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Transfer your balance to a card with 0% interest today
You Could Supersave £363[2]Annual saving based on 51% of customers transferring £2,109 from a 24.9% (variable) p.a. card, with a 5% monthly repayment (January 2025). BoE and UK Finance. Representative example: transferring £2,109, 3.45% balance transfer fee, 0% over 30 months then 24.9% (variable) p.a. Representative 24.9% APR. Credit broker not lender. 18+ UK only. Subject to status. Moneysupermarket data correct as of 08 January 2025 . with a balance transfer credit card
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident. Representative 24.9% APR
Get our EXCLUSIVE market-leading balance transfer card deal from MBNA
0% interest for up to 31 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days
24.94% variable APR applies thereafter
A fee of 3.2% applies (subject to eligibility checks)
Only available through MONY Group until 5th February, 2025
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
A balance transfer credit card lets you move your existing credit card balances to a new card with a lower or 0% interest rate. This can significantly reduce the interest you pay, helping you manage and pay off your debt more efficiently.
Keep in mind that most balance transfer cards require a fee of up to 3.45% of the transferred balance. To make the most of your new card, aim to pay off the balance before the introductory 0% or low-interest period expires.
Last month, MoneySuperMarket customers saved £363[2]Annual saving based on 51% of customers transferring £2,109 from a 24.9% (variable) p.a. card, with a 5% monthly repayment (January 2025). BoE and UK Finance. Representative example: transferring £2,109, 3.45% balance transfer fee, 0% over 30 months then 24.9% (variable) p.a. Representative 24.9% APR. Credit broker not lender. 18+ UK only. Subject to status. Moneysupermarket data correct as of 08 January 2025 . on average by moving their existing debt to a balance transfer credit card.
Watch our video to see more details about how a balance transfer card works.
The deal you see is the deal you'll get: When you're pre-approved, the 0% period, interest rate and card fees (if applicable) are all confirmed up front (subject to lenders final checks)
It won't affect your credit score: Soft searches aren't visible to companies and won't impact your chances of securing further credit in future
You’ll see a personalised chance of approval for all cards: That means you can easily compare your options across a range of credit cards and boost your chances of acceptance
*Based on MoneySuperMarket enquiry data from September 2024
Each provider's process can vary, but you can generally start the balance transfer process:
At the point of application - many providers ask if you're transferring a balance during the application process, so you can start it then
Through an online servicing account or mobile app - just follow the on-screen instructions once you're signed up to initiate the process
Over the phone with a customer service representative - but be aware of any call charges
The balance you're bringing over
The credit card number you're transferring from
How much of your balance you'd like to transfer
It's important to note that the balance transfer process may take a few days to complete, so keep making payments on the old card until you receive confirmation that the balance has moved to the new card.
Your new provider will settle the balance with your old card issuer.
For most balance transfer cards, the introductory 0% period is only reserved for transfers that are made within the first 60 or 90 days - always check the small print before you apply.
After this has passed, any balance transfers would accrue interest unless it's paid off in full, defeating the purpose of shifting your debt to a low or no interest card.
If you don’t make at least the minimum payment, you may incur a penalty and even lose the introductory APR rate.
Always set up a direct debit to keep up your payments and keep your promotional interest rate, or you may end up paying interest all over again.
Balance transfer cards sometimes charge higher rates for purchases and cash withdrawals, and you won't be covered by the introductory interest period.
If you need to carry on spending, consider a combined balance transfer and purchase credit card instead.
Make sure you’ve paid off your debt by the time the 0% period ends or transfer it to a new balance transfer card - if you don't, you'll start paying interest on the remaining balance. Ensure you understand how much you need to pay each month to clear it, as this may be higher than the card's minimum payment.
For example:
Your new balance is £2,060 - the balance you transferred and the 3% fee your provider charged to move the balance.
You've been given a 24 month interest-free period to repay the balance.
If you don't use the card and only repay the balance, you'd need to repay £85.83 each month to clear the balance before your promotional period ends.
If your current credit card provider is HSBC, you won't be able to transfer a balance to another HSBC credit card.
Some providers take this further and prevent transfers from providers within the same banking group, for example, because HSBC and M&S bank share the same banking group, you couldn't transfer your balance between either.
On the other hand, because NatWest sit in a different banking group, you could move your HSBC balance to a NatWest card.
The median credit limit for a balance transfer card is around £3,000, meaning if your current balance is higher, you might not be able to move your full balance to the new card.
However, you can still move part of your balance to the new card so you can pay less interest on a chunk of your overall debt.
