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Balance transfer deal ending: what it means before interest starts
A dated note on what happens to a UK balance transfer card when the promotional period ends and the standard balance transfer or purchase APR begins to apply.
Published 1 January 2026
What changed
Balance transfer cards normally come with a fixed promotional period at a low or zero rate, followed by reversion to the standard balance transfer or purchase APR.
The FCA's credit card market study and persistent debt rules apply to how firms treat customers carrying balances past the promotional end date.
What it means before interest starts
The promotional end date is when the transferred balance stops being interest-free or low-rate. Without action, the remaining balance starts attracting interest at the standard rate from that point.
A new balance transfer made before the end date has different fee terms than one made after — so the end date is the cleanest moment to weigh transfer, repayment and acceptance side by side.
What to do now
Find the balance transfer promotional end date
It is on the most recent statement and in the cardholder agreement.
Read the standard rate that will apply to the remaining balance
This is what attaches to the unpaid transferred balance from the day after.
Check the balance transfer fee terms on any new card under consideration
Compare these against the cost of accepting the standard rate.
Related pages
Balance transfer ending reminders
Track your balance transfer ending renewal date so the next change is on your calendar, not the provider's.
Balance transfer ending report 2026
Evidence on how UK prices move at this renewal — what households are paying and why.
What to check before a balance transfer deal ends
A short guide to the dates, terms and decisions behind this renewal.
Sources
- FCA — Credit card market study. FCA work examining how promotional rates and persistent debt interact with consumer outcomes.
- FCA — Persistent debt remedies (CONC 6.7.27R). FCA persistent debt rules require firms to intervene when customers pay more in interest and charges than in repayments over an extended period.
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