Find out how to apply for a credit card from Britain’s biggest challenger bank, TSB, which offers customers a wide selection of credit cards for transfers, cashback and more. Rates starting from 12.9% to 30.9%.
Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Moneyfacts.
What is TSB?
Founded as the Trustee Savings Bank in 1810, TSB is one of the oldest and biggest names in British banking. After hooking up with Lloyds Bank 1993 only to break up in 2013, it now has 631 high street branches across the country as well as online account management and UK-based call centres, meaning you can manage your money from anywhere at any time.
TSB is on the Mastercard network so its cards are accepted in more than 35 million locations worldwide.
What types of offers are available from TSB?
0% on balance transfers offer. TSB offers a 0% balance transfer rate for a set period on balances transferred within the first 90 days with a reduced fee for transfers made in this time. You can also benefit from 0% interest on purchases for a shorter period and cashback on eligible spending each month. Learn more about 0% balance transfer cards.
0% on forthcoming purchases offer. TSB’s purchase card is designed to offer zero or no 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. With this card, TSB also offers 0% interest on balance transfers for a set period when they are transferred in the first 90 days. Learn more about 0% purchase cards.
Student offer. If you’re at college or university and have had a TSB Student Current Account for at least three months, this card could give you the extra flexibility you need. Remember to manage your money so you stay within your credit limit or you will be charged a fee. This card comes with no 0% interest period on balance transfers or cash withdrawals – instead it’s a card that can help you build up a credit history and stand you in good stead for future borrowing. Learn more about student credit cards.
Low rate offer. With less emphasis on the headline-grabbing 0% periods, this involves a short period of 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases followed by TSB’s lowest ongoing interest rate. If you have a TSB Classic Current Account you can also benefit from cashback on eligible spending. Learn more about low rate cards
What benefits can I get with a TSB credit card?
Online account management. TSB’s internet banking website lets you check your latest balance, search your statements and apply for new accounts.
App. The TSB app features fingerprint, iris and face recognition (if your phone has this functionality). You can set up and amend standing orders, cancel Direct Debits and pay your TSB credit card bill. The handy currency converter tool gives you an idea of how much foreign transactions made on your TSB card will cost you.
Global usage. TSB uses the Mastercard network, meaning you can use your card in more than 35 million locations worldwide.
Cashback. If you have a TSB Classic Plus account, you can earn cashback with your TSB credit card, enabling you to make your money work harder.
Security. TSB uses Clicksafe to help keep your details secure when shopping online.
Account monitoring. TSB operates active account monitoring to spot any suspicious spending on your card.
Emergency overseas assistance. Emergency telephone assistance is provided if you have lost your card abroad.
Applying for a TSB credit card
You can apply for a TSB credit card online in just a few minutes. Simply fill out the online form providing personal information such as name, address, income and work status. You can also go into a TSB branch or apply over the phone.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a TSB credit card, you must meet the following criteria:
UK resident
18 or over
Have a regular income
Not be currently declared bankrupt, have county court judgements or be subject to an individual voluntary agreement
Have had a TSB Current Account for at least the last three months
Why might you not be approved?
On the whole, if you meet the eligibility requirements but have a history of bad debt or no credit history at all, you may be rejected. Equally if you are in an IVA or have had a CCJ you may not be accepted. If you have ever declared bankruptcy you are also unlikely to receive a card.
TSB customer reviews
TSB has received mixed reviews from customers, according to customer review site Trustpilot. It currently has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on more than 20,400 reviews (updated October 2023). Some customers reported issues using the TSB website and accessing their accounts, as well as difficulties when trying to pay off their card balance.
Overview of TSB credit cards
Representative APR
From 12.9% to 30.9%
0% balance transfer offer
Up to 24 months
0% purchases offer
Up to 12 months
0% money transfer offer
No money transfer offer available
Cashback with brand
Cashback not available
Cashback elsewhere
Cashback not available
Cash advance
From 19.95%
Introductory bonus offer
No introductory bonus offers available
Frequently asked questions
The main ways to pay your bill are by direct debit, debit card, internet banking, at your bank or by cheque.
Yes, there are three ways you can manage your account; through the TSB mobile app, online and over the phone.
Yes you can view and download your statement online. You can also opt out of receiving paper statements.
Your credit card may have different rates of interest for purchases, balance transfers and cash withdrawals. You’ll find details of your specific interest rates in your terms and conditions. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the amount you borrow. The longer it takes you to pay off your balance, the more interest you will have to pay.
All Mastercard credit cardholders are entitled to use their Priceless Cities rewards programme which offers access to exclusive experiences and discounts.
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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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Chris has written 609 Finder guides across topics including:
Everything you need to know about the TSB Platinum Balance Transfer Credit Card. Fast and simple overview of rates, fees, credit limits and eligibility requirements. Compare this card against similar products from a range of lenders.
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