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  • Barclaycard-Platinum
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • Barclaycard
      Simplicity
    • 0%
      16 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      3 month
    • Barclaycard Freedom
    • 7.9%
      APR
    • Barclaycard Freedom reward scheme
    • Contact-less payments (up to £15)
    • Online account management
    • Transfers not permitted from other Barclaycards

    Representative example: 7.9%% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 7.9%% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    There is 7.9% on balance transfers with no fee. Balance transfers apply to 95% of your credit limit, and the interest applied to balance transfers once the introductory period finishes is 7.9% depending on your circumstances.

    There is 7.9% on purchases. The typical annual rate is 7.9% depending on your circumstances.

    With the new Barclaycard Freedom rewards scheme you earn points every time you make a purchase at over 30,000 participating UK retailers including highstreet stores, restaurants and energy providers. This Barclaycard

    APR is 7.9% depending on your circumstances.

  • NatWest-Platinum
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • NatWest
      Platinum
    • 0%
      20 month
      3.2% fee
    • 0%
      6 month
    • Shopping, Travel, Wine
    • 17.9
      APR
    • Free text or e-mail alerts
    • Discounts from 100s of brands
    • No transfers from other RBS Group cards

    Representative example: 17.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 17.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    There is 0% on balance transfers for 20 months, with a 3.2% fee. Balance transfers apply to 95% of your credit limit, and the interest applied to balance transfers once the introductory period finishes is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

    There is 0% on purchases for 6 months. The typical annual rate is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

    As NatWest Platinum credit card user you will receive shopping offers from big high street brands, holiday and travel discounts from the travel agent Thomas Cook and membership to an exclusive discount wine club.

    Typical APR is 17.9% (variable) which applies after any introductory offers. APR is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

  • Royal-Bank-of-Scotland-Platinum
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • Royal Bank of Scotland
      Platinum
    • 0%
      20 month
      3.2% fee
    • 0%
      6 month
    • Shopping, Travel, Wine
    • 17.9
      APR
    • Special offers from leading retailers
    • Holiday discounts from Thomas Cook
    • Improved online account servicing
    • Transfers are not permitted from other RBS cards

    Representative example: 17.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 17.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    There is 0% on balance transfers for 20 months, with a 3.2% fee. Balance transfers apply to 95% of your credit limit, and the interest applied to balance transfers once the introductory period finishes is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

    There is 0% on purchases for 6 months. The typical annual rate is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

    Special discounts available at Buyagift.com and for short breaks. Royal Bank Wine Club includes special offers and free gifts. Royalty schemes available.

    Typical APR is 17.9% (variable) which applies after any introductory offers. APR is between 17.9% and 20.9% depending on your circumstances.

  • nationwide credit card
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • Nationwide
      Credit Card
    • 0%
      17 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      6 month
    • No rewards
    • 15.9
      APR
    • Recommended for overseas spending
    • Commission free purchases abroad
    • Benefits from positive payment order
    • No transfers accepted from other Nationwide cards

    Representative example: 15.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 15.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    You can choose 0% on balance transfers for 17 months, with a 2.9% fee, or 0% for 3 months with additional purchases offer. Balance transfers apply to 95% of your credit limit, and the interest applied to balance transfers once the introductory period finishes is between 9.9% and 19.9% depending on your circumstances.

    There is 0% on purchases for 6 months if you choose 3 month balance transfer offer. The typical annual rate is between 9.9% and 19.9% depending on your circumstances.

    No rewards are available with this card

    Typical APR is 15.9% (variable) which applies after any introductory offers. APR is between 9.9% and 19.9% depending on your circumstances.

  • MBNA-Platinum
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • MBNA
      Platinum
    • 0 %
      01/10/2011 month
      1.9 % fee
    • 0 %
      01/12/2010 month
    • No rewards
    • 16.9
      APR
    • Low balance transfer fee - 1.9%
    • Can transfer funds to current account
    • Transfers from other MBNA cards forbidden

    Representative example: 16.9 % p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.9 % APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    To transfer a balance at the zero percent rate you must undertake the transfer within 90 days of opening your account and before October 1st 2011. The interest rate on balance transfers after the introductory period is 18.9% APR.

    The interest rate charged on all purchases after the introductory period (to December 1st 2010) is 16.9% APR.

    There are no rewards with this card.

    Receive up to 50 days interest free on purchases when you pay your statement in full and on time every month. The minimum monthly repayment required for the MBNA platinum card is £25 (or 1% of the outstanding balance if this is greater). The exact rate of interest made available to you will depend on your credit history.

  • BT-Credit-Card
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • BT
      Credit Card
    • 0%
      Up to 12 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      1 month
    • BT Savings
    • 16.9
      APR
    • 1p off phone bill for every £1.50 spent
    • Benefits from positive payment order
    • Transfer money to your current account
    • No balance transfers from MBNA cards

    Representative example: 16.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    To transfer a balance at the introductory rate you must do so within the first 90 days of account opening. The interest charged on balance transfer after this period is 18.9% APR.

    Interest on purchases will be charged at 16.9% APR when the introductory period expires

    Receive 1p discount on your phone bill for every £1.50 you spend on your MBNA BT Credit Card. If you spend £300 a month on this card you will receive an annual saving of £24.

    Receive up to 50 days interest free on new purchases if you pay your statement in full and on time every month. The minimum repayment on this card is the greater of £25 or 1% of your statement balance. The exact Annual Percentage Rate made available to you will depend on your personal circumstances and credit history.

  • Halifax-Plus
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • Halifax Plus Credit Card
      Plus
    • 0 %
      17 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      3 month
    • No rewards
    • 16.9
      APR
    • Manage your card online
    • Cover against online fraud
    • Instant decision for most applications
    • Transfers not accepted from other Halifax or Bank of Scotland accounts

    Representative example: 16.9 % p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.9 % APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    For the first 13 months you will get 0% on balance transfers made in the first 90 days (a fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer). After this period has expired the interest rate offered for balance transfers will be the same as that for purchases.

    0% interest for 3 months on purchases made using the Halifax Plus Credit Card. Your personal APR for purchases will be either 16.9% APR (variable), 19.9% APR (variable) or 21.9% APR (variable), depending on your credit history

    No rewards are available with this card

    This card is not available from any of high street branches of Halifax. Receive up to 59 days interest free from the date a purchase is made if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month. The minimum repayment figure is the greater of 1% of the outstanding or a flat £5. Halifax will assess your personal circumstances and credit history to determine the exact APR to make available to you. Representative APR of 16.9% (variable).

  • Halifax-Plus
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • Halifax Plus Credit Card
      Plus
    • 0 %
      17 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      3 month
    • No rewards
    • 16.9
      APR
    • Manage your card online
    • Cover against online fraud
    • Instant decision for most applications
    • Transfers not accepted from other Halifax or Bank of Scotland accounts

    Representative example: 16.9 % p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.9 % APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    For the first 13 months you will get 0% on balance transfers made in the first 90 days (a fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer). After this period has expired the interest rate offered for balance transfers will be the same as that for purchases.

    0% interest for 3 months on purchases made using the Halifax Plus Credit Card. Your personal APR for purchases will be either 16.9% APR (variable), 19.9% APR (variable) or 21.9% APR (variable), depending on your credit history

    No rewards are available with this card

    This card is not available from any of high street branches of Halifax. Receive up to 59 days interest free from the date a purchase is made if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month. The minimum repayment figure is the greater of 1% of the outstanding or a flat £5. Halifax will assess your personal circumstances and credit history to determine the exact APR to make available to you. Representative APR of 16.9% (variable).

  • nationwide credit card
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • Nationwide Building Society
      Balance Transfer Offer
    • 0%
      17 month
      2.95% fee
    • 0%
      3 months month
    • Use Abroad
    • 15.9
      APR
    • Fraud Protection Guarantee
    • Commission free purchases abroad
    • Free extended warranty
    • No transfers from other Nationwide cards

    Representative example: 15.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 15.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    When the introductory period expires the interest rate charged on balance transfers will be 15.9% APR.

    With this balance transfer offer Nationwide credit card you can still enjoy 3 months interest free on purchases! After this period all purchases, including those made during the promotional zero percent APR period will be charged at 15.9% APR.

    When you shop abroad you can enjoy unlimited commission-free purchases up to 31st July 2011 when using this Nationwide balance transfer credit card.

    Receive up to 56 days interest free on new purchases if you pay off your statement in full and on time every month. Minimum monthly repayment on this credit card is £5 or 3% of the outstanding balance, whichever is greater.

  • Creation-Credit-Card
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • Creation
      BT Mastercard
    • 0 %
      12 month
      3% fee
    • 0%
      3 month
    • Top Brand Discounts
    • 18.9
      APR
    • Discounts with top brands
    • Manage your account online
    • UK based call centre
    • Quick Application Process

    Representative example: 18.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 18.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    0% interest offer on Balance Transfers for 12 months when Balance Transfer is made within 90 days of account opening. There is a transfer fee of 3% (£3 minimum) per transaction. Balances from accounts with other Creation Group companies are excluded.

    0% for 3 months on all card Purchases made within 90 days of account opening (excluding Cash Advance, ATM withdrawals, Balance Transfers and Insurances). After that the Standard Interest rate is payable on any remaining balance of those Purchases. The promotion may be withdrawn or extended at any time without prior notice.

    Creation cardholders are offered discounts with top brands, free additional card and online account management.

    Pay no interest for up to 50 days on Purchases if you pay your account in full and on time every month. The minimum monthly repayment on this card is 1% of the credit owing plus outstanding fees and interest, or £5, whichever is greater. Credit card applications are subject to status.

  • HSBC-Credit-Card
    Card Rating: 4 out of 5
    • HSBC
      Credit Card
    • 0%
      15 month
      2.9% fee
    • 0%
      3 month
    • No rewards
    • 16.9
      APR
    • 8% discount from HSBC Travel club
    • Only available to HSBC Current Account holders

    Representative example: 16.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    To transfer a balance taking advantage of the introductory rate you must do so with 30 days of opening your account. After the fifteen month 0% balance transfer period is up the interest rate charged on balance transfers will be 16.9% APR

    No interest is charged on any purchases for the first three months that you use the card. Once the 0% period ends an APR of 16.9% will be applied to any purchases you make.

    No rewards are available with this card

    Receive up to 56 days interest free on new purchases if you pay your statement in full and on time every month. You must repay at least 2.5% of the outstanding credit card balance (to a minimum of £5) each month. The exact Annual Percentage Rate available will depend on your individual circumstances and credit history.

  • Virgin-Credit-Card
    Card Rating: 5 out of 5
    • Virgin
      Credit Card
    • 0%
      20 month
      2.99% fee
    • 0%
      12 month
    • Virgin Discounts
    • 16.8
      APR
    • Contactless payment technology
    • Paperless statements
    • Instant Decisions where possible
    • Transfers not accepted from MBNA cards

    Representative example: 16.8% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 16.8% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    There is 0% on balance transfers for 20 months, with a 2.99% fee. Balance transfers apply to 95% of your credit limit, and the interest applied to balance transfers once the introductory period finishes is 18.9% depending on your circumstances.

    There is 0% on purchases for 3 months. The typical annual rate is 16.8% depending on your circumstances.

    Your Virgin Credit Card includes a discount scheme which lets you save money across the Virgin group, and more.

    Typical APR is 16.8% (variable) which applies after any introductory offers, depending on your circumstances.

  • co-op-member
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • Co-operative Bank
      Members' Credit Card
    • 0 %
      6 month
      3 % fee
    • 0 %
      6 month
    • Profit Share
    • 15.9
      APR
    • 6 months interest free
    • Co-op profit share
    • Must be a co-op member

    Representative example: 15.9 % p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 15.9 % APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    For 6 months from the date of opening your account no interest is charged on balance transfers. However a balance tranfer fee of 3% is charged on all balance transfer transactions (minimum £5 fee)

    No interest (0% per annum) is charged on purchases made within 6 months of your Members' credit card account opening date. After which interest on purchases is charged at 15.9% representative variable.

    Using this card entitles you to receive a share of The Co‑operative Group’s profit

    Receive upto 59 days interest free credit when you pay your balance in full before the due date.

  • natwest-classic-credit-card
    Card Rating: 0 out of 5
    • NatWest
      Platinum Card
    • 0%
      20 month
      3.2% fee
    • 0%
      6 month
    • N/A
    • 17.9
      APR
    • Balance Transfer and Purchases Deal
    • Retail deals and discounts
    • Lower rates for NW Advantage Gold Cust.
    • No transfers from other NW or RBS cards
    • Only available to NatWest customers
    • No money transfer facility

    Representative example: 17.9% p.a. (variable) on card purchases. This is equivalent to 17.9% APR representative (variable) based on a credit limit of £1,200.

    2.9% of a minimum of £5

    N/A

    N/A

    0% on balance transfers for 20 months from account opening (3.2% fee, min £5) on any balances you transfer within three months of opening your account. 0% on purchases for 6 months from account opening

Credit card transfer – looking for a 0% balance?

The advantages of balance transfer credit cards are pretty clear: they allow you to switch your credit card debts over to another card and pay a lower rate for a limited period – many cards offer a 0% interest period.

If you have an outstanding balance on your current credit card you may be paying 18% APR (possibly more if it’s a store card), so it certainly pays to consider the range of balance transfer credit cards out there. Used carefully, a credit card transfer can give you some breathing space if your debts are getting on top of you, allowing you to reduce the cost of your debt.

Consolidating your debts? A balance transfer card can be smart move

Credit card balance transfers are handy if you have a number of credit cards. Switching all your debts to one low or zero percent interest rate will make it simpler to keep track of your payments and you’ll also be paying less interest on your overall borrowing. The best balance transfer credit cards are generally only available to those with good credit card ratings. If this applies to you, you may find a balance transfer card with a 0% deal for as long as 18 months.

Any downsides with 0 balance transfer credit cards?

Make sure you look for the interest rate on purchases. With many balance transfer cards you may find there’s a high interest rate on your spending and you can’t repay this until the cheaper debt has been repaid. The best approach is to simply avoid spending on these cards, if you can.

It’s very likely that you’ll have to pay a balance transfer fee. Typically this is a percentage of the balance you transfer from your existing card or cards. It’s worth comparing credit card balance transfer deals to find the lowest transfer fee, as they can range from 1.0% to 3%. Overall you should weigh up all aspects of the card, including this initial fee, the initial balance transfer period and the interest rate the card reverts to once this period is over.

As we’ve hinted above, with many of the best balance transfer credit cards you’ll need a good credit rating. So if you’re looking for a simple way of sorting out multiple credit card debts and you don’t have a good credit score, this may not be your best option.

Alternatives to zero percent balance transfer credit cards

Instead of chasing a 0% balance transfer credit card you may better off with a longer-term, low rate credit card – especially if you have substantial borrowings which may take you some time to pay off. The best long term balance transfer credit cards offer a ‘life-of-balance' transfer deal where the low rate lasts until the debt you've transferred is repaid in full.

So just to summarise…

A few tips on getting the most from balance transfer credit cards:

  1. Shop around for the best balance transfer fee. Generally the fee is around 3% of the balance transferred, but if you have a good credit score you may be eligible for some of the fee-free balance transfer credit cards out there.
  2. Set yourself a reminder to tell you when the initial 0% balance transfer rate ends so you avoid paying the higher rate. This may be even time to transfer your balance again.
  3. Avoid spending on your balance transfer card. Using your balance transfer credit card for purchases can be costly because purchases are often charged at a higher rate of interest.
  4. Don’t assume you’ll get the advertised rate. You may be offered a less attractive deal on your balance transfer credit card. Always check the details when you receive your acceptance letter.
  5. Be clear on what the introductory rate covers. The initial 0% rate on balance transfers may not apply to other kinds spending – the interest rate on purchases or cash withdrawals may be considerably much higher.

We hope you’ve found this a useful guide. You’ll find the best Balance Transfer Credit Cards here – with new deals added every week.

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