still need time to pay off a balance.

How many credit cards is too many to have open? ›

Owning more than two or three credit cards can become unmanageable for many people. However, your credit needs and financial situation are unique, so there's no hard and fast rule about how many credit cards are too many. The important thing is to make sure that you use your credit cards responsibly.

How does a balance transfer work if you already have a balance? ›

Once the balance transfer is approved, which could take two weeks or longer, the issuer will generally pay off your old account directly. That old balance — plus the balance transfer fee — will show up on your new account.

Can you do partial balance transfers? ›

If the first balance transfer card you apply for doesn't offer a high enough credit limit, you can apply for a second card. You can then do two partial balance transfers, moving a portion of your balance to each new card.

How many balance transfers can I do Citi? ›

Citi doesn't list any explicit limitations on how often you can transfer balances from other cards to a Citi credit card. However, the amount of debt you transfer (plus balance transfer fees) cannot exceed the available credit limit of your Citi credit card.

How many balance transfers can I do with Amex? ›

Your balance transfer credit limit will be based on your creditworthiness and account history with Amex. Each transfer cannot exceed $7,500 in combined balances, and you can only make two balance transfer requests on a new card. Balance transfers may not be allowed after 60 days of account opening.

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