Balance Transfer Fee Calculator
See the upfront transfer fee before comparing promotional balance transfer offers.
Use this calculator to estimate a balance transfer fee based on transfer amount and fee percentage.
- Shows transfer fee only, not interest savings.
- Compare promotional APR length and payoff timeline separately.
Formula:The applied fee is the greater of transfer amount x transfer fee percentage or the minimum fee.
Last reviewed:2026-05-17
Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau credit card terms
When to use this
Estimate the cost of moving credit card debt.
What you get
A $5,000 transfer with a 3% fee costs $150 upfront.
Useful next step
Use the estimate to compare options, pressure-test pricing, or decide which fee model deserves a closer look.
Problems this helps with
- Promotional APR hides upfront cost
- Need to compare fee vs savings
- Debt payoff timeline uncertainty
Example estimate
A $5,000 transfer with a 3% fee costs $150 upfront.
Estimate payment processing fees instead
Continue with a related tool or comparison that helps turn the estimate into a clearer decision.
Related fee tools
FAQ
What is a common balance transfer fee?
Many cards charge a percentage of the transferred amount, often with a minimum fee.
Is a balance transfer worth it?
It depends on fee, promotional APR length, current interest rate, and whether you can pay the balance down during the promotion.
Does this calculate interest savings?
No. This calculator focuses on the upfront transfer fee. Compare APR, promotional period, and payoff timeline separately.