{"id":42414,"date":"2021-01-25T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T22:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=42414"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:39:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:39:04","slug":"0-apr-without-a-balance-transfer-fee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/0-apr-without-a-balance-transfer-fee\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a 0% Intro APR without Paying a Balance Transfer Fee"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re paying down the balance on a credit card over time, the interest costs can be astronomical! While it\u2019s always best to pay your balance in full each month, at some point, you may end up in a situation where you need some extra time\u2014especially after the holidays. The common-sense solution is to move your high-interest balance to a card with a 0% balance transfer offer.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s post, we\u2019re going to try to talk you out of that plan<\/em><\/strong> by sharing a strategy where you can get the same 0% intro APR rate, without the huge fees and other restrictions that come with balance transfers.<\/p>\n

Why Balance Transfers Aren't a Great Option<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are four key reasons why balance transfers aren't the best way to cut your interest expenses:<\/p>\n

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  1. The Balance Transfer Fee<\/strong> \u2014 Most credit cards charge between 3-5% to transfer a balance. If you need to pay off a $6,000 balance over time, the initial fee will take $180-300 out of your pocket.<\/li>\n
  2. No Rewards Earned on the Transfer<\/strong> \u2014 Even if you transfer a balance to a rewards card that earns points or cashback on purchases, the amount transferred won't earn any rewards.<\/li>\n
  3. No Signup Bonus\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 Most cards with balance transfer offers don't come with a signup bonus. As far as the bank is concerned, t<\/em>he 0% introductory APR is<\/span> the new cardmember offer.<\/em> Even if there is a welcome offer, it's usually not a good idea to make purchases with a card that has a transferred balance at an introductory APR.<\/li>\n
  4. Transfers to the Same Bank Aren't Allowed\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 You can't transfer a balance between cards from the same issuer. If you're carrying a balance on a Chase credit card, Chase balance transfer options are off the table.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you do want to explore a traditional balance transfer, the Citi Double Cash\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) is a great place to start. You can see our roundup of the top balance transfer offers here<\/a>. But first, check out the strategy below to see if it could work for you.<\/p>\n

    Save on Interest, Earn Rewards, and Skip the Fees<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Fortunately, there is a great strategy that will solve all four of the problems above. You can get an extended 0% intro APR period, earn rewards on each purchase, earn a signup bonus, and you can even open a new card issued by the same bank where you currently hold the high-interest balance.<\/p>\n

    The solution is to take advantage of a 0% introductory APR<\/a> on purchases<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0and use your normal monthly budget to pay off the high-interest balance. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n

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    1. Rather than applying for a balance transfer card, apply for a card featuring a 0% intro APR offer on purchases<\/li>\n
    2. Charge all your monthly expenses to the 0% intro APR card for the first 2-3 months, keeping in mind the minimum spend required to reach the signup bonus<\/li>\n
    3. Use the money in your normal monthly budget to pay down the high-interest credit card debt while making minimum payments on the new card.<\/li>\n
    4. Pay down the intro 0% APR card over the 12-15 month introductory period<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      For example, let\u2019s say you are carrying a $6,000 debt on a high-interest credit card. If you transfer that balance, a 3% to 5% fee would cost you $180-300.<\/p>\n

      Instead, you can apply for a card with a 0% intro APR on purchases\u2014like the Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>) or Blue Cash Everyday\u00ae<\/sup> Card from American Express<\/a> (Rates & Fees<\/a>). Place all of your monthly expenses on the new card to earn the welcome offer. Then, use the cash you would typically put aside for monthly expenses to pay down the $6,000 credit card debt.<\/p>\n

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      Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n
      \"Chase<\/div>\n
      Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n
      Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
      Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nLimited Time Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
      \n Chase Freedom Unlimited\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n
      Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nLimited Time Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening<\/div>\n
      Annual Fee:<\/strong>$0<\/b><\/div>\n
      Show more<\/a>Why We Like It<\/a>Highlights<\/a>Earning Rates<\/a>
      The everyday workhorse of the Ultimate Rewards family of cards earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day of the week. While the Freedom Unlimited earns cash back on its own, the points earned become even more valuable when you hold an Ultimate Rewards card with the ability to transfer points to partners<\/a>. <\/div>
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