
Chase
Get a 21-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers with no annual fee. Perfect for consolidating debt.
Annual fee
None
21-Month 0% Intro APR
Balance transfers and purchases interest-free
3.4
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
People with existing high-interest credit card debt who need 21 months to pay it down without accumulating additional interest. Not for everyday spending or earning rewards.
The Slate is a laser-focused balance transfer card that does one thing well: give you 21 months interest-free to pay down existing debt. It earns zero rewards, charges zero annual fee, and exists purely to buy you time—useful if you're consolidating high-interest balances, pointless if you want to earn on everyday spending.
Where it stands out: the 21-month 0% APR window is longer than most competitors' 12-15 months, and it applies to both transfers and new purchases. Where it falls short: the $5 or 5% balance transfer fee (whichever is higher) eats into your savings, the regular APR of up to 28.24% is sharp once the promo ends, and you need good credit (700+) just to qualify.
Pros
Cons
At $0, the Slate costs nothing to carry. The balance transfer fee ($5 or 5%) is the only cost, and for most people consolidating thousands of dollars, that's a rounding error compared to the interest you'll save over 21 months.
The main offer here is the 21-month 0% intro APR, not a cash bonus. That extended window is the attraction—longer than the 12-15 months most competitors offer. If you can pay off your consolidated balance within 21 months, this card justifies itself immediately.
Similar balance transfer focus, but with different APR length and terms—compare if you want alternatives in the debt consolidation space
No-fee alternative that earns 1.5% cash back everywhere, if you'd rather build rewards while paying down debt slowly
Do I have to do a balance transfer, or can I use this for new purchases?
Both. The 0% APR applies equally to balance transfers and new purchases. So if you're financing a big purchase while also consolidating existing debt, you can put both on the Slate and get 21 months of breathing room.
What happens when the 0% intro APR ends?
After 21 months, the regular APR kicks in: 18.24% to 28.24% variable, depending on creditworthiness and the bank's assessment. Your rate is set when you open the account, so know where you fall before signing up.
Is there a foreign transaction fee?
Yes, 3% on each international transaction. Standard for this tier, but worth knowing if you travel abroad.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Good credit or better—generally 700 or higher. Chase doesn't explicitly state a minimum, but approvals below that range are rare. If you're borderline, you can always apply and see, but odds aren't in your favor with a fair-credit score.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 11, 2026