The average balance transfer fee is 3%[7]
That would work out as £90 on a £3,000 transfer. Compare fees as well as the length of the 0% period.
Balance transfer credit cards
Compare balance transfer cards.
Pay 0% interest for up to 36[1] months
Complete a purchase and earn a £10* reward with super save club logo
MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker not a lender. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident. Representative 24.9% APR
*Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Need help with credit card balance transfer?
Get answers in seconds with our AI chatbot.
Ask our AI companion
Compare our best balance transfer cards
Compare our top ten balance transfer credit cards, featuring our longest 0% periods alongside no fee balance transfer options to help you save more. You can also see an example balance transfer deal you could get if you have a poor credit score.
HSBC
Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200.00 at a purchase rate of 25.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 25.9% (variable)
But be aware that
-
You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances
-
Balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days to get the promotional offer. You'll have to pay a balance transfer fee of 3.09% or £5, whichever is higher
-
You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by HSBC, First Direct or M&S Bank. You must earn at least £6,800 a year to be eligible for this card
Virgin Money
36 month Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200.00 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
-
Virgin Money Back lets you earn cashback on your credit card spending at participating retailers. Sign up in the mobile app
But be aware that
-
You cannot transfer a balance from another Nationwide Building Society or Virgin Money credit card or from non-UK financial organisations, or store cards which don’t have VISA or Mastercard logo
-
Balance transfers and money transfers must be made within the first 60 days to get the promotional offer
-
You must earn at least £7,000 a year to be eligible for this card
Tesco Bank
Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200.00 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
-
Collect Tesco Clubcard points almost everywhere you use your card, on top of your usual Clubcard points in Tesco. Minimum spend applies
-
You're eligible to apply for this card even if you've already got another Tesco Bank credit card
But be aware that
-
Balance transfers and money transfers must be made within the first 90 days to get the promotional offer. You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by Tesco Bank and you must earn at least £5000 a year to be eligible for this card
-
Unless you have been pre-approved, you might get a different interest rate to the one shown here, because this depends on your circumstances
Santander
Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200.00 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 24.9% (variable)
Great for
-
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised with Santander Boosts
-
Up to 3 additional cardholders (you will be responsible for the use of and payments on the additional cards)
-
Up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchases
But be aware that
-
You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by Santander or cahoot
-
You're not eligible for this card if you've had a CCJ or been declared bankrupt in the last 72 months
Santander
All in One Credit Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a £3 monthly fee your representative APR is 29.8% APR (variable)
Great for
-
No fee for transferring a balance. No foreign transaction fees on purchases and cash withdrawals abroad when made in the local currency. A cash withdrawal fee of 3% (minimum £3) applies
-
Earn 0.5% cashback (up to £10 a month) on all your purchases
-
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised with Santander Boosts
But be aware that
-
There is a £3 monthly fee
-
You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by Santander, including Cahoot
More details
Repayment details
Your monthly minimum payment will be the greater of:
1% of the outstanding balance on your statement
(minimum £5)
The full balance if less than £5
1% of the outstanding balance plus interest, plus fees, plus any insurance premium, plus the amount of any arrears which are payable immediately.
Allocation of payments:
If you do not pay your balance in full Santander will allocate your payments to balances with the highest interest rate before balances with lower interest rates. Please refer to Santander terms for full breakdown
Barclaycard
14 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% APR (variable)
Great for
-
0% interest on balance transfers for 15 months from the date you open your account. Transfers must be made within 60 days to benefit from the 0% offer
-
Register on the Barclays or Barclaycard App to earn cashback on your everyday spending at a range of participating retailers. T&Cs apply
But be aware that
-
Balance transfers must be made within the first 60 days to get the promotional offer
-
You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by Barclaycard
-
You must earn at least £20,000 a year to be eligible for this card
More details
Repayment details
Your monthly minimum payment will be the greater of:
1% of the outstanding balance on your statement
(minimum £5)
The full balance if less than £5
1% of the outstanding balance plus interest, plus fees, plus any insurance premium, plus the amount of any arrears which are payable immediately.
