How to Do a Balance Transfer With Capital One

Updated: November 6, 2024

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Transferring a balance to a Capital One card is a straightforward procedure, with most transfers facilitated online and completed within three to 15 business days. Notably, Capital One allows you to transfer personal, student and auto loans, unlike most issuers that only allow the transfer of credit card debt.

Capital One's balance transfer credit cards provide a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers. These cards also let you earn rewards from your purchases, which you can use to pay off your balance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • In addition to credit card balances, you can transfer personal, student and auto loans to a Capital One card. The amount you can transfer is capped by your credit limit.
  • Balance transfers with Capital One can be initiated immediately upon approval, but the funds may take up to 15 business days to reach the other creditor.
  • Capital One’s balance transfer cards typically come with a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, no annual fee and a rewards-earning system.

How to Do a Capital One Balance Transfer

Capital One allows you to transfer balances and loans to new and existing cards. In both cases, you will follow the same process. Submitting a balance transfer request is simple, but it may take up to 15 business days for the transferred amount to reflect on the original account.

How to Transfer Balances to a New Capital One Card

  1. Compare Capital One balance transfer cards to find one that aligns with your financial goals, ideally with a 0% intro APR offer and no annual fee.
  2. Apply for the card. Upon approval, you may initiate the balance transfer request online.

How to Transfer Balances With an Existing Capital One Card

  1. Log in to your Capital One account.
  2. Select the credit card account you want to use for the balance transfer.
  3. Choose “Transfer a Balance” from the drop-down menu and click “Select Offer” next to the balance transfer offer of your choice.
  4. Enter the necessary details and submit your request.

What Happens After Submitting a Balance Transfer Request

Capital One typically processes balance transfers immediately, but it may take up to 15 business days for the funds to reach the other creditor. Monitor your old account and continue making payments until the transfer is confirmed to avoid late fees and penalties.

How to Check the Status of a Capital One Balance Transfer

To check the status, log in to your Capital One online account or call 1-800-227-4825. Keep an eye on both your Capital One and old accounts to ensure the transfer is completed successfully.

Considerations for Capital One Balance Transfers

Before you initiate a balance transfer with Capital One, it's wise to understand the terms and conditions that will apply. Here's a rundown of what to expect, which can help you decide if a balance transfer is right for your financial situation and avoid surprises down the line.

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    Transfer Restrictions

    Beyond your credit card balance, Capital One allows you to transfer your personal, student and car loan. However, you cannot transfer balances between Capital One cards.

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    Processing Time

    The transfer will take about three to fifteen business days to complete. We recommend you continue making payments on your old card while Capital One processes your request.

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    Balance Transfer Amount

    The transfer amount, including fees, must not exceed your credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000 and your card has a 3% balance transfer fee, you can only transfer up to $9,700.

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    Introductory Period

    You must complete transfers within the first 15 months to benefit from introductory APR offers.

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    Balance Transfer Fee

    Generally, a 3% balance fee applies during the first 15 months, while subsequent transfers incur a 4% fee. Always consider this fee when deciding if a balance transfer can help save you money.

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    Regular APR

    After the intro period, rates range from 19.99% to 29.99% (variable), depending on your creditworthiness. This interest rate will apply to your balance after the intro period.

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    Credit Score

    Capital One typically requires an excellent credit score for its balance transfer cards.

Best Capital One Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Capital One's balance transfer credit cards all feature a 15-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers and no annual fee. Their differences lie primarily in how they reward purchases, so the best card for you will depend on how you want to earn your rewards.

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a strong contender if you prefer simple rewards. It provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.7/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Meanwhile, if you want to earn more rewards, the SavorOne Rewards card can be an option. It lets you earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming and grocery stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Remember that you can use the cash back you earn to pay off your balance, so choosing the more lucrative option can help you eliminate your credit card debt.

FAQ About Balance Transfers With Capital One

MoneyGeek answers some common questions about balance transfers with Capital One to help you make an informed financial decision.

What types of balances can you transfer to Capital One?
How long does it take to process a Capital One balance transfer?
Is there a limit to how much you can transfer with Capital One?
What fees are associated with a Capital One balance transfer?
Can a balance transfer with Capital One hurt your credit score?

If You’re Looking for More

Moving your debt with a balance transfer can help you save on interest and pay it off more easily. Before you decide to transfer with Capital One, consider the fees involved and your ability to clear your balance before the promotional period ends.

Capital One’s 15-month 0% intro period on balance transfers is competitive and on par with other providers. However, if you need a longer time to pay off your balance, you can find balance transfer cards that offer up to 21 months of no interest.

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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