MBNA European Bank was founded in 1982 under the name Maryland Bank National Association. Since 1993, it has been based in Chester in Cheshire in the North West of England and provides credit cards in the UK.
In 2017, MBNA became part of Lloyds Banking Group, which includes brands such as Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows.
Between 2014 and 2019, MBNA was recognised as the best consumer credit card provider by Moneyfacts six times in a row.
It offers four main types of credit cards: balance transfer cards, combined balance transfer and purchase cards, purchase cards and money transfer cards.
MBNA Credit Card Comparison
MBNA European Bank provides a variety of credit cards, each aimed at meeting a specific consumer need, whether it's paying off debts or making small purchases. The interest rates you see online only serve as a guide, and you may be offered more favourable or less favourable terms depending on your credit history.
MBNA's main products include:
- Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Allow you to consolidate debts from other credit cards or shop cards and manage them more efficiently. This can help you spread out your repayments on more favourable terms, providing lower or even zero interest rates.
- Shopping credit cards: Provide a way to pay for everyday expenses or large purchases. Initial interest rates on purchases can be low, allowing you to spread your spending over convenient periods of time.
- Credit cards for transfers and purchases: Combine favourable conditions for transfers and purchases. These cards can be a versatile solution, whether you need funds for purchases or to transfer an existing balance.
- Credit cards with money transfers: Allow you to transfer funds from your credit card to your bank account. This can be useful for paying unexpected bills or for use where credit cards are not accepted.
MBNA credit card features
MBNA credit cards provide a number of features for convenient financial management. Here are some of them:
- Smart Rewards: This is an add-on service that offers special offers and the ability to get up to 15% cashback on certain purchases.
- Online Card Management: You can check balances, view transactions, make payments, request transfers and more through the website or mobile app.
- Fraud protection: You won't be charged for unauthorised transactions if you report them to MBNA European Bank.
- Payment Protection: You will be financially protected when you purchase goods and services for certain amounts under the Consumer Credit Act.
- Different payment methods: You can pay through your bank with a debit card or set up a direct debit payment.
- UK call centres: 24/7 telephone support for all your account enquiries.
- Contactless Cards: The ability to use your MBNA cards wherever contactless payment is available.
- Paperless Monthly Statements: Receive your monthly statements to your email address, which is convenient and environmentally friendly.
How do I choose the best MBNA credit card?
MBNA has a variety of credit cards, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs:
- If you're looking for a low interest rate on purchases and want to spread your spending over a few months without interest, the best option is the MBNA shopping card.
- If you need to transfer a balance from another card with minimal or no interest, consider the MBNA balance transfer card.
- If you need funds for your current account, for example, to pay off an overdraft, an MBNA money transfer card will do.
- If you plan to use the card to spend and pay off debt incurred elsewhere, consider a combination purchase and balance transfer card.
Am I eligible for an MBNA credit card?
To qualify for an MBNA credit card you must fulfil the following criteria:
- Reside in the UK and be over 18 years of age.
- Have a regular source of income.
- Have no County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) or bankruptcies.
- Not have been refused a European Bank MBNA credit card within the last 30 days.
In addition, your credit history will be assessed to determine your ability to obtain a new credit card.
What is the likelihood that I will be accepted?
Your acceptance for an MBNA credit card depends on several factors, including your financial situation and credit history. If you have demonstrated responsible financial management and have no late payments, you will likely be offered more favourable terms, such as lower interest rates and attractive offers.
You can monitor your credit history by using MoneySuperMarket's free credit monitoring tool. It will allow you to track your credit rating and suggest easy ways to improve it, which will help you get better credit card offers in the long run.
How long does it take to get an MBNA card?
Once your application is approved, the card is usually delivered within seven business days. Your PIN will be sent separately.
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