Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards
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If you are paying interest on credit card debt, shifting it over to a balance transfer credit card could save you a tidy sum of cash – and get what you owe paid off quicker.
How do balance transfer credit cards work?
With a balance transfer credit card, you move one or more balances over from existing credit card/s to the new one and pay either a lower rate of interest, or no interest at all. In either case, a balance transfer fee is usually payable.
Some of the most popular balance transfer credit cards, known as 0% balance transfer cards, don’t charge any interest for a given number of months. So what kind of deals are available? We carried out some research (August 2021) and have rounded up some of the best we found below.
Do bear in mind however, that the best card for you will depend on your income, credit score and circumstances – more details in our FAQs below.
Best 0% Balance Transfer Cards With Fees
Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
up to 29 Months
Transfer Fee
2%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
up to 29 Months
Transfer Fee
2%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
If you want as long as possible to clear your debts without paying interest, Sainsbury’s Bank is among the best deals, especially if you’re already a regular Sainsbury’s shopper.
For example, you can also use the card to earn up to 7,500 bonus Nectar points (worth £37.50) on your Sainsbury’s shopping in the first two months. It then pays 750 points for every £35 you spend in store up to 10 times.
However, you’ll need to have held a Nectar card for at least 6 months to qualify for a deal in the first place.
Bear in mind also that you might be offered a shorter, less competitive, interest-free period of 21 months, depending on your circumstances.
You may also be charged a higher balance transfer fee of 3% if you don’t get the headline fee of 2%.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- Earn up to 7,500 Nectar points in first 2 months
- Nectar members only (for at least 6 months)
- May be offered 21 month 0% period
- Balance transfer fee can be 3%
- Can’t transfer from another Sainsbury’s card
MBNA Long 0% Balance Transfer
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.69%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.93% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.69%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.93% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
With no interest on balance transfers for 29 months and a similar balance transfer fee to other 29-month cards, MBNA’s Long 0% Balance Transfer credit card ranks well for its high customer experience rating and the fact that it also offers 0% on money transfers (where cash from your credit limit is paid into your current account) for a whole year.
There’s a slight catch in that you could be offered a 14-month interest-free window on balance transers, depending on your personal circumstances.
If you’re going to take advantage of the money transfer offer, you’ll have to pay a 4% fee on whatever you transfer (equal to £80 on £2,000). Also, remember that the point of a 0% of a balance transfer card is to clear debt, and money transfers won’t help you do that.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- 12-months 0% on money transfers
- Could offered shorter 0% period
- Could be offered a 3.49% fee
- Can’t transfer from another MBNA card
Halifax 29 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.7%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.7%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
As well as a generous 0% balance transfer offering, Halifax throws in nine months’ interest-free spending. However, use caution if you take advantage of this as the primary purpose of these cards is to clear existing debt.
For 29 months’ 0% on debt clearance, the balance transfer fee of 2.7% is reasonable too (£54 on a £2,000 transfer).
However, you may be offered higher transfer fee and a shorter 0% duration, depending on your circumstances.
While you won’t be able to transfer from one Halifax card to another, you can make transfer from another card in the HBOS group (such as Bank of Scotland).
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- 0% on purchases for 9 months
- 90-day balance transfer window
- May be offered shorter 0% period
- Balance transfer fee could be higher
- Can’t transfer from another Halifax card
M&S Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.75%
Rep APR
21.9
variable
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.75%
Rep APR
21.9
variable
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
M&S Bank offers a joint-leading 29 months at 0% on balance transfers, for a reasonable 2.75% fee. And, unlike some other balance transfer cards, that period is guaranteed if you are accepted.
The same terms are available with the HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card, as both providers form part of the HSBC Group.
On the flipside, this means you won’t be able to transfer a balance from an existing HSBC credit card, or from a card held with First Direct or John Lewis which also form part of the banking group.
Otherwise, if you have a decent credit rating and a substantial balance to transfer, this card will give you the best chance at clearing it without being charged interest.
You’ll earn M&S points when you spend at Marks and Spencer – one for every £1 you spend in store and one for every £5 you spend elsewhere.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- 0% on purchases for 3 months
- 90-day balance transfer window
- Earn M&S points on shopping
- Balance transfer fee
- Can’t transfer from another card in HSBC group
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.75%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
2.75%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
Like its sister bank M&S, HSBC is offering 29 months to pay down card debt before it starts charging interest, although its balance transfer window to access the 0% is shorter at 60 days.
