Balance transfer savings calculator

A balance transfer moves your outstanding balance to a card offering a low or 0% promotional rate for an introductory period. If you clear most of the balance during that window, you pay far less interest — even after the one-time transfer fee.

Most UAE banks charge a one-time processing fee of roughly 1–3% of the transferred amount. This calculator adds that fee to the transferred balance so the savings figure reflects the true, all-in cost.

Any balance left when the promo window closes reverts to the card's standard rate. To get the most from a transfer, aim to clear the balance before the promotional period ends.

Not always. If the transfer fee is high, the promo period is short, or your monthly payment is small, the fee can outweigh the interest saved. Enter your own numbers above to see whether it works in your case.

Once approved, most UAE banks complete a balance transfer within a few business days — sometimes up to two weeks. Keep paying at least the minimum on your old card until you confirm the transferred balance has cleared, so you don't miss a payment.

Usually no. UAE banks only let you transfer a balance from a different bank's card. To move debt between two cards at the same bank, you'd typically need a different product such as a personal loan or an instalment-on-card plan.

Applying involves a credit check that the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) records, which can dip your score slightly in the short term. Over time, paying the balance down faster on a lower rate is good for your credit profile. Avoid running the old card back up after transferring.

A balance transfer is best for amounts you can realistically clear within the promo window. For larger debt that needs a longer, fixed repayment, a personal loan with a lower reducing rate may cost less overall. Compare the total cost of each before deciding — our Interest & Payoff and Installment calculators can help.

Yes, the old card usually stays open and active. But new spending on it accrues interest at the normal rate, so the smartest approach is to pause spending on the old card and focus on clearing the transferred balance during the promo period.

Banks typically cap a balance transfer at a percentage of your approved credit limit on the new card (often up to 80–90%), and set a minimum transfer amount. The exact limits depend on your income, the card and the bank's policy.