Canadian Balance-Transfer Cards to Compare in 2026

Start with the repayment plan

A balance-transfer promotion can lower the interest charged on eligible debt for a limited period. It does not reduce the principal, and the transfer fee is normally charged immediately. Before applying, divide the balance plus the fee by the number of promotional months to estimate the payment needed to finish before the standard rate returns.

For example, moving $6,000 with a 3% transfer fee adds $180. Paying the resulting $6,180 over 12 months requires about $515 per month, before any other account charges.

Three current offers worth comparing

MBNA True Line Mastercard

The current offer advertises a 0% promotional annual interest rate for 12 months on eligible balance transfers completed within 90 days of account opening. A 3% transfer fee applies. The card has no annual fee, a standard 12.99% purchase rate, and a standard 17.99% balance-transfer rate after the promotion, subject to the agreement.

Scotiabank Value Visa

The current offer advertises 0% for nine months on eligible balance transfers, with a 1% transfer fee. Scotiabank states that the offer applies to eligible new accounts opened from July 2, 2026 through January 3, 2027, and eligibility exclusions apply. The card's annual fee is $29, currently waived for the first year under the offer, and its regular purchase rate is 13.99%.

BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard

The current offer advertises 0% for 18 months on eligible balance transfers with a 2% transfer fee. The $29 annual fee is waived for the first year under the offer, and the standard purchase rate is 13.99%. Confirm the transfer deadline and all promotional conditions in BMO's application terms.

Compare more than the headline rate

Check these terms before applying:

1. Transfer fee: Multiply the transferred balance by the fee percentage.
2. Completion deadline: The account-opening date and the date the transfer must be completed are different deadlines.
3. Eligible balances: Issuers commonly exclude transfers from another account they or an affiliated institution issued.
4. Available credit: Approval does not guarantee a limit large enough to move the full balance.
5. Payment conditions: A late or missed payment may affect the promotional rate.
6. Post-promotion rate: Any unpaid balance remains subject to the rate in the cardholder agreement after the offer ends.

Choose the offer that fits a realistic payoff schedule—not simply the one with the longest promotional window.

Product offers and eligibility can change without notice. Confirm the current terms directly with the issuer before applying.