Chase balance transfer cards: Which one is right for you?

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In a Nutshell

Balance transfer credit cards from Chase offer solid introductory 0% APR promotions and even some rewards based on new purchases. Here are our top picks to help you eliminate your high-interest debt.
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These offers are no longer available on our site: Chase Freedom Flex℠, Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Compare balance transfer credit cards from Chase

Chase Freedom Unlimited®Chase Freedom Flex℠Chase Slate Edge℠
Intro 0% APR offer0% APR on purchases and balance transfers0% APR on purchases and balance transfers0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro APR promotional period15 months15 months18 months
Regular variable APR20.49% - 29.24%20.49% – 29.24%20.49% – 29.24%
Balance transfer feeEither $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.3% for the first 60 days, then 5% ($5 minimum)3% for the first 60 days, then 5% ($5 minimum)

There are three balance transfer credit cards from Chase. These balance transfer offers can help people to transfer and pay down high-interest credit card debt.

Chase’s balance transfer cards don’t have the longest intro 0% APR promotional periods out there, so they may be a better fit for people who want to transfer smaller balances. But depending on which Chase card you choose, you could get both short- and long-term value.

Let’s take a closer look.



What you need to know about each card

Each of the three balance transfer cards from Chase has its own set of features that may be more or less appealing, depending on your current financial situation and goals.

Here’s what you need to know about each card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® isn’t just a balance transfer credit card — it’s also a strong cash back credit card.

New cardholders will get an introductory 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After that, the variable APR ranges from 20.49% - 29.24% for both purchases and balance transfers. There’s no deadline to submit your balance transfer request, but there’s a balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. 5% (minimum $5) thereafter.

Also, if you don’t pay at least the minimum payment due in a 60-day period, you’ll lose your introductory 0% APR.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card also offers 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on drugstore purchases and on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 1.5% back on everything else. Plus, there’s no annual fee.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® are functionally similar in many ways except for their cash-back rewards rates.

With this card, you’ll also get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, the variable APR for both purchases and balance transfers will range from 20.49% to 29.24%.

The card charges a 3% balance transfer fee (minimum $5) that jumps to 5% (minimum $5) after 60 days. And you’ll need to make your payments on time to stay eligible for the introductory APR.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a $200 sign-up bonus when you spend $500 on purchases during the first three months after account opening.

The card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent quarterly in rotating bonus categories when you activate them. In the past, those categories have included things like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, home improvement stores, wholesale clubs, PayPal purchases and more.

The card also offers 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on drugstore purchases and on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 1% back on all other purchases. This card also charges no annual fee.

Chase Slate Edge℠

Chase Slate Edge℠ offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months — which is the longest of the three Chase offers. After that, your variable APR will range from 20.49% to 29.24%.

This card charges a 3% (minimum $5) balance transfer fee for the first 60 days, then 5% (minimum $5) after that.

Chase Slate Edge℠ doesn’t come with any ongoing rewards.

Additionally, Chase Slate Edge℠ cardholders can be considered for a 2% reduction in their interest rate when they pay on time and spend at least $1,000 each account anniversary year. The card doesn’t have an annual fee.

How to pick the right card for you

Before deciding if one of these cards is a good fit, it’s a good idea to consider both your current balance transfer needs and how you may want to use a card long term.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ cards are both solid options if you prioritize rewards and want to use your cards for the long haul. If you’re going to go with one of these two cards, think about how you typically spend your money and which card may be a better fit based on your spending habits and how you want to earn rewards.

But if you’re hoping to have a card with a relatively low APR beyond the introductory period that you could potentially use in future emergency situations, the Chase Slate Edge℠ may be a better option.

Also, consider how much debt you have and how long it’ll take to pay it back. Since the Chase Slate Edge℠ has a longer promotional period, it may be Chase’s best option if you need more time to pay off your debt — even though it doesn’t have ongoing rewards.

Not sure any of these cards are for you? Consider these alternatives.

If Chase’s balance transfer cards aren’t a good fit for your financial needs, here are a few others to consider.

  • Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Good for people who want to maximize their time with interest-free payments.
  • Citi Double Cash® Card: A solid option for people who want a long balance transfer promotion and a solid rewards rate.
  • Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Consider this card if you want a long introductory APR promotion on purchases and balance transfers, as well as access to various entertainment experiences.

About the author: Ben Luthi is a personal finance freelance writer and credit cards expert. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance from Brigham Young University. In addition to Credit Karma, you can find his wo… Read more.