What American Express Balance Transfer Cards Offer

American Express offers balance transfer options through several of its credit cards, most commonly the Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred cards. These cards let you move debt from another card to your Amex account, usually with a lower interest rate for a set period — typically 0% for 6 to 12 months, depending on the card and current promotion. After that period ends, the regular purchase APR applies to any remaining balance.

The catch is the balance transfer fee. Amex typically charges 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer, with a minimum fee of around $5. So if you move $5,000, you might pay $150 to $250 upfront. That fee gets added to your balance, which means you're paying interest on it once the promotional period ends — unless you pay off the entire transfer before then.

Amex does not offer balance transfer checks or the ability to transfer to a bank account. You transfer by providing your old card details to Amex, and they pay that creditor directly. The transfer usually posts within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express balance transfer offers run 0% for 6 to 12 months on transferred balances, after which the regular APR kicks in on any remaining debt.
  • You pay a one-time fee of 3% to 5% of the transfer amount when you move the balance, added to what you owe.
  • Amex transfers the money directly to your old creditor, not to you, and the process takes about 7 to 10 business days.
  • Not all Amex cards offer balance transfers; you need to check the specific card's terms before you explore.
  • To benefit from the 0% period, you must pay down the transferred balance before the promotional rate ends, or interest will accrue on the full amount including the fee.

Which American Express Cards Have Balance Transfer Offers

The Blue Cash Everyday and Blue Cash Preferred are Amex's main consumer cards with balance transfer options. Both are cash-back cards, so you earn rewards on purchases while you're paying down the transferred balance. The Preferred version has an annual fee (currently $95) and higher cash-back rates; the Everyday version has no annual fee but lower rewards.

Amex also occasionally offers balance transfer promotions on other cards in its lineup, but these change frequently and are not always available. The best way to know what's current is to visit Amex's website directly or call their customer service line. Do not rely on third-party comparison sites for the exact terms, because promotional rates shift month to month.

If you already have an Amex card, you can sometimes request a balance transfer offer through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card. Existing cardholders occasionally receive targeted offers that differ from what new applicants see.

How the 0% Promotional Period Works

The 0% rate applies only to the balance you transfer, not to new purchases you make after the transfer posts. Any new purchases accrue interest at the regular purchase APR when ready — there is no grace period for new charges. This is different from some other balance transfer cards, which offer a 0% period on both transfers and purchases.

The promotional period is fixed. If Amex offers you 0% for 9 months, that clock starts when the transfer posts to your account, not when you explore. You can see the exact end date in your account or on your statement. Once that date passes, any remaining balance on the transfer converts to the regular APR, which for Amex cards typically ranges from 15% to 25% depending on your creditworthiness.

Interest does not accrue during the 0% period, but the fee you paid upfront is still part of your balance. If you pay off the entire transferred amount before the promotional period ends, you pay no interest on the fee. If you don't, interest starts accruing on the full balance including the fee.

The Balance Transfer Fee and When It Matters

Amex charges 3% to 5% of the transfer amount, with a $5 minimum. On a $3,000 transfer, that's $90 to $150. On a $10,000 transfer, it's $300 to $500. This fee is not waived for any customer or any reason — it's a fixed cost of using the service.

Whether the fee is worth paying depends on your current interest rate and how long you need to carry the balance. If you're paying 18% APR on $5,000 and you can pay it off in 6 months, the fee ($150 to $250) is cheaper than the interest you'd pay at the old rate. But if you can only pay $200 a month and need 25 months to clear the debt, you'll pay interest on that fee for 13 months after the 0% period ends, which erodes the savings.

Use a balance transfer calculator to compare your current interest cost against the fee plus the interest you'll owe after the promotional period. The math changes based on how much you can pay each month and how long you'll carry the balance.

What Happens After the 0% Period Ends

When the promotional rate expires, Amex applies its regular purchase APR to any remaining balance. You'll see this reflected on your next statement. The rate depends on your credit score and payment history — Amex typically offers rates from 15% to 25% for consumer cards, but your specific rate is determined when you open the account.

You can continue making payments at the regular rate, or you can look for another balance transfer card and move the remaining balance again. This strategy, called "balance transfer stacking," can work if you may have access to for another card with a 0% offer, but each transfer incurs a new fee and requires a hard credit inquiry. After multiple transfers in a short time, your credit score may drop enough that you no longer may have access to for the best offers.

If you have a large balance remaining when the promotional period ends, contact Amex to discuss your options. Some cardholders have negotiated lower rates or extended promotional periods, though this is not may provide and depends on your account history and creditworthiness.

How to Request a Balance Transfer

If you have an existing Amex card, log into your online account and look for a "Balance Transfer" or "Transfers" option in the menu. You'll enter the name of the creditor you're transferring from, the account number, and the amount. Amex will then contact that creditor to arrange payment.

If you don't have an Amex card yet, you'll need to explore for one first. During the process, you can request a balance transfer as part of your new account setup, or you can wait until after your account is open and request it later. The promotional rate applies once the transfer posts, regardless of when you explore.

After you submit the transfer request, Amex sends a confirmation with the expected posting date. The transfer typically completes within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer if your old creditor is slow to process. During this time, continue making minimum payments on your old card to avoid late fees. Once the transfer posts, you can stop paying the old card (though you may want to keep the account open to preserve your credit history).

Comparing Amex Balance Transfers to Other Options

Amex is not the only card issuer offering balance transfers. Chase, Citi, Capital One, and others have cards with 0% promotional periods, sometimes longer than Amex's offers. Some cards offer 0% on both transfers and purchases; others offer longer promotional periods (up to 21 months on some cards). The trade-off is usually a higher annual fee or lower cash-back rates.

If you're carrying a large balance and need more than 12 months to pay it off, a card with a longer promotional period might save you more money even if the fee is slightly higher. If you're confident you can pay off the balance in 6 to 9 months, Amex's shorter promotional period is often sufficient and may come with better rewards or a lower annual fee.

You can also explore debt consolidation loans from banks or credit unions, which sometimes offer lower interest rates than credit cards and no transfer fee. These loans have a fixed repayment term, which can help you stay on track, but they require a hard credit inquiry and a formal process process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a balance from another American Express card?

No. Amex does not allow you to transfer a balance between its own cards. You can only transfer from cards issued by other banks or card companies. If you have debt on one Amex card and want to move it to another Amex card, you'll need to pay it off first or explore other options.

What credit score do I need to get approved for an Amex balance transfer card?

Amex typically requires a good to excellent credit score, usually 670 or higher, though the exact requirement varies by card and changes over time. The best way to know is to check your credit score and then review the card's requirements on Amex's website or call their customer service line before you explore.

Does the balance transfer count toward my credit limit?

Yes. The transferred balance uses part of your available credit. If you have a $10,000 limit and transfer $5,000, you have $5,000 left to spend on new purchases. This can affect your credit utilization ratio, which impacts your credit score.

Can I make a balance transfer if I'm currently behind on payments?

Amex will not process a balance transfer if your account is in default or if you're significantly behind on payments. You'll need to bring your account current first. If you're behind on the card you want to transfer from, contact that creditor to discuss your options before explore for an Amex card.

What if I can't pay off the balance before the 0% period ends?

Interest will start accruing on the remaining balance at Amex's regular purchase APR. You can continue paying it down at the higher rate, or you can look for another balance transfer card to move the remaining balance. Keep in mind that each transfer incurs a new fee and a hard credit inquiry, so weigh the costs carefully.