How long does it take for a credit card transfer to go through?

Asked by: Preston Sanford PhD  |  Last update: February 6, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (28 votes)

A credit card balance transfer can take at least several days and may take several weeks. The exact timeline will depend on the credit card issuer and the circumstances. In general, don't wait until the last minute to request a balance transfer.

How long does it take for a credit card transfer?

A balance transfer takes about five to seven days after your request before you see it appear in the account to which you're transferring the balance. But a word of warning: Some credit card issuers can take 14 or even 21 days to complete a balance transfer.

How long does a credit card bank transfer take?

A credit card balance transfer typically takes about five to seven days, depending on the card issuer, but some financial institutions ask customers to allow up to six weeks to complete the transaction.

Do credit card transactions go through immediately?

Credit card transactions are typically settled and deposited into the business's bank account within 1–3 business days, resulting in faster access to funds compared to other payment methods such as checks.

How long can a credit transfer take?

A credit card balance transfer can take between a few days and a few weeks. Different banks or card issuers have different balance transfer policies, so check with your financial institution to learn exactly how long a transfer will take for you.

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How long can it take for a transfer to come through?

After you've made your international transfer, the funds are usually received within 24 hours by the payee's bank and usually processed within 72 hours, but there may be circumstances outside of NAB's control which could cause additional delays.

Do credit transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer can improve your credit over time as you work toward paying off your debt. But it can hurt your credit if you open several new cards, transfer your balance multiple times or add to your debt.

How long do credit card transactions take to clear?

Credit card purchases: Typically, they will post within 3 days, but may take up to 30 days. Cash deposits into a bank account: Typically, they will post by the next business day. Check transactions: May post the same day but could take two to seven business days.

Why does it take 3 days for a credit card payment to go through?

Credit Card Transactions: Typically take up to 3 business days to clear. Credit card payments often involve multiple layers of verification and authorization, contributing to this timeframe. Direct Deposits: Usually clear by the next business day.

Why does it take so long for credit card transactions to post?

After the initial verification at checkout, the card issuers can take a day or two to investigate purchases. This is why bigger transactions take longer to clear—they have a bigger impact if they're fraudulent, so the card issuer is incentivized to take their time.

How does a credit card transfer work?

Credit card balance transfers allow you to move debt from an existing credit card account to a new card at a lower interest rate. Specially designed balance transfer credit cards typically offer borrowers a low or zero percent annual percentage rate (APR) for a fixed period.

How long does it take for a transfer to go through?

Domestic wire transfers are usually processed on the day they're sent and sometimes even go through in minutes. International wires usually take one to five business days to go through, with varying timelines depending on the receiving country and other details like currency exchanges.

How to transfer money from credit card to bank account immediately?

Follow the steps below for a credit card balance transfer:
  1. Approach the nearest ATM first.
  2. Insert your credit card into the ATM.
  3. Select 'Cash Withdrawal' from the ATM menu and enter the desired transfer amount.
  4. Enter your PIN and retrieve the cash; now, you can deposit the amount into your bank account.

Is credit card transfer instant?

If your balance transfer is included within a new application, this will be delayed until your application has been processed. Subject to additional checks, the payment will be received by your lender(s) on the next working day.

How long does a credit transfer take to go through?

It usually takes 1-2 working days for a balance transfer to complete, but this can vary between providers. Things like the provider's timeframe and the number of balances you're transferring can affect how long it takes for it to complete.

What happens to an old credit card after a balance transfer?

In fact, when transferring a balance, it's sensible to keep your old account open and continue making payments as required until the provider completes the transfer. After that, if you want to close your account, you need to contact the card provider to do so.

Why do credit card transfers take so long?

That's because the new account has to be activated before the balance transfer can be completed, and with many issuers, account activation can't happen until you have your physical card in hand. For example, Discover says that balance transfers for existing cardmembers take up to four days.

Do credit card transactions go through on weekends?

It's important to note that while payments can be initiated on weekends, the actual posting may only occur on the next business day.

What time of day do banks process transactions?

Most transactions post at the end of each business day but posting order and times can vary. Business days for banks are generally Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding federal holidays. Transactions received outside of these hours, including on weekends, are usually posted on the next business day.

Do credit transactions go through immediately?

Credit card transactions online typically take 1-2 business days due to merchant verification and authorization from the issuer. Funds are transferred from the customer's account to the merchant's account.

Can I spend money that is pending?

A pending transaction can place a hold on your account balance and count toward your credit limit until it is processed. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't use your credit card or bank account. But it can affect your available balance—or the funds you're able to access.

Why do card transactions take so long?

During the pending period, the transaction amount is set aside and temporarily deducted from the cardholder's available balance, but the funds have not been transferred to the merchant's account. Pending transactions can occur for various reasons, including: Authorisation holds. Payment processing delays.

Are credit card transfers a good idea?

A balance transfer credit card is an excellent way to refinance existing credit card debt, especially since credit card interest rates can go as high as 30%. By transferring your balance to a card with a 0% intro APR, you can quickly dodge mounting interest costs and give yourself repayment flexibility.

How many credit cards are too many?

Owning more than two or three credit cards can become unmanageable for many people. However, your credit needs and financial situation are unique, so there's no hard and fast rule about how many credit cards are too many. The important thing is to make sure that you use your credit cards responsibly.

What is considered a good credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.