The average credit card APR is well over 17%, but some balance transfer cards have 0% introductory offers. Here are the best picks for paying down debt without interest

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If you have to carry a balance, your best bet is to choose a credit card with a 0% introductory offer.

• The average household carried $5,700 in credit card debt as of late 2018. Worse, the average credit card APR is over 17%.
• Balance transfer cards help families pay down debt by affording them 0% APR for anywhere from nine to 21 months.
• The main "gotcha" with balance transfer cards is the fact that some charge a balance transfer fee of 3% or 5%. At least one balance transfer card - the Chase Slate - doesn't charge this fee.

Average household credit card debt reached $5,700 in late 2018, although consumers in some states reported much higher balances. Considering the average credit card APR is well over 17%, it's safe to say many debtors are paying interest out the ears.

Consider this example: The average consumer with $5,700 in debt at 17% APR with a monthly payment of 2% (or $114) would take 88 months to pay their debts off. During that time, they would fork over $4,285 in interest alone.

Fortunately, there's one type of credit card that can actually help save you money - if you use it the right way. Balance transfer cards, also known as 0% APR credit cards, let consumers save money by avoiding interest thanks to 0% APR for anywhere from nine to 21 months.

What's the catch? Some balance transfer credit cards charge an upfront balance transfer fee of 3% or 5% of your balance - or $300 to $500 for every $10,000 in high-interest debt you transfer. Balance transfer cards also extend 0% introductory offers for a limited time only, meaning your rate will eventually reset to their standard variable rate.

Best balance transfer cards for 2019

With those potential downsides in mind, it's important note that you can still use balance transfer cards to save thousands of dollars in interest. The key to doing so is picking a card with a long 0% APR offer and paying off as much debt as you can - and maybe even all your debts - before your card's 0% introductory offer ends.

If you believe 2019 could be the year you get out of debt, a balance transfer credit card could help. Here are the best offers available today based on their introductory offers, fees, and perks.

• Best for no balance transfer fees: Chase Slate
• Longest introductory offer: Citi Simplicity Card
• Best for purchases and balance transfers: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
• Best for earning cash back: Discover it® Cash Back
• Best for earning points: Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express