Balance transfer and purchase credit cards

A credit card that likes to multitask

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Move debt and spend with ease

Transfer balances and make new purchases with a card offering 0% interest

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Check your eligibility before applying, without impacting your credit score

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What is a 0% balance transfer and purchase credit card?

With a 0% balance transfer and purchase credit card, you can move existing debt and make new purchases without paying interest for a set time.

You’ll usually pay a one-off balance transfer fee of around 2-4%, but this can still work out cheaper than ongoing interest.

This type of card is also known as:

An all-round credit card
A combined (or 'combo') card, or
A dual credit card.

Did you know...

The average income of people who apply for a combined balance transfer and purchase credit card from Compare the Market is £44,999, and their average age is 41.¹

How do balance transfer and purchase credit cards work?

Use it the right way, and a balance transfer and purchase credit card can help you clear what you owe and stay on top of your spending.

Here’s how you can make the most of the interest-free benefits of an all-round credit card:

Transfer your balance

Spend on the card

Pay off the balance

Our best 0% balance transfer and purchase credit cards

Here are some standout all-rounder cards, which offer 0% on both balance transfers and purchases, from our panel of providers. Of course, the right card for you will depend on your situation, so always compare options and check the T&Cs.

Last updated 11 September 2026

0% balance transfer and purchase

Lloyds 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card: 25 months 0% on purchases & 23 months 0% on balance transfers
0% purchase period
25 months
0% balance transfer period
23 months
Transfer fee
2.99%
Check eligibility
What you should know
- Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
- If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
- When the promotional offer ends and for transfers made after the first 90 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
MBNA Dual 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card: 24 months 0% on purchases & 24 months 0% on balance transfers
0% purchase period
24 months
0% balance transfer period
24 months
Transfer fee
3.49%
Check eligibility
What you should know
- Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
- When the promotional offer ends and for purchases and balance transfers made after the first 60 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
- If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
- Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
- Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**
Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Card: 24 months 0% on purchases & 21 months 0% on balance transfers
0% purchase period
24 months
0% balance transfer period
21 months
Transfer fee
3.45%
Check eligibility
What you should know
- Not available to existing Barclaycard customers
Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 0.00%, representative 24.90% APR**

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Any 0% interest applies as long as you make at least minimum monthly repayments. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

**Representative APR: the estimated cost of borrowing – calculated as an annual percentage rate – after the 0% period ends.

How we choose which 0% dual credit cards to feature

We offer lots of different credit cards via our panel of lenders, so when deciding which ones to feature on this page we prioritise:

Longest 0% on purchase period
Longest 0% on balance transfer period (within 3 months of the purchase period)
Cards where you get the full 0% length if accepted (not 'up to' a certain number of months)
Lowest balance transfer fee (if applicable)
Time you have in which to make a transfer or purchase to get 0% (longer periods ranked higher)
Standout offers, such as cashback or vouchers
Lowest representative APR

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual credit cards?

Advantages

Two types of 0% interest in one – applying for several cards at once can dent your credit rating. This card type gives you both spending power and a way to manage debt, all with zero interest until the end of the respective 0% periods
Offers simplicity and flexibility – with only one card to keep track of, you’ve no juggling balances or due dates across multiple accounts
Perks and rewards – some all-round cards offer extras such as cashback to give you a little something back when you spend.

Disadvantages

Shorter 0% interest periods – all-round cards often have shorter interest-free periods compared with a dedicated balance transfer or purchase card. So, make sure you’re getting enough time to clear the balances
Different 0% periods – the interest-free periods for purchases and transfers might not match up, so keep an eye on when each one ends. After this, the standard rate (usually much higher) kicks in
Balance transfer fee and potential penalties – as with regular balance transfer cards, a fee of 2-4% will usually apply to the debt you transfer. And, as with all credit cards, if you miss a payment or pay late you’re likely to lose your deal, pay a fine and damage your credit score.

What fees are payable with balance transfer and purchase credit cards?

The card will usually come with a balance transfer fee, which is typically 2-4% of the amount you’re transferring. For example:

You want to move an existing balance of £1,000 with a 2% transfer fee
You’ll pay £20 for your transfer fee, which is added to your balance
The total you’ll owe on the transferred debt is £1,020

There may be other fees depending on how you use the card, such as:

Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance fees
Late payment or missed payment fees
Annual or monthly fees.

All fees should be set out in your card’s terms and conditions.

Should I get a combined 0% balance transfer and purchase card?

Whether a combined 0% balance transfer and purchase card is right for you depends on your financial needs and goals.

Save and spend

If you want to reduce credit card debt and make purchases too, a combined interest-free card could be a useful compromise

Pay down debt

If you just want to pay down credit card debt, a 0% balance transfer card with a longer 0% period and lower balance transfer fee might suit your circumstances better

Spread big costs

If you just want to spread the cost of an expensive purchase, a 0% purchase card might give you longer to pay

Did you know?

