In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product Overview
    • Fees and charges
    • Application Requirements

Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card review

  • Tom Stelzer's headshot
Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
3.7
★★★★★
Finder score
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).
0% interest on balance transfers
18 months
0% interest on purchases
20 months
Account fee
£0

Our verdict

Like its NatWest and RBS sister cards, this Ulster Bank deal offers a hard-to-beat 18-month 0% balance transfer period with a relatively low transfer fee.

If you're in the market for a balance transfer credit card and after the longest possible 0% transfer period, it's hard to look past this Ulster Bank card.

With a best-in-class 18-month 0% balance transfer period, and 0% on purchases in the first 20 months, it's a worthwhile card for anyone looking to transfer a balance and wanting as much time as possible to do so.

However, you'll need to transfer your balance in the first 3 months to benefit from the 0% offer, and will only be able to transfer up to 95% of your total credit limit.

You'll also be charged a balance transfer fee, which may you'll need to keep in mind when comparing other balance transfer cards. You also won't be able to transfer a balance from another NatWest or RBS card.

While the balance transfer period is the main attraction, the card also offers a competitive 24.9% representative APR, and no annual fee.

Ultimately, if you're after the longest 0% balance transfer period you can find, the Ulster Bank Longer Balance Transfer card is as good as it gets. But for those looking to move a large balance, or who think they can pay off their balance in less than 18 months, it may be worth looking for a card that charges no transfer fees instead.

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Product Overview
    • Fees and charges
    • Application Requirements

Details

Product Overview

Issuer Ulster Bank
Network Mastercard
Representative APR 24.9%
Annual/monthly fees £0
Balance transfers 0% for 18 months reverting to 24.9%
Balance transfer fee 2.99%
Purchases 0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
Purchases interest-free period Up to 56 days
Money transfers 26.9%
Cash advances 26.9%
Minimum credit limit £350
Maximum credit limit Subject to status
Additional cards available 3
Incentive
Potential costs 3.4 ★★★★★
Doing its job 4.0 ★★★★★
Extras 5.0 ★★★★★
Overall Finder Score 3.7 ★★★★★

Fees and charges

Minimum monthly payment 1% or £5 (whichever is greater) or the total of any interest, default fees and charges, 1/12th of annual fee plus 1% of the outstanding balance or double the amount of that month's interest and any default charges, plus any instalment plan fee(s), plus £1.
Annual/monthly fees £0
Balance transfer fee 2.99%
Money transfer fee 3%
Foreign usage charge (EU) 2.75%
Foreign usage charge (rest of world) 2.75%
Cash advance fee 3% (min. £3)
Late payment fee £12
Duplicate statement fee £3
Exceeding limit fee £12
Additional card fee £0
Dormancy fee £0

Application Requirements

Minimum Age 18
Minimum income £10,000
Residency UK residents
Availability Available to new customers

The Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card is issued on the Mastercard network, so it's accepted at more than 50 million merchant locations across more than 210 countries and territories.

How does it compare?

Ulster Bank's card

1 - 1 of 1
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Finder score Balance transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard image
3.7
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 18 months
(2.99% fee)
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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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Other popular balance transfer deals

