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What is a balance transfer fee?

Learn more about the one-time charge you might pay when you move your debt to a new credit card.

Sally McMullen
Sally McMullen

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Balance transfers can be a useful way to consolidate existing debt without the high interest cost. While you'll save on interest with low balance transfer rates, it doesn't mean that balance transfers are cost-free. As well as the standard card fees, you might also have to pay a one-off balance transfer fee. This guide explains what this fee is and how you can confirm what you'll have to pay when you transfer your balance.

What is a balance transfer fee?

A balance transfer fee is a percentage-based fee charged when you transfer your existing credit card, store card, or personal loan debt onto a new credit card. The balance transfer fee is usually 1-3% of the entire balance transfer amount.

For example, if you are transferring $5,000 onto a new card and are charged a 2.5% balance transfer fee, the entire amount of the debt that will appear on the new card is $5,125 (the $5,000 existing debt and the $125 balance transfer fee). Unlike an annual fee, this fee is only charged once when you first move your balance.

Do I have to pay a balance transfer fee?

Not all balance transfer credit cards charge a balance transfer fee, so it's something worth considering when you're comparing your balance transfer options. If you're wondering if your new card will charge a balance transfer fee, you can check the product disclosure statement (PDS), the card review on finder or contact the card issuer to confirm the fee.

Compare credit cards without a balance transfer fee

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
% p.a.
Name Product Balance transfer rate Purchase rate Annual fee Amount saved
St.George Vertigo Classic
St.George Vertigo Classic
0% p.a. for 24 months
13.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)
Get 0% p.a. promotional balance transfer rate, with no balance transfer fee. Plus, save with a first-year annual fee waiver.
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More Info
Citi Rewards Card
Citi Rewards Card
0% p.a. for 30 months
21.49% p.a.
$49 annual fee for the first year ($149 p.a. thereafter)
Save on interest with 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 30 months with no balance transfer fee. Plus, a $49 first-year annual fee.
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More Info
HSBC Platinum Credit Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Finder Award
HSBC Platinum Credit Card - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 26 months with 1% balance transfer fee
19.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($129 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy a 26-month balance transfer offer, a first-year annual fee waiver and complimentary travel insurance.
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More Info
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard
0% p.a. for 12 months
0% p.a. for 12 months, reverts to 19.99% p.a.
$0
Save on new and existing interest charges with 0% p.a. on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. Ends 31 January 2021.
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More Info
Coles Low Rate Mastercard
Coles Low Rate Mastercard
0% p.a. for 6 months
12.99% p.a.
$58
Enjoy $100 off a Coles Supermarket shop and a 0% balance transfer for 6 months. Plus, earn Flybuys points as you spend. Ends 31 January 2021.
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More Info
Citi Clear Card
Citi Clear Card
0.9% p.a. for 15 months
0.9% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 14.99% p.a.
$99
Save with 0.9% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, complimentary purchase insurance cover.
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More Info
St.George Amplify Signature
Finder Award
St.George Amplify Signature
0% p.a. for 6 months
19.74% p.a.
$139 annual fee for the first year ($279 p.a. thereafter)
Up to 200,000 bonus points (130k in the first year & 70k in the second year) when you spend $12k/year for the first 2 years.
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More Info
Citi Simplicity Card
Citi Simplicity Card
0% p.a. for 6 months
0% p.a. for 6 months, reverts to 21.49% p.a.
$0
Get 0% p.a. interest for up to 6 months on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, a $0 annual fee for life.
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More Info
St.George Rainbow Vertigo Platinum
St.George Rainbow Vertigo Platinum
6.99% p.a. for 12 months
0% p.a. for 15 months, reverts to 12.99% p.a.
$49 annual fee for the first year ($99 p.a. thereafter)
All the platinum features of the Vertigo Platinum Visa with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community.
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More Info
BankSA Vertigo
BankSA Vertigo
0% p.a. for 24 months
13.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)
Enjoy a 0% p.a. for 24 months on balance transfers, with no balance transfer fee. Plus, $0 first-year annual fee.
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More Info
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo Classic
Bank of Melbourne Vertigo Classic
0% p.a. for 24 months
13.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)
Save with a 0% p.a. interest for 24 months on balance transfers, with no balance transfer fee. Plus, a $0 first-year annual fee.
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More Info
St.George Vertigo Classic Rainbow
St.George Vertigo Classic Rainbow
0% p.a. for 24 months
13.99% p.a.
$0 annual fee for the first year ($55 p.a. thereafter)
All the great low cost features of the Vertigo Visa with a rainbow design in support of the LGBT community.
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More Info
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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    RickyNovember 15, 2011

    Are you aware of any credit cards in the Australian market that currently charge a balance transfer fee? I’ve shopped around and I can’t find any at present…

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeremyNovember 17, 2011Staff

      Hi Ricky

      The HSBC Credit Card currently charges a 2% balance transfer fee.

      Cheers

      Jeremy

      Reply
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