Topic
Balance transfer credit cards — promo rates + windows in NZ
A balance transfer moves an existing credit-card balance from one card to another, often at a discounted promotional rate for a fixed window (commonly 6-24 months). After the promo ends, the cash-advance APR usually applies. Snapshot below — every figure cites a source-tier badge.
Snapshot generated Invalid Date · 0 matching cards · CCCFA-safe (no rankings, no "best for X" claims).
| Card | Annual fee | BT promo APR | BT promo period | Reverts to (cash APR) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No cards in the current snapshot match this filter. Re-check after the next T&C ingest cycle. | |||||
How a balance transfer works
You apply for the new card and nominate the existing card whose balance you want to move. The new issuer pays out the old card and charges that amount to the new card at the promotional rate. The old account isn't closed automatically — you'll need to close it yourself if you don't want to keep using it.
What the promo period covers
The promotional rate usually applies only to the transferred balance, not to new purchases on the new card. New purchases attract the standard purchase APR, and interest-free days may not apply while the BT balance is outstanding. Read the per-card Conditions of Use carefully — the rules vary materially between issuers.
When the promo ends
Any balance remaining after the promotional window reverts to the standard cash-advance APR (typically the highest rate the card charges). A common pattern is to plan repayments so the BT balance is cleared inside the promo window.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer between cards from the same issuer?
Almost universally no. Balance transfers must move debt from a different issuer's card; same-issuer transfers don't qualify for the promo rate.
Is there a balance-transfer fee?
Some cards charge a one-off establishment fee (typically a percentage of the transferred amount). Check the per-card fees table on the review page — the figure is sourced from the issuer's Conditions of Use when available.
Does a balance transfer affect my credit score?
Applying for any credit triggers a credit check, which appears on your credit file. Closing the old card after transferring can affect the average account-age component of your credit score. Centrix and Equifax both publish how NZ credit scores are calculated.
What happens to the rewards earned on the old card?
Most rewards programs require the account to remain open. Closing the old card after transferring may forfeit unredeemed points or cashback. Review the old issuer's rewards-program rules before closing.
Methodology & source-tier system
Every fact carries a source-tier badge: A = verbatim issuer T&C PDF · B = issuer website · C = editorial registry · D = third-party.
This page is informational only — not financial advice. Approval, credit limit, and pricing decisions sit with each issuer under CCCFA and the Responsible Lending Code.