Table: sorted by length of 0% balance transfer offer, promoted deals first
1 - 20 of 48
Name Product UKCCF Finder Score Finder score Balance transfers Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card image
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0% for 30 months
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0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
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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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Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card image
4.3
★★★★★
★★★★★
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0% for 28 months
(3.9% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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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).
Check eligibility
M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard image
3.9
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 27 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
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first direct Credit Card image
3.8
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 20 months
(2.99% fee)
24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
Check eligibility
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card  image
3.8
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 17 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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.
Check eligibility
Santander All in One Credit Card image
4.4
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 15 months
(0% fee)
0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%
£3 per month
29.8% APR (variable)
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).
Check eligibility
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card image
3.5
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 12 months
(0% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%
£0
23.9% APR (variable)
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).
Check eligibility
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard image
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 12 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
Check eligibility
Barclaycard Platinum 30 Month Balance Transfer Visa image
3.8
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 30 months
(3.45% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
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
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Expert analysis
0% for 29 months
(3.45% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
Ulster Bank Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card image
3.8
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 29 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Card image
4.1
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 29 months
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24.9% APR (variable)
5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants or entertainment.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.942% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).
Royal Bank of Scotland Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card image
3.7
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 29 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card image
3.7
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 29 months
(3.49% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
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).
MBNA Long 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card image
3.9
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Expert analysis
0% for 27 months
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24.9% APR (variable)
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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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24.9% APR (variable)
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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).
Halifax Low Fee 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card image
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Expert analysis
0% for 27 months
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0% for 6 months reverting to 24.94%
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24.9% APR (variable)
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).
The Co-operative Bank Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa image
4.1
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Expert analysis
0% for 24 months
(3% (minimum £5) fee)
0% for 4 months reverting to 20.6%
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 20.6% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 20.6% APR (variable).
TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Card image
4.0
★★★★★
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Expert analysis
0% for 24 months
(2.95% fee)
0% for 3 months reverting to 22.95%
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Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 22.95% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 22.9% APR (variable).
Barclaycard Platinum all-rounder Visa image
4.2
★★★★★
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Expert analysis
0% for 22 months
(3.45% fee)
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
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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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.

Repayment options

You can make manual repayments through Ulster Bank's app by logging in to your online banking or over the phone (0800 046 6486). Alternatively, you may wish to set up a direct debit.

A direct debit protects you from forgetting to make a repayment and losing your promotional interest rate as a result (as well as damaging your credit score and incurring the late payment fee of £12). You could use a fixed-amount direct debit to ensure you've cleared your debt before the 0% period expires – simply divide your outstanding balance by 18 to see what you'll need to pay each month (this assumes you don't use the card for additional spending).

You can arrange a direct debit for repayments when you apply for the credit card. The table below shows the options available.

Choose from the following direct debit options for your monthly repayments:

Minimum amount Fixed amount Fixed percentage Full amount

How to apply

Provided you already have a current account, savings account, credit card or mortgage with Ulster Bank, you can start by going to the bank's site and using its "Credit card eligibility checker". This runs a "soft" credit search to give you a clear idea as to whether or not you'd be approved for the deal (without hurting your credit score). If it's good news, you can proceed to the full application, which takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Frequently asked questions

What credit limit will I get with the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card?

If Ulster Bank offers you this deal, it will specify a personalised credit limit based on Ulster Bank's assessment of your situation. The minimum limit offered on this card is £350, and Ulster Bank does not specify a maximum. Once you've had the card for a while and shown Ulster Bank you're reliable, you may wish to apply for a credit limit increase.

Can I withdraw cash using the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card?

Although it's possible, withdrawing cash from a credit card account is generally not a good idea, as "cash-like transactions" (such as withdrawing cash at an ATM, getting cashback at the till, spending at a casino or buying currency) often incur steep fees and/or higher rates of interest.

The cash advance fee on the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card is 3% (min. £3). For example, if you withdraw £50, you'll incur a fee of £3.00. Withdraw £250 and you'll incur a fee of £7.50.

The interest rate on this part of your balance will be 26.9%, which is 8% more than the standard purchase rate (chargeable from the day of the transaction – the card's usual "up to 56 days interest-free" grace period won't apply).

Can I transfer a balance from another Ulster Bank-branded card to the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card?

No. Ulster Bank doesn't accept balance transfers from credit cards issued through the NatWest group, which (as well as NatWest) includes Ulster Bank, RBS and Coutts.

How much does it cost to use the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card abroad?

Non-sterling transactions are subject to a 2.75% charge. For example, if you spend 200 euros (£166.42), it'll cost you around £4.58 in fees.

Can I transfer money from the Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card to a bank account?

Yes. That's what's known as a "money transfer" (rather than a "balance transfer") in credit card jargon. You can arrange this from your online banking or using Ulster Bank's app. This part of your card balance will incur interest of 26.9%. The fee for a money transfer is 3%.

Finder credit card scores

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

Our experts score balance transfer cards to determine their value against similar products on the market. We look at a number of important factors, like the length of the balance transfer offer, the balance transfer fee, any restrictions to making a transfer, plus the potential costs involved with running the card both in the short and longer term.

You can read more about our scoring criteria on our credit card methodology page.

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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