American Express balance transfer basics
American Express offers balance transfer options on select credit cards, but the process and terms differ from other card issuers. Not all American Express cards carry a balance transfer feature — you need to check whether your specific card includes this option, and if you don't yet have an American Express card, you'll need to open one that does before you can move a balance.
When American Express does offer a balance transfer, the card typically charges a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) and provides an introductory period with a lower interest rate than your current card. The introductory rate lasts for a set number of months — commonly 6 to 12 months depending on the card — after which the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.
The key difference between American Express and other issuers is that American Express cards are charge cards or optional-payment cards by design, meaning they historically required full payment each month. While some newer American Express cards do function as traditional revolving credit cards, the balance transfer landscape is narrower than what you'd find with Visa or Mastercard issuers.
Key Takeaways
- Only certain American Express cards offer balance transfers, so you must confirm your card includes this feature before attempting a transfer.
- American Express charges a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount you move, added to your balance when ready.
- The introductory interest rate period typically runs 6 to 12 months, after which the regular APR applies to any unpaid balance.
- You initiate a balance transfer by logging into your American Express account online or calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
- The transfer usually posts within 7 to 10 business days, though American Express may take longer than some competitors.
Which American Express cards offer balance transfers
American Express publishes the terms for each card on its website, and the balance transfer feature appears in the card's benefits section. Cards marketed toward people managing existing debt — such as the American Express EveryDay card or certain business cards — are more likely to include this option than premium or rewards-focused cards.
Before you open a new card, search the American Express website for "balance transfer" and filter by card type. You can also call American Express customer service at the number on any existing card you hold, or 1-800-528-4800, to ask whether a specific card offers balance transfers and what the current introductory rate and fee structure are.
If you already hold an American Express card without a balance transfer feature, you cannot add this feature to your existing card. You would need to open a different American Express card that does offer transfers. Each new card process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report.
How to start a balance transfer with American Express
Log into your American Express online account and look for a "Balance Transfer" or "Transfers" section, usually found under "Manage Your Account" or a similar menu. American Express displays the available transfer amount (which may be less than your credit limit) and the current fee and introductory rate. You'll enter the name of the creditor you're paying off, the account number, and the amount you want to transfer.
If you prefer not to use the online portal, call the number on the back of your American Express card and ask to initiate a balance transfer. A representative will walk you through the same information: which debt you're moving, how much, and which creditor to send the payment to. This call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
American Express will then send the transfer amount directly to your old creditor, not to you. The transfer usually appears on your American Express statement within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to three weeks in some cases. During this time, continue making payments to your old creditor to avoid late fees.
Balance transfer fees and introductory rates
The balance transfer fee is a percentage of the amount you transfer, charged upfront and added to your American Express balance. If you transfer $5,000 at a 3% fee, you owe $150 when ready, bringing your total balance to $5,150. This fee is non-refundable even if you pay off the balance before the introductory period ends.
The introductory APR (annual percentage rate) applies only to the transferred balance, not to new purchases you make on the card. Once the introductory period expires, any remaining balance on the transfer reverts to the card's regular purchase APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. American Express does not may provide a specific APR after the introductory period ends.
Compare the fee and introductory rate against what you're currently paying on your old card. If your old card charges 18% APR and American Express offers 0% for 12 months with a 3% fee, you save money if you pay off the balance within the introductory window. If you can't pay it off in that time, calculate whether the savings during the 12 months outweigh the fee and the interest you'll owe afterward.
What happens after the introductory period ends
When the introductory rate expires, the remaining balance on your transfer converts to the card's regular purchase APR. American Express will notify you in writing before this happens, typically 30 to 60 days in advance. The notice includes the new APR and the date it takes effect.
If you haven't paid off the transferred balance by the time the introductory period ends, you'll begin accruing interest at the higher rate on whatever amount remains. This is why the introductory period is a important date to work toward: paying off the balance before that date ends means you pay only the transfer fee, not ongoing interest.
If you still carry a balance after the introductory period, you have the option to transfer that remaining balance to another card (with another issuer or another American Express card, if you open one). This is called a "balance transfer chain," and each new transfer incurs its own fee and resets the introductory period clock. However, multiple transfers in a short time can damage your credit score.
Limits on how much you can transfer
American Express sets a maximum transfer amount based on your credit limit and creditworthiness. This amount may be significantly less than your full credit limit. For example, you might have a $10,000 credit limit but only be allowed to transfer $6,000.
The available transfer amount appears when you log into your account or call to initiate a transfer. If the maximum transfer amount is lower than the debt you want to move, you have two options: transfer what you're allowed to and pay the remainder on your old card, or wait and request a credit limit increase from American Express (which may take several weeks and is not may provide).
You cannot transfer a balance from another American Express card you hold to a different American Express card. American Express does not allow transfers between its own accounts.
Timeline and what to expect
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Initiate transfer online or by phone | Same day or next business day |
| Transfer posts to old creditor | 7 to 10 business days (up to 3 weeks) |
| Transfer appears on American Express statement | Within one billing cycle |
| Old creditor receives payment and closes account | 10 to 30 days after transfer posts |
| Introductory rate period begins | When transfer posts to American Express |
The introductory rate clock starts when the transfer posts to your American Express account, not when you initiate it. If you initiate a transfer on the 1st and it posts on the 10th, your introductory period begins on the 10th. Keep this in mind when planning your payoff strategy.
During the time the transfer is in transit (7 to 10 business days), the balance still belongs to your old creditor. Continue paying your old card's minimum payment to avoid a late fee. Once the transfer posts to American Express, you can stop paying the old card (assuming the entire balance was transferred) and focus payments on American Express instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another American Express card to a different American Express card?
No. American Express does not allow balance transfers between its own cards. If you want to move a balance from one American Express card to another, you would need to pay it off using a different method, such as a transfer from a bank account or a balance transfer from a different card issuer.
What if my balance transfer is denied?
American Express may deny a transfer request if your credit limit is too low, your credit score has dropped, or you've recently opened the card. If denied, you can ask a representative why and whether you're able to request a credit limit increase. You can also wait a few months and try again, or explore balance transfer options with other card issuers.
Does the introductory rate explore to new purchases I make after the transfer?
No. The introductory rate applies only to the transferred balance. Any new purchases you make on the card are subject to the regular purchase APR from day one. To avoid confusion, consider not using the card for new purchases until you've paid off the transferred balance.
Can I transfer a balance from a store credit card or a card from a credit union?
Yes. You can transfer a balance from any credit card or line of credit, regardless of the issuer. When you initiate the transfer, you'll provide the name of the creditor and the account number. American Express will send the payment directly to that creditor.
What happens if I can't pay off the balance before the introductory period ends?
The remaining balance converts to the regular purchase APR when the introductory period expires. You'll owe interest on whatever amount is left. You can then transfer that remaining balance to another card (incurring another transfer fee), or continue paying it down on the American Express card at the higher rate.