When magnetically transferring information represented by a pattern of magnetic layer formed on a master information carrier to a disc-like slave medium, an initial DC magnetic field is applied to the slave medium to initially magnetize the slave medium in one direction of concentric recording tracks and a transfer magnetic field is applied to the slave medium in the direction opposite to the direction of the initial-magnetization with the initially-magnetized slave medium held in close contact with the master information carrier. At least one of applying the initial DC magnetic field and applying the transfer magnetic field is effected by applying the magnetic field while the slave medium is being rotated relatively to the magnetic field and stopping the rotation of the slave medium after the intensity of the magnetic field is gradually reduced to not stronger than a predetermined value.