For example:
You have a credit card debt of £4,000 at a 24.4% APR.
You're accepted for a balance transfer card with a £3,000 credit limit with a 3% fee.
You can typically only transfer up 95% of your new card's credit limit, but this means you can still move most of your debt onto the new card.
You'll still pay interest on what's left of your original card balance, but the balance you move across will no longer be accruing interest for the duration of your introductory 0% interest period.
The best cards have longer interest-free periods to repay your transferred balance. Use our eligibility checker to find out your personalised chance of approval and view our full list of balance transfer credit cards.
Only available through MoneySuperMarket Group from 30/12/2024 until 05/02/2025
MBNA
Long Balance Transfer Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
But be aware that
Only available through MoneySuperMarket Group from 30/12/2024 until 05/02/2025
MBNA
Long Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 26.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 26.9% (variable)
Great for
But be aware that
Get £20 cashback when you transfer a balance of £2,500 or more within 60 days of opening your account. Offer ends 6 February 2025. T&Cs apply
Barclaycard
31 month Balance Transfer
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
But be aware that
Get £20 cashback when you transfer a balance of £2,500 or more within 60 days of opening your account. Offer ends 6 February 2025. T&Cs apply
Barclaycard
31 month Balance Transfer
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 31.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 31.9% (variable)
Great for
But be aware that
This is a selection of our top balance transfer cards, ordered by 0% balance transfer period.
It's key to understand the difference between the two types of rates, so you don't get caught out at the end of the interest free period.
Promotional interest rates are the low (or even 0%) rates that are offered for a set period, when you first take out the card. They can help you save money on interest charges, making it easier to pay down your debt. WIth MoneySuperMarket, you can currently get a promotional period of 31[1]Accurate as of 24 January 2025. months
Standard interest rates are the rates that apply after the promotional period ends. These rates are usually much higher, so it's important to be aware of when your promotional period finishes and what your standard rate will be.
Top tip: Aim to pay off as much of your balance as possible during the promotional period so that you can minimise the amount of interest you'll pay at the standard rate.
Yes, there is usually a limit on how much you can transfer to a balance transfer card. This limit is determined by the credit limit you're given on the new card.
Providers typically won't let you transfer more than 90-95% of your credit limit to leave room for potential interest and fees. You won't know your exact credit limit until you're approved, but you can get an idea by pre-qualifying for a card.
Even if you can't transfer your entire balance, moving as much as possible to a 0% interest card can still save you money.
Low-interest, or 0%, introductory period gives you the opportunity to pay down your debt quicker
You’re often servicing a single debt that’s easier to keep track of
Once you’ve cleared your debt, you can usually expect your credit score to improve
If you fail to make your repayments on time and in full, you’ll lose the low introductory rate
You’ll be liable for a balance transfer fee, which could be 5% of the sum being transferred
Once the introductory term ends, the rate you’ll be paying will be much higher
Finding the best balance transfer card is a case of matching a card to your personal circumstances. Here’s what should take into account…
How long is the low-interest period?
For most people it'll likely be a case of the longer, the better. That’ll give you more time to clear the debt without accruing high interest
Is there a balance transfer fee to pay?
Some cards charge as much as 5% to transfer your balance. Consider whether that fee outweighs any savings you’ll make in interest
What’s the rate after the introductory period?
Some cards charge as much as 35%. So if you don't repay your debt in full during the introductory period, your repayments could shoot up dramatically. However, according to MoneySuperMarket data from September 2024, the average representative APR for a balance transfer card was 27%.
Beyond longer 0% interest balance transfer cards, you can compare and apply for no-fee or balance transfer and purchase cards.
No-fee balance transfer
Want to avoid fees? Consider a no-fee balance transfer card - though these often come with shorter interest free periods.
Balance transfer and purchase cards
Want to transfer a balance and keep spending? A combined balance transfer and purchase credit card might fit your needs.
Keen to get on top of your outgoings with a low-rate or 0% balance transfer card? Good news: balance transfer cards available through MoneySuperMarket offer the lowest average APRs of any credit card category. Here’s how other types of cards compare:
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
As of January 2025, the Bank of England base rate is 4.75%. And after the release of the Office of National Statistics' Consumer Price Index figures showed that inflation tapered in December to 2.5%, it's widely expected that a small 0.25% cut in the base rate is imminent and that further cuts could be due later this year.
However, compared to recent years, interest rates are still relatively high and this translates to higher borrowing costs, including credit card repayments, if you don’t clear your balance monthly. Moving your debt to a low or 0% balance transfer card can help you:
Clear debt faster: Repay more of what you owe rather than covering high interest rate charges.
