How To Do a Balance Transfer With Chase
A Chase balance transfer moves debt from another credit card onto a Chase card with a lower annual percentage rate (APR). You can start one when you apply for a new Chase card, log in to an existing Chase account online or call the number on the back of your card. Chase charges a balance transfer fee and in some cases offers an introductory APR period to pay down the debt before the regular rate kicks in.
The process is fairly straightforward, but a few details can make a big difference. You'll need to confirm your balance is eligible, understand the fees and transfer limits, and continue paying your original card until the transfer is complete. Here's how to do a Chase balance transfer from start to finish.
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Key Takeaways
How do you do a Chase balance transfer? Move debt from a non-Chase card to a Chase card: Start it during a new application, in your online account or by phone.
You can't transfer between two Chase cards: The balance must come from another issuer, like Citi, Capital One or Bank of America.
The fee depends on timing: It's $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) within 60 days of opening, then $5 or 5% after.
There's a $15,000 cap per 30 days: And your transfer, including the fee, can't exceed your available credit limit.
Most transfers post within a week: Chase says it can take up to 21 days, so keep paying your old card until it clears.
Balance transfers don't earn rewards: No points, miles or cash back on the transferred amount.
Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors
Can You Do a Balance Transfer With Chase?
Yes. Chase allows balance transfers to many of its credit cards, provided the card has an eligible balance transfer offer.
One important rule to remember is that you can't transfer debt from one Chase credit card to another. Instead, balance transfers are designed to move debt from another issuer, such as Capital One, Citi, Discover, Bank of America, or American Express.
Whether you're applying for a new Chase balance transfer credit card or using an existing one, review the terms of your offer before starting the transfer.
What To Know Before Starting
A little preparation can help your balance transfer go more smoothly.
First, verify that the balance you're transferring isn't already with Chase. Then, review your card's promotional offer, including the introductory APR, balance transfer fee and any deadlines for completing the transfer.
You'll also want to think beyond the transfer itself. A balance transfer doesn't erase debt — it simply moves it. The biggest savings come from paying off the balance before the introductory APR expires.
Example: How Much You Could Save With a Balance Transfer
Say you owe $5,000 on a credit card with a 22% APR and you pay $250 a month.
Without a transfer: It would take about 26 months to pay off and cost roughly $1,300 in interest.
With a 0% intro APR: You pay a 3% transfer fee of $150 and $0 in interest if you clear the balance during the intro period.
Total savings: Around $1,150 after the balance transfer fee.
Actual savings depend on your APR, payment amount and how fast you pay the balance off.
What Information You'll Need
Before starting your request, gather:
The account number for the credit card you're paying off
The name of the card issuer
The amount you'd like to transfer
Your Chase card's available credit limit
Having this information ready can speed up the process and reduce the chance of delays. Keep in mind that your approved credit limit — including any balance transfer fee — determines how much debt you can move.
How To Transfer a Balance With a New Chase Card
Some Chase balance transfer cards offer an intro APR for a set period after account opening on balance transfers. After the intro period ends, the ongoing variable APR applies to any leftover balance.
Follow these steps:
Apply for a Chase card that offers a balance transfer intro APR.
Once approved, log in to your Chase account online or in the app.
Select balance transfer, then enter the other card's account number and the amount you want to transfer.
Submit the request and keep paying the old card until the transfer clears.
You may also have the option to request a balance transfer during the application process. Simply enter the credit card account information for the card you'd like to pay off, along with the amount you want to transfer.
If you're approved, Chase will determine how much of the requested balance can be transferred. If your approved credit limit isn't high enough — or the balance transfer fee pushes you over your available credit — you may receive a partial approval or have the request declined.
How To Transfer a Balance With an Existing Chase Card
Existing Chase cardholders may be able to request a balance transfer through their online account or the Chase mobile app. Here’s how:
Log in to your Chase account online or open the Chase mobile app.
Go to the account you want to transfer the balance to.
Choose "Transfer a balance" from the menu.
Enter the outside card's details and the transfer amount, then confirm.
Keep in mind that not every Chase credit card has an active balance transfer offer at all times. If you don't see the option, your account may not currently be eligible.
How To Transfer a Balance by Phone
If you'd rather speak with someone, follow these steps:
Call the number on the back of your Chase card.
Ask the agent to start a balance transfer.
Share the outside card's account number, issuer name and amount to move.
Confirm the fee and expected transfer date before you hang up.
A representative can walk you through the process, answer questions about your promotional offer and submit the request for you.
Can You Transfer a Chase Balance to a Bank Account?
On eligible cards, yes. When Chase offers it, you can send a balance transfer straight to an eligible checking account instead of paying off another card — useful for a higher-rate auto loan or other debt a card-to-card transfer can't reach.
