The Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards in the UK

Managing credit card debt can be challenging, especially with high-interest rates eating into your repayments. One of the most effective strategies to clear your credit card debt over time is using a 0% balance transfer credit card. These cards allow you to move existing debt from one card to another, often with a 0% interest period, providing a window to pay off your debt without accumulating additional interest. In this article, we'll show you how to use balance transfer credit cards as an effective way to consolidate and clear debt.

What Are 0% Balance Transfer credit cards  and How Do They Work?

A 0% balance transfer credit card allows you to move debt from one or more existing credit cards to a new credit card that offers a lower interest rate—often 0% for a set period. The goal is simple: give yourself time to repay your debt without additional interest charges, making it easier to clear your balance over time.

For example, if you have a credit card balance of £2,000 on a card charging 22% APR, you're likely paying around £40 per month in interest. By transferring this balance to a card with a 0% interest period for 24 months, every penny you pay goes directly toward clearing your debt rather than servicing interest. However, most balance transfer credit cards charge a one-time transfer fee, typically between 2% and 4% of the transferred amount. It's essential to factor this cost into your decision when choosing a balance transfer card. If you're consistently paying interest every month on your credit card – it's worth sucking up the fee. A 3% transfer fee on a £2000 balance will cost you £60. But if you can pay off your balance witrhin your 0% interest-free period, you could save up to £480 in credit card interest over the course of a year.

How to Use 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards Effectively

Using a 0% balance transfer card correctly can save you hundreds—if not thousands—of pounds in interest payments. Here’s how to maximize its benefits:

1. Choose the Longest 0% Interest Period Possible – The longer the interest-free period, the more time you have to clear your debt.

2. Check the Transfer Fee – While a lower transfer fee is preferable, a longer interest-free period might justify a slightly higher fee.

3. Make Regular Payments – Divide your total balance by the interest-free months and aim to pay off the full amount before the period ends.

4. Avoid New Purchases – Many balance transfer cards charge high interest on new purchases. Keep your spending in check.

5. Never Miss a Payment – Missing a payment can result in losing your 0% rate and reverting to a high APR.

 Example

Jane has a credit card debt of £3,500 with an APR of 18%. She transfers this balance to a card offering a 0% interest period for 24 months with a 3% transfer fee (£105). By setting up a direct debit of £146 per month, she clears her debt within the interest-free period, saving over £500 in interest payments compared to staying on her existing credit card.

Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards in the UK

1. Barclaycard Platinum 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card

Pros:

• Up to 31 months of 0% interest

• No annual fee

Cons:

• 3.45% balance transfer fee

• Not all applicants qualify for the full 31-month period

2. Santander Everyday Long-Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

Pros:

• 29 months of 0% interest

• No annual fee

Cons:

• 3.4% balance transfer fee

• Foreign transaction fees apply

3. MBNA 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card

Pros:

• 23 months interest-free period

• No monthly or annual fees

Cons:

• 5% balance transfer fee after the introductory period

4. Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card

Pros:

• Minimum 16 months of 0% interest (may be longer depending on eligibility)

• Competitive 3% balance transfer fee

Cons:

• Transfer fee rises to 5% after 60 days

• Minimum income requirement of £7,000

5. Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card

Pros:

• 30 months of guaranteed 0% interest

• Low 2.95% transfer fee

Cons:

• Transfer fee rises to 3.99% after 9 months

• Not everyone qualifies for the card

Avoiding Credit Card Interest 

While balance transfer credit cards are a great tool for managing credit card debt, Curve Wallet offers another way to avoid interest charges. Curve is a digital wallet that allows you to Go Back in Time® and move past transactions from one card to another up to 120 days after purchase.

How This Helps You Save Money

• If you make a large purchase on a high-interest credit card, you can move it to a 0% balance transfer credit card later.

• If you find yourself unable to pay your full credit card bill in a given month, you can move transactions to another credit card, giving you an extra 30 days to clear the balance.

For example, imagine you bought a new laptop for £1,200 but later realised you’d struggle to clear the balance before your credit card’s due date. With Curve, you could move this transaction to another credit card d, effectively giving yourself more time to pay without incurring interest.  Curve also gives you the option of splitting old transactions into monthly instalments to split the cost. 

The best 0% balance transfer credit cards provide a smart way to tackle credit card debt without being burdened by high-interest charges. Choosing the right card, planning your repayments, and leveraging digital tools like Curve’s Go Back in Time® can help you regain control of your finances and stop the revolving door of debt.

Before applying, always check your eligibility to avoid unnecessary credit checks and ensure you qualify for the best offers. By making strategic financial moves, you can become debt-free faster and keep more of your hard-earned money.