If you’re carrying credit card debt, a 0% APR balance transfer card can be a smart move—giving you a window of time to pay off your balance interest-free. In 2025, many UK banks are offering extended 0% periods of 18 months or more, helping you reduce your debt faster without racking up extra charges.
Below is a comparison of the top 0% balance transfer credit cards in the UK with 18+ months of interest-free offers, including fees, eligibility, and special perks.
🔍 What Is a Balance Transfer Card?
A balance transfer credit card allows you to move existing debt from one or more cards to a new one. This helps you avoid high interest charges, provided you pay off the balance within the promotional period.
🏆 Top 0% APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards (UK – 2025)
1. Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card
- 0% Duration: Up to 21 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: 1.75% (or 0% on shorter terms)
- Representative APR: 24.9% (variable) after intro
- Eligibility: Good to excellent credit
Best For: Longest interest-free period with manageable fees
2. Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card
- 0% Duration: Up to 20 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: 2.88%
- Representative APR: 23.9% variable
- Extra Perk: Nectar points on spending
Best For: Everyday spenders who shop at Sainsbury’s
3. Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card
- 0% Duration: Up to 18–20 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: As low as 2.99%
- Representative APR: 24.9% variable
- Bonus: App-based controls, card freeze, and budgeting tools
Best For: Tech-savvy users wanting full control
4. MBNA Long Balance Transfer Credit Card
- 0% Duration: Up to 18 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: 2.99%
- Representative APR: 23.9% variable
- Special Feature: Multiple balance transfers from different cards
Best For: Consolidating multiple debts in one place
5. Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Card
- 0% Duration: Up to 18 months
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3.49%
- Representative APR: 24.9% variable
- Perk: Earn Tesco Clubcard points on everyday spending
Best For: Tesco shoppers managing debt
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Credit Card | 0% Duration | Transfer Fee | Post-Intro APR | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Platinum | Up to 21 mo | 1.75% | 24.9% | Long balance relief |
| Sainsbury’s Bank | Up to 20 mo | 2.88% | 23.9% | Nectar rewards |
| Virgin Money | Up to 20 mo | 2.99% | 24.9% | App-based features |
| MBNA | Up to 18 mo | 2.99% | 23.9% | Multiple transfers |
| Tesco Bank | Up to 18 mo | 3.49% | 24.9% | Clubcard earnings |
✅ Things to Know Before You Apply
- Credit Score Matters: You’ll typically need a good-to-excellent credit score to qualify for the longest 0% offers.
- Fees Apply: While some cards offer low or no transfer fees, others charge 1–3% upfront.
- Stick to the Plan: If you don’t clear the balance by the end of the intro period, interest kicks in.
- Minimum Payments: Always make at least the minimum monthly payment to avoid penalty rates.
- Avoid Spending: Interest-free offers often apply only to the transferred balance—not new purchases.
💡 Tips to Maximize Your 0% APR Period
- Transfer quickly: Most cards require you to transfer within 60–90 days to qualify for the 0% rate.
- Set up autopay: Avoid missing payments, which could cancel the 0% offer.
- Use a repayment calculator: Divide your balance by the number of interest-free months to stay on track.
🧠 Final Verdict
A balance transfer card with an 18-month 0% APR can give you real breathing room to pay off debt in 2025. If you’re looking for the longest relief, Barclaycard Platinum offers up to 21 months interest-free. For loyal shoppers, Tesco Bank and Sainsbury’s Bank also bring in value with loyalty points.
Choose based on your credit score, fees you’re willing to pay, and your ability to repay during the interest-free window.
FAQs
Q. Does a balance transfer affect my credit score?
Yes, applying for a new card causes a small dip, but paying off debt faster can improve your score in the long run.
Q. Can I transfer balances from multiple cards?
Yes—cards like MBNA allow multiple transfers up to your credit limit.
Q. What happens if I don’t pay off the balance in 18 months?
Your remaining balance will start accruing interest at the standard APR, often 23–25% or more.