The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers With Chase [2024]

The concept of a balance transfer has been around for years. But it has recently exploded in popularity, especially for those struggling with paying off their credit cards that are accumulating interest rapidly.

Additionally, balance transfers have become popular for business owners who have been experiencing cash flow constraints.

If you’re looking to utilize Chase as your preferred credit card issuer for balance transfer credit cards, let’s walk through what to expect.

What Is a Balance Transfer?

Before we get into the weeds with Chase’s balance transfer credit cards and the balance transfer process, it’s extremely helpful to provide an overview of what exactly a balance transfer is.

In simplest terms, a balance transfer is an act of moving debt from one institution to another — and in the context of credit cards, the term “credit card balance transfer” is often shortened to “balance transfer.”

For example, if you have 2 credit cards and you move a balance of $10,000 from 1 credit card to the other, you’re performing a balance transfer.

Balance transfers are almost always done to defer or reduce credit card interest fees.

For example, if you have a credit card with a high balance, which is accumulating interest at a 25% APR, you can reduce or defer interest accrual by performing a balance transfer to a credit card with a lower (or even 0%) APR.

By doing so, you’re effectively consolidating debt for a limited time, which will “buy” your time to pay off your debts.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards From Chase

Chase offers 3 main balance transfer credit cards at the moment. These are all personal credit cards, so just keep that in mind.

In addition, Chase is one of the only credit card issuers that offer a credit card with a balance transfer promotion, a welcome bonus, and superb rewards.

INTRO OFFER

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Up to $300 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.49%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Slate Edge card is a great option for those looking to build their credit.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Slate Edge℠ Credit Card

The Chase Slate Edge card is a great option for those looking to build their credit.

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Chase revamped the Chase Slate Edge℠ in 2021. It’s a no-annual-fee card designed for those looking to build their credit or those who need a low-interest APR card for a large purchase or balance transfer.

While the Chase Slate Edge card does not offer the opportunity to earn any rewards, it is a great option for those who are just beginning their credit journey, and the card still offers lucrative benefits that any cardholder would find value in.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year
• Raise your credit limit when you pay on time

Cons

• Does not earn any credit card rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
• Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
• All for no annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Edge^SM card
• Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.24% – 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Right now, there are no business credit cards that offer a 0% balance transfer promotion. However, Chase has a pair of exceptional business credit cards that boast a phenomenal welcome bonus, a 0% introductory APR on purchases (not balance transfers), and fantastic rewards for ongoing purchases.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Up to $750

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 25.74% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons

• Spending caps in bonus categories
• Low points earning outside of bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$750

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

Hot Tip: The difference between 0% APR on balance transfers versus 0% APR on purchases is that an introductory APR period for purchases only applies for new purchases made after card opening, as opposed to moving existing balances from other credit cards to the balance transfer credit card.

Chase Balance Transfer Essentials

There are several tips you should remember before transferring balances with Chase (and even in general).

To start, balance transfers are usually not free, even with a 0% balance transfer APR. That’s because there’s usually a balance transfer fee, which is a 1-time charge assessed on the transferred balance.

Usually, the balance transfer fee is around 3% to 5%, which would translate to a fee of $300 to $500 on a $10,000 balance.

Additionally, you typically can’t transfer balances between 2 credit cards if those 2 cards have the same issuer. So for example, you can’t transfer balances from 1 Chase card to another Chase card.

Another crucial concept with balance transfers is that although the promotional APR may be 0% for the first 12 months, your balance transfers must be completed much sooner than that. In many cases, all balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days after card opening to qualify for the promotional APR.

The amount you can transfer to your Chase credit card is also capped by the credit limit you are approved for. So for example, if you’re approved for a balance transfer credit card that has a $5,000 credit limit, you can’t transfer a balance of $10,000 to the new card.

And lastly, all balance transfers are subject to approval; you may be declined due to perceived credit risk or other factors.

Hot Tip: In general, Chase only allows a maximum of $15,000 within any 30-day period per card in transferred balances (or the approved credit limit, whichever is lower), and this limit must include fees and interest charges. 

How To Do a Balance Transfer With Chase

So, let’s say you are ready to get a balance transferred to a Chase credit card. There are 2 general processes for doing balance transfers:

1. Transferring a balance immediately after you are approved for a new Chase credit card (usually on the approval screen)
2. Transferring a balance on an existing Chase credit card

In this section, we’ll show you how to do both, starting with a new Chase credit card.

Transferring a Balance to a New Chase Card Immediately After Approval

First, find the application for the new Chase card you’d like to open.

Then, fill out the application as normal.

Near the bottom of the application, you will see a question that says, “Would you like to transfer a balance?” This is selected “No” by default. Select Yes.

The resulting area will look like this:

After that, you’ll be prompted to enter an Account number and Amount for every balance transfer you want to make. The account number is simply the credit card number from which you want to transfer a balance. Then, enter the balance transfer amount.

Finalize the application, agree to the terms and conditions, and apply.

If your new card application is approved, congratulations! Just note that the balance transfer still needs to be approved. You will see the appropriate balance transfer activity reflected on your account if approved.

Transferring a Balance to an Existing Chase Card

If you recently applied for a credit card but forgot to request the balance transfers at the time of the application, you can transfer your balances by logging into your online account or by calling Chase.

First, log into your online account, and select the card you wish to use. Then, click More followed by Account services and Transfer a balance.

After that, fill in the balance transfer details, including the credit card number you want to transfer the balances from and the balance transfer amount. Consent to the terms and conditions, and click Continue. Lastly, click Set up transfer.

After that, you’re set! You should see your balance transfer process on your billing statements and transactions in around 3 weeks.

In some cases, you can only transfer your balances by picking up the phone — some cards will not have balance transfer offers available, and some cards won’t even have the ability to perform balance transfers.

To perform a balance transfer, you can also simply call the number on the back of your card and speak with a representative who can help you process this.

What Happens After The Balance Transfer?

Balance transfers usually take around 1 week to process with Chase, though Chase states that it may take up to 21 days to complete. In the meantime, you’ll need to continue making on-time payments to avoid fees and penalties.

In general, even after you transfer a balance, you must still make at least the minimum payment to avoid late fees or penalties.

And remember that balance transfers, in the case of Chase, much usually be completed within 60 days of new card opening, though you’ll want to consult your cardmember agreement to get the final say.

Balance transfers will not earn any rewards or rebates, so just keep that in mind.

Hot Tip: You can also consider our guides to the best 0% interest credit cards and the best balance transfer credit cards with 0% intro APR.

Final Thoughts

Chase offers a solution for those wishing to consolidate debt, pay off high-rate credit cards, or pay for unexpected purchases.

This is made possible through balance transfer credit cards. Currently, Chase has a few credit cards with balance transfer offers, and all of these are personal credit cards.

Unfortunately, Chase doesn’t have balance transfer offers on business credit cards, though there are still business credit cards with 0% APR offers on purchases.

The process for Chase balance transfers is pretty straightforward; however, you’ll want to remember that the cap is generally $15,000 in balances transferred every rolling 30-day period per card (or your approved credit limit, whichever is lower).

Lastly, Chase balance transfers take anywhere from 7 to 21 business days to process; don’t forget to continue making on-time payments while you’re waiting for your balance transfer to complete.