Do Balance Transfers Earn Rewards?

Can You Earn Rewards With a Balance Transfer Credit Card?

Balance transfer credit cards attract new customers with low or 0% promotional interest rates on balance transfers. These cards often also include a rewards program offering cash back, miles or points on eligible purchases. While you can't earn rewards on a balance transfer specifically, you can still earn rewards on other qualifying purchases based on your credit card rewards program.

Best balance transfer cards of 2026

Compare balance transfer offers from our partners with 0% APRs and generous introductory periods.

Offers from our partners

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(873)Rated 4.57 out of 5 stars, 873 reviews

91%

would recommend

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Intro APR:0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers

Ongoing APR:18.24% - 28.49% (Variable)

Rewards:

2% (cash back)

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

Annual Fee:$0

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(563)Rated 4.58 out of 5 stars, 563 reviews

90%

would recommend

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Intro bonus:

As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.

You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.

Intro APR:0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Ongoing APR:19.49%-28.49% Variable

Rewards:

1% - 3% (cash back)

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Annual Fee:$0

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Terms Apply

(360)Rated 4.51 out of 5 stars, 360 reviews

89%

would recommend

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card

Intro APR:0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Ongoing APR:17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR

Rewards:

N/A

Annual Fee:$0

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(128)Rated 4.77 out of 5 stars, 128 reviews

97%

would recommend

American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^® Card

Intro APR:0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers

Ongoing APR:19.49% - 29.49% (Variable)

Rewards:

2x (Miles per dollar)

Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services. Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights

Annual Fee:$0

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(127)Rated 4.35 out of 5 stars, 127 reviews

87%

would recommend

Citi Simplicity^® Card

Intro APR:0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Ongoing APR:17.49% - 28.24% (Variable)

Rewards:

N/A

Annual Fee:$0

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Ollo Everyday Rewards

Ongoing APR:23.99%-29.99% Variable

Rewards:

1% - 3% (cash back)

Unlimited 3% cash back on all gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery store and drugstore purchases. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee:$0

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(87)Rated 4.31 out of 5 stars, 87 reviews

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Intro bonus:

$200

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Intro APR:0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Ongoing APR:17.49% - 27.49% Variable

Rewards:

1% - 6% (cash back)

Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category. Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.

Annual Fee:$0

ApplyView details

(53)Rated 4.49 out of 5 stars, 53 reviews

BankAmericard^® credit card

Intro APR:0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Ongoing APR:14.99% - 25.99% Variable

Rewards:

N/A

Annual Fee:$0

ApplyView details

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See all our best balance transfer credit cards for 2026.

Balance transfers aren't the only kind of transaction excluded from earning rewards. Other ineligible transactions often include:

• Interest charges
• Fees, including annual fees
• Cash advances
• Cash-like transactions, including money orders or foreign currency purchases
• Lottery ticket purchases
• Convenience checks
• Unauthorized or fraudulent charges

These are some common exclusions, but your card issuer may have others. Check your credit card terms and conditions to learn which transactions won't earn rewards.

While you can't directly earn rewards on balance transfers, they can still be rewarding. For example, if you have a $5,000 balance on a card with a 24% APR, you might decide to transfer this balance to a card offering an 18-month 0% promotional APR. After factoring in a 5% balance transfer fee, you could potentially save $750 if you pay off the balance during the promotional period.

You can maximize your balance transfer value by paying off the full balance before the promotional period ends. After that, the card's regular APR kicks in and the remaining balance will begin accruing monthly interest.

Should You Use a Balance Transfer Card to Earn Rewards?

You may consider using a balance transfer card to earn rewards to avoid opening a new credit card. Or, if you're currently shopping for cards, you may look for a card that will continue to offer value after you've paid off the balance transfer. In either case, it's best to wait until you've paid off the balance transfer before trying to earn rewards. This is especially important if the promotional rate applies to balance transfers and not purchases. Here's why.

When you're carrying a transfer balance, new purchases won't receive a grace period. Instead, purchases start accruing interest right away. To avoid interest charges, you'll have to pay off your entire balance by the due date—including the purchases and transfer balance.

If you opt for the balance transfer, be sure to pay it off before you start using the credit card on purchases and earning rewards. Keep in mind that paying interest can offset the value of any rewards you earn. Be sure to pay the balance in full every month to avoid debt and interest.

The Bottom Line

If the rewards program on your balance transfer credit card doesn't match your spending, you can shop around for a rewards card that's better suited for you.

You generally need to have good to excellent credit to qualify for the best rewards credit cards. Before applying for a new credit card, check your credit score to see where you stand. This way, you can apply for the credit cards that match your credit profile.