At 2.75%, it comes with a reasonable balance transfer. But its post-promotion APR of 21.9% (variable) means you’ll want to clear your balance in full before month 30.
Cardholders can take advantage of exclusive offers via HSBC home&away, which is a programme of revolving discounts such as on car hire, meals out, hotel reservations and entertainment.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- Exclusive discounts
- Balance transfer fee
- Fees for using abroad
- Can’t transfer from another card in HSBC group
Virgin Money 29 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
3%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
29 Months
Transfer Fee
3%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
Virgin is in a four-way-tie for the longest interest-free period on balance transfers on the market. But its offer is guaranteed, which means that so long as you’re accepted for its 29-Month Balance Transfer Card, you’ll get the full 29 months.
However, you won’t be able to make the transfer from a card that’s already held with Virgin Money, Virgin Atlantic, Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank or ‘B’.
Otherwise, if you’ve got considerable card debt elsewhere and can absorb the 3% transfer fee, this card guarantees more than two years’ breathing space to pay it down without charging interest.
Let the balance linger into month 29 however, and you’ll pay interest at a representative APR of 21.9% (variable).
It comes with other perks too, such as access to Virgin Money customer lounges. The lounges are spots to relax in like those you find in airports, only on the high street. The Sheffield lounge even houses a bowling alley, for example.
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- 20% off Virgin Experience Days + other Virgin Group discounts
- Access to Virgin Money lounges
- Balance transfer fee
- Can’t transfer from another cards in the Virgin Money group
TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Card
0% BT Duration
27 Months
Transfer Fee
2.95%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed borrowing rate of £1,200 over 12 months, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
27 Months
Transfer Fee
2.95%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed borrowing rate of £1,200 over 12 months, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
TSB’s Platinum Balance Transfer Card charges no interest on balance transfers for up to 27 months.
However, if you’re accepted for the card, you’re not guaranteed to get 27 months. Instead, you could be offered 24 or 21 months – it all depends on your circumstances. The fee is just under 3% of the debt transferred (£59 when you transfer £2,000 of debt).
Even at 24 months, it’s a handy deal to for those with debt to transfer from a different banking provider, such as Barclaycard, Halifax or Santander.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- 90-day balance transfer window
- Balance transfer fee
- May be offered shorter 0% period
- Can’t already hold a TSB credit card
Santander All In One Credit Card
0% BT Duration
26 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Rep APR
23.7%
(variable) – inc. fee
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 17.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.7% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
26 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Rep APR
23.7%
(variable) – inc. fee
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 17.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.7% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
The Santander All in One credit card offers 26 months to clear card debt without charging interest or a balance transfer fee.
That said, Santander’s is the only card in our rankings that charges a monthly fee. At £3 a month – or £36 a year – it pushes the card’s representative APR up to a representative 23.7% (variable).
The monthly fee and means this card makes most sense for larger balance transfers (that would incur large % fees) that you are able to clear within the 26 months.
But the card still has a lot going for it. It also charges 0% interest on purchases for 20 months and pays cashback at 0.5% every time you spend with it. Spend £600 in a month and it’ll effectively reimburse your monthly fee.
That said, any 0% purchase element should be used with caution as the primary purpose of these deals is to clear existing debt.
- Long 0% duration on balance transfers
- No balance transfer fee
- Cashback on all spending
- 0% on purchases for 20 months
- £3 monthly fee
- High APR
- Cannot already have a Santander balance transfer card
Virgin Money 27 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
27 Months
Transfer Fee
1.2%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
27 Months
Transfer Fee
1.2%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
Virgin Money’s 27-Month Balance Transfer Credit Card offers over two full years before charging interest on your debt, and that’s a term that’s guaranteed so long as you are accepted for the card.
At 1.20% the balance transfer fee means you’ll pay just £25 when you transfer a balance of £2,000.
This card also charges no interest for 12 months on money transfers, subject to a 4% money transfer fee. But bear in mind that this card is primarily designed for clearing debt, not borrowing more on.
Cardholders also enjoy the discounts on Virgin Experience Days and access to eight Virgin Money lounges around the country.