Save money: You might face a one-off fee for moving your debt, but you could save much more in interest repayments.
Improve your financial position: Consolidating and clearing your debt can improve your credit score, aiding future financial applications.
In the long term, using a 0% balance transfer credit card will help you boost your credit score, as long as you pay off the debt regularly.
However, you should remember that applying for a 0% balance transfer credit card will show up on your credit report as part of a so-called hard credit check. If you don’t get approved and go on to apply for multiple cards, this could have a negative impact on your credit score.
Once you complete your transfer, don’t close lots of old credit cards at once, as this can also harm your score.
Balance transfer credit cards can be a great tool for managing and paying down debt without interest charges eroding your best efforts.
These cards usually come with an interest-free period and our top deal has a 0% period of 31[1]Accurate as of 24 January 2025. months. Just remember, you’ll have to pay a transfer fee – so make sure to read the terms and conditions before applying.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance Expert
Want to find out more about balance transfer cards and how they could help you manage debt? Our specialist guides can give you the knowledge you need.
Yes, there is nothing to prevent you from taking out a new 0% balance transfer credit card once the interest free period ends.
If you don’t, be aware that you’ll accrue interest on your existing balance at a higher rate. By moving it to another 0% card or paying the debt off in full, you will save yourself more money in the long term.
You should be able to transfer any credit card balances on to your new credit card. But it isn’t usually possible to transfer a card balance between two cards issued by the same bank or banking group.
Most providers will let you transfer balances between £100 and £10,000 to a new card – at most, around 90% of your current credit limit.
If you have a balance on one or more credit cards that you can’t repay in full and you’re paying a high interest rate, then a balance transfer card could be right for you.
By taking out a 0% or low interest balance transfer card, you can shift the balance from the old card and pay down the debt faster. First check how much you will need to pay in fees. It’s usually between 1% and 3% of the transferred balance.
If you want to continue making purchases on your credit card, it might be better to apply for a combined purchase and balance transfer card instead.
There are no limits on how many times you can transfer a credit card balance from lender to lender. But remember your credit score can be negatively affected when you apply for credit, so if you make a lot of applications in a short space of time this could impact on your ability to get the best balance transfer deals.
An online balance transfer to a new card can usually be done within a few days. But transfer times will vary between providers due to their different procedures. In some cases it could take a couple of weeks.
There are lots of reasons why transferring credit card balances is a shrewd move. But it's only worthwhile if it helps you pay off your debt faster during the interest-free period, so you pay less overall – and provided you’ll still be saving money after any fee is paid.
If you need a credit card to continue spending, there are likely to be better alternative options.
When weighing up whether a balance transfer card is right for you, we recommend you...
Ensure the savings in interest you'll make outweigh the fee
Are aware that the interest rate will rise steeply after the 0% period
Bear in mind that late or missed payments mean you could lose your 0% deal
Remember that you can't usually transfer balances between cards from the same provider
As a general rule, you'll need a high credit rating to be eligible for a balance transfer card. Our eligibility checker will show you your chances of being accepted for individual cards when you search.
People generally look to switch to a balance transfer card because they do not have the money to pay off their credit card in full. If you can clear your balance in full, this is nearly always the preferred option because it will save you interest charges.
While balance transfer cards often offer 0% interest deals for a period – meaning you don’t have to clear your balance straight away, you will still face a one-off fee for transferring your debt onto the new card.
Whilst you should aim to make the highest possible monthly payment, if you’re unable to clear your balance before the low or 0% introductory period ends on a balance transfer card, it is time to take action. Consider transferring your debt to a new balance transfer card or compare loan rates to see if you can find a competitive deal.
Because the standard interest rates on balance transfer credit cards can be high once the 0% period ends, it is unlikely that the best move is to do nothing.
When transferring a balance, the credit limit on the new card may differ from your current one. Issuers set this limit based on your creditworthiness and financial profile. It's crucial to check that the new limit covers the amount you wish to transfer. If the credit limit is lower, you may not be able to transfer the entire balance, potentially leaving some debt on the original card.
Balance transfer cards let you move credit card debt to a new card with a lower or 0% introductory APR, helping reduce interest payments and pay off balances faster. Money transfer cards, however, allow you to transfer funds directly into your bank account. This money can be used to pay off various debts, like overdrafts or personal loans, and also typically incur a fee.
In short, balance transfer cards are ideal for credit card debt consolidation, while money transfer cards offer flexibility for managing other types of debt.
