Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card – Review & Key Features

Name: Mintify Editorial Review: Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card
Item: Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card
Rating: 4
Author: Mintify

Sep 27, 2025 | Credit Cards, Reviews

Editor, Consumer Finance: Michelle Blackmore

Last Updated: September 27, 2025

If you are considering applying for a Vanquis balance transfer credit card, this review shows the real cost involved (fees, promo length, APR after), how long transfers take, typical limits, and where Vanquis stands in the market against other options such as Aqua. Before you apply, use a personalised balance transfer calculator to model your own numbers to see if you’ll clear the debt within the 0% window.

Straight from the Mintalists: Understand Vanquis limits before you start:

Vanquis credit limits are typically between £250 – £7,000 and this is based on your credit history

You usually can’t transfer less than £100.

Vanquis balance transfer limits are up to 90% of your credit limit.

A 2.9% fee is normally added to the amount you move (e.g., £900 will incur a £26.10 fee).

0% interest periods are usually up to a maximum of 18 months. This will be based on your credit history so lower periods of, for example, 6, 9, 12, 15 months can also apply.

Use this information as a guide, then run your exact numbers in Mintify’s balance transfer calculator to see if you’ll clear the balance within the promo window.

Plan Before You Switch

Use our Balance Transfer Calculator to find the right card for you.

If you’re carrying credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card can help you pay it down faster by moving your balance to a new card with 0% interest for a set period. Using a balance transfer calculator helps you understand how much interest you could potentially save by transferring debt from your existing cards to a balance transfer card.

Calculate Potential Savings

Check out some of the key features, benefits, fees and charges of a Vanquis balance transfer credit card

Product Features & Benefits

Account Fee	£0
Representative APR	36.90%
Purchases	36.9% (variable) p.a.
Purchases Interest Free	56 days
Balance Transfers	0% for up to 18 months, then 36.9% (variable) p.a. (2.9% fee)
Incentive on Opening	No annual fees, 0% for up to 18 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days. A 2.9% transfer fee applies.
Cashback/Rewards (if applicable)	No cashback scheme
Minimum Credit Limit	£250.00

Fees & Charges

Introductory Balance Transfers Fee	2.90%
Balance Transfers Fee	2.90%
Late Payment	£12
Cash Withdrawal Fee	3%
Cash Withdrawal Minimum Charge	£3
Foreign Usage (EU)	3%
Foreign Usage World	3%

Vanquis credit card eligibility

Who can apply

Age 18 or over

Permanent UK resident and show your address history for the last 3 years

Regular, verifiable income

Have a UK bank account

You are not eligible if

You are currently bankrupt or have an active Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

You already have a Vanquis card or an open application with Vanquis

Vanquis has declined you within the last 6 months

Application Requirements

Availability	Available to new customers. Must not already have an Aquis, Chrome, Origin, Vanquis, thimbl or Granite credit card are not currently bankrupt or have an active Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA)
Minimum Income	£0
Minimum Age	18
Residency	Permanent resident in the UK.

Helpful to know

You can use a soft search eligibility check, which does not affect your credit score

Approval is subject to status and affordability checks

Terms, fees and limits can change, so always refer to your latest offer and credit agreement before applying

Find the right Credit Card for you

Does not impact your credit score

Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for

34.4% Representative APR (variable)

Check Eligibility

Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.

How long do balance transfers take?

Most balance transfers complete between 2 and 7 working days; some can take up to 10 to14 depending on the card’s provider, cut-off times, checks, and weekends/bank holidays. Your 0% offer will include a transfer window to submit the transfer request. Keep paying the old card until the balance shows £0 and the transfer appears on the new card.

Vanquis balance transfer minimum payment

When you take out a balance transfer, there is always a minimum payment you need to make each month. You’ll typically get a monthly statement with a payment due date. You have to pay at least the minimum but ideally you would pay more than that.

Your minimum each month for Vanquis is usually the highest of one of the below:

Interest since last statement + any default fees + 1% of your remaining balance

£10

Your full balance (if your total balance is under £10)

During a 0% balance transfer promo there’s usually no interest, so many customers will see the £10 minimum.

Paying only the minimum will take longer and cost much more. If you’re on a 0% promo, it also raises the chance that a balance will remain when the promo ends which is when the post promo APR will kick in.

Plan ahead: set a fixed monthly repayment that clears your balance within the 0% period. Use Mintify’s balance transfer calculator to get a personalised plan in seconds and see how quickly costs rise if you only pay the minimum. If you can clear the full balance during the promo, you’ll usually save the most.

Mintip: Product terms can change. Always check your credit agreement and your latest statement to see what minimum repayment applies to you.

Vanquis vs Aqua

Both Vanquis and Aqua cards are often chosen by people rebuilding credit. The better fit depends on promo length, transfer fee, starting limit, eligibility, and what you can repay each month.

What to compare: Vanquis vs Aqua:

0% term offered

Transfer window

Transfer fee

Post-promo APR on any remainder

Starting credit limit and max transfer limit

Your fixed monthly payment and whether it clears within the promo

Both cards don’t have annual fees, and both cards have a similar transfer fee. Compare both cards below for a detailed comparison.

