How to apply for RBS Purchase & Balance Transfer: complete step-by-step guide
This page explains how to apply for the RBS Purchase & 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. The credit limit, APR and promotional periods offered can depend on RBS’s assessment of your circumstances.
Step 1: check the eligibility requirements
To apply, you must currently be 18 or over, live in the UK and earn at least £10,000 per year.
RBS also states that applicants must not have been bankrupt within the previous six years.
Before making a full application, you can use the RBS eligibility checker.
This initial check does not affect your credit score.
RBS uses it to indicate whether you could qualify for the card and what the credit could cost you.
Step 2: have your information ready
RBS states that you should have your address history covering the previous three years available.
You will also need information about your income and employment, as well as your bank account details.
If you intend to transfer an existing balance, have the details of the relevant credit or store cards ready.
RBS does not state that every applicant must automatically provide payslips, tax returns or utility bills.
Identity verification may, however, be required.
RBS works with Mitek, which may request photo identification, a selfie or short video and, where necessary, proof of address.
Step 3: check your eligibility
The eligibility stage allows you to see whether RBS may be able to offer you the card before you proceed further.
It does not affect your credit score.
Your possible APR, credit limit and promotional periods can depend on the information assessed by RBS.
An eligibility result should not be treated as a guarantee that a full application will be approved.
Review the proposed terms before deciding whether to continue.
Step 4: submit the application
The application can be started through the official RBS Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card page.
RBS states that an online credit card application can take around 10 minutes when you have the required information available.
Existing Digital Banking customers may have some information pre-filled.
If you proceed with a full application, RBS uses application information and data obtained from credit reference agencies.
These credit enquiries can be recorded and may be visible to other companies carrying out their own credit checks.
Complete all personal and financial information accurately before submitting the application.
Step 5: complete identity checks if required
RBS may ask you to complete an identity verification process with Mitek.
This can involve submitting an eligible photo ID and completing a selfie or short video check.
Proof of address may also be requested depending on the verification required.
This does not mean that every applicant will need to submit the same documents.
Follow the instructions presented during your individual application.
Step 6: what happens after approval
RBS assesses your application before deciding whether to provide the card and what terms to offer.
If your application is approved, the credit limit and applicable rates will be confirmed.
RBS currently states that a new credit card could arrive within approximately 5 to 7 working days after approval.
When the card arrives, follow the instructions provided by RBS for setting up and managing the account.
The Royal Bank app can be used to view transactions, check your PIN, make payments and access card management features.
Step 7: review the purchase offer
The card currently offers 0% interest on purchases for between 12 and 23 months from account opening.
The exact promotional period depends on RBS’s credit assessment.
The 0% period starts when the account is opened.
After the promotional period ends, purchases are charged at the standard rate applicable to your account.
The representative standard purchase rate is currently 24.9% p.a. variable.
Some customers may receive a rate of 29.9% p.a. variable.
Step 8: review the balance transfer offer
Eligible balance transfers currently receive 0% interest for between 12 and 21 months from account opening.
To qualify for the introductory offer, the balance must be transferred within the first three months.
A 3.49% balance transfer fee applies during the introductory offer period.
The minimum transfer is £100.
You can transfer up to 95% of your credit limit.
Balances cannot be transferred from other NatWest Group credit cards.
After the promotional period ends, the standard balance transfer rate applicable to your account will apply.
Step 9: review the APR and credit limit
The card currently has a 24.9% representative APR variable.
The representative example assumes a credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. variable.
The £1,200 figure is only used for the representative example.
The current minimum credit limit is £250.
The maximum credit limit is subject to status and RBS’s assessment.
Depending on individual circumstances, the APR can currently be either 24.9% or 29.9% variable.
There is no annual fee.
Step 10: check other charges
Money advances, including cash withdrawals, currently carry a 3% fee.
The current effective annual rate for money advances ranges from 26.9% to 29.9%, depending on individual circumstances.
Foreign currency transactions currently carry a 2.75% non-sterling transaction fee.
A 3% money advance fee can also apply to eligible cash transactions abroad.
The current Summary Box lists £0 late payment and over-limit charges, although interest and credit-file consequences can still result from missed payments or exceeding your limit.
Step 11: understand interest after promotional offers
The introductory 0% periods do not last indefinitely.
Once an applicable promotional period ends, any remaining balance becomes subject to the standard interest rate for your account.
Outside promotional offers, purchases can receive up to 56 days interest free when the required repayment conditions are met.
To qualify, you must pay your balance in full and on time and also have paid the previous month’s balance in full and on time.
There is no standard interest-free period for money advances or balance transfers outside an introductory or promotional offer.
Before you apply
Consider how much you intend to spend or transfer and how much you can realistically repay each month.
For balance transfers, include the 3.49% transfer fee when calculating the total amount you will owe.
Try to plan repayments around the promotional period rather than assuming the balance will remain interest free indefinitely.
Also check the actual APR, credit limit and promotional periods offered to you, as they may differ from the representative example.
Review the latest Summary Box and credit agreement before accepting the card.
About Royal Bank of Scotland
The RBS Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card is provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland plc.
RBS is responsible for assessing applications, determining credit limits and setting the credit terms offered to successful applicants.
This website does not issue credit cards, process applications or participate in lending decisions.
To be eligible, you must be a UK resident, at least 18 years old, and earn at least £10,000 per year. Additional checks on your credit history and financial status will apply.
No, the RBS Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card has no annual fee. All holders can use the main features free from yearly charges.
You can benefit from 0 percent on purchases for up to 23 months and 0 percent on balance transfers for up to 21 months if made within the first three months of account opening.
The RBS Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card does not include a cashback or rewards programme. Its key feature is helping you manage costs through interest-free periods.
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 Royal Bank of Scotland or Mastercard. We do not issue cards, process applications or make lending decisions. Product rates, fees and promotional periods can change, so check the provider’s current information before applying.
Credit is subject to status and eligibility. Missing or late repayments can affect your credit record and may increase the cost of borrowing. If you are experiencing difficulties with debt, free and impartial guidance is available from MoneyHelper.
