An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; recording material carrying member for carrying a recording material; a transfer charging member for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying member; a controller for controlling an electric current supplied from the transfer charger to the recording material carrying member to be a predetermined level; and potential applying device for applying a potential of the same polarity as that of the toner image to a backside of the recording material carrying member prior to transfer operation of the transfer charger.