Credit Card Comparison

	Vanquis Bank Balance Transfer	NewDay Limited aqua Balance Transfer
Account Fee	£0	£0
Representative APR	36.90%	34.90%
Purchases Description	36.9% (variable) p.a.	34.95% (variable) p.a.
Purchases Interest Free	56 days	48 days
Balance Transfers	0% for up to 18 months, then 36.9% (variable) p.a. (2.9% fee)	0% for 5 months then 34.95% (variable) p.a. (3% fee)
Incentive on Opening	No annual fees, 0% for up to 18 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days. A 2.9% transfer fee applies.	This is a 0 interest for 5 months balance transfer card that also helps you build credit.
Cashback/Rewards (if applicable)	No cashback scheme	No cashback scheme
Minimum Credit Limit	£250.00	£250.00
Intro Balance Transfers Fee	2.90%	3.00%
Balance Transfers Fee	2.90%	3.00%
Foreign Usage (EU)	3%	3%
Foreign Usage World	3%	3%

Vanquis vs Aqua: Who should choose Vanquis?

Vanquis can offer some more favourable terms. Their maximum 0% promotional period is up to 18 months, with usually several options available at 6, 9, 12 and 15 months too. Aqua is currently capped at 5 months.

Vanquis also offers a higher maximum credit limit of £7,000. Aqua currently has a maximum credit limit of £1,500

Applications for both cards are subject to status and affordability. You will not be eligible if you’re currently bankrupt or have an active IVA. Start by taking a free eligibility test without any impact on your credit score to see if you are eligible for either one of these cards.

In summary, with Vanquis:

You could be offered a longer 0% balance-transfer window (subject to status).

You could be offered a higher starting limit and have a higher balance transfer to make.

Who should choose Aqua?

Your eligibility is more favourable to Aqua based on your profile.

You want to test another provider

Read our full Aqua credit card review to understand in more detail how Aqua cards work, features and eligibility.

Try our balance transfer calculator

Enter your current details and compare how repayments could look with the Vanquis vs Aqua balance transfer credit card.

Calculate Potential Savings

The calculator is for information only and not personal advice.

Compare Alternatives

If you want to compare Vanquis with other balance transfer options, check our Top 10 Balance Transfer Credit Cards guide to compare other options available.

Vanquis Balance Transfer Credit Card

Mintify editorial rating: 4/5 (independent scoring; not financial advice).

Who it typically suits: People with limited or developing credit histories, or those who may have had some difficulty managing credit in the past. This card can be suitable for moving small to medium balances if you want a 0% promotional window and can commit to a fixed monthly repayment plan. Outcomes will depend on your individual circumstances and affordability.

Why 4/5 (editorial view):

Has potential for a medium to long 0% interest free period for balance transfers (offer and terms are subject to eligibility)

Can be attractive for people eligible for a credit building card looking for a balance transfer option.

What to watch for: A standard transfer fee is applicable and starting limits can cap how much you move; any remainder after the promo reverts to the card’s standard APR; missing a payment may end the promo and incur charges.

How we score balance transfer cards: We weight the intro 0% term most, then the ongoing APR and balance transfer fee to judge likely savings for balance transfer use. See our full methodology on how we score credit cards.

Mintip: If you’re stuck in a cycle of debt, get free help from StepChange or MoneyHelper before applying for a new balance transfer card.

Find the right Credit Card for you

Does not impact your credit score

Find out which credit cards you’re eligible for

34.4% Representative APR (variable)

Check Eligibility

Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.

Frequently asked questions

Does Vanquis offer balance transfers?

Yes, subject to eligibility, limits and fees. You must request the transfer within the offer’s transfer window which is usually 60 days. Example: if your account opens on 1 October, submit the transfer by 30 November. Check the current terms in your offer.

How long does a Vanquis balance transfer take?

Typically 2 to 7 working days, sometimes up to 10 to 14 depending on providers, checks and bank holidays. Example: a request made on Monday may complete by Thursday or the following week. Keep paying the old card until it shows £0 and the transfer appears on the new card.

What is the Vanquis balance transfer fee?

The transfer fee is usually 2.99% of the amount moved and is added to your new balance. Example: moving £900 would add a £26.91 fee. Fees could vary by offer. Check your specific offer.

Do balance transfers hurt my credit score?

A soft search eligibility check does not hurt your credit score. A full application creates a hard search. Opening a new account can affect utilisation and average account age. Example: opening a new account may change your utilisation ratio. Missing payments can harm your score.

What is the maximum credit limit on a Vanquis card?

Limits are set subject to status and may start lower for new accounts. The maximum amount is usually £7,000. The amount you can transfer is usually capped as a percentage of your credit limit. Example: with a £1,000 limit and a 90% cap, you could transfer up to £900.

Can I use a Vanquis credit card abroad?

Yes, but foreign usage fees, exchange rates and cash withdrawal charges may apply. Example: using the card at an overseas ATM can trigger a cash withdrawal fee and interest. Check the card’s charges before you travel.

Which bank owns Vanquis credit cards?

Vanquis credit cards are issued by Vanquis Bank.

What happens when the 0% interest period on balance transfers ends?

Any remaining balance moves to the card’s standard APR and interest starts immediately. Example: if £250 remains when the promo ends, interest will be charged on £250 at the card’s standard rate. Set a reminder for the end date and consider overpaying to reduce or avoid a remainder.

What happens to my old card after a balance transfer?

It does not close automatically. Keep paying it until the transfer is completed and you are sure the old card balance has been paid off. Example: wait for a £0 balance and a final statement from the old card before closing it. You can choose to keep or close the old card.

What balance transfer limits does Vanquis have?

Transfers are usually subject to a minimum amount and capped at up to a percentage of your credit limit. Example: some offers allow up to 90 percent of your limit with a £100 minimum. Always check the exact limits in your offer.