A transfer device of the invention includes an endless belt forming a loop-shaped path of movement passing over between a drive roller and an idle roller, a plurality of image bearing members disposed at positions along a direction of movement of the endless belt, and a plurality of transfer members disposed at positions on respective downstream sides of the plurality of image bearing members so as to oppose a plurality of respective image bearing members across the endless belt. The image bearing member disposed on the most upstream side in the direction of movement of the endless belt has a zone of contact in common with the opposed transfer member in the direction of movement of the endless belt. Whereas the other image bearing members do not have any zone of contact in common with the opposing respective transfer members in the direction of movement of the endless belt.