How to make a balance transfer

You could transfer balances from other credit card and some store card providers to a single Halifax credit card. With everything in one place, your finances could be easier to manage.

Our complete guide to balance transfers

What is a balance transfer? Check out our guide, which includes a video on balance transfer basics.

Transfer in four easy steps

1. It’s easy online

Sign in to Online Banking, or the Mobile Banking app, to see available balance transfer interest rate options. Do your sums to make sure the rate you choose suits your needs.

2. Fill in your details

Fill in the transfer details, then submit your request. You may need to complete a quick automated security check, so make sure we’ve got the right contact details for you, and keep your phone handy.

3. Choose how much

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.

4. Then submit

Your transfer is subject to security checks, so it’s 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.

Ready to transfer online?

Simply sign in to get started using Online Banking.

Sign in to transfer

Before you transfer

  • We’ll need the details of the credit card or store card you want to transfer from – particularly the long number from the front of the card.
  • It isn’t possible to transfer balances between cards issued by the same provider. You can only transfer balance from cards featuring the Mastercard®, American Express® or Visa® logo.
  • Once any promotional interest rates end, your standard interest rate will apply to any remaining balance. Read through all of the small print carefully before you submit your transfer request.
  • Continue to make required payments to your existing provider until your transfer is showing as complete on both accounts.

Not a Halifax customer?

If you’re looking for a new Halifax credit card to transfer balances to, use our eligibility checker to find credit cards you’re likely to be accepted for, with no impact to your credit score.

Check your eligibility

Balance transfer cards

Think through your options

  • Does this option suit my borrowing needs, or should I consider other alternatives?
  • Will I be able to make repayments, even if my circumstances change?

Other borrowing options

Other important information
 

  • Balance transfers may be offered at 0% interest, or a low interest rate, for a set period of time. Either could be good options, depending on how long you plan to borrow for.

    Both types of transfer interest rate could be available on your account.

    More on credit card interest rates

     

  • A fee could apply to each individual balance transfer you request. This is usually a percentage of the transfer value and will be added to the total transfer amount. For example, a transfer of £1,000 with a 3% fee would total £1,030.

    More on credit card fees and charges

  • You need to make at least the minimum payment every month. If you pay late or miss a payment, you may have to pay fees, lose any promotional offers you have, and it could damage your credit score.

    If you’ve got a Direct Debit set up to make payments to your account, check the amount. If you normally pay the full balance, you might want to reduce that once you’ve submitted your balance transfer request, unless of course you want to pay everything off when your next statement arrives.

    You might know that different interest rates apply to portions of your balance, based on transaction type and whether the standard or any promotional rates apply. Your latest credit card statement includes a summary of your interest rates.

    As soon as transactions show on your monthly statements, those with a higher-interest rate will be paid before any lower-rate balances, including any promotional rates that might be ending soon.

    Balances with the same interest rate will be paid off in this order:

    1. Cash transactions (ATM or over the counter withdrawals).
    2. Card purchases.
    3. Balance and money transfers.
    4. Default fees, including interest and other charges added.

    For each balance type, the oldest transactions, along with any related fees, charges and insurance, will be repaid first.

  • You could apply to increase your credit limit if you’d like to transfer more, or larger balances, than your current credit limit would allow. Just be aware, requests are subject to status and security checks.

A summary on requesting balance transfers

Move balances from existing credit cards or store cards to a single credit card.

 

  • With all of your borrowing in one place, your balances could be easier to manage.
  • Request a transfer using Online Banking, the Mobile Banking app, by phone or in branch.
  • The minimum balance you can transfer is £100, the maximum depends on your credit limit.
  • We’ll just need the details of the credit or store card you’d like to transfer a balance from.