0% Balance Transfer Break-Even Calculator

Model the full lifecycle of a balance transfer: add the upfront fee, simulate payoff on your current card versus the promo, and see if the interest avoided justifies the switch.

Amount you plan to move to the promotional card (USD).
Typical fees range 3–5% of the balance; enter 0 for no-fee offers.
Number of statement cycles with 0% APR on the transferred balance.
Payment you can commit each month until the balance is cleared or refinanced.
Optional. Defaults to 24% APR on the existing balance if left blank.
Optional. Defaults to match your current APR once the promo ends.

Credit card terms vary—confirm promotional rules, fees, and penalty rates with your issuer before transferring balances.

Examples

  • Balance $4,800, fee 3%, intro 18 months, pay $350, APR 24% ⇒ Net impact: $614.32 (saves versus keeping the balance). Fee paid: $144.00 • Interest avoided: $758.32. Payoff with promo: 16 months; staying put: 19 months.
  • Balance $9,000, fee 4%, intro 15 months, pay $400, APR 26%, post-intro APR 22% ⇒ Net impact: $482.74 (saves versus keeping the balance). Fee paid: $360.00 • Interest avoided: $842.74. Payoff with promo: 24 months; staying put: 29 months.

FAQ

Can I include new purchases on the promo card?

The model assumes you only move the existing balance. Adding new spending can void the intro APR or trigger higher minimum payments—avoid it to capture the projected savings.

What happens when the promo period ends?

Once the 0% term expires, the calculator applies your post-intro APR to the remaining balance so you can see the cost if payoff stretches beyond the promotional window.

How should I pick the monthly payment?

Enter the amount you can budget consistently. Increase it until the promo payoff finishes before the intro term to lock in the maximum interest savings.

How do I account for balance transfer credit score impacts?

Factor in temporary score dips from the new inquiry and account opening when planning major financing—pair this tool with a credit utilisation forecast if you have large purchases coming up.

Additional Information

  • Transfer fees are capitalised onto the promo balance so the model charges interest on them once the intro window closes.
  • Interest accrues monthly using the APR you supply for both the existing card and the post-intro period.
  • If the payment cannot clear the debt within 600 months the calculator flags it, prompting you to raise payments or shorten the promo horizon.
  • Result unit: USD in net savings or cost

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