Scotland’s oldest bank, Bank of Scotland, offers a range of credit cards incorporating 0% deals on balance transfers, purchases or both. Rates starting from 10.9% to 24.9%.
Bank of Scotland has been helping generations of Scots look after their money since 1695. Today it has almost 300 branches across the country, serving over 2.8 million customers. Its credit cards are part of the Mastercard network, so they are accepted in more than 35 million locations worldwide.
Types of credit cards offered by Bank of Scotland
Bank of Scotland offers a range of credit cards to suit different needs.
Balance transfer cards. Make the most of a zero rate of interest for an initial promotional period by transferring existing debts from cards with higher interest rates. Bank of Scotland offers a range of balance transfer cards to suit your circumstances. Take advantage of a card which also offers an interest-free promotional period for purchases, or opt for one that charges a low or no fee for balance transfers.
Purchase cards. Bank of Scotland’s purchase cards offer low or zero interest for a specified period on purchases made using the card. If you’re planning a significant expenditure on a new card, then comparing 0% purchase cards would be a smart place to start.
Low rate cards. With the lowest ongoing interest rate of all the Bank of Scotland cards, the low rate credit card could suit you if you pay off the minimum or part of your balance each month. This card comes with no promotional period for zero interest on balance transfers or purchases.
What benefits can I get with a Bank of Scotland credit card?
Soft searching. Use the online eligibility tool to find out if you will be accepted for a Bank of Scotland credit card without affecting your credit score.
Quick decision. Find out if your application is successful within five minutes.
Global usage. The Bank of Scotland credit cards are part of the Mastercard networks, so they are accepted at more than 35 million locations worldwide.
Contactless payments. All the Bank of Scotland credit cards are enabled for contactless payments up to £45.
Enhanced security. Have peace of mind when shopping online with Mastercard SecureCode.
Online account management. See your balance and make a payment at any time, and from anywhere.
Applying for a Bank of Scotland Bank credit card
You can use Bank of Scotland’s card selector tool on the website to help you find the right card for you. It lets you:
Filter cards based on what you would like the main purpose of your card to be.
Tailor results by entering an existing balance to transfer or how much you would like to spend.
Sort results by lowest cost, longest 0% interest period or cards for balance transfers and purchases.
Once you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to fill out the simple online application form. To do so you will need your:
Current UK address details, and your previous address if you have moved in the past three years.
Phone number and email address.
Annual income (before tax).
Main bank account number and sort code.
Details for any non Bank of Scotland credit or store cards, if you want to make a balance transfer as part of your application.
If approved, you’ll be formally offered the card. However it’s important to look closely at the offer, since some applicants will be offered a different rate to the advertised APR. Provided you’re happy to accept the offer, your new card will arrive within seven working days and your PIN will arrive within five working days.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a Bank of Scotland credit card, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be resident in the UK.
Have a regular income.
Not currently be declared bankrupt, have any county court judgements or be subject to an Individual Voluntary Agreement.
Not have already applied for a card with Bank of Scotland and been declined in the previous 30 days.
Why might you not be approved?
If you meet the eligibility requirements but have a history of bad debt or no credit history at all, you may be rejected. If you are in an IVA, have had a CCJ or are currently bankrupt, you will not be accepted for a card.
Bank of Scotland customer reviews
Bank of Scotland has received generally poor reviews from customers, according to review site Trustpilot. It currently has a rating of 1.7 out of 5, based on more than 650 reviews (updated March 2024). Some credit card customers said they had issues with their card being blocked, and problems when trying to resolve issues.
Frequently asked questions
Bank of Scotland will make a decision based on a number of factors, including:
Your current level of borrowing and existing financial commitments.
Your employment status and the nature of your employment.
Your residential status (eg if you have lived at your current address for a short time or have not been listed on the electoral register).
Whether you have kept up with loan or credit payments in the past.
The length of time you have held a current account and how you have used it.
It’s quick and easy to activate your new card with Bank of Scotland’s secure Internet banking service. You’ll need your credit card to hand, and will also be asked to provide some personal information. If you’re already registered for Internet banking, you’ll need your sign in details.
You can change the date of your monthly credit card payment at any time to one that is more convenient for you. You can do this easily through your online banking account.
If you miss a monthly payment the use of your card may be suspended and Bank of Scotland may need to contact you. You may also be charged a missed payment fee. If you exceed your credit limit, your account may be blocked and you will need to pay the excess amount before, or along with, your next monthly payment. You may also be charged an “over limit” fee.
Missed or late payments will be recorded on your credit file and are likely to harm your credit score.
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Chris Lilly is Head of publishing at finder.com. He's a specialist in personal finance, from day-to-day banking to investing to borrowing, and is passionate about helping UK consumers make informed decisions about their money. In his spare time Chris likes forcing his kids to exercise more. See full bio
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Enjoy a low ongoing but variable rate on both purchases and balance transfers with Bank of Scotland.
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