Balance Transfer Bridge Calculator
Use a promotional balance transfer to temporarily bridge a gap in higher-rate borrowing — like a HELOC, line of credit, or margin loan — without paying down the underlying balance.
Transfer Details
Typical balance transfer fees run 1–3% of the transferred amount, charged upfront regardless of the promo APR.
Costs & Requirements
The rate on the HELOC, line of credit, or margin loan you're temporarily paying down with this transfer.
Most cards require a minimum monthly payment, often 1-3% of the balance, even during a promo period.
Some balance transfer cards charge an annual fee — include it here if applicable.
How It Works
This strategy is sometimes called balance transfer arbitrage, but the basic question is simple: will the promotional transfer save more interest than it costs?
- Enter the transfer details — The amount you're moving, the promo APR and period, the transfer fee, and any annual fee on the new card.
- Enter what you're avoiding — The rate on the HELOC, line of credit, or margin loan this transfer is temporarily offsetting, plus the minimum monthly payment the new card requires.
- Compare the outcomes — The calculator simulates the promo window month by month, tracking how minimum payments shrink the amount still bridging your higher-rate borrowing, so you can see whether the interest avoided outweighs the fee and any promo-period interest.
Frequently asked questions
Trying to pay off credit card debt instead of temporarily offsetting a HELOC or line of credit? Try our standard Balance Transfer Calculator.