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0% balance transfer and purchase cards

Find a card that offers 0% interest on new purchases and balance transfers

Our best balance transfer and purchase credit cards let you spread the cost of spending interest free and save you money on interest

Find a 0% balance transfer and purchase card

Get tailored results for your circumstances by answering a few questions on our card finder tool
Uswitch.com is rated Excellent | by 22,872 people
Fact checker
Last updated
February 8th, 2024
32 results found, sorted by longest balance transfer period.

Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card (27 Mths) (24.9%)

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for27months with a3.25%fee
Transfer fee
3.25%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 27 months 0% on balance transfers ( 3.25% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on money transfers ( 4% transfer fee)
  • 3 months 0% on purchases
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card (27 Mths) (27.9%)

Representative APR (variable)
27.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for27months with a3.5%fee
Transfer fee
3.5%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 27.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 27.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 27 months 0% on balance transfers ( 3.5% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on money transfers ( 4% transfer fee)
  • 3 months 0% on purchases
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
23.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for26months with a3%fee (£5 min.)
Transfer fee
3%(£5 min.)
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 23.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 23.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% for 26 months on balance transfers, 3% balance transfer fee (minimum £5)
  • 0% for 3 months on purchases
Eligibility
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • be 18 or older
  • minimum income of £10,500
  • have a good credit rating
  • must not be an existing Santander balance transfer credit card customer
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

M&S Bank Transfer Plus Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for26months with a3.49%fee (£5 min.)
Transfer fee
3.49%(£5 min.)
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% on balance transfers for 26 months, available for 90 days from account opening (3.49% fee applies, minimum £5)
  • Collect one point per £1 spent at M&S online and in-store. Collect one point per £5 spent elsewhere and abroad. You will be rewarded in vouchers to spend at M&S
  • 0% on shopping for 3 months
Eligibility
  • have a good credit rating
  • be 18 or older
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • have an annual income/pension of at least £6,800
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Royal Bank of Scotland Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for23months with a3.49%fee
Transfer fee
3.49%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% for 23 months from account opening on balance transfers made within the first 3 months, after which standard rates apply
  • 0% on purchases for 3 months from account opening, there after standard rates apply
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee
  • Balance transfers are limited to 95% of your available credit limit. The minimum balance transfer amount is £100
  • You can transfer your balance from most credit cards and store cards, but not other NatWest Group cards
Eligibility
  • be a UK resident
  • be 18 or older
  • Earning at least £10K per year
  • Your credit limit and APR are subject to status
  • Interest is payable in line with RBS/NW T&Cs. Balance transfers limits apply
  • No transfers from other NatWest Group cards

NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for23months with a3.49%fee
Transfer fee
3.49%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% for 23 months from account opening on balance transfers made within the first 3 months, after which standard rates apply
  • 0% on purchases for 3 months from account opening, there after standard rates apply
  • 3.49% balance transfer fee
Eligibility
  • be a UK resident
  • be 18 or older
  • Earning at least £10K per year
  • Your credit limit and APR are subject to status
  • Interest is payable in line with RBS/NW T&Cs. Balance transfers limits apply
  • No transfers from other NatWest Group cards

Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card (20 Mths) (24.9%)

Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for20months with a2%fee
Transfer fee
2%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 20 months 0% on balance transfers (2% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on money transfers (4% transfer fee)
  • 3 months 0% on purchases
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card (20 Mths) (27.9%)

Representative APR (variable)
27.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for20months with a2.5%fee
Transfer fee
2.5%
Interest on purchases
0%for3months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 27.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 27.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 20 months 0% on balance transfers (2.5% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on money transfers (4% transfer fee)
  • 3 months 0% on purchases
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Uswitch Limited is a credit broker, not a lender, for consumer credit.
Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.

What is a balance transfer and purchase credit card?

A man is serving a customer in a cafe and taking her credit card for payment

Balance transfer and purchase credit cards let you transfer an existing balance from another credit card, as well as make new purchases, using just one card. In many cases, you won’t be charged interest on either transaction.

This is useful if you want to reduce the cost of existing debts and keep future borrowing costs down.

However, watch for when the 0% interest periods expire and clear your balance before then - otherwise interest charges will start kicking in.

Monthly UK purchases on credit cards[1]
£19billion

How does the balance transfer period work?

A 0% interest period for balance transfers is a set amount of time. Typical 0% interest free balance transfer periods are 18 months, 21 months and 24 months. The best 0% interest free balance transfer period deals are longer and can go up to around 30 months.

During that time you will not be charged interest on the debt you transferred from your old card to your new credit card, though you may be charged a fee of up to 4% to complete the transfer.

You will need to pay the minimum repayments on the 0% balance transfer card. But you should aim to make repayments that are enough to pay off the balance in full before the 0% offer ends. You will be charged interest on any remaining balance, which is often much higher than on standard credit cards.

Monthly UK balance transfer worth[1]
£1.55billion
Average 0% interest free periods on UK credit cards
How many months of 0% interest different types of credit cards are offering on average.

Source: Defaqto and Uswitch data, correct as of December 19, 2022

How does the purchase period work?

A 0% purchase period is different to a 0% balance transfer period. The 0% purchase period only lets you buy things with your credit card at no interest.

Aim to pay off your credit card during the 0% purchase period. Or you will be charged interest on any outstanding balance when the 0% purchase period ends.

