RBS Bank Credit Card Options and Benefits

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RBS Bank offers a range of credit card options to suit different needs and preferences.

Their credit cards come with various benefits, including purchase protection and travel insurance.

You can choose from a variety of rewards programs, such as cashback, points, or discounts on specific purchases.

Some RBS credit cards also offer exclusive benefits, like airport lounge access or concierge services.

If this caught your attention, see: Bank of America Credit Card Benefits Guide

Product Information

The RBS Bank Credit Card offers a range of benefits, including a low annual fee of £0 and a generous 0% introductory offer on balance transfers and purchases.

You can expect to pay a balance transfer fee of 2.99%, but this is a relatively low rate compared to other credit card providers. The interest rates on purchases and balance transfers are 12.9% and 26.9% respectively, although you can enjoy up to 56 days of interest-free purchases.

Here are some of the key features of the RBS Bank Credit Card:

  • Minimum credit limit: £250
  • Maximum credit limit: Subject to status
  • Additional cards available: 3
  • Annual Fee: £0

Product Overview

The Royal Bank of Scotland offers a range of credit cards, each with its own unique features and benefits.

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The issuer of these credit cards is the Royal Bank of Scotland.

You can use a Mastercard network to make purchases and transactions.

There are no annual or monthly fees associated with these credit cards.

The interest rates for balance transfers, purchases, money transfers, and cash advances are 12.9%, 12.9%, 26.9%, and 26.9% respectively.

You can enjoy an interest-free period of up to 56 days for purchases.

The minimum credit limit for these credit cards is £250, but the maximum credit limit is subject to status.

You can have up to three additional cards available on your account.

Here's a breakdown of the potential costs and overall performance of the credit cards:

RBS Card Types

RBS offers a range of credit cards to suit different needs. You can choose from four types of cards: Balanced, Rewards, Premium, and Student cards.

The Balanced card offers a single low rate on purchases and balance transfers, making it a great option for those with existing debt. This card doesn't have a fixed low rate period, so you can enjoy a low rate indefinitely.

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Rewards cards are designed to reward you while you shop at selected locations. If you have a Reward current account with RBS, you won't pay an annual fee on this card.

Premium cards, such as Gold, Black, or Platinum cards, offer superior service, perks, and rewards as you spend. These cards are a great option for those who want to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Student cards are designed for those with limited credit history and income. This option doesn't come with a huge credit limit, but you won't be expected to pay an annual fee.

Here are the four types of RBS credit cards:

  • Balanced cards
  • Rewards cards
  • Premium cards (Gold, Black, or Platinum)
  • Student cards

Balance Transfer Card

If you're looking to transfer a balance to a new credit card, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) offers a balance transfer credit card with a 0% introductory offer for up to 18 months.

The RBS balance transfer credit card has a 2.99% balance transfer fee, which is a relatively standard fee in the industry.

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For new customers, the RBS balance transfer credit card offers 0% on balance transfers for up to 18 months from account opening, as well as 0% on purchases for up to 20 months from account opening.

Existing RBS credit card customers can also make a balance transfer to one of the many other UK credit cards that offer 0% introductory rates, including cards from HSBC and M&S Bank.

Here are some popular 0% credit cards that existing RBS customers can consider:

It's worth noting that these offers can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the terms and conditions before applying.

Fees and Charges

You'll be pleased to know that there are no annual or monthly fees associated with this RBS bank credit card.

The minimum monthly payment is calculated in a few different ways, but it's always at least 1% of the outstanding balance or £5, whichever is greater.

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If you're making a balance transfer, you won't have to pay a fee, as it's 0% of the transfer amount.

Similarly, money transfers are also free, with no fee charged by RBS.

However, if you're withdrawing cash abroad, you will incur a fee, although the ATM owner may also add their own fee on top.

You'll also be charged a cash advance fee of 3% of the withdrawal amount, with a minimum of £3.

Late payments will incur a fee of £12, so it's essential to make your payments on time.

If you need a duplicate statement, it'll cost you £3, but you can avoid this by keeping track of your statements.

Exceeding your credit limit will also incur a fee of £12, so be mindful of your spending.

Fortunately, there are no dormancy fees, so your account won't be charged for inactivity.

Application and Approval

You're considering applying for an RBS bank credit card, but you're not sure what to expect. If you have a history of bad debt, your application might not be approved.

Having no credit history can also be a barrier to approval. This is because lenders use credit history to assess your creditworthiness.

If you've been made the subject of a CCJ, you're unlikely to be accepted for an RBS bank credit card.

Application Approval Issues

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If your application is rejected, it's not the end of the world. You can still try to improve your chances of approval.

Your minimum age must be 18, so make sure you meet this requirement.

If you have a history of bad debt or no credit history, you could be rejected.

You're unlikely to be offered a card if you have declared bankruptcy.

A CCJ (County Court Judgment) can also affect your chances of approval.

The Royal Bank Credit Card is not available to everyone, so it's worth checking the requirements before applying.

