Battle for balance transfer credit card top spot

Barclaycard and Halifax in scrap to top best buy tables.

There is a battle for top spot going on in the balance transfer best buy tables.

Halifax raced into top spot by launching a 36-month 0% balance transfer card with a smaller transfer fee than its rivals.

However, Barclaycard has now reacted by slashing the transfer fees on its top balance transfer cards.

Here’s what the new best buy table looks like:

Credit card	0% period on balance transfers	Balance transfer fee	Cost of transferring £2,000 balance	Representative APR
Barclaycard 36 Month Balance Transfer Visa	36 months	2.49%*	£49.80	18.9%
Halifax 36 Month Balance Transfer Card	36 months	2.9%	£58	18.9%
Virgin 36 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card MasterCard	36 months	2.99%	£59.80	18.9%
Barclaycard 35 Month Balance Transfer Visa	35 months	2.39%*	£47.80	18.9%
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card for Balance Transfer MasterCard	35 months	2.7%	£54	18.9%
MBNA Platinum 35 Month Balance Transfer MasterCard	35 months	2.79%	£55.80	18.9%
Lloyds Bank Online Platinum 35 Month Balance Transfer MasterCard	35 months	3%	£60	18.9%
Bank of Scotland Platinum 35 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card	35 months	3%	£60	18.9%
Fluid 35 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card	35 months	3.1%	£62	18.9%

*Initial fee of 3.5% charged, then portion refunded

If you’re happy with a shorter 0% period, you can get a much lower balance transfer fee. In fact some cards don't charge a transfer fee at all! Have a look at The best 0% balance transfer credit cards for more.

Check your credit rating

Unfortunately, providers only need to give the advertised rates to 51% of successful applicants. If you have a less-than-perfect credit history, you may be offered a different rate. If you want to improve your rating, take a look at How to build and excellent credit history.

And of course, make sure you stay within your credit limit and can make the minimum repayment each month or the 0% offer may be withdrawn.

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