The best fee-free 0% balance transfer cards

Our pick of the best fee-free 0% balance transfer credit cards for those who don't want to pay a balance transfer fee upfront.

If you want to shift debt to another ‘0%’ credit card, you're usually asked to pay a percentage of the debt upfront in the form of a transfer fee, which is the lender's way of making a profit.

The longest deals on the market (29 months at the time of publishing) generally charge hefty fees, with some exceeding 3%.

While these are still far cheaper than letting debt rack up costly interest, there is a better option out there for those able to pay off their debt in a shorter period of time.

Fee-free balance transfer cards allow you to move debt without paying a penny. But what's the catch?

The 0% periods on offer may understandably be shorter than their fee-charging rivals.

In this article, we look at the truly free balance transfer cards on the market.

The best cards available right now

Credit Card	0% period on balance transfers	Representative APR after 0% period ends
Santander Everyday Credit Card	18 months	18.9%
Sainsbury’s Bank No Balance Transfer Fee Card*	Up to 18 months	20.9%
Barclaycard 15-month Balance Transfer Platinum Card**	Up to 15 months	21.9%

*No balance transfer fee applies to transfers in the first three months of account opening

**No balance transfer fee applies to transfers in the first two months of account opening

Santander's Everyday Credit Card is leading the way with 18 months, plus you won’t incur a fee for transfers at any point during the interest-free period.

Sainsbury’s Bank offers 0% interest for up to 18 months, but you’ll be charged for balance transfers after the first three months of account opening.

It’s worth stressing that NatWest’s Balance Transfer Credit Card, which dominated our best buy table for a long time, has been removed after recently introducing a balance transfer fee.

Will I get the headline rate?

As you can imagine, you’ve got to have a stellar credit rating to get the best deal.

If your score is poor, it’s a good idea to give it a boost. Find out more at How to improve your credit rating and get the best deals.

Still not found the right card for you? View our complete guide to credit cards to see all your options

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