Yorkshire Bank waives balance transfer fees

11 January 2007

Balance transfer fees are being waived until 28 February for new credit card customers wishing to transfer their credit card balances to a six month 0% introductory deal with Yorkshire Bank or Clydesdale Bank.

Most credit card providers levy a fee when transferring a balance from a competitor's card.  In the case of Yorkshire and Clydesdale (both of which are part of National Australia Bank UK), this is usually 2%.

The fee is being waived for new applicants for either banks' Gold MasterCard until 28 February.  So, for example, transferring £2,500 from another card will save you £50.  The 0% rate for six months also applies to purchases and, after the six month introductory period, the typical APR is 14.9%.

Kiaran McEvoy, senior marketing manager at Yorkshire Bank, said: "Many of us will probably find we can't quite clear our credit card bill this month following all the expenses incurred over Christmas.  Transferring the balance to another card now can save you a lot of money in interest payments in the months to come and - with the transfer fee now being waived - our card should be particularly appealing to anyone considering this."

The Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank Gold MasterCards are the only ones available without an annual fee to offer "Latitude" - a comprehensive concierge-style travel and leisure advice and booking service to cardholders.

"Latitude" is provided by Travelex.  Benefits range from emergency travel advice and destination information to a gift ordering and ticket booking services.

Applications can be made at either Yorkshire or Clydesdale branches, by telephoning 0800 20 21 22 or visiting either banks' websites (www.ybonline.co.uk or www.cbonline.co.uk).

There is no minimum income level needed to qualify for the Gold MasterCard.