Here's a quick summary of the potential issues:

Can I Check Approval Without Affecting My Score?

You can check if you'll get approved for a credit card without affecting your credit score. Most card issuers, including RBS, offer a "soft search" facility.

This facility checks your credit file to give you an idea of whether you'll be approved, without leaving a mark on your credit score. If you decide to apply, there will be a "hard search" of your credit file, which has a slight negative impact on your score.

Using Your Card

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You can withdraw cash using The Royal Bank Credit Card, but be aware that it's not always the best idea due to steep fees and higher interest rates.

The cash advance fee on The Royal Bank Credit Card is 3% of the withdrawn amount, with a minimum fee of £3.

For example, if you withdraw £50, you'll incur a fee of £3.00, and if you withdraw £250, you'll incur a fee of £7.50.

Balance Transfer for Existing Customers

If you're an existing RBS credit card customer, you're in luck because you can make a balance transfer to one of the many other UK credit cards that offer 0% introductory rates.

These popular featured 0% credit cards offer some great deals, including 0% interest for up to 32 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening.

A 3.49% balance transfer fee applies, with a minimum of £5, so be sure to factor that in when making your decision.

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You'll also get 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening, which can be a great way to make some purchases without incurring interest.

At the end of the promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to the standard variable rate, so be sure to pay off your balance before then to avoid interest charges.

Here are some of the popular featured 0% credit cards you can transfer to:

Keep in mind that while these deals can be great, it's essential to read the fine print and make sure you understand the terms and conditions before making a decision.

Card Cash Withdrawal

Withdrawing cash from your credit card account can be a costly mistake, especially if you're not aware of the fees involved. The cash advance fee on The Royal Bank Credit Card is 3% (min. £3).

If you withdraw £50, you'll incur a fee of £3.00, and if you withdraw £250, you'll incur a fee of £7.50.

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The interest rate on cash advances is 26.9%, which is a whopping 109% more than the standard purchase rate. This means you'll be charged interest on cash withdrawals from the day of the transaction, and the card's usual "up to 56 days interest-free" grace period won't apply.

You'll also pay fees on cash withdrawals overseas, as the ATM owner may add its own fee on top of the one charged by RBS.

Can I Use a Card Overseas?

You can use your card overseas without any issues, as long as you have a Mastercard, which is what RBS credit cards are.

RBS credit cards are all Mastercards, so acceptance won't be a problem.

However, be aware that with some RBS cards, you'll be charged a currency conversion fee for non-sterling transactions.

It's a good idea to let the bank know you're heading overseas by logging in and adding your trip details, which can be done through the "Going abroad" option.

Missing payments or exceeding your credit limit can harm your credit score, so make sure to stay on top of your payments and keep within your limit.

Repayment Options

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You can make manual repayments through Royal Bank of Scotland's app by logging in to your online banking or over the phone.

There's also the option to set up a direct debit, which can protect you from forgetting to make a repayment and incurring a penalty fee of £12.

A direct debit can also help you avoid losing any promotional rates as a result of missed repayments.

You can arrange a direct debit for repayments when you apply for the credit card, making it a convenient and hassle-free option.

Read More Cards

If you're looking to make the most out of your RBS credit card, there are several options to consider. RBS offers four different credit cards, each designed to cater to different needs.

The Balanced card is a great choice if you're looking to transfer a balance from another card with a high interest rate. You can enjoy a low rate on the existing debt, as well as on future purchases, indefinitely.

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If you're a frequent shopper at specific locations, the Rewards card might be the way to go. This card rewards you while you shop, and if you have a Reward current account, you won't have to pay an annual fee.

If you're looking for a premium experience, RBS offers Gold, Black, or Platinum cards, which come with superior service, perks, and rewards as you spend.

For students with limited credit history and income, the Student card is a good option. You won't have to pay an annual fee, but keep in mind that the credit limit will be limited.

Here are some popular RBS credit card options to consider:

These are just a few examples of the many credit card options available from RBS. Be sure to do your research and choose the card that best fits your needs.

Payment and Fees

Payment and fees are an essential part of using an RBS bank credit card. The minimum monthly payment is the greater of 1% of the outstanding balance or £5.

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To avoid late payment fees, it's best to set up a Direct Debit, which will ensure your payment is taken automatically each month. If you're late paying, you'll be charged a fee of £12.

You can make a payment in the mobile app or digital banking, and you can also use the repayment calculator to understand how quickly you could clear your balance. The cash advance fee on The Royal Bank Credit Card is 3% (min. £3), and the interest rate on cash advances is 26.9%.

Here's a breakdown of the fees you might incur:

Cost of Using Card Abroad

Using your credit card abroad can be a convenient option, but it's essential to understand the costs involved.

You won't pay a fee on non-sterling transactions, which is great news if you're planning a trip abroad.

