Can I Find a Balance Transfer Card With Bad or Fair Credit?
Paying off credit card debt can feel insurmountable — even as you make minimum payments, the interest accumulates. With a balance transfer credit card that offers a low or 0% introductory APR, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest. This means that every penny is applied to the principal amount, and you’ll see a steady decrease in your balance.
Balance transfer cards are readily available to those with good or excellent credit — but even if you have fair credit (a score ranging from 580 to 669) or bad credit (a score below 580), you do have a chance at getting a balance transfer card.
Below you’ll find six balance transfer cards that are available to those with fair or bad credit. Plus learn about alternatives to balance transfers and tips on how to improve your credit score.
Balance transfer credit cards for fair credit
You have fair credit when your credit score is between 580 and 669. There are a variety of credit cards for individuals with fair credit — however, none of them come with 0% intro APRs on balance transfers.
You will find some good cards that offer below-average APRs on balance transfers, which will help you save money on interest charges for the length of the offer.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
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Balance transfer intro APR: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months Followed by 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Good for building credit history
- Rewards program
- First-year cash back match for new cardholders
- Potentially high regular APR
- Must enroll in quarterly cash back categories
- Limit on spending in quarterly purchase categories
- Discover has limited acceptance outside of the U.S.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a $0 annual fee card designed for students with limited / fair credit. It offers a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers. After that, an 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR applies.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. In addition, cardholders get the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Discover it® Student Chrome
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Balance transfer intro APR: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months Followed by 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases
- Good for building credit
- Elevated cash back on dining and gas
- $1,000 quarterly spending cap on bonus categories
- Discover has limited acceptance outside of the U.S.
If you’re a student with limited / fair credit who wants to receive a lower interest rate on balance transfers for half a year, the Discover it® Student Chrome may be a good fit. It offers an intro APR on balance transfers of 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months. Then, a 17.24% - 26.24% Variable APR applies.
You can also 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
ESL Visa® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Balance transfer intro APR: 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles, then 12.50% - 17.99% Variable
- No balance transfer fee
- $0 annual fee
- Intro period on balance transfers and new purchases
- Low ongoing APR
- Intro periods are short
- Must be an ESL Federal Credit Union member to apply
The ESL Visa® Credit Card offers great potential savings on balance transfers since it doesn’t charge a balance transfer fee. Balance transfer fees range from 3% to 5%, so a balance transfer of $1,000 could save you $30 to $50. Additional savings come with an introductory 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles, then 12.50% - 17.99% Variable.
You’re required to join ESL Federal Credit Union in order to apply for the credit card, but there are workarounds to join if you don’t meet the general eligibility requirements.
- Save money with our 0% Intro APR for 12 months.
- Save even more with our low ongoing rate of 12.50%-17.99% APR.1
- No annual fees.1
- No fees for balance transfers.1
- Get the powerful protection of the Visa Zero Liability Policy.2
- Emergency ticket replacement and other travel and emergency assistance.
- Auto rental insurance automatically covering vehicle damage or theft up to the full value of most vehicles when you rent a car with your ESL visa credit card.
- Extended warranty protection.
Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Balance transfer intro APR: 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening. Followed by 10.99% to 18.00% (variable)
- $0 balance transfer fee
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on balance transfers
- Low ongoing interest rate
- No intro APR on purchases
- No rewards program
- Credit union membership required
The Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card offers a 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening. After that, you’ll get a relatively low APR of 10.99% to 18.00% (variable). Plus, unlike many other cards with balance transfer offers, it doesn’t have any balance transfer fees and accepts applicants with fair credit.
There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees with the Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card. However, to apply for the card, you’ll need to be a member of the Navy Federal Credit Union. You’ll need to be a member of the armed forces, the Department of Defense, or a veteran, or a family member of one of the above to become a member.
- 0.99% introductory APR for 12 months for balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening. Applies to balance transfers requested within 60 days of account opening.
- After the intro period, a 10.99% to 18.00% (variable) APR applies
- No balance transfer fee
- No annual fee
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
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Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Balance transfer APR: 14.99% - 29.99% APR
- $0 annual fee
- Potentially lower APR
- Up to $25,000 credit limit
- Fixed monthly payments
- Rewards program
- No intro APR
- May not receive an APR that’s lower than your current one
- May not receive a high credit limit
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers potential savings on balance transfers. Open to applicants with fair credit, this unsecured card might be an option if you’re approved for a credit line that’s large enough for your balance transfer and offers an interest rate less than what you’re paying currently.
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Preferred account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
- Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
- Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
- Shop smarter with Upgrade Shopping! Get exclusive savings at stores, restaurants, and more
- Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Wallet™ Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
- Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Preferred account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Preferred account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Preferred account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Preferred account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Preferred account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Preferred account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions. This one-time bonus is available through this Upgrade Card offer and may not be available for other Upgrade Card offers.