It's treated as a balance transfer, so it keeps the promotional APR and the standard transfer fee, and it doesn't trigger the immediate interest of a cash advance. The same rules apply: up to $15,000 in any 30-day period, and the amount plus the fee can't exceed your available credit. Just confirm the offer is available on your card before you count on it, and don't confuse it with a cash advance, which starts charging interest right away.
How Much Does a Chase Balance Transfer Cost?
Chase charges a balance transfer fee based on when you move the debt.
Within 60 days of opening the account: $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
After 60 days: $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater.
Although paying a fee may seem counterintuitive, it can still be worthwhile if you're avoiding months of high-interest charges.
For example, transferring a $5,000 balance with a 3% fee adds $150 to your new balance. If the transfer allows you to avoid hundreds of dollars in interest during the promotional period, the fee may be well worth the cost.
Remember that the fee counts toward your available credit limit, so it can affect how much debt you can transfer.
How Long Does a Chase Balance Transfer Take?
Balance transfers aren't processed instantly. While some transfers are completed in about a week, Chase says the process can take up to 21 days.
Until the transfer is complete, continue making at least the minimum payment on your original credit card. A pending transfer doesn't pause your payment obligations, and missing a payment could result in late fees or damage to your credit score.
Once the transfer posts, review both accounts to confirm the balance has moved successfully and your old account has been paid off.
What Happens After You Submit Your Request?
After submitting your balance transfer request, keep an eye on both your Chase account and your original credit card account.
If a payment comes due before the transfer is complete, make it as scheduled. Once the transfer posts, verify that your old balance has been paid in full. In some cases, a small amount of residual interest may remain, so it's worth reviewing your final statement.
From there, focus on paying down your new balance before the introductory APR expires to maximize your savings on interest.
Common Chase Balance Transfer Mistakes To Avoid
A balance transfer can save money, but avoiding a few common mistakes can make the experience much smoother.
Trying to transfer a Chase balance to another Chase card: Chase generally doesn't allow same-issuer balance transfers.
Waiting too long to request the transfer: Some promotional offers require transfers within the first 60 days of opening your account.
Ignoring the transfer fee: Remember that the fee counts toward your available credit limit.
Stopping payments too soon: Continue paying your old card until the transfer has officially been posted.
Adding new debt: The biggest benefit comes from using the promotional period to pay down existing debt — not accumulate more.
How To Tell if a Chase Balance Transfer Is Right for You
A Chase balance transfer may be a good option if you're paying a high interest rate on another credit card and can realistically pay off the balance before the promotional APR expires.
Before applying, compare the balance transfer fee with the interest you'll likely save. Even with a fee, many borrowers come out ahead if they pay off the balance during the introductory period.
A balance transfer works best as part of a larger debt payoff strategy — not as a long-term solution for carrying credit card debt.
Bottom Line
A Chase balance transfer can be an effective way to reduce interest charges and pay off credit card debt faster. Before getting started, confirm your balance is eligible, understand the fees and promotional terms, and gather the information you'll need to submit your request.
Once the transfer is complete, keep your momentum going by making consistent payments and paying off the balance before the introductory APR ends. Used strategically, a balance transfer can help you save money and simplify your path to becoming debt-free.
Chase Balance Transfer FAQ
How long does a Chase balance transfer take?
Most Chase balance transfers post within one week, but they can take up to 21 days. Keep making at least the minimum payment on the old card until the transfer clears.
Can you transfer a balance between two Chase cards?
No. Chase does not allow balance transfers between two Chase cards or from any other Chase-issued account.
Does a balance transfer hurt your credit score?
It can cause a small dip because a new card triggers a hard inquiry. Paying down the transferred balance often helps your score over time by lowering your credit utilization rate.
Is there a limit on how much you can transfer?
Yes. Your transfer amount can't exceed your credit limit, and Chase caps balance transfers at $15,000 within a 30-day period.
Do you earn rewards on balance transfers?
No. Chase does not give points, miles or cash back on balance transfer amounts.
Key Terms
Balance transfer: Moving debt from one credit card to another, usually to pay it down at a lower rate.
Introductory APR: A promotional rate, often 0%, that applies for a set period before the regular variable APR.
Balance transfer fee: Chase's charge — $5 or 3% within 60 days, then $5 or 5% after.
Same-issuer restriction: Chase's rule blocking transfers between two Chase-issued accounts.
30-day transfer cap: Chase's $15,000 maximum in balance transfers within any 30-day period.
Available credit limit: The ceiling on your transfer, since the amount plus the fee can't exceed it.
Partial approval: When Chase approves less than you requested because of your limit.
Residual interest: Trailing interest that can leave a small balance on your old card after the transfer.
Sources
Chase: Balance Transfer FAQs
Chase: Credit Card Balance Transfer
Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors
Photo credit: baranq / Shutterstock.com
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