Balance Transfer Calculator 2026

Compare the cost of staying on your current card versus moving to a 0% balance transfer deal. See exactly how much interest you could save.

Total Interest Saved
£0
Enter your details to calculate
Interest (Current Card)
£0
Interest (Transfer Card)
£0
Transfer Fee
£0
Net Saving After Fee
£0
Payoff (Current Card)
-
Payoff (Transfer Card)
-
Enter your details to get started.
Balance Over Time
How It Works

Scenario A (current card) simulates paying your chosen monthly amount against the existing APR. Interest accrues each month on the remaining balance at APR / 12.

Scenario B (balance transfer) adds the one-off transfer fee to your balance on day one, then charges zero interest during the introductory period. Once the 0% window closes, the revert APR kicks in on any remaining balance.

The breakeven point is the month at which your cumulative interest savings exceed the transfer fee you paid upfront. After that point every month saves you money compared to staying on your current card.

Always try to clear the full balance before the 0% period ends. Set a calendar reminder 2-3 months before the deadline so you have time to arrange another transfer or accelerate payments.

Balance Transfer Deals · What to Look For

Typical UK balance transfer card terms in 2026

Card Type 0% Period Transfer Fee Revert APR Best For
Long 0% period30-34 months2.5-3.5%22-25%Large balances, slower payers
Fee-free short deal12-18 months0%20-24%Small balances, fast payers
Mid-range deal24-28 months1.5-2.5%21-24%Most borrowers
Rewards card6-12 months0-1%24-30%Clearing quickly + cashback

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Balance Transfer FAQs

What is a balance transfer and how does it work?
A balance transfer moves existing credit card debt to a new card, usually one offering 0% interest for an introductory period. You pay a one-off transfer fee (typically 2-3%) on day one and then owe no interest during the 0% window. Any balance remaining when the introductory period ends reverts to the card's standard APR · often 20-25% · so it is vital to clear or re-transfer before then.
Is a balance transfer worth it if I can pay off the debt quickly?
If you can clear the balance within a few months on your current card, the transfer fee may cost more than the interest you would have paid anyway. Use our calculator to compare both totals. The longer the 0% period and the higher your current APR, the more likely a transfer makes financial sense · a typical 23.9% APR on £3,000 costs around £600-700 in interest over two years.
Will a balance transfer affect my credit score?
Applying for a new card triggers a hard credit search which can temporarily lower your score by a small amount. Opening a new account also reduces the average age of your accounts. However, moving to a 0% card and consistently paying down your balance reduces your credit utilisation ratio, which typically improves your score over the medium term · often outweighing the short-term dip.
What happens when the 0% balance transfer period ends?
Once the introductory period expires, any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the card's standard purchase APR · often 20-25%. You should aim to clear the full balance before the 0% period ends, or arrange another balance transfer if a competitive deal is available. Set a reminder 2-3 months before the end date so you have time to act without rushing.
Can I spend on a balance transfer card without paying interest?
Most balance transfer cards charge their standard purchase APR on any new spending from day one · the 0% rate applies only to the transferred balance. Payments you make may also be applied to the cheapest debt first (under FCA rules, to the most expensive since 2011), but it is safest to keep new purchases off the card entirely. Some cards also offer 0% on purchases for a shorter period · check the full terms before applying.

For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Representative APR examples used · Always check the specific terms of any credit card before applying