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
NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card (existing NatWest/RBS customers only)*	20 months	19.9%
Santander Everyday Credit Card	18 months	18.9%
Sainsbury’s Bank No Balance Transfer Fee Card (you need to be a Nectar member for six months)**	Up to 18 months	20.9%

*0% on all balance transfers made within the first three months of account opening

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

The NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card is leading the way with 20 months, but you have to be a NatWest or Royal Bank of Scotland customer to get the card.

Alternatively, you can open a Cash ISA with at least £1 to be eligible for this top card according to MoneySavingExpert, but you should make sure this product is right for you first.

Santander's Everyday Credit Card offers just two months less and will be an option for more borrowers, plus you won’t incur a fee for transfers at any point during the 18-month interest-free period.

Sainsbury’s Bank offers 0% interest for up to 18 months, but you have to be a Nectar member for at least six months, and you will be charged for balance transfers after the first three months of account opening.

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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