Compare MBNA credit cards

Part of Lloyds Bank Group, MBNA is frequently to be found battling it out for the longest 0% balance transfer and 0% purchase offers on the market. Rates starting from 13.9% to 24.9%.

4.0 ★★★★★ (917 reviews) Write a review
MBNA Limited

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MBNA offers headline-grabbing transfer and purchase offers, and many of its cards boast competitive rates that the cards revert to when offer periods expire. So whether or not you’re a card user who jumps from offer to offer, MBNA could have an option for you.

Compare MBNA credit cards

Table: sorted by representative APR, promoted deals first
1 - 3 of 3
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Balance transfers Money transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Link Incentive Representative example
MBNA Limited Platinum Visa image
4.5
★★★★★
13.94%
(5% (0% fee if transfer is completed within the first 90 days) fee)
13.94%
(5% fee)
13.94%
£0
0.25% after £1 of yearly spend. Cashback paid January into Card Account. Earn 0.25% cashback on purchases within the first 36 months of account opening. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 13.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 13.9% APR (variable).
MBNA Long 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card image
3.9
★★★★★
0% for 27 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
24.94%
£0
Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 21 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
0% for 21 months reverting to 24.94%
£0
Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
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Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.

MBNA cards are issued on the Mastercard or Visa networks, so they can be used at tens of millions of merchants and ATMs around the world.

I’ve experienced only good customer service from MBNA. I also like their cashback offers.”

MBNA customer in Finder's 2024 survey

What types of credit cards are available from MBNA?

MBNA’s range of cards comprises 5 main types:

  • 0% balance transfer deals. Balance transfer cards allow you to move existing debt onto a new card and pay no interest on it for a set introductory period. You’ll normally be expected to pay a transfer fee – typically 2-3.5% – but in the UK’s competitive card market, you can sometimes get a card with no balance transfer fee (though the 0% period will usually be shorter). Learn more about 0% balance transfer cards.
  • 0% money transfer deals. Want to transfer money from your credit card to your current account? MBNA offers 3 cards with a 0% money transfer deal. Once you’ve moved the funds into your bank account, you can use them to pay for a large purchase or to clear debts. Just watch out for transfer fees of 4-5%. Learn more about 0% money transfer cards.
  • 0% purchase deals. If you’re planning to make a big purchase but want to spread the cost, MBNA offers a card that will charge 0% interest on purchases for several months. Learn more about 0% purchase cards.
  • Low interest deals. MBNA offers credit cards with no introductory periods, just a low rate on purchases and transfers. Learn more about low interest cards.
  • All-rounder deals. If you’re looking for a card to fulfil multiple requirements – perhaps you have an outstanding balance but also anticipate making purchases on your card – you might want to check out “all-rounder” credit cards. Weigh up the rates that the card will revert to after any introductory period ends, plus any fees, versus the potential savings the card will offer you. Learn more about all-rounder cards.

If you want to carry out a balance transfer, be aware you can’t transfer a balance from one MBNA credit card to another. However, although MBNA is now owned by Lloyds Banking Group, you can still transfer balances from any existing Lloyds Banking Group brand (Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland).”

Rachel Wait, financial journalist

Additional benefits of banking with MBNA

MBNA offers several benefits to its credit card holders. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Security and protection. MBNA does its best to protect your finances and ensure you’re not a victim of fraud. As well as monitoring your account 24/7 for fraudulent behaviour, it also offers a range of features to protect you online. This includes a fraud guarantee that promises to refund any money you lose due to fraudulent transactions (as long as you’ve kept your details safe).
  • Global acceptance. With all of MBNA’s cards provided through Mastercard or Visa you can rest assured your card will be accepted throughout the UK and in many, many places across the world. Mastercard is the world’s fastest payment processing network and operates in more than 210 countries, while Visa is accepted in over 38 million locations.
  • Mobile App. MBNA has created a snazzy app, so you can get straight to all of your credit card stuff, without any faff, while you’re on the move.
  • Easy payments to your card. MBNA offers a range of options which should make keeping up with your monthly payments that bit easier – including online debit card payments, regular Direct Debit payments and (when you’re against the clock) Faster Payments.

Using an MBNA card overseas

What is Clever Check?

Clever Check is MBNA’s “soft search” facility. It lets you check whether or not you’d get approved for a card before you hit “Apply” and without affecting your credit score.

It will also give you a better idea of the specific rate and credit limit you’d be offered and whether or not you’d receive the advertised offer.

When you come to apply for an MBNA credit card in full, it will involve a “hard search” of your credit file, which has a small (and usually short-lived) negative impact on your credit score. For that reason, you shouldn’t just submit applications left, right and centre. Use a soft search facility first and only apply for a card when you’re confident your application will be approved.

What is APR?

The APR is a figure designed to provide an annual summary of the cost of borrowing, taking into account both interest and any mandatory charges to be paid (for example an annual/monthly account fee).

However, because many card issuers tailor the APR offered to each applicant, you’ll frequently see them promoting their representative APR. This is the APR they’ll give to at least 51% of successful applicants. The remaining 49% will be offered a different, usually higher, rate.

