What Chase offers for balance transfers

Chase offers several credit cards with 0% introductory APR periods on balance transfers. The most common are the Chase Slate Edge, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Sapphire Preferred. Each card has a different introductory period length—typically 6 to 21 months depending on the card—and each charges a balance transfer fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount you move.

The introductory period is the window during which you pay no interest on the transferred balance. Once that period ends, the regular APR kicks in. The length of the period and the fee amount are the two numbers that matter most when comparing Chase cards to cards from other issuers.

Chase does not may provide approval for any card, and the introductory terms you receive depend on your credit score and history. A higher credit score typically means a longer 0% period and a lower fee, though the card's published terms set the outer limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase balance transfer cards charge a one-time fee (3% to 5% of the transfer amount) that is added to your balance when ready.
  • The 0% introductory period lasts 6 to 21 months depending on which Chase card you choose, and interest resumes at the regular APR after that period ends.
  • You must transfer the balance within a set window—usually 60 days from account opening—or you lose the introductory rate on that transfer.
  • Chase requires you to provide your existing creditor's account information during the process process so they can pull the balance and send the payment directly.
  • Payments during the introductory period reduce only the transferred balance, not new purchases, unless you pay more than the minimum.

How to initiate a balance transfer with Chase

Start by choosing which Chase card fits your situation. Compare the introductory APR period length, the balance transfer fee, and any annual fee. Once you have decided, you can explore online at Chase.com or through the Chase mobile app.

During the process, you will enter your personal information, income, and employment details. Chase will pull your credit report and make a decision—usually within minutes for online applications. If approved, you will receive a new account number and a credit limit.

After your account opens, log into your Chase account online or in the app and look for the "Balance Transfers" or "Transfers" section. You will enter the name of your current creditor, your account number with them, and the amount you want to transfer. Chase will contact that creditor, confirm the balance, and send the payment directly. This process typically takes 7 to 14 business days, though some transfers complete in 3 to 5 days.

You must complete the transfer request within the window Chase specifies—usually 60 days from when your account opens. If you wait longer, any transfer you make after that date will not receive the introductory 0% rate.

Understanding the balance transfer fee and how it works

The balance transfer fee is a one-time charge that Chase adds to your balance when ready. If you transfer $5,000 and the fee is 3%, Chase adds $150 to your balance, making your total owed $5,150. This fee is not waived for any reason—it is part of the cost of using the card.

The fee is charged to your account right away, even though the actual transfer of funds to your old creditor takes several days. You begin accruing the 0% introductory period as soon as the fee posts, not when the transfer completes.

When comparing cards, calculate the total cost: the fee plus any annual fee (if the card charges one). A card with a 5% fee and no annual fee might cost less overall than a card with a 3% fee but a $95 annual fee, depending on how long you plan to carry the balance.

How payments are applied during the introductory period

During the 0% introductory period, your minimum payment covers interest and principal on the transferred balance. However, if you make only the minimum payment and also use the card for new purchases, those new purchases accrue interest when ready at the regular APR—they do not get the 0% rate.

Chase applies your payments in this order: first to the transferred balance, then to new purchases. This means if you pay $200 and your minimum is $150, the extra $50 goes toward the transferred balance, not toward new purchases. To avoid interest on new purchases, either pay them off in full each month or do not use the card for new purchases while the introductory period is active.

If you want to pay down the transferred balance faster, you can make extra payments at any time. There is no penalty for paying off the balance early. In fact, paying it off before the introductory period ends means you avoid the regular APR entirely.

What happens when the introductory period ends

On the day the 0% period expires, the regular APR begins to explore to any remaining balance. Chase will send you a notice at least 21 days before this happens, showing the new APR. The APR you receive depends on your creditworthiness and current credit conditions—it is not set in advance.

If you still owe money on the transferred balance when the introductory period ends, interest starts accruing daily on that remaining amount. For example, if you have $2,000 left and the APR is 18%, you will owe roughly $30 per month in interest alone.

This is why the introductory period length matters: a longer period gives you more time to pay down the balance interest-free. If you cannot pay off the transfer within the introductory window, a card with a 21-month period is more useful than one with a 6-month period.

Common reasons Chase denies or limits balance transfer requests

Chase may deny your balance transfer request even if your process was approved. The most common reason is that your credit limit is too low. If you request a $10,000 transfer but your credit limit is $8,000, Chase will transfer only $8,000 (or may deny the request entirely, depending on the card).

Chase also will not transfer balances from other Chase cards. If you have a balance on a Chase Freedom card and explore for a Chase Sapphire Preferred, you cannot transfer that balance to the new card. You can only transfer balances from cards issued by other banks.

If your transfer request is denied or limited, you can call Chase and ask why. Sometimes the issue is a recent late payment or high utilization on other accounts. In some cases, waiting a few months and reapplying works. In others, you may need to choose a different card or a different issuer.

Comparing Chase balance transfer cards to other issuers

Chase is not the only issuer offering 0% balance transfer periods. Citi, American Express, Bank of America, and Capital One all have cards with introductory rates. The main differences are the length of the 0% period, the fee amount, and whether the card charges an annual fee.

Some cards offer longer introductory periods than Chase's longest offering. Others charge lower fees. The best card for you depends on how much you are transferring, how long you need the 0% period, and whether you want rewards on new purchases.

If you are comparing Chase to another issuer, look at the total cost: fee plus annual fee, if any. Then look at the introductory period length. A card with a slightly higher fee but a much longer 0% period may save you money if you need extra time to pay down the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a balance from another Chase card to a new Chase card?

No. Chase does not allow transfers between its own cards. You can only transfer balances from cards issued by other banks. If you want to move a balance from one Chase card to another, you would need to pay it off first or find a card from a different issuer.

What if my balance transfer takes longer than expected?

Most transfers complete within 7 to 14 business days, but some take up to 21 days. During this time, you are still responsible for making minimum payments on your old account to avoid late fees. Once Chase confirms the transfer is complete, you can stop paying the old card. If a transfer takes longer than 21 days, contact Chase to check the status.

Do I have to use the card for new purchases, or can I just pay off the transferred balance?

You do not have to use the card for anything other than the balance transfer. Many people open a balance transfer card, transfer the balance, and then set it aside to pay down the transferred amount without making any new purchases. This avoids the interest on new purchases and keeps your focus on eliminating the debt.

What is the difference between the introductory APR and the regular APR?

The introductory APR is 0% and applies only to the transferred balance during the promotional period. The regular APR is the interest rate that applies after the introductory period ends, and it also applies to any new purchases you make when ready. The regular APR is not set in advance—Chase determines it based on your credit profile at the time of approval.

Can I transfer a balance if I have bad credit?

Chase typically requires good to excellent credit for approval on its balance transfer cards. If your credit score is below 670, approval is unlikely. If you are denied, you may want to wait a few months, work on improving your credit score, and reapply. Alternatively, some other issuers offer balance transfer cards for people with fair credit, though the fees and introductory periods may be less favorable.