By Ben Luthi
Reviewed by Alexandria WhiteShould You Use a Credit Card Balance Transfer Check?
By Ben LuthiReviewed by Alexandria White
Quick Answer
- A balance transfer check lets you access your credit card’s credit line by writing a check.
- It may help you consolidate high-interest debt or cover a large expense if it has a low or 0% promotional APR.
- Read the terms first to evaluate if the fees and interest are worth it.
If you're looking for an introductory 0% APR promotion on a credit card, you may not have to open a new account to get one. Some credit card issuers send balance transfer checks—either in the mail or through your online account—to their existing customers, which you can use for more than just balance transfers.
But there are some risks associated with these checks, so it's important to think twice before using one. Here's what you need to know.
What Is a Balance Transfer Check?
A balance transfer check works similarly to a personal check, but instead of being tied to a checking account, it draws from your credit card's revolving line of credit. The check may come in the form of a physical check in the mail or an online offer through your account.
If it's a physical check, you'll fill it out the same way as you would a personal check. If it's an online offer, you may simply request the money be sent to your checking account. Credit card issuers may occasionally send these checks to existing customers, and in some cases, you may be able to request one.
Balance transfer checks typically function like a traditional 0% intro APR promotion. You'll get a low or 0% APR for a set period, and if you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, you won't have to pay any interest. If there's still a balance after the promotional period is over, your regular purchase APR will apply to the remaining balance.
In exchange for a low or 0% intro APR deal, these checks typically charge a balance transfer fee between 3% and 5% of the check amount.
That said, you don't have to use your check to pay off another credit card balance as you would with a traditional balance transfer promotion. You can use the money however you want, and as long as there's a promotional APR, it usually won't count as a cash advance.
When you receive the offer, you'll likely notice an expiration date. If you want to use the check, you'll need to do so by that date to take advantage of the promotional offer.
What Are the Risks When Using a Balance Transfer Check?
Balance transfer checks can be a good way to make a large purchase, pay down high-interest debt or cover emergency expenses. But there are some potential pitfalls to watch out for:
- Usage may count as a cash advance. Unless your offer includes a promotional APR, the check may count as a cash advance, which means interest will start accruing from the date of the transaction. What's more, cash advances are typically assessed interest at a higher rate than regular purchases.
- There's an upfront fee. Balance transfer checks almost always come with an upfront fee. Depending on what you need the money for and how much you borrow, the cost may outweigh the benefits.
- It could cause your utilization rate to spike. Your credit utilization rate is the percentage of your card's available credit that you're using at a given time. If you take out too much credit via a balance transfer check, it could have a negative impact on your credit score, especially if you don't pay it off quickly. It's best to keep your utilization rate as low as possible.
- You could end up paying interest anyway. Credit cards charge low minimum monthly payments, which can incentivize you to procrastinate paying off your balance. If you're not disciplined, you may end up with a balance at the end of the promotional period, which will start accruing interest at your card's regular APR.
- It doesn't solve potential money issues. If you're using a balance transfer check to shift around high-interest debt or cover emergency expenses, it can give you the opportunity to improve your finances, but you'll still need to do that work. Consider avoiding balance transfer checks if you'll be using one to essentially kick the can down the road.
Best 0% intro APR cards of 2026
Compare cards from our partners with 0% intro APR offers on balance transfers, purchases or both.
Offers from our partners
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
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
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
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
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
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Intro bonus:
25,000 Points
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
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:
1.5x - 3x (Points per dollar)
3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel and 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases
Annual Fee:$0
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
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Intro bonus:
$250
Limited Time Offer! $250 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:
1.5% (cash back)
1.5% cash back on all purchases
Annual Fee:$0
See all our best 0% intro credit cards for 2026.
Alternatives to Using a Balance Transfer Check
Depending on your situation and current needs, there are several other options you could consider to get the money you need:
- New 0% APR credit card: If you're thinking about using a balance transfer check to make a large purchase, getting a new card with a 0% APR promotion can help you avoid the check's transaction fee. You may also be able to get a credit card with an intro bonus, which can provide even more value.
- Debt consolidation loan: If you're considering a balance transfer check to pay off existing debt, consider a debt consolidation loan instead. While you won't get promotional financing, installment loans can help you avoid a minimum payment trap and pay down your debt on a fixed schedule.
- Debt management plan: If you're considering a balance transfer check to pay down existing debt because your credit score isn't in good enough shape for a new credit card or a debt consolidation loan, consider contacting a credit counseling agency. If your situation necessitates it, you may be able to get set up on a debt management plan, which can help you pay down your debt more effectively.
- Financial assistance: If you have emergency expenses and are thinking about using a balance transfer check to cover them, consider asking a family member or friend to help first. Alternatively, you could apply for financial assistance through government programs or with nonprofit organizations to get the relief you need.
Balance Your Options
As with any financial decision, make sure you take the time to research all of your options. Also, make it a priority to build and maintain a good credit score so that you have more options when you need it. Monitor your credit regularly to keep track of your progress and address potential issues before they get out of hand.
Best balance transfer cards
Need to consolidate debt and save on interest? See if you qualify for intro offers like 0% intro APR up to 21 months based on your FICO® Score.
See your offers
About the author
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi has worked in financial planning, banking and auto finance, and writes about all aspects of money. His work has appeared in Time, Success, USA Today, Credit Karma, NerdWallet, Wirecutter and more.
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