Eligibility and Approval Criteria
Before applying for any UK balance transfer credit card, it’s essential to know the eligibility requirements and how lenders assess your application. Santander uses a soft credit check first, allowing applicants to see their likelihood of approval without affecting their credit score — a valuable feature for anyone managing their financial profile carefully.
To qualify for the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card, you should typically:
- Be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- Have a regular income and a valid UK bank account.
- Maintain a good or fair credit history (no recent defaults or County Court Judgments).
- Not currently hold another Santander credit card with a similar balance transfer offer.
Santander may also consider your overall credit utilization and existing debts. For example, if your balances are already close to your limits across multiple cards, this could lower your approval chances. Keeping your usage below 30% of your available credit is ideal.
In most cases, approval decisions are based on your credit score, affordability assessment, and recent borrowing behavior. Even if you’re approved, your credit limit and APR will vary based on your personal financial profile.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Applying for the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card is simple, but following each step carefully can increase your likelihood of success.
1. Check your eligibility first.
Visit Santander’s website and use the Eligibility Checker. It performs a soft search that won’t appear on your credit file.
2. Review your credit report.
Before applying, check your credit score using trusted UK agencies like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Make sure all details are correct, as errors can reduce your score.
3. Gather your financial details.
You’ll need to provide income information, employment status, monthly housing costs, and existing credit commitments.
4. Submit your online application.
Go to Santander’s official website, complete the online form, and wait for an instant decision in most cases. Some applications may require additional checks.
5. Transfer your balances.
Once approved, log in to your online banking account and initiate your balance transfer. You’ll need the other card’s account number and balance amount.
6. Set up repayments and alerts.
Activate your Santander Mobile Banking App to set up payment reminders and automatic minimum payments — this helps you avoid missing deadlines and losing your 0% promotional rate.
Expert Tips to Increase Approval Chances
Getting approved for a balance transfer card is not just about your credit score. Lenders also evaluate your financial behavior and repayment reliability. Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Reduce outstanding debts before applying — aim to pay off at least 10–20% of your current balances.
- Avoid multiple credit applications in a short time. Each hard search can lower your score temporarily.
- Maintain a stable income and address history, as lenders prefer applicants who’ve been in the same job or residence for over six months.
- Keep old credit accounts open (if unused) to show a longer credit history, improving your profile.
- Lower your credit utilization to below 30%. If you currently owe £3,000 on a £5,000 limit, try reducing it to £1,500 before applying.
- Check for pre-approval on Santander’s website — this gives you a personalized probability of acceptance before committing.
Following these simple but effective actions can significantly improve your application outcome, especially if you’ve been declined for similar cards in the past.
Using the Card Wisely
Once approved, the best way to benefit from the Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card is to use it strategically.
Always focus on clearing the transferred balance before the 31-month 0% period ends. After this, the standard 23.9% variable APR will apply. Avoid using the card for new spending unless absolutely necessary, as it can increase your repayment burden.
To maximize the benefit:
- Make at least the minimum payment every month on time.
- Track your balance through the Santander Mobile App.
- Consider setting up a direct debit to stay consistent.
- Avoid cash withdrawals, as these often carry immediate interest and fees.
- Review your repayment progress every three months to stay on track.
Responsible use of this credit card can help rebuild or strengthen your credit profile, provided you manage repayments carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I transfer balances from any card?
You can transfer balances from most UK-issued credit cards, except other Santander or Cahoot cards. Always confirm eligible issuers before applying.
2. What happens after the 0% period ends?
Any remaining balance will begin accruing interest at the standard variable APR (currently around 23.9%). Paying off your debt before that date avoids these charges.
3. How long does approval take?
Many applicants receive an instant decision online. In some cases, Santander may request additional documentation before final approval.
4. Will applying affect my credit score?
Using the Eligibility Checker first will not affect your score. A full application involves a hard search, which may reduce your score slightly for a short time.
5. Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Your approved credit limit determines this. Santander typically allows transfers up to 95% of your credit limit.
6. Can I have more than one balance transfer card?
Yes, but lenders may see multiple open balance transfer cards as a risk. Use one card at a time to focus your repayment strategy.
Conclusion
The Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card is a standout option in the UK for anyone seeking a reliable balance transfer deal with extended breathing room. The 31-month 0% interest period offers one of the longest windows available, giving cardholders genuine financial relief.
What makes this product shine isn’t just the headline rate — it’s the responsibility-first approach. With a soft eligibility check, transparent terms, and digital banking integration, Santander empowers users to manage their finances confidently.
If your goal is to simplify debt and rebuild financial stability, this credit card delivers a strong foundation to do just that. Use it wisely, stay disciplined with repayments, and you can exit debt faster than you might think — without the usual stress of interest accumulation.
Ready to take control of your finances?
Apply now or continue exploring more balance transfer options to find the best fit for your journey toward financial freedom.
Santander Everyday Long Term Credit Card <p class='sec-title' style='line-height: normal; font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px !important; text-align: left;margin-top: 8px;margin-bottom: 0px !important;'>Discover how this UK credit card helps you manage debt smarter with up to 31 months of 0% interest on balance transfers and no annual fee</p>