A combo credit card may give you different time periods for 0% balance transfers and 0% purchases. Keep an eye on when each one ends.

Find out more about how to calculate your interest here.

How to get the cheapest balance transfer and purchase card

The simplest place to start is by comparing as many deals as possible. At the same time it’s important to keep in mind there is no one best deal. 

The best deal for you is one that offers the longest interest-free period on both balance transfers and purchases, but also covers your individual needs.

Shopping around and comparing credit cards is the best way to find the best deals. Look for 0% interest rate credit cards with long interest free periods and the lowest balance transfer fees. 

The best deals offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers and 0% purchase deals for up to around 21 months.

However, be aware that a single credit card can often offer differing interest free periods on balance transfers and purchases.

For example, a credit card might offer 10 months 0% interest on balance transfers, but 20 months on new purchases.

Mistakes to avoid with balance transfer and purchase cards

Forgetting about the revert rate

At the end of the introductory promotional period, the 0% interest rate will revert to the standard purchase rate, which is usually between 10% and 35%, but can be higher. Consider the standard interest rate before applying for the card so you understand how your debt will grow if you fail to repay your balance before the interest free period ends.

Only making the minimum repayment

Most credit card providers demand a minimum monthly repayment towards your balance. This is usually around 2.25% to 3% of your balance.

However, if you only make the minimum amount each month, you’ll be unable to repay your entire balance before the 0% offer finishes. This means you’ll end up being charged the revert rate on your remaining balance, which will make your debt much more expensive to pay off.

Not taking advantage of the entire offer period

The 0% offer is available as soon as your card is approved, not from when you make your first purchase. So if your card offers a 0% deal for six months but you don’t make a purchase or any repayments for the first month, you’ll only have five more months to make repayments without incurring interest.

If you have a big purchase in mind, make it as soon as possible and start making repayments immediately to get maximum value out of the offer.

Mistakes to avoid with balance transfer and purchase cards

Forgetting about the revert rate

At the end of the introductory promotional period, the 0% interest rate will revert to the standard purchase rate, which is usually between 10% and 35%, but can be higher. Consider the standard interest rate before applying for the card so you understand how your debt will grow if you fail to repay your balance before the interest free period ends.

Only making the minimum repayment

Most credit card providers demand a minimum monthly repayment towards your balance. This is usually around 2.25% to 3% of your balance.

However, if you only make the minimum amount each month, you’ll be unable to repay your entire balance before the 0% offer finishes. This means you’ll end up being charged the revert rate on your remaining balance, which will make your debt much more expensive to pay off.

Not taking advantage of the entire offer period

The 0% offer is available as soon as your card is approved, not from when you make your first purchase. So if your card offers a 0% deal for six months but you don’t make a purchase or any repayments for the first month, you’ll only have five more months to make repayments without incurring interest.

If you have a big purchase in mind, make it as soon as possible and start making repayments immediately to get maximum value out of the offer.

Watch: How do 0% purchase credit cards work?

Balance transfer and purchase FAQs

What is the APR?

APR is there to help you compare credit card deals more easily. APR stands for annual percentage rate.

It helps you work out what the credit card will cost you once your 0% introductory period ends. A higher APR means higher repayments.

APR takes into account the interest rate and standard additional fees associated with the credit card offer.

Could I get a higher APR than advertised?

The rate you see advertised isn’t necessarily the rate you will get. Credit card providers only have to give the typical APR they advertise to 51% of successful applicants. If you don’t have a good credit score, you might be given a higher APR.

Check that the rate you see advertised is the rate you will actually get to avoid a shock when your first statement arrives. Again, getting your credit rating into good shape will help your chances of getting the best deals.

What you need to apply for a credit card

In terms of what you will need to provide, it's generally quite straightforward. Questions you can expect on a credit card application include:

  • Your name

  • Contact information

  • Date of birth

  • Address and how long you have lived there

  • Residential status (tenant, owner, living with parents, etc)

  • Your annual income

On a balance transfer or money transfer credit card application, you will need to have the details of the other accounts you are transferring to your new credit card.


How long do you need to pay off your credit card?

The longer the 0% purchase period, the longer you have to pay back your balance without being charged any interest. So look for a card with the longest 0% period.

How Uswitch compares credit cards

What does ‘most popular’ and ‘popularity’ mean?

When we use the term ‘most popular or ‘popularity’ on Uswitch in reference to credit cards, these cards are ranked by the number of clicks they have received on the site in the past 30 days.

The most clicked on cards are at the top, with the least at the bottom. This reflects how popular they are with visitors to Uswitch.com. Consequently, this is a good table to look at if you’re interested in seeing which cards most people think are worth getting.

Does Uswitch compare all the credit cards on the market?

We compare over 100 credit cards from all of the major banks and credit card providers.

However, we do not compare all the credit cards that are available in the UK.

This is because some credit card providers have offers that are only available exclusively through their own website or branch, or through other comparison websites - in the same way some credit cards are exclusively available through Uswitch.

There are also many credit cards that are only available to people in member organisations and clubs.

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About the author

Salman Haqqi
Salman Haqqi has over a decade of experience as a journalist in several countries around the world. In recent years, he has turned his focus to helping people make confident financial decisions and regularly comments in the media about personal finance.

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References