If you’ve got a sizeable balance to clear but you’re confident you can pay it down in two years, this card is well worthy of some attention.
- Long 0% on balance transfers
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- Low balance transfer fee
- 20% off Virgin Experience Days + other Virgin Group discounts
- Access to Virgin Money lounges
- Longer 0% balance transfers deals available
- Can’t transfer from another card in the Virgin Money group
Sainsbury’s Bank Low Fee 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
26 Months
Transfer Fee
1%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
26 Months
Transfer Fee
1%
Rep APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
Sainsbury’s Bank’s Low Fee 26 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card charges just 1% (£3 minimum) of the balance you transfer in exchange for 0% interest for up to 26 months.
But the balance transfer fee applies on transfers made ‘at application’, which is more restrictive than the more typical 60- or 90-day periods on offer to make the transfer and get the promotional rate.
While the card’s not strictly designed for spending, it does offer 0% interest on purchases for three months as well as the chance to earn up to 7,500 bonus Nectar Points (worth £37.50) when you spend £35 in Sainsbury’s stores up to 10 times in the first two months.
You could be offered a shorter 18-month interest-free period on balance transfers, depending on your circumstances – for a higher 2% fee.
When your interest-free period ends, any remaining balance will accrue interest at a fairly typical representative APR of 21.9% (variable).
- Long 0% period on balance transfers
- Low balance transfer fee
- Bonus Nectar Points on Sainsbury’s shopping
- Nectar members only (for at least 6 months)
- Promotional rate on transfers at application
- May be offered an 18-month 0% period
Best 0% Balance Transfer Cards With No Fee
Santander Everyday Credit Card
0% BT Duration
18 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Rep APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
18 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Rep APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
The Everyday Credit Card from Santander charges no interest on balance transfers for a year and half, with no balance transfer fee to pay either.
It also comes with a three-month interest-free period on purchases, and offers the chance to earn up to 15% cashback with Santander’s Retailer Offers.
The scheme’s participating retailers include the likes of Sky, Costa and Just Eat – so if you’re a satellite subscriber, coffee lover or partial to the odd takeaway, you could earn money back on the purchases you’re already making.
Once the 18 months are up, the card charges interest at a representative 20.9% APR (variable).
- Joint longest no-fee 0% balance transfer card
- Up to 15% cashback
- No annual fee
- Longer 0% balance transfers terms available
- Cannot already have a Santander balance transfer card
NatWest/RBS Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
18 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
18 Months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
To apply, for these identical cards from NatWest/ RBS, you must be an existing customer. This means holding a current account, savings account, credit card or mortgage with the bank.
In this case, and if you can clear your debt within 18 months, these cards are one of the best no-fee balance transfer options available.
No balance transfer fees, coupled with the 0% interest-free periods, mean you won’t pay a penny more than the balance you transfer – providing you pay it off within 18 months and keep within your credit limit.
The cards also offer no interest on purchases for the first three months.
You can’t transfer a balance onto the card from an existing NatWest/RBS card, but both accept transfers from other credit cards and store cards.
They cards charge a representative 21.9% APR (variable) after the promotional periods have expired.
- Joint longest no-fee 0% balance transfer card
- No annual fee
- Must be an existing customer
- Longer 0% balance transfers deals available
- Can’t transfer from another NatWest/RBs card
How did we rank the cards?
To rank the 0% balance transfer cards, we used the following criteria (listed in order of importance):
- 0% balance transfer duration
- Balance transfer fee
- Representative APR (the variable interest rate charged after the 0% period expires and on new purchases)
- Rewards, perks and benefits
We also employed the ‘best case scenario’ to our rankings, assuming an application is returned with the best advertised 0% duration and balance transfer fee in all cases.
Will I qualify for one of these cards?
Bear in mind however, you may not qualify for our listed cards as you see them, or you could be turned down altogether.
Acceptance for a balance transfer credit card, and the terms on which it is based, vary according to factors such as your income and credit score.
This means you could be shown a higher balance transfer fee than the one advertised, while the listed ‘representative’ annual percentage rates (APRs) must only apply to 51% of successful applicants. So, again, your APR could be higher.
In some cases, you could be turned down for a card altogether.
You can use our Eligibility Checker to find out which cards you would qualify for, and on what terms, without leaving a footprint on your credit report. You can find more on our own Eligibility Checker and how it works below.
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