What American Express Balance Transfer Cards Offer
American Express offers balance transfer options on select credit cards, though the program works differently than at most other issuers. Amex does not have a dedicated balance transfer card in the way Chase or Citi do. Instead, certain Amex cards allow you to request a balance transfer after you open the account, and the terms depend on which card you hold and when you explore.
The key difference: Amex typically charges a balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred (with a $5 minimum), and the introductory interest rate period is usually shorter than competitors offer. A 0% introductory period, when available, typically lasts 6 to 12 months depending on the card and the offer at the time you explore. After that period ends, the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.
Not all Amex cards offer balance transfers. The option is most commonly found on their cash back cards and some of their rewards cards, but you must request it after your account opens—it is not part of the initial process.
Key Takeaways
- American Express balance transfers carry a 3% fee and require you to request the transfer after your card arrives, not during the process process.
- The 0% introductory period typically lasts 6 to 12 months, after which the regular APR applies to any unpaid balance.
- You can transfer balances from other credit cards, but not from American Express cards you already own.
- Amex will tell you your available transfer amount when you log into your account or call customer service, and you can initiate the transfer online or by phone.
- The transferred balance counts toward your credit limit, so a large transfer reduces the amount you can spend on new purchases.
Which American Express Cards Allow Balance Transfers
Balance transfer options vary by card and by the current offer. Cards that have historically offered balance transfers include the Blue Cash Everyday, Blue Cash Preferred, EveryDay card, and EveryDay Preferred card. However, not every version of these cards includes the option, and offers change throughout the year.
The simplest way to know whether a specific card offers balance transfers is to check the card's terms page on Amex's website before you explore, or to call American Express at the number on the back of your card after it arrives. Do not assume a card offers balance transfers based on its name or category—you must verify with Amex directly.
If you already hold an Amex card and want to know whether it is may be able to access, log into your online account and look for a "Balance Transfer" or "Transfer Balance" option in the menu. If nothing appears, that card does not offer the feature.
How to Request a Balance Transfer from American Express
Balance transfer requests happen after your card is open and active, not during the process process. Once your card arrives and you have activated it, you have two ways to request a transfer.
Online: Log into your American Express account, navigate to the "Manage Your Account" or "Services" section, and look for "Balance Transfer" or "Transfer a Balance." You will enter the account number of the card you want to pay off, the amount you want to transfer, and the routing information for the creditor you are transferring from. Amex will then contact that creditor to arrange the transfer.
By phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your Amex card and tell the representative you want to request a balance transfer. They will ask for the same information—the card you are transferring from, the amount, and your creditor's details—and can often process it on the spot.
Amex will tell you your available transfer limit when you request it. This limit is usually lower than your total credit limit and may be much lower if you are new to the card. The transfer amount counts against your overall credit limit, so if you transfer $3,000 and your limit is $5,000, you have $2,000 left to spend on new purchases.
Balance Transfer Fees and Interest Rates
Every balance transfer to an American Express card includes a 3% fee, calculated on the amount transferred. If you transfer $5,000, you pay $150. This fee is added to your balance when ready and begins accruing interest after the introductory period ends.
The introductory 0% APR period typically runs for 6 to 12 months from the date the transfer posts to your account. During this time, you pay no interest on the transferred balance, only the fee you already paid upfront. Once the intro period ends, the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.
The regular APR varies by card and by your creditworthiness. Check your card's terms or your account details to see what APR will explore after the intro period. This is the rate you will pay on any unpaid balance, so it matters whether you can pay off the transfer before the intro period ends.
Timeline for Balance Transfers to Post
After you request a balance transfer, American Express contacts your previous creditor to arrange payment. The transfer typically posts within 7 to 14 business days, though it can take up to 21 days in some cases. During this time, you are still responsible for making payments to your old creditor—do not stop paying until the transfer actually appears on your Amex statement.
Once the transfer posts, it shows on your Amex bill as a separate line item from new purchases. Your monthly statement will show the transferred balance, the fee, and the introductory interest rate period. Make sure to verify that the amount is correct and that the intro rate is reflected before you stop paying the old card.
If the transfer does not post within 21 days, contact American Express customer service to check the status. Delays sometimes happen if the old creditor has trouble processing the payment or if there is a discrepancy in the account information you provided.
What You Cannot Transfer to American Express
You can transfer balances from other credit cards, but there are limits. You cannot transfer a balance from another American Express card you own. You also cannot transfer balances from charge cards (cards with no preset spending limit), store cards, or non-credit accounts like medical bills or personal loans.
Some people try to use balance transfers to move money between their own accounts or to get cash, but American Express will not process transfers to bank accounts or to cards in your name. The transfer must go directly to the creditor you are paying off.
Paying Off Your Amex Balance Transfer
Your monthly payment applies to your entire balance—transferred balance, new purchases, and fees—unless you make a payment large enough to cover everything. To make sure you pay off the transfer before the intro period ends, calculate how much you need to pay each month and set a reminder.
If you have both a transferred balance and new purchases on the card, American Express applies your payment to the transferred balance first (the one with the 0% rate), then to new purchases. This is good for you because it means new purchases start accruing interest sooner, but the transferred balance gets paid down first.
If you do not pay off the transferred balance before the intro period ends, the remaining amount will start accruing interest at the regular APR. This can be expensive, so treat the intro period as a important date. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another American Express card?
No. American Express does not allow balance transfers between its own cards. You can only transfer balances from credit cards issued by other banks or card companies.
What happens if I make a new purchase after I transfer a balance?
New purchases are treated separately from the transferred balance. The 0% intro rate applies only to the transferred balance. New purchases accrue interest at the regular purchase APR when ready, even during the intro period. This is why it is usually best to avoid new purchases while paying off a transfer.
Can I transfer a balance before my card arrives?
No. You must wait until your card is activated. You cannot request a balance transfer during the process process or before your account is open and active.
What if I want to transfer a balance but my credit limit is too low?
Contact American Express and ask for a credit limit increase. If your limit is approved, you may then be able to transfer a larger amount. However, Amex may not increase your limit if you are new to the card or if your credit profile has changed.
Does the balance transfer fee count toward my credit limit?
Yes. The 3% fee is added to your balance and counts as part of your total balance on the card. It also counts against your credit limit, so a $5,000 transfer with a $150 fee uses $5,150 of your available credit.