Allocation of payments:
If you do not pay your balance in full Barclaycard will allocate your payments to balances with the highest interest rate before balances with lower interest rates. Please refer to Barclaycard terms for full breakdown
NatWest
Balance Transfer Card
Representative example: If you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.9% (variable) p.a. your representative APR is 29.9% APR (variable)
But be aware that
-
You can't transfer a balance from another card issued by other NatWest group cards
-
Balance Transfers must be made within the first 90 days to get the promotional offer. Balance transfers are limited to 95% of your available credit limit. The minimum balance transfer amount is £100
-
Purchases must be made within the first 90 days to get the promotional offer
More details
Repayment details
Your monthly minimum payment will be the greater of:
2% of the outstanding balance on your statement
(minimum £25)
The full balance if less than £25
2% of the outstanding balance plus interest, plus fees, plus any insurance premium, plus the amount of any arrears which are payable immediately.
Allocation of payments:
If you do not pay your balance in full Virgin Money will allocate your payments to balances with the highest interest rate before balances with lower interest rates. Please refer to Virgin Money terms for full breakdown
With a bad credit score, you are likely to be offered shorter 0% periods and a higher rate once the interest free period ends. The actual terms you get will depend on your individual circumstances.
How do we choose which cards to feature?
The tables are ordered by longest 0% balance transfer period. Any commercial agreement we have in place with a provider won’t affect how we compare or rank your quotes. We will always try to display them in a way that helps you get the best deal. This is why we’ve built filters and sorting functions into quote results listings where we can. Please note. We occasionally agree commercial arrangements with providers to advertise their products on site, including on our results pages. These will be clearly identifiable as adverts and labelled 'sponsored' and won't affect the ranking within the results table.
How much could you save with a balance transfer credit card?
If you're paying interest on an existing balance, you can stop interest from building by moving the debt to a balance transfer credit card, saving you money and enabling you to pay off your debt sooner.
To see how much you could save by switching, calculate your savings with our credit card interest calculator.
Most MoneySuperMarket customers save
£411[4]
by moving their existing debts to a balance transfer credit card.
What can you expect from our balance transfer cards?
These figures are based on MoneySuperMarket balance transfer comparisons and are for guidance only. The credit limit, interest rate, transfer fee and 0% period you’re offered will depend on your credit history, financial circumstances and the lender’s criteria.
Understand the costs before you choose
-
-
The average representative APR is 24.90%[8]
You should aim to clear your balance before the 0% term ends, otherwise you'll start paying interest on your balance.
What is a balance transfer credit card?
A balance transfer credit card lets you move your existing credit card balances to a new card with a lower or 0% interest rate. Known as a credit card balance transfer, 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 £411[4] 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.
A 0% balance transfer card in practice
You can save hundreds with a 0% balance transfer card. Here's how it compares to using a regular credit card.
-
Transferring £5,000 to a 36-month 0% card
If you transfer £5,000 and repay £139 per month, here's what happens:
✅ No interest charged for the promotion period, which is 36 months
✅ Your repayments go entirely toward reducing your balance
✅ After 36 months, you’ve completely paid off the £5,000
✅ Total cost: £5,000 (plus any potential balance transfer fee) -
Leaving £5,000 on a regular credit card
With a 24.9% APR credit card, if you keep a £5,000 balance and repay £139 per month:
⚠️ Interest starts accruing immediately
⚠️ After 36 months, you still owe around £3,200 because of interest charges
⚠️ It would take around 52 months to clear your balance
⚠️ Total cost: £7,250 (£5,000 spent + £2,250 in interest)
How much could I save with a balance transfer card?
Credit Card Calculator
See how much it will cost to pay off your credit card, and how long will it take
£
%
This rate of interest determines how much it costs for you to borrow on the credit card.
You should be able to find it on your statement, usually in a summary box on the back. Unless you have changed cards recently, it's likely to be between about 14.9% and 29.9%.
If you can't find it, get in touch with your card provider - they will be able to tell you simply and quickly.
£
Enter the size of the payment you typically make each month.
If you aren't sure, look back at your last three statements to see how much you paid on those.