14% of people applying for credit cards via our site choose a combined balance transfer and purchase card, making it our third most popular card type.¹

How to get the best balance transfer and purchase card

Compare deals to find the best 0% balance transfer and purchase credit cards to suit you. Look for the card that gives you the longest 0% period on both balance transfers and purchases. Take fees into account, too – generally, the lower the balance transfer fee, the better.

Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply for a balance transfer and purchase credit card you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility and is based on the credit card provider’s assessment of your individual circumstances.

Find a card

Top tips for balance transfer and purchase credit cards

Check the 0% end dates carefully

The 0% period for purchases and balance transfers isn’t always the same. For example, purchases might be interest-free for 18 months and balance transfers for 24 months.

Always keep up with your minimum payments

Missing one could mean fees, losing your 0% deal, and a knock to your credit score.

Make sure you’re not moving a balance within the same banking group

For example, you can’t move debt from one Barclaycard to another, or from HSBC to First Direct (and vice versa).

Aim to fully clear off your debt

Pay off the full balance before the balance transfer and purchase 0% period ends or you’ll start building up interest.

Remember to plan ahead for when the 0% deals finish

If there’s a balance left, you might look at transferring it again. If the debt is cleared, you could switch to a card that better suits what you want to do next.

What do I need to compare balance transfer and purchase credit cards?

To compare balance transfer and purchase cards with us, it helps to have some basic information to hand. This includes:

Your name, date of birth, and relationship status
Your annual salary and details of any other income
Any dependants you have
Your address, the date you moved in, and your monthly rent or mortgage payment

We’ll show you which cards you’re likely to be accepted for without having an impact on your credit score.

Check the details of any credit card deal carefully so you know how long any 0% offer lasts, and be sure of the key terms and conditions.

What our expert says...

“Combined balance transfer and purchase credit cards can be really handy if you need a single card to serve multiple purposes, and want to avoid applying for multiple cards in a short space of time – in fact I recently took one out myself to simplify my borrowing.

"Just be mindful that the 0% interest periods can be different for purchases made on the card and your transferred balance. And check whether there’s a time limit on when you can transfer your balance in order to qualify for the 0% rate.”

Ele Clark, Personal finance and insurance expert

Transfer and purchase card guides

Understand how dual cards work, including 0% periods, fees, and keeping on top of your debt

Woman holding credit card while sitting at desk

Balance transfer credit cards

Moving existing debt to a 0% card can help you save on interest for longer

Card types

Switching between 0% credit card offers

Find out how often you can switch, and what to watch out for

Card types

Minimum repayments on 0% cards

You'll need to keep up to date with your payments to keep your 0% deal

Eligibility

What is a balance transfer?

Balance transfers can help you repay debt more quickly and cheaply

All credit card guides

Credit card repayment calculator

A simples way to estimate your repayments and plan ahead

Credit card eligibility checker

Check your chances risk-free before you make an application

FAQs

What is a balance transfer?

A balance transfer moves debt to a new credit card, often with a lower or 0% interest rate for a set time to help you save on interest.

You’ll usually pay a one-off fee that’s around 2–4% of the amount being transferred.

Learn more about how balance transfers work.

Can I get a balance transfer and purchase credit card if I have bad credit?

It’s possible to get a balance transfer and purchase credit card if you have bad credit, but you might have fewer options.

If your application is accepted:

It’s likely you’ll be offered a shorter 0% interest period and a lower credit limit
You might also be charged a higher balance transfer fee.

Where can I get help with managing debt?

If you’re worried about debt, you can get free support from:

Debt advice charities, including StepChange and National Debtline
MoneyHelper, which offers information on debt management as well as free debt advice.

You can find more on our page about how to get out of debt.

Does a balance transfer affect your credit score?

Balance transfers won’t hurt your credit score directly. But each time you apply for a new card, it knocks a few points off your score in the short term.

The good news? In the long run, you could improve your credit score if a balance transfer helps you tackle your debts and pay them off sooner.

What happens to an old credit card after a balance transfer?

When you transfer a balance, your old card usually stays open. You may still owe money on it and need to keep making repayments if you couldn’t move over the whole balance to the new card.

Keeping the old card open with a low or zero balance could help your credit score. But if you’re worried about spending more, closing it might be the more sensible option.

Find out more about what happens to your old credit card after a balance transfer.

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Reviewed 11 Sept 2026 by Charlie Evans Personal finance expert

Charlie is a senior commercial leader with close to a decade of experience across the UK’s leading personal-finance and comparison platforms. Before joining Compare the Market as Head of Commercial in 2024, he held senior commercial roles at TotallyMoney and MoneySuperMarket Group.

Methodology

¹Correct as of June 2026.