Balance transfer credit cards
If you want to keep all your existing balances in one place, a balance transfer credit card could be a good way to do this.
What is a balance transfer credit card?
- Move existing credit card and some store card balances to a single credit card.
- With everything in one place, your finances could be easier to manage.
- Transferring your balances to another provider could reduce your borrowing costs, but remember that transfer fees may apply.
Will I be accepted?
See if you’re likely to be approved for a Halifax credit card. Your credit score won’t be affected and there’s no obligation to apply afterwards.
Introductory offer
Balance transfer credit cards usually come with an introductory offer, so when you transfer a balance from one card to another, you’ll pay that interest rate until it comes to an end. Transfer fees may apply.
Move your balance
You could move your current credit or store card balances to a card with an introductory offer on balance transfers.
Easy management
You could put your current credit card and some store card balances together, so they’re easier to manage.
Standard account features
- Manage your account online: using your computer, tablet or phone, you can check balances, recent transactions and statements, make payments, request transfers and more.
- Complete fraud protection: you won’t be charged for transactions you didn’t authorise, as long as you tell us right away when you spot something odd, or lose your card.
- Lots of payment options: you can make your monthly payments in a number of ways, including bank transfer, debit card and regular Direct Debit payments.
- UK call centres: our UK based contact centres are just a phone call away, with essential services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Contactless cards: make small payments securely and quickly, wherever you see the contactless symbol. You can also add your card details to a compatible mobile device, ready to use online and at checkouts.
- Paperless statements: monthly statements will be delivered online, instead of by post. We’ll let you know by email when a new statement is ready to view online.
Frequently asked questions
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Transfers are subject to security checks, so they’re not guaranteed. However, once approved, balance transfers should be complete by the next working day. Transfers can’t be cancelled, and fees can’t be returned.
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The minimum amount for balance transfers is £100. You can transfer up to 93% of your credit limit, including your existing balance, just to allow for fees and any other in-flight transactions.
It’s important to keep track of your payments and balance. You could lose any promotional interest rates if you break the terms and conditions of your credit card account, for example, by missing a payment or going over your credit limit.
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When introductory interest rates expire, the standard interest rates will apply to any balances you haven’t repaid, potentially increasing your borrowing costs.
It’s important to know that you could lose your introductory rate if you don’t make at least the minimum payment on time each month, or you go over your credit limit. Making the monthly minimum payment probably won’t be enough to clear your balance before any offers expire, especially if you’ve used your card for other things, so pay more whenever you can.
Things to look out for:
- The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is usually based on the card purchase interest rate, accounting for standard account costs, such as annual fees. As well as giving you an idea about the annual cost of borrowing, the APR is also a quick way to compare credit products.
- The lowest and longest lasting introductory interest rates are usually offered on one transaction type, e.g. card purchases, so think about the main reason you need a credit card.
- You can use a balance transfer credit card to make purchases and other types of transaction, but higher interest rates might apply. You could avoid paying interest by repaying your balance in full every month.
- Only borrow what you can realistically afford to repay. Will you be able to make payments, even if your circumstances changed?
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When applying for a credit card, it’s important to make sure the one you choose suits your needs.
If you have existing credit or store cards, a balance transfer credit card could help you bring everything together, making your finances easier to manage month-to-month.
Transferring your balances to another provider could also reduce your borrowing costs, but remember that transfer fees may apply.
Balance transfer credit cards might offer introductory interest rates for a period of time, sometimes as low as 0%, but make sure you understand any associated terms and conditions.
If you have other debts, such as a personal loan or overdraft that you want to combine, a debt consolidation loan could be an alternative borrowing option.
There are also other types of credit cards available that may be more suitable for your needs. Do your homework about what each card offers to find the one that’s right for you.
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Rather than display all of the credit cards we offer, we’ll only show you the ones you’re eligible to apply for.
Provide a few basic details and our eligibility checker will do the rest, giving you a clearer idea of the credit limit and interest rate you could get. It also means you’re less likely to be declined, or offered a different rate when you submit a full credit application.
This check takes about five minutes to complete, and won’t affect your credit score.
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You can apply for a credit card if:
- You’re a UK resident, aged 18 or over, with a regular annual income.
- You are free of County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) or bankruptcies.
- You’re not unemployed or a student.
- You’ve not been declined for a Halifax credit card within the last 30 days.
You’ll need to complete an eligibility check first, then we’ll show you the credit cards, interest rates and credit limit we could offer you.
This check takes about five minutes to complete, and won’t affect your credit score. We’ll just need some basic details from you, including your name, address, and some information about your income and outgoings.
Once you’ve found the card you want to apply for, simply follow the instructions to complete a full credit application.
Check your eligibility or find out more about how to apply for a credit card.
Will I be accepted?
See if you’re likely to be approved for a Halifax credit card. Your credit score won’t be affected and there’s no obligation to apply afterwards.
Get clued up on credit
Your credit score can impact what cards and interest rates you could get. Learn more about how credit works, how to check and improve your credit score, and more.
Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.