0% balance transfer card battle heats up as Nationwide take market by storm

It can be argued that there has never been a better time to acquire a 0% balance transfer card than at present, with banks and building societies clamouring to top the table of best buys, and transfer fees reaching their lowest point in years. 

Nationwide Building Society have unveiled their new 26 month, 0% balance transfer card offering, that astonishingly comes with a transfer fee of just 0.75%. 

This is resoundingly lower than the next cheapest cards on the market, such as Tescoís Clubcard Credit Card, which charges a 2.9% transfer fee, and means that someone who transfers £9000 worth of debt would have to pay less than £200 to do so.

However, as with all standout offerings, there are stipulations that must be met in order to qualify, and those who wish to acquire the card must already be a Nationwide Flex Account holder in order to be legible.

Applicants must also apply before March 31st, as this is when the offer officially expires, and must accept a reversion to a 17.9% rate on purchases once the initial offer period comes to an end. 

Balance transfer cards have typically been a frequent device utilised by individuals with high creditor debts in order to manage their financial situation better.

Essentially, those with relatively high levels of unsecured debt can place it into the 0% balance transfer accounts, and then enjoy paying no interest on the debts they have accrued for the entirety of the offer period.  The only financial obligation they must fulfil in order to achieve this is the transfer fee itself, which usually does not amount to anymore than £500 for the largest balances.

And Nationwideís new card is the latest in an ongoing series of attractive balance transfer cards that have braced the market in recent times, with long term and shorter term deals steadily improving at all times. It is arguable that there has never been a better time to look round the market and obtain a card, particularly if you are suffering from interest payment overload from your creditor and unsecured debts. 

Market analysts have forecasted that a number of new and similar deals will begin to emerge on the market, as big banks clamber to match Nationwideís unique and highly attractive new deal. 

Nationwideís new deal may also mark a move away from emphasising the length of the 0% period on cards, predicting that providers may instead begin to engage on a price war on the balance transfer fees. 

Other cards to consider

There are a multitude of competitive and attractive balance transfer credit cards on the market at present, and it is worth comparing online in order to determine the best deal for your set of circumstances. The following are a few that have caught our eye.

Bank of Scotland Platinum Balance Transfer Card- 0% on transferred balances for 15 months. The balance transfer fee is 3% though refunds are available to users who fulfil all terms and conditions which could take this down to as low as 0.7%.  The first 6 months of purchases are interest fee, after which users are moved to a rate of 17.9% APR, unless they have a poor credit rating. Only available online, and cannot be acquired from any high street branches. 

Tesco Clubcard Credit Card- 0% on transferred balances for 29 months. The balance transfer fee is 2.9% and the interest rate on purchases is at 18.9% as well. Users can also use the card to pick up Clubcard and reward points, which can then be utilised in Tesco stores to finance future shopping trips.

Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card- 0% on transferred balances for 31 months, which is the longest on the market. The balance transfer fee is 2.99%, and the interest fee on purchases stands at 18.9% as well. However, you receive a 6 month introductory period in which you are entitled to 6 months of 0% interest on purchases, and you receive an assumed credit level of £1,200. 

Halifax Balance Transfer Card- 0% on transferred balances for 30 months, and a balance transfer fee of 3%. Interest rate on purchases is 18.9%, though users should be wary that if their credit rating is poor, they may be offered a lower balance transfer period. 

Halifax All In One Credit Card- 0% on transferred balances for 15 months, as long as they are transferred within 90 days of opening the account. Balance transfer is 3%, though refunds do apply if terms and conditions are met which can take it as low as 0.8%. However, users enjoy a 15 month interest free period on their purchases, after which they are moved to a variable rate of 17.95%.

Lloyds Bank Platinum 15 Month Balance Transfer Card- 0% on transferred balances for 15 months, as long as they are transferred within 90 days of opening the account. The balance transfer fee is 3% though refunds are available that can take this to as low as 0.8%, subject to terms and conditions. 0% interest applicable to purchases made with the card for the first 56 days as long as payments are made on time and in full, after which users are moved to a rate of 18.9% APR.

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