When considering a new credit card, it’s essential to find one that aligns with both your spending habits and financial goals. The NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card stands out as a flexible and affordable choice for many UK residents.
Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt or spread the cost of a purchase, this card offers a straightforward and convenient way to manage your finances without hidden charges or excessive fees.
Key information about the credit card
How does the annual fee work?
One of the more appealing aspects of the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card is that it carries no annual fee. While it may seem like a minor detail, this fee-free feature can significantly influence the overall affordability of a credit card. Many competitors offer cards with enticing introductory offers, but they offset these with yearly maintenance costs. NatWest eliminates this burden entirely.
How is the credit limit determined?
The credit limit you receive on the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, it is tailored based on NatWest’s internal credit assessment process. This means your personal financial situation—such as your credit score, income level, existing debts, and credit history—will all influence the credit line they assign to you. For applicants meeting the minimum income requirement of £10,000 per year, this assessment helps NatWest decide not just whether you qualify for the card but also the size of your credit line.
Advantages of the credit card
- 0% interest on balance transfers (up to 12 months): A major benefit is the 0% interest offer on balance transfers for up to the first 12 months. This can be a game-changer for anyone looking to consolidate debt and save on high-interest payments. There is no balance transfer fee, which adds even more value.
- No annual fee: As mentioned earlier, this card comes without any annual fee. It allows cardholders to focus their repayments entirely on the balance without worrying about yearly costs.
- 0% interest on purchases (for the first 3 months): New cardholders also benefit from 0% interest on purchases made in the first three months. This allows for some breathing room when making initial purchases and gives time to repay without incurring interest.
Standout advantage
The most notable advantage of this card is the 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 12 months with no transfer fee. This combination is relatively rare and provides users with a valuable window to pay down debt interest-free. For those trying to escape from high-interest obligations, this card offers a clear, simple path to debt reduction without surprise costs or complex stipulations.
Disadvantages
- Short 0% period for purchases: The 0% interest on purchases only lasts for 3 months, which may not be long enough for larger purchases.
- Variable interest rates after promotional periods: Once the promotional periods end, the card reverts to a relatively high standard rate of 24.9% APR (variable), which could increase to 29.9% depending on the applicant’s credit profile.
- No rewards program: Unlike some competing cards, this one doesn’t offer cashback, points, or other loyalty rewards, making it less attractive to those who like to earn perks from their spending.
- Limited balance transfer eligibility: You cannot transfer debt from other NatWest Group credit cards, loans, or overdrafts, limiting its usefulness for some.
A standout disadvantage
A key drawback of this card is the short duration of the 0% purchase offer—just three months. This may be insufficient for users looking to make larger purchases and pay them off gradually. Once this brief window closes, any remaining balance is subject to the standard APR, which may be as high as 29.9% depending on creditworthiness. For those seeking long-term purchase financing, other cards may offer more generous terms.
Who can apply for this card?
To be eligible for the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card, applicants must meet several key criteria. First and foremost, you must be a UK resident and at least 18 years old. In addition, NatWest requires applicants to have a minimum annual income of £10,000, ensuring that the cardholder has a stable financial foundation.
This card is not designed for individuals with poor or limited credit histories, and approval is not guaranteed even if you meet the basic requirements. Furthermore, although the initial application includes an eligibility check that doesn’t affect your credit score, the full application will involve a hard credit check. Proof of income and identity may also be requested as part of the process.
How to apply for the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card
For the website
Applying for the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card through the official website is both straightforward and informative. Start by navigating to the credit card section of the NatWest personal banking website. Here, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the product’s features, benefits, and eligibility criteria. Before committing to a full application, NatWest offers a preliminary eligibility checker, which requires answering a few questions about your financial situation.
Once you proceed, you’ll need to complete the online form by providing personal details such as your name, address, income, employment status, and banking history. Upon submission, NatWest conducts a thorough credit assessment. If approved, you’ll receive details about your new credit limit and any specific interest terms that apply to your case.
Through the app
Alternatively, existing NatWest customers can apply directly through the NatWest mobile banking app, which provides an efficient, secure, and seamless experience. After logging in, navigate to the credit cards section within the app’s menu. Similar to the website process, you’ll begin with an eligibility check that doesn’t affect your credit score. The app uses your existing profile data to pre-fill much of the required information, saving time and minimizing manual input.
From there, you can review the terms, promotional offers, and required disclosures in a user-friendly interface. Submitting the full application is simple, and your identity is confirmed using the app’s integrated security features, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress in real time within the app.
At the branch
For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction or who may need additional assistance with their application, it is also possible to apply for the NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer card at a local branch. To begin, visit a NatWest branch during working hours and request an appointment with a financial representative. Be sure to bring essential documents such as proof of identity (passport or driver’s license), proof of address (utility bills or bank statements), and evidence of income (recent payslips or bank statements).
The advisor will walk you through the eligibility check and assist with completing the application form. Applying in person can offer additional reassurance, especially for first-time credit card users or individuals unsure about the process. Once submitted, the application follows the same evaluation process as online or app-based applications.
