How to Do a Balance Transfer With Citi

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Transferring a balance to a Citi card is easy. You can complete the process online, and it takes anywhere from two to 21 days. This process is longer compared to other issuers, which often complete balance transfers in less than 14 days. You'll know the process is complete when the transferred balance shows up on Citi and is no longer on your old card.

Citi stands out by offering cards with a competitive 0% introductory APR period of up to 21 months. This extended no-interest period is perfect if you plan to consolidate debt without having to deal with interest payments.

To make the most of a balance transfer, familiarize yourself with your card's specific terms and features. Before you decide, weigh the intro APR duration, balance transfer fees and annual fees. This way, you'll know if transferring a balance is the right move for your finances.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • A Citi balance transfer can take up to 21 days to complete, and you must transfer balances within four months of account opening to be eligible for introductory offers.
  • Balance transfer fees range from 3% to 5% (at a minimum of $5), which you should factor into the cost of transferring a balance.
  • Citi’s balance transfer cards provide some of the most extended no-interest periods. For example, the Citi Simplicity® card features a 21-month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers.

How to Do a Citi Balance Transfer

Whether you already have a Citi card or you’re still shopping around, transferring a credit card balance with Citi is the same process. It’s done online and can take up to three weeks.

How to Transfer Balances to a New Citi Card

  1. Compare Citi cards to find one that aligns with your financial needs, ideally a card with a 0% intro APR offer and no annual fee.
  2. Apply for your chosen card.
  3. Initiate a balance transfer after approval by following the steps below.

How to Transfer Balances With an Existing Citi Card

  1. Log in to your Citi account.
  2. Head to “Payments and Transfers” and select “Balance Transfers.”
  3. Submit your balance transfer request using the required details from the other credit card.

What Happens After Submitting a Citi Balance Transfer Request

Citi can take anywhere from two to 21 days to finalize your balance transfer request. Since this waiting period might overlap with your card's grace period, remember to keep making payments on your previous card to avoid penalties. Doing this ensures you avoid late fees until the transfer is completely processed.

How to Check the Status of a Citi Balance Transfer

To check the status of your balance transfer, log in to your Citi account and verify if the balance has been posted. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Citi customer service at 1-800-950-5114. Keep an eye on your old and new account statements to ensure the transfer is reflected accurately.

Considerations for Citi Balance Transfers

Understanding your card’s balance transfer details enables you to use this strategy effectively. A balance transfer done right should lower your overall balances and improve your credit score over time.

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    Processing Time

    Expect your Citi balance transfer to take between two and 21 days.

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    Balance Transfer Amount

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    Introductory Period

    To benefit from introductory offers, initiate the transfer within four months of opening the account.

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    Balance Transfer Fee

    You'll incur a fee of either $5 or 3%–5% of the transfer amount, whichever is greater.

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    Regular APR

    After the intro period, the APR will be between 18.24% and 29.99%, variable based on your creditworthiness.

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    Transfer Restrictions

    Citi does not allow balance transfers between its own cards.

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    Credit Score

    Citi typically requires a good to excellent credit score for balance transfer cards.

Best Citi Balance Transfer Credit Cards

When looking for a balance transfer card, consider the length of the 0% intro APR period, balance transfer fee and annual fee. A more extended intro period gives you more time to pay off the balance without interest and allows for lower monthly payments. Meanwhile, lower balance transfer fees and no annual fee keep costs down in the long run.

The Citi Simplicity® card offers 21 months of no interest on balance transfers, which is among the longest available. It comes with a balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) and no late or annual fees. Overall, this card can be a smart choice for consumers who need an extended period to pay down their debt.

Citi Simplicity® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Simplicity® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 21 months on balance transfers
APR
18.74% - 29.49% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3 percent ($5 minimum) intro balance transfer fee ...
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Meanwhile, if you want a balance transfer card offering rewards, the Citi Double Cash® is an option. It offers an 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. If you’re able to pay off your new purchases each month, your cash back can add up and go toward repaying your debt.

Citi Double Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
3.4/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 18 months on balance transfers
APR
18.49% - 28.49% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3 percent intro balance transfer fee ($5 minimum; ...
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When choosing a balance transfer credit card, consider the other benefits the card has. Preferably, the card has attractive earnings power or ongoing benefits that you can enjoy long after you've paid off your balance transfer. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com

FAQ About Balance Transfers With Citi

We answer some frequently asked questions about balance transfers with Citi to help clarify the process and give you the information you need.

How long does a Citi balance transfer take?
Is there a limit to how much you can transfer with Citi?
Are there any restrictions on balance transfers between Citi cards?

If You’re Looking for More

Your unique financial situation determines if doing a balance transfer is the right move for you. A balance transfer can save you on interest charges, but it also comes with a fee and can impact your credit score.

Citi offers some of the longest 0% intro APR on balance transfers, which gives you more time to pay off your debt. Consider if you’re capable of clearing your balance during the promotional periods to avoid additional fees once the regular APR kicks in.

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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