How to apply for the Vanquis Balance Transfer and Purchase Card: step-by-step guide
This page explains how to apply for the Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card, including the eligibility requirements, information you should have ready and the costs to review before proceeding.
Meeting the published criteria does not guarantee approval. Credit remains subject to status, affordability and credit checks.
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
To apply, you must currently be 18 or over, have a regular income and be a permanent UK resident.
You are not eligible if you are currently bankrupt or have an active Individual Voluntary Arrangement, known as an IVA.
Vanquis also states that you cannot apply if you already have a Vanquis card or an open Vanquis credit card application.
You are also ineligible if Vanquis has declined your application within the previous six months.
Before making a full application, you can use the Vanquis eligibility checker.
This uses a soft credit check and does not affect your credit score.
Step 2: Have your information ready
Vanquis states that applicants should have their address details covering the previous three years.
You will also need your bank details, annual income and information about your monthly outgoings.
The eligibility process asks for personal details such as your full name, date of birth and contact information.
It also asks about your employment status and income.
Vanquis does not state that every applicant must automatically upload a passport, driving licence, payslips, tax returns or utility bills.
Additional fraud, identity or affordability checks may be carried out where necessary.
Step 3: Check your eligibility
The eligibility checker provides an indication of whether you could be accepted before you complete a full credit application.
Vanquis states that the checker can also show information such as the APR and credit limit that may be available to you.
The result should not be treated as a general guarantee of credit until the application process has been completed.
If Vanquis requires additional information, the application may be referred to a specialist team.
In that situation, Vanquis states that the team will contact you if anything further is required.
Step 4: Submit the full application
If you are satisfied with the offer shown after the eligibility check, you can continue with the full application.
Review the APR, credit limit, promotional period and balance transfer fee before proceeding.
Unlike the eligibility check, a full application involves a full credit check.
Vanquis states that this credit check will be recorded on your credit file.
Complete the requested personal and financial information accurately and review the credit agreement before accepting the product.
Step 5: What happens after approval
If your application is accepted, Vanquis sends your physical credit card and PIN by post.
The card will usually arrive within approximately 7 to 10 working days after acceptance, although additional checks can result in a longer timeframe.
Your PIN is sent separately for security, and it can also be viewed through the Vanquis app after your account is available.
Most new Vanquis cards can be used digitally once the account is ready.
Vanquis states that eligible customers may be able to view their card details and add the card to a digital wallet before the physical card arrives.
Most cards do not require separate activation. If activation is required for your card, the Vanquis app will show the relevant instructions.
Step 6: Review the promotional offers
The Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card currently offers 0% interest on eligible balance transfers for up to 19 months.
Transfers must be made within 60 days of account opening to qualify for the promotional rate.
The minimum balance transfer is £100.
You can currently transfer up to 90% of your available credit limit.
A balance transfer fee applies to the introductory offer and can be up to 4.5% of the amount transferred, subject to eligibility.
The card also currently offers 0% interest on qualifying purchases for three months.
The purchase promotion applies according to the specific introductory terms provided with the card.
Promotional rates can be removed if two minimum payments are missed, after which the applicable standard rate will apply.
Step 7: Review the APR and credit limit
The card currently has a 35.9% representative APR variable.
The Summary Box states that APRs can range from 31.9% to 45.9% variable, depending on individual circumstances.
The standard effective annual purchase rate is currently 35.9%.
After the introductory balance transfer period ends, the standard effective annual balance transfer rate is currently 55.9%.
Your actual APR and promotional offer can differ from the representative example.
The personalised credit limit currently ranges from £250 to £7,000, subject to affordability.
There is no annual fee for holding the card.
Step 8: Check other fees
Cash transactions currently carry a fee of 5% of the amount, with a £3 minimum.
The standard effective annual interest rate for cash transactions is currently 55.9%.
Foreign purchases currently have a 2.99% foreign transaction fee.
A 2.99% foreign cash transaction fee also applies to cash withdrawals made in foreign currency.
Vanquis currently charges £12 for a late payment and £12 if you exceed your credit limit.
Review the latest Summary Box before using the card for cash withdrawals or foreign transactions.
Step 9: Make a balance transfer
Once your account is open, eligible balance transfers can be requested through the Vanquis app.
Open the Offers section to check whether the promotional balance transfer option is available to you.
Vanquis also allows customers to request an eligible balance transfer through its Customer Service Team.
If you have received a promotional offer, make sure the transfer is completed within the required 60-day period.
Consider whether your planned monthly repayments are sufficient to reduce the transferred balance before the promotional period ends.
Before you apply
Consider the balance transfer fee as well as the length of the 0% period.
A 0% promotional rate does not mean transferring a balance is free because the transfer fee is added to the amount you owe.
Also review the standard interest rate that will apply if a balance remains after the promotional period.
The Vanquis eligibility checker allows you to review possible APR and credit limit information without affecting your credit score.
Only continue with the full application if the proposed terms and repayments are appropriate for your circumstances.
About Vanquis Bank
The Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card is provided by Vanquis Bank Limited.
Vanquis Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Vanquis is responsible for assessing applications, setting credit limits and making lending decisions.
This website does not issue credit cards, process applications or participate in credit decisions.
The representative APR is 33.9% variable as published by Vanquis Bank. Your actual rate may vary depending on your financial circumstances and credit assessment.
There is no annual fee for this credit card, which can make it a cost-effective choice for many applicants.
Balance transfers can receive 0% interest for up to 19 months if made within the first 60 days. Purchases also attract 0% interest for up to three months from your first purchase, depending on eligibility and offer.
Applicants must be permanent UK residents aged 18 or above with a regular income. You are not eligible if you are bankrupt, have an active IVA, already hold another Vanquis credit card or have applied and been declined by Vanquis in the past six months.
Independent editorial notice: This website provides independent informational content. We are not a bank, lender, credit broker or financial institution, and we are not affiliated with Vanquis Bank or Visa. We do not issue cards, process applications or make lending decisions. Product rates, fees, promotional offers and eligibility requirements can change, so check the provider’s current information before applying.
Credit is subject to status, affordability and credit checks. Missing or late repayments may result in charges and can affect your credit record. If you are experiencing difficulties with debt, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
