If youâre juggling credit card debt and looking for a smarter way to manage it, youâve probably heard about balance transfers. And when the words âtransfer credit card balance 0 interestâ pop up, it feels like a golden opportunity. But how does this work in real lifeâand more importantly, how does American Express compare to other credit card issuers in this space?
In this guide, weâll break down everything you need to know about zero interest balance transfers, how Amex stacks up, and the best strategies to save money on interest and pay down debt faster.
đ What Does It Mean to Transfer Credit Card Balance 0 Interest?
When you transfer a credit card balance to a 0% interest card, youâre moving existing debt from one credit card to another that offers a temporary interest-free period. This is usually done to:
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Avoid accumulating more interest
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Pay off debt faster
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Consolidate multiple credit cards into one payment
Think of it like refinancing a loanâbut for your credit card.
đł American Express Interest Rates: What You Should Know
Standard APR on American Express Cards
American Express typically offers a variable APR that ranges from 17.74% to 29.99%, depending on your credit profile and the card type. While thatâs on par with many other issuers, itâs not always the best when it comes to balance transfer offersâespecially if youâre chasing zero percent interest.
Does Amex Offer 0% APR Balance Transfers?
Yesâbut with limitations.
Many Amex credit cards come with introductory 0% APR periods, which may apply to:
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Purchases
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Balance transfers
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Or both
However, the balance transfer fee and limited offer period (typically 12 to 15 months) can still add cost if you’re not careful.
đĽ Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards with No Interest (Including Amex)
Letâs compare American Express to other top cards offering 0% interest on balance transfers:
1. American Express Blue Cash EverydayÂŽ Card
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0% APR for 15 months (on purchases and balance transfers)
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Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 (whichever is higher)
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After intro period: 19.24% â 29.99% APR
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Bonus: $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in first 6 months
Verdict: Great for everyday spending + intro balance transfer, but not the longest 0% window.
2. Chase Slate EdgeÂŽ
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0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
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$0 intro balance transfer fee (if done in first 60 days)
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APR after intro: 20.49%â29.24%
Verdict: Longer interest-free period than Amex and no balance transfer fee upfront.
3. CitiÂŽ Diamond PreferredÂŽ Card
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0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers
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Balance transfer fee: 5% (min $5)
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Regular APR: 18.24% â 28.99%
Verdict: One of the longest 0% periods available. Great for large debts.
đ Use a Credit Card Balance Transfer Calculator
Before applying, plug your numbers into a credit card balance transfer calculator. This can help you see:
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How much youâll save on interest
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How long it will take to pay off your debt
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Whether fees make the transfer worth it
For example:
If you owe $5,000 at 25% interest, and you transfer to a 0% APR card with a 3% fee, youâd still save over $1,000 in interest if paid off in 15 months.
â How to Transfer Credit Card Balance to 0% APR
Hereâs a simple step-by-step:
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Review Your Current Debt: Know your balances and interest rates.
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Compare 0% APR Offers: Look at terms, fees, and the length of the interest-free period.
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Apply for the Card: Get approved before initiating any transfer.
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Request the Transfer: Usually done during application or via your new account.
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Pay on Time: Missing a payment can cancel the intro APR.
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Pay It Off Before the Period Ends: Otherwise, youâll face the standard APR on the remaining balance.
đĄ Real-Life Example: Saving with a Balance Transfer
Meet Priya, a teacher in Mumbai with âš2,50,000 (approx. $3,000 USD) in credit card debt across two cards at 28% interest.
She applied for the Amex Blue Cash EverydayÂŽ, transferred her balances, and paid it off in 14 months. She paid a 3% fee (~âš7,500 or $90), but saved over âš30,000 ($350+) in interest.
Her final verdict? âTotally worth it!â
đ How American Express Compares to Others in 0% Interest Balance Transfers
Feature | Amex Blue Cash Everyday | Citi Diamond Preferred | Chase Slate Edge |
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Intro APR (BT) | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 21 months | 0% for 18 months |
BT Fee | 3% | 5% | $0 (60 days) |
Regular APR | Up to 29.99% | Up to 28.99% | Up to 29.24% |
Other Perks | Cashback | None | Credit line increase eligibility |
Bottom Line: Amex is competitive, especially with cashback rewards, but not the longest 0% balance transfer period available.
â ď¸ Things to Watch Out For
Even with 0% APR, there are pitfalls:
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Balance transfer fees (typically 3%â5%)
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High regular APRs after the intro period
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Missed payments can void your 0% offer
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Transfer limits may not cover your full debt
Always read the fine print before signing up.
đ Expert Tips to Maximize Savings
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Avoid new purchases on your balance transfer card (they may not qualify for 0% APR)
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Set up auto-pay to never miss a due date
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Donât just pay the minimumâaim to divide your balance by the months in your 0% period
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Consider personal finance tools or apps to track repayment
đ Conclusion: Should You Use Amex to Transfer Credit Card Balance at 0 Interest?
If you want to transfer credit card balance 0 interest, American Express offers a solid optionâespecially if you want cashback benefits too. However, if your primary goal is maximizing your interest-free window, you may find longer periods and lower fees with Citi or Chase.
Ultimately, the best credit card for balance transfer with no interest depends on your goalsâwhether it’s avoiding interest charges, consolidating debt, or simply breathing room to pay off what you owe.
đââď¸ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I transfer credit card debt between cards with no interest?
Look for a balance transfer credit card with 0% APR. Apply, get approved, and initiate the transfer. Make sure to pay it off before the intro period ends.
2. What are the best no interest balance transfer credit card offers in 2025?
Top picks include:
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Citi Diamond Preferred (21 months)
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Chase Slate Edge (18 months)
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Amex Blue Cash Everyday (15 months)
3. Can I avoid balance transfer fees?
Some cards like Chase Slate Edge offer a $0 fee if the transfer is done within 60 days. Always check offer details.
4. Is there a credit card for saving on interest payments long-term?
Yes, cards with long 0% APR periods help in the short term. For long-term savings, look for cards with low ongoing interest rates.
5. How do I avoid interest charges on credit cards completely?
Pay off your balance in full each monthâor use a 0% APR card and clear it before the promo period ends.
6. What tools help with balance transfers?
Use a credit card balance transfer calculator to compare savings, payoff time, and interest impact.
7. Are there personal finance balance transfer options beyond credit cards?
Yes. You can consider personal loans, credit union offers, or even home equity loansâbut each has different risk factors.
Need help deciding which balance transfer card is right for you? Start by comparing top offers, reading balance transfer reviews, and calculating your potential savings. The key is to choose the card that works best for your debt payoff goals.
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