Credit Card Balance Transfers

Balance transfer is a transfer of a debt from one credit card onto another. Many credit card issuers offer introductory interest rates (introductory APRs) that are much lower than the standard interest rates. Consumers may take advantage of these lower rates to transfer balances from their higher interest credit cards to the new, lower interest credit cards to save money on interest charges.

Introductory 0% Offers
A number of UK credit card companies offer new customers 0% for balance transfers for an introductory period. You could save hundreds of pounds by switching your balance to a card offering 0% APR introductory rates. 

The introductory period is usually the first six months after the card was issued although some companies are now offering intro periods of 9 months or more. Introductory APR serves as an incentive for transferring balances from existing cards onto a new card. After the introductory period the interest reverts to the standard rate.
Credit cards with the longest intro 0% APR period for balance transfers

Permanent Low Rates

If you are looking for a cheap way to pay off your balance, remember that zero rates for transfers tend to be for a fixed period.  If you think your debts will take a while to clear it might be better to choose a card which offers a permanently low balance transfer rate.

Credit cards offering the longest introductory period for balance transfers are listed first.

Card Intro Rate
Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer Fee Intro Rate
Purchases
Cashback / Rewards Typical APR
(variable)
 
RBS Platinum
1% off the APR for Royalties Gold customers
0% for 16 months 2.9% - min £5  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
NatWest Platinum
1% off the APR for Advantage Gold customers
0% for 16 months 2.9% - min £5  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
Barclaycard Platinum
0% for 15 months 2.9%  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
HSBC Bank
This product is only available to existing HSBC customers
0% for 15 months 2.9% - min £5  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
Virgin
Suitable for homeowners with a good credit history, aged at least 25 and in full time employment
0% for 14 months 2.98%  0% for 3 months - 16.6% Details / Apply
Egg
0% until September 2011 3%  0% until October 2010 Cash back at selected online retailers 17.9% Details / Apply
MBNA Platinum Plus
0% for 13 months 2.9%  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
Sony Card
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 6 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
WWF Charity
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
AA Credit Card
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 10 months Collect AA Rewards Points and exchange them for a range of motoring products and services 16.9% Details / Apply
Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
British Heart Foundation Charity
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
RSPCA Platinum
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
Dogs Trust
Help abandoned, abused and stray dogs with the Dogs Trust card
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
National Trust Charity
0% for 12 months 3% - min £3  0% for 3 months - 16.9% Details / Apply
Halifax All In One
0% for 10 months 3% - min £3  0% for 10 months - 15.9% Details / Apply
Lloyds TSB Airmiles Duo Credit Card Account
Get two free flights with the Lloyds TSB Airmiles Duo Credit Card Account
0% for 6 months 3%  15.9% Collect Airmiles on purchases and balance transfers and redeem them for flights and hotels 15.9% Details / Apply
Barclaycard Simplicity
6.8% no fee  6.8% - 6.8% Details / Apply
MBNA Rate for Life
5.9% for the life of the balance 2% - min £3  16.9% - 16.9% Details / Apply
Royal Bank of Scotland
This offer is only available to existing RBS customers
19.9% no fee  4.9% for 9 months - 19.9% Details / Apply
NatWest
This offer is only available to existing NatWest customers
19.9% no fee  4.9% for 9 months - 19.9% Details / Apply

Credit cards offering permanently low balance transfer rates

Card Intro Rate
Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer Fee Intro Rate
Purchases
Cashback / Rewards Typical APR
(variable)
 
Barclaycard Simplicity
6.8% no fee  6.8% - 6.8% Details / Apply
MBNA Rate for Life
5.9% for the life of the balance 2% - min £3  16.9% - 16.9% Details / Apply