Balance transfer credit cards for bad credit
A bad credit score is a FICO Score of less than 580. Getting a credit card with bad credit is possible, but you generally won’t get a 0% intro APR.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card accepts applicants with limited / poor credit. As a secured card, you’ll have to make a deposit that protects the issuer if you don’t repay what you borrow. Your deposit is refunded when you close your account or upgrade to an unsecured card.
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Balance transfer intro APR: 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months Followed by 27.24% Variable APR
- $0 annual fee
- Automatic account reviews for credit limit increases
- Opportunity to graduate to an unsecured card
- Rewards program
- Security deposit required
- Low credit limit
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 27.24% Variable APR applies. It’s available to those with limited / poor credit and has a $0 annual fee, making it a low-cost way to do a balance transfer if you have bad credit.
Once you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin automatic monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card. However, you should know that Discover checks your financial behavior across all of your credit cards and loans, not just those with Discover.
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- 30 points or more—that’s how much you could increase your FICO® Credit Score on average after just six months of responsible use.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Alternatives to a balance transfer card
Balance transfers are useful for paying off debt, but there’s no need to despair if you can’t get one.
Improve your credit and apply later
An obvious option is to improve your credit score and apply again after some time. This may take a while, but you can expect to see your credit score rise by prioritizing on-time payments and a low credit utilization ratio.
Transfer to an existing credit card
If you have more than one credit card, consider transferring one balance to the other card, though this will only work under a few conditions. The cards must be from different issuing banks. You cannot transfer a balance from one Chase card to another Chase card.
Further, the amount you can transfer depends on your available credit on the card. If you have a $2,000 credit limit and no balance, you may be able to transfer an amount close to $2,000 once you include balance transfer fees.
Note that the best balance transfer offers on the APR and/or balance transfer fee are usually reserved for new accounts. As such, it might not be the best financial option even if you can do a balance transfer.
Negotiate a lower APR
There’s no guarantee that your credit card issuer will give you a lower APR, but it’s worth asking. And, you might be pleasantly surprised — a LendingTree study found that 76% of requests to lower credit card interest rates were granted. The study also found that more than 9 out of 10 requests to waive late fees or annual fees were granted.
Take out a loan
A personal loan or a debt consolidation loan may offer you some much-needed relief while paying off debt. The average credit card interest rate is 24.71%, while many debt consolidation and personal loans have rates in the 6% to 10% range.
Follow a debt payoff strategy
You may have heard of the debt snowball or debt avalanche strategies for becoming debt-free, but did you know they aren’t the only ones? Be careful not to get too bogged down in choosing the best strategy for paying off your debt. No matter which you choose, the end result is the same: You’re debt-free! The best one for you is the one that you’ll stick to.
Increase your income
Earning more money to pay down debt is a great strategy you can use in conjunction with any of the above ideas. Earn extra cash by working part-time or start a side hustle. Every little bit helps.
Found a card you’re interested in? Learn more about how to apply for a credit card to improve your chances of being approved.Pros and cons of balance transfers
- A lower APR helps you pay off debt faster, since you’ll pay less in interest
- Paying down debt with a balance transfer can improve your credit score
- May help by consolidating multiple payments into one
- You might not qualify for a balance transfer credit card or loan
- Your new APR may not be significantly lower
- An intro APR won’t last forever
- Most balance transfers have fees
- If the debt is a result of overspending, a balance transfer won’t solve the root issue
How to improve your credit score
Improving your credit score increases your chances of being approved for a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR. You can boost your credit score with these tried and true methods.
- Pay your bills on time and in full each month
Your payment history is the most important of the five factors that make up your credit score. It makes up 35% so paying your bills on or before their due date is very important. Aim to pay the balance in full so you can avoid paying interest on the unpaid balance. - Pay down high balances
You should keep your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you use divided by the total amount of available credit — below 30%. For example, if you have a credit card limit of $1,000, you should not let your balance exceed $300. - Minimize the number of new accounts you open
Each application for a credit card or loan generates a hard inquiry on your credit report. This action lowers your credit score by a few points each time and stays on your credit report for two years. Having too many hard inquiries within a short period of time raises red flags to lenders. Only apply for new credit when it’s really necessary. - Have an account that reports to the credit bureaus
Your credit score essentially shows how responsible you are with managing credit and an ideal credit card reports your activity to all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. If you can’t get an unsecured credit card, consider a secured credit card. Use it for a couple of years to boost your credit score and graduate to an unsecured card.
Frequently asked questions
The information related to the ESL Visa® Credit Card and Navy Federal Platinum Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
