How a balance transfer fee works
If a card charges a 3% transfer fee on an $8,000 balance, the fee is $240. That fee is usually added to the new balance, so the transferred debt starts higher than the original amount.
A lower promotional APR can still save money, but the fee must be compared with avoided interest on the original card.
When to use the Balance Transfer Calculator
Use the Balance Transfer Calculator when comparing a real offer. Enter the current APR, transfer balance, promo APR, promo period, transfer fee, post-promo APR, and monthly payment.
The calculator helps answer whether the fee is worth paying under the payment plan you can actually make.
What the fee does not tell you
The fee does not show the full cost by itself. A long promo period, low payment, high post-promo APR, or continued spending can change the result.
Also check whether purchases receive the same promotional treatment and whether payments are allocated in a way that affects the transferred balance.