Please enter a valid number
You'll need to repay more each month to pay off the card within the next 20 years
Results
Pay off your balance by
‐
Monthly cost
‐
Interest
‐
Total amount
‐
Save money with a balance transfer credit card
Switching to a 0% balance transfer card could save you £200. Play with the filters below to match your circumstance and find out how much you can save.
| Current | Switching | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ‐ | ‐ |
| Last installment | ‐ | ‐ |
| Interest cost & fees | ‐ | ‐ |
| What you save | ‐ | ‐ |
* If you do not pay off your balance within the promotional period, you will then be charged interest. For calculation purposes, we've used the interest rate you entered above.
Compare balance transfer cardsWhat type of balance transfer card will you need?
How to apply for a balance transfer credit card
Transferring your existing credit card balance to a new balance transfer card can help you save money on interest and pay off debt faster.
-
Check eligibility
Use our eligibility checker to see which cards you’re likely to be approved for beforehand. Lenders will look at factors like your credit history, income, and debts.
-
Compare offers
Look for cards that offer the longest 0% interest period and the lowest transfer fee. Make sure the credit limit is enough to cover the debt you want to transfer.
-
Apply and transfer
Complete the online application with details about your income, employment, and debts. If approved, request the balance transfer from your old card.
How to transfer an existing balance to a new card
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 banking account or mobile banking 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
To transfer a balance, you'll need to tell your new card provider:
The balance you're bringing over (the transfer amount)
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.
Getting the most out of your balance transfer credit card
Transfer your balance as early as you can
For most balance transfer cards, the introductory 0% period is only reserved for transfers that are made within the first 60 or 90 days. So 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.
Set up a direct debit to ensure you always cover the minimum payment
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.
Avoiding spending or withdrawing money
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.
Clear your debt before the 0% period ends
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.
You can't transfer a balance between two cards from the same provider
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.
Even if you can't transfer your full balance, you can still save
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 on your existing card
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.
What's the difference between the promotional and standard interest rate?
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 36[1] 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.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
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.
What are the pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards?
-
Advantages
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
-
Disadvantages
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
How do I choose the best balance transfer card?
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 the past 3 months, the average representative APR for a balance transfer card was 27.9%[9]
What other types of balance transfer credit card are there?
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.
Our customers get the lowest APRs with balance transfer cards
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:
Our expert says…
Getting a balance transfer card could be a savvy move as interest rates are currently high
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 36[1] 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 & Insurance Expert
Need more guidance? We've got you covered
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.
Compare more than just balance transfer credit cards
Can I take out a new 0% card once the interest free period is over?
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.
Can I transfer a balance from a different provider?
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.
How much can I transfer to a new credit card?
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.
Is a balance transfer card right for me?
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.
How many times can I transfer a card balance?
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.
How long does a balance transfer take?
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.
Is it a good idea to transfer card balances?
There are lots of reasons why taking advantage of balance transfer offers and 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.
What should I consider before getting a balance transfer card?
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
Am I eligible for a balance transfer card?
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.
Is it better to just pay off the card in full?
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.
What happens if I’m unable to clear my balance?
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.
How do credit limits work on balance transfer cards?
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.
What is the difference between a balance transfer and a money transfer 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.
Which lenders offer balance transfer cards?
We work with a wide range of credit card providers, Most of which offer balance transfer cards, including:
Reviewed on 13 Oct 2026 by
Sources and supporting information
-
[1]
Accurate as of 12 October 2026.
-
[2]
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
-
[3]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2026. Net Recommend score derived from "Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?" Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=17,883, Compare the Market n=16,193, Go.Compare n=8,523, Confused.com n=7,918, Uswitch n=514)
-
[4]
Annual saving based on 51% of customers transferring £2,349 from a 24.9% (variable) p.a. card, with a 5% monthly repayment (June 2026). BoE and UK Finance.
Representative example: transferring £2,349, 3.49% balance transfer fee, 0% over 38 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 8th July 2026 -
[5]
Based on the median guaranteed credit limit of users searching for credit cards to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket in September 2026, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
-
[6]
Based on the credit card enquiries with the aim to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket between July 2026 and September 2026.
-
[7]
Based on the median balance transfer fee of users searching for credit cards to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket in September 2026, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
-
[8]
Based on the median Representative APR of users searching for credit cards to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket on 11 October 2026, by the highest eligibility rating returned.
-
[9]
Based on the average Representative APR of users clicking out on credit cards products, to transfer an existing balance through MoneySuperMarket between July 2026 and September 2026.
