NatWest loosens criteria for market-leading balance transfer card: Here's how it works

Over the past few months lengths on 0% balance transfer credit cards have been rising and this could continue. And NatWest has changed the application criteria for its 0% balance transfer card; no longer do you have to be an existing NatWest customer to apply for it.

But is it worth getting this card if you have existing credit card debt? And how does it compare to other balance transfer cards in the market? Let's take a look.

What is a balance transfer?

If you've built up debt on a credit card a 0% balance transfer could slash your interest rate to zero. That's because these are very special types of credit card that allow you to move over debt from other cards onto them. When you do this you owe your new card instead of the old one.

The 0% lengths on balance transfer cards can vary widely between providers. If you've a less than stellar credit score you might not get accepted for the longest deals either. Also, many of the cards that do offer generous 0% periods charge a fee on any debt you shit across. However, there are a number of no-fee balance transfer cards out there so it's possible to move debt on the cheap.

How a balance transfer card works

If you're paying interest on credit card debt and you shift it to a 0% balance transfer credit card, you won't have to service interest for the duration of the 0% period. That's as long as you play by the rules and ensure you repay at least the minimum each month — preferably you'll be able to repay a lot more (see below).

While a 0% balance transfer credit card can give you huge respite from existing debts, if you use them wisely it may be possible to completely clear your debt without having to pay a penny in interest.

To do this you'll need to work out how much you need to repay each month to clear your balance by the end of the 0% period.

For example, say you transfer £3,000 of credit card debt to a 0% balance transfer card offering 12 interest-free months. In this scenario you'll need to set up monthly payments of £250 to fully clear your balance within the 0% period. The only reason you shouldn't be aiming to clear your debt is if you've pricier debts elsewhere. If this applies to you it's best to concentrate on clearing your most expensive debt first before focusing on anything you have at 0%.

How does NatWest's 33month card work?

NatWest’s 0% balance transfer card remains a competitive option for those looking to manage debt. The card currently offers a 0% interest period of up to 35 months and carries a 3.49% transfer fee on any debt shifted within the first three months. The card's representative APR is 24.9% (variable). While competitive, it is no longer the longest deal available on the market, as competitors like TSB now offer terms reaching up to 38 months.

Natwest's card isn't an 'up to' card. So if you apply you'll either be accepted, or you'll be turned down — you won't be offered fewer months at 0% as is the case with some other balance transfer cards.

How does the card compare?

NatWest’s 35-month offering is no longer the market leader. Currently, TSB holds the top spot, offering up to 38 months at 0% with a 3.49% fee. Barclaycard and Tesco Bank also surpass NatWest, providing up to 36 months interest-free with a slightly lower 3.45% transfer fee. All of these leading cards now carry a representative APR of 24.9% after the promotional period ends.

A shorter 0% period could work out cheaper

The market for no-fee cards has tightened significantly. If you can clear your debt in a year, NatWest offers a no-fee balance transfer card with a 12-month 0% period. However, Barclaycard currently offers the longest no-fee deal at 14 months. For both cards, the representative APR has risen to 24.9% (or 31.9% for the Barclaycard no-fee version), making it vital to clear the balance before the 0% window closes.

Will cards become more generous in future?

While 0% durations have actually increased since 2023—rising from 33 months to a 2026 peak of 38 months—this 'generosity' has come at a cost. Transfer fees have climbed from roughly 2.9% to 3.49%, and representative APRs are notably higher at 24.9%. NatWest is no longer the primary market disruptor but remains a solid 'middle-of-the-pack' provider. As always, these deals are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time, so borrowers should compare the total cost of the fee versus the length of the 0% period before applying.

To see a full list of the latest cards available right now take a look at our best 0% balance transfer credit cards guide.