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.
- Uswitch.com>
- Credit cards>
- Find a 0% balance transfer and purchase credit card - Save up to £768.69
Compare 0% balance transfer and purchase cards
0% balance transfer and purchase cards
Spread the cost of spending interest free and save money on interest
Find your ideal credit card in seconds
Add your details to our eligibility checker
Explore your options from top credit card providers
Choose the right card for your needs
December 2024's savings
Save up to £768.69* in interest with a 0% balance transfer card
Find your ideal credit card in seconds
Add your details to our eligibility checker
Explore your options from top credit card providers
Choose the right card for your needs
1,130,072 customers have visited Uswitch to explore credit cards in the last 12 months
16,827 people used our eligibility checker in December 2024
*£768.69 is a representative example of the interest a customer would save in the first 12 months. Example based on a £3,500 balance transferred from a card with 29.9% APR to a 0% card for 31 months, then 24.9% (variable), with a fixed monthly payment of £175. Representative APR 24.9%. See more here: Uswitch savings
Find the best credit cards from trusted providers
Our experts browse hundreds of products to find the best deals
Our best 0% balance transfer and purchase cards
25 results found, sorted by longest balance transfer period.
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (31 Mths)
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for31months with a3.45%fee
Transfer fee
3.45%
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
- Get £20 cashback when you transfer a balance of £2,500 or more within 60 days of opening your account. Offer ends 6 February 2025. T&Cs apply
- Earn up to 15% cashback automatically when you spend at a range of participating retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards. This is a new benefit, available to all Barclaycard Visa credit card customers. T&Cs apply.
Eligibility
- be a permanent UK resident
- be 21 years or over
- not have had any Individual Voluntary arrangements, County Court Judgements and must not have been declared bankrupt
- not already hold a Barclaycard credit card
- best suited to customers with an income of £20,000
- additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card (30 Mths)
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for30months 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 made within 60 days of account opening for 30 months from the date of transfer
- You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Eligibility
- You must have an annual income/pension before tax of £6,800 or more
- You must be a resident of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
- You must be over 18
- The APR is dependent on your personal circumstances
- No balance transfers from HSBC, First Direct, Marks and Spencer or John Lewis
Lloyds Bank 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for29months with a2.49%fee
Transfer fee
2.49%
Interest on purchases
0%for6months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.94% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
- Up to 29 months 0% on balance transfers ( 2.49% fee) made within 90 days of account opening 5% fee thereafter.
- 0% on purchases made in the first 6 months from account opening.
Eligibility
- be a permanent UK resident
- be 18 or older
- have a good credit rating
- not been declined a Lloyds Bank credit card within the last 30 days
- You cannot transfer a balance from another card issued by Lloyds Bank
- additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for28months with a3.9%fee (£5 min.)
Transfer fee
3.9%(£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% for 28 months, 3.9% balance transfer fee (minimum £5)
- 0% for 3 months on purchases
- Up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchases.
- Up to 3 additional cardholders (you will be responsible for the use of and payments on the additional cards).
- Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised for you with Santander Boosts.
- Credit is subject to status, to UK residents aged 18 and over.
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%for27months 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 27 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
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (22/19) (31.9%)
Representative APR (variable)
31.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for22months with a3.45%fee
Transfer fee
3.45%
Interest on purchases
0%for19months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 31.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
Get £20 cashback when you transfer a balance of £2,500 or more within 60 days of opening your account. Offer ends 6 February 2025. T&Cs apply
MBNA Dual 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Interest on balance transfers
0%for22months with a3.49%fee
Transfer fee
3.49%
Interest on purchases
0%for22months
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.94% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
More Information
Additional information
- Balance transfers – 0% for up to 22 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening ( 3.49% Transfer Fee), then 5% fee thereafter
- Purchases – 0% for up to 22 months on purchases made within the first 60 days of account opening
- Money transfers – 0% for up to 9 months on money transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening ( 4% Transfer Fee), then 5% fee thereafter
- You may be eligible to apply for this as a second credit card. Terms apply
Eligibility
- be a UK resident for at least 3 years
- be 18 or older
- hold a UK bank or building society account
- have a good credit history
- not have been declined for an MBNA credit card within the last 30 days
- You cannot transfer a balance from another card issued by MBNA
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
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 balance transfer and purchase credit card lets you manage existing debt and new spending on a single card, often with the added benefit of 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases for a set period.
This type of card can help you save money by reducing interest costs on your current debt through a balance transfer. At the same time, the 0% interest on purchases allows you to spread the cost of new spending without paying extra in interest, as long as you meet the repayment terms. It’s a practical choice for simplifying your finances and managing borrowing more affordably.
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
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.
Unlock the best credit card deals for you
See which credit cards you're eligible for in just a few clicks
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. Explore our balance transfer credit cards if you are only looking to transfer a balance without paying interest.
Balance transfer and purchase FAQs
What does APR mean?
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a key figure that helps you compare credit card offers more easily. It represents the total cost of borrowing on a credit card, including both the interest rate and any standard fees (like annual fees or late payment charges).
After any introductory 0% interest period ends, the APR will tell you how much you'll pay on any outstanding balances. Generally, a higher APR means higher interest charges and larger repayments, so it’s important to find a card with a competitive APR, especially if you’re carrying a balance after the promotional period.
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 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 time you need to pay off your credit card depends on the length of the 0% purchase period, so look for a card that offers the longest interest-free term to give yourself more flexibility.
How does the balance transfer period work?
The balance transfer period is a set amount of time during which you won’t be charged interest on the debt you’ve moved from an old credit card to a new one. Typical 0% interest periods range from 18 to 24 months, with the best deals offering up to 30 months. However, there’s usually a one-time transfer fee, often between 1% and 4% of the transferred balance. If you want to avoid paying a fee, check out our no-fee balance transfer credit cards.
Always make at least the minimum monthly payments, but aim to clear your balance before the 0% period ends to avoid high interest charges on any remaining debt.
How does the purchase period work?
A 0% purchase period allows you to make purchases with your credit card without paying interest for a set time. This can be useful for spreading the cost of big expenses. However, you should aim to repay the balance in full before the 0% period ends to avoid being charged interest on any remaining debt. If your card offers both 0% purchase and balance transfer periods, note that they may have different end dates, so it's important to track them separately.
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.
About the author
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Our best deals on a range of credit card categories by use:
Our top credit cards by type, most popular deals and business cards
Customer Reviews
by 27,769 people
Gives clear information that is easy to…
Gives clear information that is easy to understand.
Jane White
Good service
Good service
Mourad Biri
Clear and simple
All went well, an easy switch.
Marcus Neal