Here are some of the best balance transfer credit cards on the market, based on their Finder Score:
Updated October 2024 by Finder's money editor, Richard Whitten.
Let's face it, the average person doesn't spend all day comparing credit cards. But we do. That's why we developed the Finder Score.
It's a quick, easy way you can see how one credit card compares to others on the market.
But a lot of work goes into that number. Every month we:
We give different scores for different categories. So one card might get a 9 in the balance transfer category but only a 7 in the rewards category.
The Finder Score methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. We review products objectively. Commercial partnerships do not affect the scores.
Remember that Finder Score is just one factor to consider. Look at other aspects like fees, features, benefits and risks to make sure a product is suitable for you. Double-check details that matter to you before applying or buying.
| Feature | Definition | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Transfer Period | Length of the interest-free period on transferred balances (in months) | Longer periods earn more points, up to the market maximum | 40% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Percentage charged on the transferred balance | Lower fees score higher. 0% fee receives the maximum points | 20% |
| Balance Transfer Rate | Interest rate on transferred balances after the introductory period ends | Lower rates score higher. 0% rate receives the maximum points | 15% |
| First-Year Fee | Annual fee charged in the first year of ownership | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 12% |
| Ongoing Annual Fee | Annual fee charged from the second year onwards | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 8% |
| Revert Rate | Interest rate applied to remaining balance after the introductory period | Lower rates score higher | 2.5% |
| Purchase Rate | Interest rate on new purchases | Lower rates score higher | 2.5% |
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Want more great credit cards? Check out all the 2024 Finder Credit Card Award Winners.
A credit card balance transfer gives you a way to move the money you already owe to a new credit card that offers a low or 0% introductory interest rate for a set period of time. This can save you money on interest charges and help you pay off your debt faster.
If you switch to a new credit card with a 0% balance transfer offer, you can move the debt to the new card and pay no interest. The best cards have a 0% offer for up to 28 months. We can help you compare balance transfer offers from 43 card providers.
The average Australian credit cardholder with credit card debt carries an interest accruing balance of $1,365, based on RBA data.
There's no catch. But...
1. Once the balance transfer is complete, start paying the debt off.
2. Figure out a realistic amount you repay each month (and stick to it).
3. Close the old credit card (the one you used to rack up the debt). That way it won't get you into any future trouble.
4. Look at your past spending. Figure out where you went wrong with the old card. You have to avoid making the same mistakes with your new card.
When used correctly, a balance transfer credit card can help you repay your debt and improve your credit score in the long-term. But applying for a new credit card leaves a hard enquiry on your credit report (and may decrease your score for a month or two).
Try to avoid applying for multiple cards. This will lower your credit score. Missing repayments on the balance transfer card will also hurt your credit score.
Many Australian credit cards let you make a balance transfer when you apply. Here's how you know you've found a good one.
Want to see how much you could save? Put your balance and interest rate into the balance transfer table's calculator, or use Finder's credit card repayment calculator to help set your repayment goals.
"I got into some credit card trouble in my early twenties. I was stuck with over $5,000 of debt on a Commonwealth Bank credit card that I should never have taken out. That might not seem like a lot to some people, but I was struggling financially at the time, and the interest was crippling. I took out an ANZ balance transfer card and was able to get zero interest for 18 months, which gave me a lot more space to pay the thing off."
A balance transfer credit card is really useful if you are struggling with unpaid credit card debt - and interest - from one or multiple cards.
Still not sure if a balance transfer card is right for you? Ask yourself these questions first.
Check your credit score before you apply for a card.
"I used to work for a credit card company in the call centre and helped hundreds of people with balance transfers and many who had missed a payment and lost their transfer rate. The deals in Australia are some of the best in the world if you are eligible for a credit line to cover your outstanding balance. These are the 3 most important things to know:
Set yourself up for success by setting up direct debit payments from your bank account each month. Watch as your balance goes down, and make sure it's paid off before the balance transfer period ends.
It's easy to get into trouble with a credit card. Sometimes it's easy to sort this out with some careful budgeting and a balance transfer.
But if you've got multiple, serious debts, bad credit history, or other issues that seem to make it impossible to get back on track financially, it's much harder.
