John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
A balance transfer usually takes 14 to 21 days from when you submit a balance transfer credit card application. But depending on the issuer, it could take as few as 3 days or as many as 42. To make a balance transfer take as little time as possible, apply online so the issuer can review your application sooner.
How Long a Balance Transfer Takes by Credit Card Company:
Company | How Long a Transfer Takes |
American Express | Usually 5-7 days, but up to 6 weeks |
Bank of America | Up to 14 business days |
Barclays | Up to 10 business days |
Capital One | Usually 3-14 business days |
Chase | Usually within a week, but up to 21 days |
Citi | Up to 21 business days |
Wells Fargo | Up to 14 business days |
While you wait for your balance transfer approval, it is important to keep making payments toward the balance being transferred. You should send these to your original creditor. If you don’t, your balance could be reported as past-due. This might damage your credit standing and put the transfer at risk.
Once the credit card transfer is finalized, you will see a credit listed on your original account. It will look like a payment was made. And your old balance will be listed on your new balance transfer credit card account. Remember, unless you have a 0% transfer card, interest will start to accrue as soon as your balance gets transferred.
For more information, check out WalletHub’s guide on how balance transfers work.

2023's Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Compare CardsJack Miller, Member
@miller_jack
It can take up to a month, depending on the company or when you start the process.
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