However, withdrawing cash from an ATM will incur a fee, and the ATM owner may add its own fee on top. This can quickly add up, so it's worth considering alternative options for accessing cash.

Non-sterling transactions, on the other hand, are subject to a 0% charge, which means you won't pay any extra fees for purchases made in foreign currencies. For example, if you spend 200 euros, you'll only be charged the equivalent in pounds, with no additional fees.

Take a look at this: Mastercard Atm Card

Making a Payment

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You can pay your credit balance in various ways, including by Direct Debit, which is the most common method.

To set up a Direct Debit, you'll need to choose your bank account and the payment amount, which can be the minimum, the minimum payment plus, a fixed amount, or your full credit balance.

You can also make a payment in the mobile app or digital banking, which is a convenient option if you're on the go.

If you want to understand how quickly you could clear your balance, you can use the repayment calculator, which will give you a better idea of your progress.

The minimum payment is a good starting point, but keep in mind that paying more than the minimum each month will help you pay off your balance faster and avoid extra fees.

Late Paying

Late paying can be a problem, and it's easy to make mistakes. If you're late paying, you'll be charged a fee of £12.

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Setting up a Direct Debit is a great way to avoid late payments altogether. This way, you'll never miss a payment due date again.

We understand that mistakes can happen, and if you miss your payment due date by just one day, you won't be charged the late payment fee.

Over Your Limit

Going over your limit can be a costly mistake, with a £12 fee charged by NatWest.

You won't be charged if you only go over your limit by £12 or less.

To avoid this fee, it's a good idea to check your balance before making a purchase.

You can do this by logging onto NatWest Online Banking or using their mobile app.

Customer Experience

RBS credit card customers are generally happy with their service, with 89% saying they'd recommend it to a friend in our 2024 customer satisfaction survey.

Many customers praised RBS for being reliable and offering good interest rates, with one respondent saying they've never had an issue with their card and appreciate the great interest rate options.

However, things take a turn on Trustpilot, where RBS as a whole received a score of only 1.3 out of 5, with reviewers citing poor experiences with customer service.

Benefits of a Card

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Having a reliable credit card is essential for any consumer, and RBS credit cards deliver on this front. 89% of RBS credit card customers would recommend it to a friend, according to their 2024 customer satisfaction survey.

One of the key benefits of an RBS credit card is its widespread acceptance. Issued by Mastercard, one of the biggest credit card providers in the world, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Customer service is also a priority with RBS credit cards. The customer services phone line is staffed seven days a week, so you can contact them to make changes to your account or carry out transactions between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Managing your account is easy with RBS credit cards. You can nominate an additional card holder using your usual online account-handling system, provided they are over 18 years old and a UK resident.

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RBS credit cards also offer additional security features, such as fraud text alerts. A text-only phone number will send an SMS to your mobile if the card issuer notices any activity on your card which it thinks might be suspicious.

Here are some of the key benefits of an RBS credit card:

  • Widespread acceptance
  • Customer services phone line available 7 days a week
  • Ability to nominate additional card holders
  • Fraud text alerts for added security

Our Verdict

In our research, we found that some lenders offer a quick search tool that won't affect your credit rating, allowing you to gauge your chances of approval without any consequences.

RBS is one such lender that provides this service, making it a great option for those who want to explore their possibilities without committing to an application.

If you've been declared bankrupt or have a county court judgment against your name, it's unlikely you'll be successful with a lender that offers a quick search tool.

This is because these factors can significantly impact your creditworthiness, and lenders may view you as a higher risk.

What to Keep in Mind

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When considering an RBS Bank credit card, it's essential to keep a few things in mind.

You'll need to have an existing credit card account to be eligible for Instalment Plans, and you'll be charged a monthly fee.

Instalment Plans can only be used for transactions that are on your latest statement or applied to your account since your last statement was produced.

Your monthly payments and fee will vary depending on the size of your purchase and how long you're taking out the plan for.

The Instalment Plan counts as part of your existing credit limit, so you won't be able to free up additional funds by moving a purchase to an Instalment Plan.

Here are some key points to remember:

  • Instalment Plans are only for existing credit card customers.
  • You need to have no cash balance on your credit card account to be eligible.
  • Your Instalment Plan payments and fees will vary based on the size of your purchase and plan duration.
  • The Instalment Plan should have a lower interest rate than your usual card repayment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of card is RBS?

Your Royal Bank debit card is a Mastercard, a type of debit card that can be used worldwide. It's a replacement for your previous debit card, with the same functionality.

Is it hard to get a credit card with RBC?

To increase your chances of approval, meet all the RBC credit card requirements before applying. Applying for an RBC credit card is a quick and secure process.

Joan Lowe-Schiller

Assigning Editor

Joan Lowe-Schiller serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of architectural and design content. Her expertise lies in Brazilian architecture, a passion that has led to in-depth coverage of the region's innovative structures and cultural influences. Under her guidance, the publication has expanded its reach, offering readers a deeper understanding of the architectural landscape in Brazil.

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