How the two options differ
A payoff plan is simple: use the existing balance, APR, and payment to estimate time and interest. It avoids transfer fees and new account complexity, but high APR can make interest expensive.
A balance transfer may reduce interest during a promotional period. The tradeoff is the transfer fee, possible post-promo APR, and the risk of carrying a remaining balance after the offer expires.
When to use the Balance Transfer Calculator
Use the Balance Transfer Calculator when you have a specific offer with a promo APR, promo length, transfer fee, and post-promo APR. Compare it against the current-card payoff plan with the same monthly payment.
The key question is not whether the promotional APR is low. It is whether total repayment cost is lower after the transfer fee and any post-promotion interest.
When direct payoff may be better
Direct payoff may be cleaner when the fee is high, the balance can already be paid quickly, the promo period is too short, or the transfer creates temptation to reuse the old card.
A transfer is a tool, not a strategy by itself. The monthly payment plan matters more than the marketing headline.