Founded in 1982, the initials MBNA originally stood for ‘Maryland Bank National Association’. Since 1993, MBNA has been based in Chester in Cheshire in the northwest of England and have provided credit cards to UK customers.
In 2017, MBNA became part of Lloyds Banking Group, which also includes brands such as Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows.
MBNA was voted Moneyfacts Consumer Credit Card Provider of the Year six consecutive times from 2014 to 2019.
MBNA offers a wide range of credit cards, here are some of the different types of cards they provide:
MBNA balance transfer credit cards allow you to transfer existing credit card and store card balances held elsewhere. They could simplify your outgoings and make things easier to manage by giving you more time to repay what you owe at a low or 0% interest rate.
With low introductory interest rates on transfers and purchases, these cards can be a great ‘all-rounder’ whether you want to use it for spending, transfer an existing balance from elsewhere, or both.
Money transfer cards enable you to move funds from your credit card to your bank account. This could be useful for sorting any unexpected bills, or for use where credit cards aren’t accepted. Money can only be transferred to a UK current account in your name from your credit card.
Allows you to make credit card purchases and then spread repayments over a number of months at low interest rates. Doubling as a reward card, you could also earn up to 15% cashback when you spend with MBNA’s Smart Rewards.
MBNA credit cards have a range of features to help you manage your finances. Some of these include:
A complementary service for MBNA credit card customers that provides a range of tailored offers and the opportunity to earn up to 15% cashback on qualifying purchases.
Check your balance, review transactions, make payments, request transfers and more on your computer, phone or tablet.
You won’t be charged for transactions you didn’t authorise, as long as you tell MBNA if you spot anything strange, or if you lose your card or it’s stolen.
You’ll be financially protected on purchases for goods and services of between £100 and £30,000 through Section 75 of the consumer credit act, meaning you can get your money back if your goods are damaged or faulty or if the supplier goes bust, for example.
You can make repayments through your bank, using your debit card, or set up a regular direct debit payment.
MBNA credit cards can be used wherever you see the contactless symbol. To make paying quicker still, you can add your card to your phone.
MBNA credit cards cover a broad range of possible uses, but the best card for you will depend on what you want to use it for.
If you want a low interest rate for purchases and the ability to spread the cost of expensive items over a few months without paying much or any interest, an MBNA purchase card could be the best option.
If you want to shift a balance from elsewhere to give you the chance to pay it off with little or zero interest, look for an MBNA balance transfer card. Should you need money in your current account, to pay off an overdraft, for example, an MBNA money transfer card could be a good choice.
Or if you want to use it for spending and paying off debt from elsewhere, a combined purchase and balance transfer card could be the solution.
To be eligible for an MBNA credit card you must meet the following criteria:
Be aged 18 or over in most cases (some cards may have a minimum age of 21), a permanent UK resident and have a UK bank account
Be a permanent UK resident. Plus you’ll usually be asked to show proof of income through payslips or bank statements.
You must be free of County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) or bankruptcies
You've not been declined for an MBNA credit card within the last 30 days. Your credit history and affordability to take out a new credit card will also be assessed.
Whether you’re accepted for a credit card with MBNA will depend on several factors including your financial position and credit score. You’re likely to be offered lower interest rates and better deals if you’ve shown you can handle finances responsibly in the past and haven’t missed repayments.
You can take control of your credit score with MoneySuperMarket’s free credit score tool. It will show you your score and offer simple ways to improve it, so you can get better deals on credit cards in the future.
Once your application has been approved, your card will typically arrive within seven working days. Your PIN will arrive separately.
Comparing credit cards couldn’t be easier with MoneySuperMarket. Our eligibility checker tool will show you the cards you’re most likely to be approved for – so you can protect your credit score.
We'll ask you a handful of simple questions about you and your financial circumstances, and what you need from a credit card
We'll sift through dozens of credit cards offers from across the market, and show you the cards we think will suit you best
You'll be shown a range of credit cards, which you'll be able to sort according to APR, features and your chances of being approved
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.
Once you receive the money from the money transfer card in your account, you’re free to spend it on whatever you want. You can use it to pay off an overdraft, clear a debt, make a big purchase, or any other expenses.
However, you can’t withdraw the money as cash or make any cash payments. You also can’t use it to pay off any standing orders or direct debits.
APR stands for ‘annual percentage rate’ and refers to the proportion of interest you agree to pay back on the loan every year. It’s important to be aware that the headline APR on a credit card may differ to the one you are offered when you apply. Before you apply for a credit card, the APRs you are shown are ‘representative’ – equivalent to the lowest interest rate the lender will offer 51% of the people it accepts for its card. The actual APR you’re offered could be different according to your personal credit score.
You might be able to get a money transfer card with 0% interest, but it will depend on a few factors including your credit score. Zero per cent interest deals are usually available to those who have a strong credit rating. The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll be able to get a higher credit limit and have a longer introductory 0% interest period too.
Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025 by