If you're struggling, talk to your bank, card company, utility or other service provider. These companies have hardship support schemes in place. You might be able to get extra time to pay a bill, or a pause on loan repayment.
It's always better to have a tough conversation before you start missing payments.
You can also call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and get free financial counselling and support.
Addicted to details - We track and review nearly 100 balance transfer cards (that's literally as many as we can find), and live score products daily to bring you the best 0% offers for the longest time periods.
Sort the junk from the gold - we know even just 1% or another month can mean big bucks in your pocket. That's why we'll always prioritise showing you cards with the best offers.
No BS - we're not owned by a bank, we don't have a call centre. Our only mission is to match you with the card of your dreams. Whether it's your first card, or you have 3 on the go - we got you.
Find out what balance transfer credit card options you can use to consolidate debts from Zip Money, Zip Pay and other interest-free accounts.
Balance transfers are not allowed between certain credit card brands. Read on for a list of lenders that do and don’t allow a balance transfers between them.
Use this guide to see which providers accept balance transfers from a personal loan to a credit card and discover how you can repay your debt faster with 0% balance transfer offers.
Here's how to get more value out of your credit card with exclusive promotions, offers and perks available to existing customers.
Is it worth paying a debt settlement company to help you deal with credit card debt, or can you do it on your own?
If you're considering a balance transfer, compare which credit cards can accept your debt based on the balance transfer limits.
Get details of what credit cards may be available when you and your partner are looking for a way to balance transfer debt between you.
I am looking for to transfer my Credit Card to another bank, but want to earn Qantas Frequent flyer points as well, no interest for min 12 months with a decent interest rate can you let me know which is best??
Hi Aydin,
You may like to refer to our list of Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards, many of which offer a balance transfer.
We have a credit card with a bank, #a, but they have changed our rewards system. There is another bank, #b, that offers better rewards we would like to switch to bank #b, but as we have a debt on the existing credit card with bank #a we need to do a balance transfer in order to close the account with bank #a. So we would need to do a balance transfer with a different bank, bank #c (as we require a credit card for everyday purchases being bank #b and they will offer no interest free days on any purchases with a balance transfer in play). So, my question is, do we do a balance transfer from bank #a to bank #c 1st then apply for a better rewards credit card with bank #b? Or apply for the credit card with bank #b first, with the existing debt with bank #a, then apply to bank #c for a balance transfer application?
Hi Anjish,
Technically, either method would work. However, it’s best practice to pay off your existing credit card debt before spending more money to chase rewards points. If you’re paying interest on the rewards card because you’re not paying it off month to month, it’s going to outweigh any value you’d get from rewards anyway. Ideally, balance transfer from A to C first (this is because you’re less likely to get approved for the second card you apply for) as paying off the existing debt is a priority. Then, if your credit score is good enough and you meet the eligibility criteria, and you can service the credit limit for card B, you can apply for that one.
Is there an Australia bank that will allow balance transfer from a relative to me if I apply for one of those balance transfer credit cards?
Hi Ari,
Generally, it is possible to balance transfer debts from your partner’s credit card to your own credit card or a new balance transfer card that you have applied for however, not all banks/credit card providers allow this type of transfer. Also, in some cases, you may need to add your partner as an additional cardholder or is a signatory on the credit card that you will be transferring to before the bank/provider allows the balance transfer. See our list of banks that allow balance transfer between partners. Once you have chosen a particular account, you may then click on the “Go to site” button to apply.
Can I apply for a credit card balance transfer if I am an existing bank customer. I dont want to transfer from that banks credit card but another bank.
Hello David,
Unfortunately, most 0% balance transfer credit card are an introductory offer and are specifically offered to new customers who want to move their debt from an existing credit card that’s issued by a different provider.
I have 2 credit cards with a combined debt of 17000.00 on one that was a business card , and $12000.00 on the personal one. I want to combine these so that we are only making one payment & we can get rid of them ASAP. All we are doing at the moment is paying minimum p/ments and getting nowhere. Can they be combined?
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Yes you can consolidate your debts from your 2 credit cards as long the total amount of balance transfer amount from your cards are within the balance transfer limit of your new card. It will be processed separately since you have 2 different cards and make sure that the new card is from a different credit card company to successfully complete the BT process.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni