Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards
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If you are paying interest on credit card debt, shifting it over to a 0% balance transfer credit card can save a tidy sum of cash – and get what you owe paid off quicker. That’s because you won’t pay interest any balances (or balances) you transfer from one or more cards for an agreed time.
What Are The Best Deals?
There’s a whole raft of this kind of credit card on the market offering various 0% terms and fees – but deals and terms change frequently. We carried out some research (July 2022) and have rounded up some of the best we found, below.
We’ve listed a range of providers as you won’t be able to move balances between cards from the same one. Finally, bear mind that the best card for you will depend on your income, credit score and circumstances – more details in our FAQs below.
Best 0% Balance Transfer Cards With A Fee
Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
Up to 34 months
Transfer Fee
2.88%
(or 3.88%)
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
Up to 34 months
Transfer Fee
2.88%
(or 3.88%)
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Sainsbury’s Bank’s top balance transfer offering of up to 34 months interest-free, with relatively low fee, is even more competitive if you’re already a regular Sainsbury’s shopper.
That’s because you can use the card to earn 500 bonus Nectar points for each time you spend £35 or more on Sainsbury’s shopping (but not fuel) in the first two months (max 5,000 points, which is worth £25). It then pays an ongoing two points for every £1 spent at Sainsbury’s and one for every £5 spent elsewhere.
However, the balance transfer fee applies to transfers made ‘at application’, which is more restrictive than the more typical 60 or 90 days period on offer to make the transfer and get the promotional rate.
You may also be offered a shorter interest-free period and/depending on your circumstances.
- Generous 0% duration on balance transfers
- Competitive balance transfer fee
- Collect Nectar points (with welcome bonus)
- Must make transfer at application to get 0%
- Could be offered 25 months at 0%
- Could be charged 3.88% balance transfer fee
- No transfers from other Sainsbury’s cards
Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
33 months
Transfer Fee
2.65%
Representative APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
33 months
Transfer Fee
2.65%
Representative APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
This card from Santander offers more than 2.5 years to clear down debt transferred over from a different banking provider.
While any new spending on the card should be considered carefully and cleared at the end of the month, the card pays up to 15% cashback when you shop at selected retailers including Co-op, Just Eat and Costa. There’s also 3 months’ interest free spending.
After the 0% period expires, any remaining balance and new spending will kick in at a representative APR of 20.9% (variable).
- Competitive 0% term on balance transfers
- 0% on purchases for 3 months
- 15% cashback on Retailer Offers
- No transfers from Santander/Cahoot cards
- Lower transfer fees and longer 0% terms available
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
33 months
Transfer Fee
2.7%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
33 months
Transfer Fee
2.7%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
HSBC offers a leading 33 months to pay down card debt before it starts charging interest, although its balance transfer window to access the 0% is shorter than sister bank M&S at 60 days.
At 2.7%, it comes with a reasonable balance transfer fee, too.
Cardholders can take advantage of exclusive offers via HSBC home&away, which is a programme of revolving discounts such as on car hire, meals out, hotel reservations and entertainment.
However, you won’t be able to transfer a balance that’s already on a card with HSBC, First Direct, John Lewis or M&S Bank.
- Generous 0% duration on balance transfers
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- Exclusive discounts
- No transfers from cards in HSBC group
M&S Bank Transfer Plus Offer
0% BT Duration
32 months
Transfer fee
1.99%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
32 months
Transfer fee
1.99%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
This new credit card from M&S is up with the best when it comes to balance transfer offers.
As well as offering 32 months’ interest-free on balances transferred from another credit card outside of the HSBC Banking Group (M&S Bank, HSBC, First Direct or John Lewis), it doubles as a rewards card. This means you can earn M&S points every time you shop.
It also has a low balance transfer fee of 1.99% and a 90-day window in which to make the transfer and get the promotional 0% rate.
Finally, the card comes with the first 3 months’ interest-free on purchases.
However, always bear in mind that the purpose of these cards is to clear your balance, not add to it.
- Low balance transfer fee
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- 90-day transfer window
- Earn M&S points every time you shop
- No transfers from cards within HSBC group
- £6,800 minimum income to qualify
- Relatively high APR
Best 0% Balance Transfer Cards With Low Fee
MBNA Balance Transfer Low Fee Credit Card
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
0.99%
Representative APR
21.9% (variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
0.99%
Representative APR
21.9% (variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Transfer one or more balances across from another credit card (that’s not MBNA) and you’ll pay a fee of just 0.99% each time to access 28-months interest-free on your debt.
However, transfers made outside the first 60 days will be subject to a 5% fee each time.
As well almost 2.5 years to pay down debt at 0%, this card offers up to 12 months interest-free on money transfers too (when your credit is paid as cash into your current account). Again, each money transfer is subject to a 4% fee in the first 60 days, then rises to 5%.
Bear in mind that these promotional offers are based on individual application and you may be offered less.
- Sub-1% balance transfer fee
- 28 months interest-free on debt transferred
- Up to 12 months at 0% on money transfers
- Transfers must be made within 60 days to get promotional fee
- No transfers from another MBNA card
- Promotional period and rate of offer based application
HSBC Balance Transfer Low Fee Credit Card
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
1%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
1%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
If you can clear your exsiting card debt in little under 2.5 years, this offer from HSBC only charges 1% of the balance you are transferring.
Its transfer window to access the 0% is capped at 60 days however, compared to the 90 days offered by many other card providers.
Cardholders can also take advantage of exclusive offers via HSBC home&away, which is a programme of revolving discounts such as on car hire, meals out, hotel reservations and entertainment.
However, you won’t be able to transfer a balance that’s already on a card with HSBC, First Direct, John Lewis or M&S Bank.
- Generous 0% duration on balance transfers
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- Exclusive discounts
- No transfers from cards in HSBC group
- 60-day balance transfer window to get 0%
Virgin Money
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
1%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
28 months
Transfer Fee
1%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
This deal from Virgin Money offers a 28-month 0% period on balances transferred from cards outside the Virgin Money Group (which includes Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank and ‘B’ as well as Virgin Money and Atlantic). The fee is also reasonable at 1%.
However, you’ll only have 60 days (compared to 90 with some other providers), to make the transfer and get the promotional rate.
As well as being the market leader for 0% balance transfer duration, this card throws in discounts on Virgin Experience Days and access to eight Virgin Money lounges around the country.
- Guaranteed 0% period, if accepted
- 20% off Virgin Experience Days + other Virgin Group discounts
- Access to Virgin Money lounges
- No transfers from cards in the Virgin Money group
- 60-day transfer window for 0%
- Balance transfer fee rises to 5% after 60 days
- Minimum annual income of £7,000
Santander All In One Credit Card
0% BT Duration
26 months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
23.7%
(variable) – inc. fee
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 17.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.7% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
26 months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
23.7%
(variable) – inc. fee
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 17.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.7% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
The Santander All in One credit card offers 26 months to clear card debt without charging interest or a balance transfer fee.
That said, Santander’s is the only card in our rankings that charges a monthly fee. At £3 a month – or £36 a year – it pushes the card’s representative APR up to a representative 23.7% (variable).
The monthly fee and means this card makes most sense for larger balance transfers (that would incur large % fees) that you are able to clear within the 26 months.
But the card still has a lot going for it. It also charges 0% interest on purchases for 20 months and pays cashback at 0.5% every time you spend with it. Spend £600 in a month and it’ll effectively reimburse your monthly fee.
That said, any 0% purchase element should be used with caution as the primary purpose of these deals is to clear existing debt.
- Generous 0% duration on balance transfers
- No balance transfer fee
- Cashback on all spending
- 0% on purchases for 20 months
- £3 monthly fee
- High APR
- Can’t already hold a Santander balance transfer card
Best 0% Balance Transfer Cards With No Fee
NatWest/RBS Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT Duration
22 months
Existing customers only
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
22 months
Existing customers only
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
21.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
To apply, for these identical cards from NatWest/ RBS, you must be an existing customer. This means holding a current account, savings account, credit card or mortgage with the bank.
In this case, and if you can clear your debt within 22 months, these cards are one of the best no-fee balance transfer options available.
No balance transfer fees, coupled with the 0% interest-free periods, mean you won’t pay a penny more than the balance you transfer – providing you pay it off within the 0% timeframe and keep within your credit limit.
You can’t transfer a balance onto the card from an existing NatWest/RBS card, but both accept transfers from other credit cards and store cards.
The cards charge a representative 21.9% APR (variable) after the promotional periods have expired.
- Top ‘no fee’ 0% balance transfer deal
- 3 months at 0% purchases
- Must be an existing customer
- Longer 0% balance transfers deals available
- Can’t transfer from another NatWest/RBS card
Sainsbury’s Bank No Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% BT duration
Up to 22 months
Transfer fee (%)
0%
(or 1%)
Representative APR
20.9% (variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT duration
Up to 22 months
Transfer fee (%)
0%
(or 1%)
Representative APR
20.9% (variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.95% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
This card offers offers up to 22 months 0% on balances transferred from a different provider within the first three months.
While the transfer is fee-free, you could be offered a shorter 0% period depending on your credit score and circumstances. You may also be shown a fee of 1%.
You can use the card to earn up to 7,500 bonus Nectar points (worth £37.50) on Sainsbury’s shopping in the first two months. It then pays 750 points for every £35 you spend in store up to 10 times.
You can also collect a boosted three points per £1 spent on Sainsbury’s shopping, Argos, Habitat or Tu Clothing when you use your credit card with your Nectar card.
- No balance transfer fee
- 3 months at 0% on purchases
- Collect Nectar points + welcome bonus
- May be offered 14 or 18 months depending on application
- No transfers from other Sainsbury’s cards
- Could be offered a 1% balance transfer fee
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card
0% BT Duration
21 months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT Duration
21 months
Transfer Fee
0%
Representative APR
20.9%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 20.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 20.9% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
The Everyday Credit Card from Santander charges no interest on balance transfers for 21 months with no balance transfer fee to pay either. So if you can clear your debt within this time, it won’t cost you a penny.
The card also offers the first 3 months of purchases interest-free from account opening.
It’s available to all applicants and if you are accepted, you will be given the stated 0% period and terms.
You will also have access to Retailer Offers which, once switched on in online or mobile banking, allows you to earn up to 15% cashback when using the card at various retailers.
Once the 21 months are up, the card charges interest at a representative 20.9% APR (variable).
- Longest no-fee balance transfer card open to everybody
- 3 months interest-free on purchases
- Full 0% term if accepted
- Access to Retailer Offers
- Longer 0% periods on balance transfers (with fee)
- Need income of £7,500-plus a year
- Cannot already have a Santander balance transfer card
HSBC No Fee Balance Transfer
0% BT duration
20 months
Transfer fee
0%
Representative APR
21.90%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.90% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.90% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% BT duration
20 months
Transfer fee
0%
Representative APR
21.90%
(variable)
Representative Example
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 21.90% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 21.90% (Variable). Credit available subject to status.
If you have credit card debt that’s outside of HSBC which you can clear in less than two years, coupled with a great credit score, this card from HSBC is a no-brainer. That’s because, with its 0% balance transfer fee, providing you clear the debt within the 20 month promotional period, it won’t have to cost you a penny.
What’s more, if you are accepted for the card, the advertised terms are the terms you will be offered.
- No balance transfer fee
- Guaranteed terms, if accepted
- Offers and discounts via HSBC home&Away
- No transfers from other cards within HSBC group
- 60-day transfer window to get 0%
How did we rank the cards?
We have split 0% balance transfer cards into three sections; those with the longest 0% durations (and higher fees); cards with low fees (1% or less); and cards with no fees (for shorter 0% periods).
Across all three categories, where relevant, we have considered the following:
- 0% balance transfer duration
- Balance transfer fee
- Representative APR (the variable interest rate charged after the 0% period expires and on new purchases)
- Rewards, perks and benefits
We also employed the ‘best case scenario’ to our rankings, assuming an application is returned with the best advertised 0% duration and balance transfer fee in all cases.
Will I qualify for one of these cards?
Bear in mind however, you may not qualify for our listed cards as you see them, or you could be turned down altogether.
Acceptance for a balance transfer credit card, and the terms on which it is based, vary according to factors such as your income and credit score.
This means you could be shown a higher balance transfer fee than the one advertised, while the listed ‘representative’ annual percentage rates (APRs) must only apply to 51% of successful applicants. So, again, your APR could be higher.
In some cases, you could be turned down for a card altogether.
You can use our Eligibility Checker to find out which cards you would qualify for, and on what terms, without leaving a footprint on your credit report. You can find more on our own Eligibility Checker and how it works below.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.