MBNA credit cards

Compare the range of MBNA credit cards available to find the right fit for your finances


  • Find cards you may be eligible for with our handy smart search tool
  • Avoid interest payments by paying off your balance in full each month
  • Missing a payment could cause your interest-free period to end prematurely
Compare credit cards

Who is MBNA?

Founded in 1982, MBNA originally stood for Maryland Bank National Association.

Now based in Chester, it’s been issuing credit cards in the UK since 1993 and is part of the Lloyds Banking Group.

MBNA has been voted Moneyfacts Consumer Credit Card Provider of the Year six times in a row - from 2014 to 2019.

Is MBNA the best credit card for me?

Compare a range of credit cards to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

You need to consider:

  • What you want to use the card for
  • Interest rates
  • Transfer fees
  • How much you’re able to pay back each month
  • Length of introductory period

What kind of credit cards does MBNA offer?

MBNA offers four main types of credit card:

Balance transfer credit card

This card offers either a low or 0% interest rate for an introductory period. It allows you to move existing balances from other cards onto it, reducing your interest payments and helping you pay off what you owe more easily.

Balance transfer credit cards

Purchase credit card

MBNA purchase credit cards come with a low introductory rate to help you better manage your repayments. MBNA Smart Rewards means you can earn up to 15% cashback from certain retailers when you spend.

Purchase credit cards

Transfer and purchase credit card

Offering promotional or competitive introductory interest rates on both purchases and balance transfers, this multi-purpose card can help you spread the cost of what you buy as well as cut the cost of any existing debt you have. The card also allows you to transfer funds to your current account at an introductory rate.

Money transfer credit card

Usually offering a 0% interest introductory period, this type of card allows you to transfer money from it into your bank account. This could be to clear an overdraft, act as a 0% loan or to pay for goods and services. You’ll typically be charged a money transfer fee - normally a percentage of the amount you’re transferring.

As with all credit cards, it’s important to pay off as much as you can each month to avoid debt building up. Missing repayments could result in any introductory period you’ve been accepted for being cancelled and you could be moved to the card’s standard interest rate.

Money transfer credit cards

How do MBNA credit cards compare?

MBNA offers a range of competitive cards with a variety of features as standard including:

  1. Up to 15% cashback with MBNA Smart Rewards

    Register for Online Card Services and you can earn cashback with selected retailers on your credit card purchases

  2. Online and mobile card management

    It’s easy to check your balance and transactions, as well as make payments and transfers on your computer, phone or tablet, or via the card services app

  3. UK call centres

    Open 8am-10pm on weekdays and 8am-6pm on the weekend

  4. Paperless monthly statements

    Delivered to your inbox

  5. Fraud protection

    Tell MBNA if you lose your card or notice any unusual activity and you won’t be charged for unauthorised transactions

Am I eligible for an MBNA credit card?

To apply you must:

  • Be a UK resident aged 18 or over with a regular income
  • Provide at least three years’ worth of UK address history
  • Have a bank account
  • Not be unemployed or a student
  • Have no County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) or bankruptcies
  • Have not been declined for an MBNA credit card within the last 30 days

MBNA will also consider your credit history and how affordable a card is for you, based on your income.

How do I make the most of my MBNA card?

When comparing MBNA cards, you should consider how you want to use the card now and in the future to be sure that you’re getting one that will work best for you.

For example, if you have debt on another card and are looking for a lower rate to help you pay off the balance, then an MBNA balance transfer card might be the right option for you.

However, if you want to use your card to pay off a current account overdraft, or to help with current account payments, then a money transfer card could be one to consider.

An MBNA purchase credit card may be the right option for everyday purchases or more expensive items that you’ll need a little time to pay off.

A transfer and purchase card is a great all-rounder, allowing balance transfers and spending too.

Whichever card you choose, make sure you use it responsibly and only spend what you’re able to pay back comfortably.

What charges do I pay for my MBNA credit card?

As with most credit cards, as well as paying interest on any unpaid balance, you can expect charges including:

  1. Balance transfer fees

    Normally a small percentage of the amount you’re transferring

  2. Money transfer fees

    Again, this is usually a small percentage of the amount of money you’re transferring to your bank account

  3. ATM withdrawal fees

    Charges to withdraw money from a cash machine both at home and abroad

  4. Using your card abroad

    Non-sterling transactions can incur additional fees and interest

  5. Missed payments or going over your limit

    If you don’t make at least the minimum payment every month, or go over your card limit, you could be charged and lose any promotional offers

Where can I use my MBNA credit card?

MBNA cards are accepted at millions of Visa, MasterCard and Amex terminals all over the world.

You can use your card online, over the phone and at the shops using chip and PIN or contactless. You can also add it to your smartphone digital wallet and use it that way.

What are the pros and cons of an MBNA credit card?

Credit cards are easy to use, help you spread the cost of buying expensive items and may come with perks and benefits, such as cashback or air miles, too.

Any purchase over £100 and under £30,000 using an MBNA credit card is protected under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means, if you have unsuccessfully attempted to get a refund for faulty goods or services from a retailer or company (or if they go bust), you can make a claim with MBNA to get your money back.

As is the case with any credit card, there are risks that you could overspend and get into debt. This could be the case if you intend to pay back just the minimum monthly amount. Plus, if you miss a payment, you could lose your promotional offer, like a long 0% interest period.

Related links

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