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What different scores mean
9+
Excellent
These cards offer the longest 0% interest periods, lowest balance transfer fees, and competitive revert rates for maximum savings.
7+
Great
Tackle debt with generous interest-free periods, reasonable balance transfer fees, and potential for additional perks.
5+
Standard
Reduce interest costs with reasonable interest-free periods and balance transfer fees.
0+
Basic
These are generally cards aimed as general audiences which include a balance transfer feature.
The lowdown on Finder Score
Let's face it, the average person doesn't spend all day comparing credit cards. But we do. That's why we developed the Finder Score.
It's a quick, easy way you can see how one credit card compares to others on the market.
But a lot of work goes into that number. Every month we:
- Analyse 127 credit cards with balance transfer offers.
- Assess seven features of each card and give each component a rating.
- Combine the ratings via a weighted methodology to decide the Finder Score.
We give different scores for different categories. So one card might get a 9 in the balance transfer category but only a 7 in the rewards category.
The Finder Score methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. We review products objectively. Commercial partnerships do not affect the scores.
Remember that Finder Score is just one factor to consider. Look at other aspects like fees, features, benefits and risks to make sure a product is suitable for you. Double-check details that matter to you before applying or buying.
Balance transfer credit cards - score weightings
| Feature | Definition | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Transfer Period | Length of the interest-free period on transferred balances (in months) | Longer periods earn more points, up to the market maximum | 40% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Percentage charged on the transferred balance | Lower fees score higher. 0% fee receives the maximum points | 20% |
| Balance Transfer Rate | Interest rate on transferred balances after the introductory period ends | Lower rates score higher. 0% rate receives the maximum points | 15% |
| First-Year Fee | Annual fee charged in the first year of ownership | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 12% |
| Ongoing Annual Fee | Annual fee charged from the second year onwards | Lower fees score higher. $0 fee receives the maximum points | 8% |
| Revert Rate | Interest rate applied to remaining balance after the introductory period | Lower rates score higher | 2.5% |
| Purchase Rate | Interest rate on new purchases | Lower rates score higher | 2.5% |
Finder Scores: What they mean
- 9+ Excellent - These cards offer the longest 0% interest periods, lowest balance transfer fees, and competitive revert rates for maximum savings.
- 7+ Great - Tackle debt with generous interest-free periods, reasonable balance transfer fees, and potential for additional perks.
- 5+ Standard - Reduce interest costs with reasonable interest-free periods and balance transfer fees.
- Less than 5 – Basic - These are generally cards aimed as general audiences which include a balance transfer feature.
More guides on Finder
-
Can I transfer Zip Money or Zip Pay funds to other accounts?
Find out what balance transfer credit card options you can use to consolidate debts from Zip Money, Zip Pay and other interest-free accounts.
-
Can I transfer my credit card debt to another bank?
Balance transfers are not allowed between certain credit card brands. Read on for a list of lenders that do and don’t allow a balance transfers between them.
-
Which credit cards let you balance transfer personal loan debt?
Use this guide to see which providers accept balance transfers from a personal loan to a credit card and discover how you can repay your debt faster with 0% balance transfer offers.
-
Balance transfers for existing customers
Here's how to get more value out of your credit card with exclusive promotions, offers and perks available to existing customers.
-
Credit card debt settlement
Is it worth paying a debt settlement company to help you deal with credit card debt, or can you do it on your own?
-
Balance transfer limits — a simple explanation
If you're considering a balance transfer, compare which credit cards can accept your debt based on the balance transfer limits.
-
Can you do a balance transfer to someone else’s credit card?
Get details of what credit cards may be available when you and your partner are looking for a way to balance transfer debt between you.