Example Data Table
| Item |
Current Card |
Offer A |
Offer B |
| Balance |
$8,000 |
$8,000 |
$8,000 |
| Intro APR |
N/A |
0% |
0% |
| Intro Term |
N/A |
18 months |
21 months |
| Transfer Fee |
$0 |
3% |
5% |
| Regular APR |
24.99% |
20.99% |
22.99% |
| Monthly Payment |
$350 |
$350 |
$350 |
Formula Used
Transfer fee = Balance × Transfer fee percentage + Fixed fee.
Monthly interest = Current balance × APR ÷ 100 ÷ 12.
Ending balance = Starting balance + Interest + Fee due − Monthly payment.
Total paid = Sum of all monthly payments until payoff.
Net savings = Current card total paid − Offer total paid.
Maximum transferable balance = Credit limit × Allowed limit use percentage.
How To Use This Calculator
Enter your current balance, current APR, and planned payment.
Add the intro APR, intro months, transfer fee, regular APR, and annual fee for each offer.
Enter a credit limit to check whether the balance fits the offer limit.
Press the compare button. The result appears below the header and above the form.
Use the CSV or PDF button to save the comparison.
Compare Balance Transfer Offers With Care
A balance transfer can lower interest costs. It can also add new fees. The best offer is not always the longest offer. A card with a shorter intro period may still win. It may charge a smaller fee. This calculator compares offers by total payoff cost. It also checks payoff time, interest, fees, and savings.
Why Total Cost Matters
Many offers advertise a low intro rate. That rate may last 12, 18, or 21 months. The transfer fee is usually charged at the start. It increases the balance right away. After the intro term ends, the regular rate can apply. If the balance remains high, interest can rise quickly. Total cost shows the complete picture. It includes fees and interest. It also shows how much cash leaves your budget.
Payment Strategy
Your monthly payment is the main control. A higher payment can beat a longer promo term. It reduces the balance before interest starts again. A small payment can make a cheap offer expensive. Always test several payment amounts. Try your minimum payment first. Then test a realistic aggressive payment. This gives a safe range.
How To Read The Results
The table shows each plan side by side. Months to payoff shows how long debt may last. Total interest shows the cost of borrowing. Total fees show transfer charges and yearly fees. Total paid is the full repayment amount. Net savings compares each offer against your current card. A positive value means the offer may save money. A negative value means it may cost more.
Smart Use Tips
Check your card limit before applying. Some issuers limit the amount transferred. Late payments may cancel the promo rate. New purchases may not get the same rate. Keep old card habits under control. A transfer is not a cure for overspending. It is a planning tool. Use the best offer with a fixed payoff goal. Review the result before you submit an application.
Before You Decide
Compare offers again after fees change. Review cash flow for emergencies. Do not drain savings to chase fast payoff. Keep due dates visible. Save each result for records. The right offer should reduce cost and support steady repayment every month.
FAQs
What is a balance transfer offer?
It is a credit card offer that lets you move debt from another card. It may include a low intro rate, a transfer fee, and a regular rate after the promo term.
Is the longest intro period always best?
No. A longer intro period can help, but fees also matter. A shorter offer with a smaller fee may cost less if your payment is high enough.
Why does the transfer fee matter?
The transfer fee is usually added at the start. It raises the balance immediately. A high fee can reduce or remove savings from a low intro APR.
What happens after the intro period ends?
The regular APR usually applies to any remaining balance. If the balance is still large, interest can grow quickly after the promotional period ends.
Should I compare using the same payment?
Yes, that gives a fair comparison. You can also test different payments to see how faster repayment changes savings and payoff time.
What does net savings mean?
Net savings compares the current card payoff cost with the offer payoff cost. Positive savings means the transfer may cost less in this model.
Why is my plan marked not paid?
The calculator limits the model to 600 months. If the payment is too low, the balance may not be cleared within that range.
Can this calculator approve my offer?
No. It only estimates cost. Card approval, credit limits, transfer rules, and final terms depend on the issuer and your credit profile.