Compare Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Why compare balance transfer credit cards with Finance.co.uk

We’ll check your eligibility to show you the credit cards and deals you’re most likely to get. You can then compare deals side by side to find the right card for you.

• Get a decision and see deals in minutes

• Compare balance transfer cards from a range of top providers

• Only see credit cards you’re eligible for

• Check eligibility with no impact on your credit score

We use your information to do a ‘soft check’ on your credit record to assess your eligibility - which means it has no impact on your credit record. 

How to find the best balance transfer credit card

To help you find the right deal, we just need to know about your:

• Income, including your employment status, start date and annual income

• Household, including your homeowner status, your share of rent or mortgage payments and your address 

• Personal details, including your name, date of birth, number of dependents and contact details 

We use this information to check your eligibility so we can show you the best balance transfer credit cards available to you.

Here's an in-depth look at how balance transfer credit cards work.

How to compare balance transfer credit cards

The deals you’ll see will depend on your credit score and financial situation. You will get access to a better deal if you have a good credit rating. 

When comparing balance transfer cards, there are a few factors you should consider:

• The interest-free period: Most balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory period in which you won’t be charged interest on your transfer. This means the longer the interest-free period, the longer you’ll have to pay off your debt without being charged interest.

• The balance transfer fee: Most cards will charge you a fee to make a transfer. This can be a flat fee, but it is usually a percentage of the balance you transfer. This is typically between 1 and 4%, and there may be a minimum fee if you transfer a small amount.

• The interest rate: After the introductory period is over, you will be charged interest on your balance if you haven’t paid it off. It’s important to check this, especially if you don’t think you’ll clear your debt in time.

• Your current credit card provider: You can’t transfer your balance to a new card with the same provider, so bear this in mind when comparing and discount these deals from your search.

The right card for you will depend on your circumstances. For example, if you think you can pay off the balance quickly, a card with a lower transfer fee might be better than one with a long introductory period. 

However, if you need a long time to repay your debt without facing interest, go for the card with the longest 0% period. Learn more about how balance transfer credit cards work here.

Can I get a balance transfer credit card?

You need a good credit history to get approved for credit card balance transfers.

Most credit card providers require a good or excellent credit score. You can check your credit score for free on apps like Clear Score, Experian and Credit Karma.

If you apply for a balance transfer card and get turned down, your credit score could be negatively impacted. This is why we check your eligibility first: You only see the cards you’re likely to get and can apply with confidence.

If you need to improve your credit score, there are several things you can do, including:

• Register on the electoral roll

• Never miss a bill payment

• Keep your credit utilisation low

• Check for errors in your report

• Avoid moving around a lot

• Build your credit history by taking out credit-building products (such as a credit builder card)

• Monitor your accounts for fraudulent activity

• Avoid multiple credit applications in a short space of time

• Stay within your credit limit

• Use eligibility calculators before applying for any form of credit

To be eligible for a credit card, you will also need to be over the age of 18 or 21 with some providers. You may also need to show you have a steady income and can afford to repay what you spend or transfer onto your card.

Can I get a balance transfer card with bad credit?

It’s not impossible, but you’re unlikely to be accepted for the best balance transfer cards if you have a poor credit record.

The deals you will be eligible for are likely to be much more expensive than the leading offers. It may also be difficult to find a deal that offers a long 0% introductory rate. 

Most balance transfer cards for bad credit charge higher interest rates once the 0% offer runs out. If you can’t be sure you’ll be able to repay your balance before the higher interest rate kicks in, it might be best to keep your debt on your existing credit card - especially if it has a lower APR.

Advantages of balance transfer cards

The main advantages of using a balance transfer credit card include:

• Moving expensive debt onto a 0% card will save you money in interest

• They can help you pay off debt faster as you won’t be paying interest for a period

• You can consolidate several credit card balances onto one card, making them cheaper and easier to manage

• Some cards offer rewards or cashback when you make a balance transfer

Disadvantages of balance transfer cards

There are a few downsides that you need to be aware of before you apply, including:

• You will need a good or excellent credit score to access the best balance transfer deals

• You will need to pay a fee every time you make a balance transfer, so make sure what you will save in interest is more than the cost of the fee

• The interest rates after the 0% period can be high, so make sure you can clear the balance before then

• Any purchases you make with the card may not qualify for the 0% rate and could incur interest charges

Alternatives to a balance transfer credit card

A balance transfer credit card can be a great way to reduce the cost of your debts and help you pay off expensive card balances. However, there are some alternatives you could consider:

• Money transfer cards: This type of credit card allows you to transfer money to your current account rather than another credit card. They can help you clear debts like an expensive overdraft, but they also come with transfer fees.

• Debt consolidation loans: This type of loan is designed to pay off any expensive borrowing you have, leaving you with one manageable payment. 

• Overdraft: You could use your overdraft to pay off expensive credit cards, but make sure the interest is less than what you are currently paying. Overdrafts can be expensive, so this should be a last resort.