Balance transfers and 0% offers, explained
A balance transfer moves existing card debt to another card. The attraction is a lower rate, often 0% for a limited time. You still owe the money, so the useful question is what the transfer costs and how much you can repay before the offer ends.
Check that the transfer is possible
An application does not guarantee acceptance, a particular credit limit or the longest promotional period. Check which balances the provider accepts, including restrictions involving the same provider or banking group. Keep paying the old account until the transfer is confirmed.
Put the fee into pounds
An illustrative 3% fee on a £2,500 transfer is £75. If added to the card, the starting balance becomes £2,575. A percentage looks small on an advert; a pound figure makes it easier to compare with the interest you hope to avoid.
Check for a minimum fee and for different fees after the initial transfer window. This example explains the calculation; it is not a currently available offer.
Work backwards from the end date
If that illustrative £2,575 balance and fee both qualify for 24 full months at 0%, dividing by 24 gives £107.2916… a month. Rounding up gives a target of £107.30, with a slightly smaller final payment.
This assumes no new spending or fees and that the promotion stays in place. You must still meet the provider’s minimum each month, even if higher than your planned amount. Our 0% planner lets you try another balance, fee or period.
There can be more than one deadline
Check the deadline for a qualifying transfer as well as the promotional end date. They are different. Check whether the promotional clock starts when the account opens rather than when you move the money.
After the offer ends, the remaining balance can attract the applicable standard rate. Missing required payments can also affect a promotion, depending on its terms.
Make a plan you can follow
Write down the fee in pounds, the confirmed end date and the monthly amount you expect to pay. Set a reminder well before the end date so you have time to review the balance.
Do not build a plan that only works if another lender accepts you for another transfer later. If the payment needed is beyond your budget, speak to the provider or a free debt adviser about the wider situation.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked on 3 November 2026. Examples are illustrative unless identified as reported figures or a provider’s terms. General information, not personal financial advice.