Balance transfer card
If you're paying a high interest rate on an existing card, a balance transfer credit card might help you save money by moving the balance to a lower interest card. There is often a transfer fee for doing this.
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident.
You can use a low interest card for the following:
Such as appliances or furniture
Move high-interest debt from another card to this one
Including medical bills, car breakdowns, or urgent travel
There are two main types of low-interest credit card:
If you're paying a high interest rate on an existing card, a balance transfer credit card might help you save money by moving the balance to a lower interest card. There is often a transfer fee for doing this.
Purchase credit cards with low-interest rates are ideal for new purchases, helping you pay interest at a reduced rate compared to standard cards
At the time of writing, the average rate (APR) on a credit card is about 20%. But if you’re lucky enough to qualify for a low-rate card, you could secure a rate as low 5%-6%.
What does that really mean for how much you’ll actually pay, though? Take a look at the table opposite for some working examples…
NB: Our working examples are intended as a guide and make the assumption that you will not spend more on your card and that no additional fees are applied. We have also applied the same interest rate to every balance.
Annual percentage rate (APR) | Balance on card | Fixed monthly repayment | Total to repay | Time to clear balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20% | £5,000 | £300 pm | £5,817 | 1yr 8 months |
5% | £5,000 | £300 pm | £5,188 | 1yr 6 months |
Here are some questions to ask before committing to a low interest card:
The average credit card limit in the UK is around £3,000 to £4,000, but the credit limit on a low interest credit card will depend on your individual circumstances, such as credit score, income, existing debts, and borrowing history.
Those with a lower income or poor credit score will typically receive a lower credit limit than those high higher incomes and a good credit score.
No, low interest rate credit cards don't necessarily come with low-rate cash withdrawals. While some cards might offer the same low interest rate on purchases, balance transfers, and cash withdrawals, others don't.
It's important to check the specific terms and conditions of the credit card, as cash withdrawals are often subject to higher interest rates and fees, and interest is typically charged from the date of the withdrawal, not a grace period like purchases.
Yes, you can consolidate debts onto a credit card with a low APR, especially if you're looking to transfer balances to a 0% interest card for a limited time. This can simplify payments and potentially save you on interest.
Lenders can only advertise an APR as ‘representative’ or ‘typical’ if 51% of their customers get that rate or lower. This means you are not guaranteed to get the low APR, but you will have more chance if you have a high credit score.
If you think a low-rate credit card is right for you, use our eligibility checker to see what cards are available – and which ones you’re most likely to be approved for.
We'll ask a few simple questions about you and your finances and what you’re looking for from a credit card.
We'll compare credit card offers from across the UK market, and show you the cards we think will suit you best.
We’ll show you low rate credit cards, which you can sort by APR, fees, other features and your chances of being approved.
Low-interest cards give you the peace of mind of more affordable repayments on anything you buy. What's more, you don’t need to worry about the rate constantly changing or becoming more expensive. As long as you keep up with repayments, and follow all the other rules, the rate should always remain the same. If you're really keen to keep your costs down, you might also want to consider a 0% card – just be aware that the 0% period won’t last forever and when it ends you’ll be charged interest on the outstanding balance.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
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.
Reviewed on 7 May 2026 by