How long does it take to get an MBNA credit card?

The eligibility-checker takes about 5 minutes, and will give you an instant indication as to whether or not it’s worth applying for a card. If you’re happy to proceed, the actual application takes perhaps a further 5 to 10 minutes. Your new card will then arrive within one week, and you’ll then need to call MBNA to activate it.

Don’t forget that the first time you use your card, you’ll have to enter your PIN – from then on you can make contactless payments to your heart’s content.

Pretty high APR but the app is great and feels very secure. It was easy to apply and make a balance transfer.”

MBNA customer in Finder's 2024 survey

How do MBNA’s cards hold up against the rest of the market?

Table: sorted by length of 0% balance transfer offer, promoted deals first
1 - 4 of 49
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Balance transfers Money transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Link Incentive Representative example
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card image
3.5
★★★★★
0% for 12 months
(0% fee)
N/A
0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%
£0
Check eligibility
Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard image
4.1
★★★★★
0% for 12 months
(3.49% fee)
N/A
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card  image
3.8
★★★★★
0% for 17 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
N/A
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
Get £25 cashback with a new HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card when you spend or transfer £100+ within 60 days of opening. Offer ends 16th December 2024. Terms apply
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 30 months
(3.49% fee, min £5 fee)
N/A
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
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Table: sorted by length of 0% purchases offer, promoted deals first
1 - 4 of 31
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Balance transfers Money transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Link Incentive Representative example
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard image
4.1
★★★★★
0% for 12 months
(3.49% fee)
N/A
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card  image
3.8
★★★★★
0% for 17 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
N/A
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
Get £25 cashback with a new HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card when you spend or transfer £100+ within 60 days of opening. Offer ends 16th December 2024. Terms apply
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Santander All in One Credit Card image
4.4
★★★★★
0% for 15 months
(0% fee)
N/A
0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%
£3 per month
Check eligibility
0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).
first direct Gold Credit Card image
3.3
★★★★★
24.9%
(0% fee)
N/A
0% for 12 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Check eligibility
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
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Table: sorted by length of 0% money transfers offer, promoted deals first
1 - 4 of 18
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Balance transfers Money transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Link Incentive Representative example
Virgin Money Dual Credit Card Mastercard image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 16 months
(3% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
0% for 13 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Virgin Money 29 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 29 months
(3.45% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Virgin Money 20 Month 2% Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 20 months
(2% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Virgin Money 18 Month Low Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard image
4.0
★★★★★
0% for 18 months
(1.75% fee)
0% for 12 months
(4% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
Enjoy exclusive offers and rewards on the Virgin Red app.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
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How to apply for an MBNA credit card

The quickest way to apply for an MBNA card is online. You’ll need to use MBNA’s eligibility checker first, which requires filling in a short online form, providing personal details such as your name and address, as well as your annual income and bank account details. If you’re transferring a balance, you’ll also need to provide the details of these cards.

Eligibility requirements

To have your application for a credit card considered you must:

  • Be a UK resident.
  • Be aged 18 or over.
  • Have had a permanent UK address for 3 years or more.
  • Have a regular income.
  • Not currently be bankrupt or have an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or County Court Judgment.
  • Not be unemployed or a student.

Meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll be offered a credit card with MBNA. MBNA will also run credit and affordability checks.

Why might you not be approved?

Typically you won’t be approved for a credit card if you’ve got a history of bad debt or MBNA decides your income/expenditure is not suitable for a particular credit card. If you’ve got an outstanding CCJ or are on an IVA it is also likely you will not be approved. Equally, if you do not have a credit record at all, you may be turned down. It is advisable to go to Experian, or another credit rating agency, and to ask for a credit report.

MBNA customer reviews

In our 2024 customer satisfaction survey, 91% of MBNA credit card customers said that they would recommend MBNA to a friend, Several customers commented on how helpful the customer service was, as well as how the app was easy to navigate. One customer said: “I’ve experienced only good customer service from MBNA. I also like their cashback offers.”

Contact MBNA’s customer support

Telephone supportFor credit card queries call 03456 062 062. Lines are open 8am-6pm Mon-Sun.

Overview of MBNA Limited credit cards

Representative APR From 13.9% to 24.9%
0% balance transfer offer Up to 27 months
0% purchases offer Up to 21 months
0% money transfer offer Up to 12 months
Cashback with brand Up to 0.25%
Cashback elsewhere Up to 0.25%
Cash advance From 13.94%
Introductory bonus offer No introductory bonus offers available

Bottom line

MBNA offers a wide range of competitive credit cards to suit a variety of needs. However, you will usually need a good credit score to qualify. As always, it pays to check how these credit cards compare to what else is on the market before making your decision.

Frequently asked questions

Finder credit card ratings

★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor

Finder scores, in blue, are based on our expert analysis. We also show reviews from users, where we've received more than 10, with a score in yellow. We gather more reviews from customers every year in Finder's customer satisfaction survey.

To find out more, read our full methodology.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Rachel Wait, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
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Written by

Head of publishing

Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio

Chris's expertise
Chris has written 602 Finder guides across topics including:
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