If you’re serious about tackling your existing card balances or want to make the most of a 0% period without extra fees, the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card deserves a closer look.
It’s one of the few UK cards still offering up to 31 months interest-free on balance transfers, paired with 0% on purchases for 3 months and no annual fee. That combination gives you time to pay down debt, plan major purchases, or simply manage your finances more strategically.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know before applying — from eligibility requirements and insider tips to expert guidance on maximising your 0% period.
🧩 What Makes the Everyday Long Term Card Stand Out in 2025?
In a year when many UK issuers have reduced their 0% offers, Santander continues to hold one of the longest balance transfer durations on the market.
For those consolidating credit card debt, a 31-month 0% window can make the difference between financial breathing room and interest overload.
The absence of an annual fee adds even more appeal, and Santander’s online management tools make it simple to track payments and set reminders — vital for staying on top of your repayment plan.
💬 Did you know? The average UK borrower pays over £600 a year in card interest. Using a long-term 0% balance transfer card could help you redirect that money into savings instead.
⚖️ Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card, you’ll typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be a UK resident
- Have a regular income
- Possess a good to excellent credit history
- Not already hold another Santander credit card
- Be able to provide three years of address history and a UK bank account
While Santander doesn’t publish a strict minimum income threshold, applicants with stable employment and low existing debt have the best chance of approval.
✅ Pro tip: Use Santander’s Eligibility Checker before applying. It runs a soft credit search that won’t affect your credit score — allowing you to see your chances of approval instantly.
🪜 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official Santander UK website. Navigate to the Everyday Long Term Credit Card page and click Check your eligibility.
- Enter your details securely. Provide basic personal and financial information — including income, employment status, and existing debt.
- View your pre-approval result. The system will tell you if you’re likely to be accepted, and may even display your credit limit range.
- Submit your full application. If you’re happy with the offer, complete the full form. This triggers a hard credit check.
- Transfer your balance. Once approved, complete your balance transfer within 60 days to secure the 0% promotional rate.
- Set up a Direct Debit. This ensures you never miss a payment — essential to keep your 0% rate active.
💼 Representative Example
Representative 23.9% APR (variable)
Purchase rate: 23.9% p.a. (variable)
Assumed credit limit: £1,200
Balance transfer fee: From 3%
Annual fee: £0
(Data accurate as of October 2025)
🧠 Expert Tips to Maximise Your 0% Offer
- Pay more than the minimum each month. Even though there’s no interest, paying just the minimum can stretch your repayment period far beyond 31 months. Divide your total balance by 31 to find your target monthly payment.
- Avoid new purchases after 3 months. Once the 0% purchase period ends, new spending will start accruing at the standard APR.
- Set a calendar alert for the 30th month. Aim to have your balance cleared before month 31 — or consider another balance transfer card if you still have debt remaining.
- Watch your credit utilisation. Try to stay below 30% of your total limit across all cards. This helps maintain or improve your credit score.
- Don’t miss payments. One late or missed payment can instantly cancel your 0% offer — leading to full interest charges.
🔍 Hidden Benefits & Industry Insights
- Soft search pre-check: Santander’s system often provides personalised limits before the final application — a rare advantage among UK banks.
- Stable promotional periods: Santander rarely shortens existing offers, meaning if you’re approved, your 31-month window is locked in.
- Mobile alerts: The Santander app can warn you if your payment is due — ideal for avoiding interest-triggering mistakes.
- High compatibility with balance transfers from other lenders: You can move balances from most UK card issuers (except other Santander products).
⚠️ Note: You can’t transfer a balance from another Santander or cahoot credit card.
🧮 How Much Could You Save?
Let’s take an example:
- You have £3,000 on another card charging 23.9% APR.
- You transfer that balance to Santander (3% fee = £90).
- You pay £100 per month over 31 months.
Interest paid: £0
Total cost: £90 fee
Savings: ~£600 compared to staying with your current APR.
That’s real money back in your pocket — simply by switching.
🔁 Alternatives Worth Considering
If you don’t qualify for Santander’s long-term card, or you’d prefer a lower balance transfer fee, consider these UK alternatives:
| Card | 0% BT Duration | BT Fee | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Platinum 0% Balance Transfer | 29 months | 3.45% | £0 | Good–Excellent |
| Halifax 0% Balance Transfer Card | 29 months | 2.99% | £0 | Fair–Good |
| Sainsbury’s Bank No Fee Balance Transfer | 24 months | 0% | £0 | Good–Excellent |
| Tesco Bank Balance Transfer Card | 28 months | 3.49% | £0 | Fair–Good |
💬 Tip: If you’re declined, wait at least 90 days before applying for another card to avoid multiple hard searches on your report.
❓ Extended FAQs
1. Does Santander do a hard or soft check when I apply?
The eligibility checker performs a soft check, which doesn’t affect your credit score. A hard check only happens once you submit the full application.
2. Can I transfer balances from multiple cards?
Yes, as long as they’re not from another Santander or cahoot credit card and don’t exceed your approved credit limit.
3. What happens after the 0% period ends?
Any remaining balance will revert to the standard variable rate (currently around 23.9% APR).
4. How soon must I make my balance transfer?
Within 60 days of opening your account to qualify for the 0% offer.
5. Is there a minimum income requirement?
Santander doesn’t publish one, but applicants generally need steady employment and a good credit profile.
6. Can I use this card abroad?
Yes, but foreign transaction fees (2.95%) apply — so it’s not ideal for overseas spending.
🧾 Final Opinion
The Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card remains a top-tier choice for balance transfers in 2025. It’s simple, predictable, and generous with its 0% duration.
It’s not for everyone — the 3% transfer fee and high revert APR make it best suited to disciplined borrowers who’ll stick to a repayment plan. But for the right profile, it’s a low-cost way to get debt-free faster.
👉 Check Your Eligibility in Minutes
Use Santander’s official eligibility tool to see if you’re pre-approved — no impact on your credit score.
🔗 Check your eligibility for the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card (Official Site)
You’ll get your result instantly — and if you qualify, you can complete your application in under 10 minutes.
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