As your credit needs change over time, you could apply to switch your Lloyds Bank credit card to suit.
Swapping your existing credit card could help you to:
For example, if you used your existing credit card to transfer a balance which is now paid off, and you now need a card with lower interest rates for purchases, a swap could be a good option.
Think about your main reason for switching from your existing credit card. The lowest and longest lasting interest rates are usually offered on a primary transaction type.
Card purchases – perhaps you’re planning a larger purchase and need to spread the cost over a number of months, or you’re looking for a credit card to manage your everyday spending.
Just be aware, unless a 0% p.a. promotional rate for purchases applies, to avoid paying interest on purchases you need to pay off your monthly statement balance in full every month.
Balance transfers – you could consolidate credit card balances you hold elsewhere, making your outgoings easier to keep track of. Just bear in mind that transfer fees may apply.
At Lloyds Bank, you can transfer balances from most credit cards and store cards which display the Mastercard®, American Express®, or Visa® logos, but not from loan companies, bank accounts or other Lloyds Bank credit cards.
Money transfers – with selected credit cards you can transfer funds to your UK current account, helping you to manage cash-only purchases and unexpected expenses. Transfer fees may apply.
It’s important to know, if you make a purchase using money transferred from your credit card to your current account, the purchase will not be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 – unlike some credit card purchases.
Applying to swap your credit card could affect your credit score in a few ways:
The way you manage your borrowing is also important. For instance, if you miss a payment or go over your credit limit, in addition to fees, charges and the possibility of losing any promotional interest rates, your credit rating could also be affected.
Before you switch to a new credit card, consider if this is the right borrowing option for you and if you’ll be able to make repayments, even if your circumstances change.
If you’ve got a balance on your existing credit card, it’ll simply move to your new credit card when you swap. However, it’s important to know you’ll lose your previous interest rates, including any introductory or promotional rates.
Introductory interest rates on the card you swap to are limited to new transactions only.
That means the standard interest rates on your new credit card will apply to any outstanding balances moved across, so make sure you understand any change in costs.
If this standard interest rate will be higher than you’re paying already, or promotional interest rates apply to the balance on your existing credit card, you may choose to:
It’s useful to know that payments you make are always allocated to balances with the highest interest rates first, helping to keep your interest costs to a minimum.
To check the interest rates which apply to your existing credit card, refer to:
You could make some changes to your existing credit card, so it better suits your needs:
When an application is approved, your PIN will be delivered by post within 5 working days. Your new card will follow, arriving within 7 working days.
We send these items separately for security. If your card doesn’t arrive within 2 days of your PIN being delivered, please call us on 0345 606 2172. Speak to an adviser 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lloyds Bank plc. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales No. 2065. Lloyds Bank plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278.
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