Comparing balance transfer credit cards online since 2002We see many UK credit card customers looking for answers to questions related to the relationship between MBNA and Virgin Money.
Some of the most recent questions on this topic have included the following :-
- Are Virgin credit cards MBNA?
- Are Virgin and MBNA the same company?
- Can I balance transfer from MBNA to Virgin?
- Who owns Virgin credit card?
Virgin MBNA Credit Card
The Virgin MBNA credit card was a UK credit card issued by MBNA, but marketed as a Virgin credit card. The credit card was promoted by Virgin, including to many Virgin Atlantic customers. Any customer applying for the card was actually given a MBNA issued card.
The cards included a number of Virgin balance transfer cards, as well as the Virgin Atlantic MBNA credit card. The branding and marketing alliance for these credit cards, was in place for several years.
The recent takeover of MBNA by Lloyds Banking Group, has resulted in a large number of MBNA issued credit cards being withdrawn. MBNA had previously issued a large number of branded cards for football and rugby clubs, airlines, charities as well as other partners. All of these partner cards are now, no longer available for new customers in the UK credit card market.
All Virgin credit cards, in the UK, are now issued by Virgin Money.
Virgin MBNA
This past MBNA Virgin credit card branding and marketing alliance, has lead to some confusion amongst UK card customers.
Many UK customers now know that the credit card companies do not allow balance transfers, between cards that are issued by the same credit card company, or bank.
Virgin credit cards are now promoted by Virgin Money. However in past years, the cards themselves were actually issued by MBNA Bank Europe. As a result, this meant that balance transfers were not allowed between the various different MBNA and Virgin credit cards.
When the branding and marketing alliance ended, Virgin Money transferred over many of the customer accounts. However not all of the card accounts were moved over from MBNA. Customers with older credit card accounts, may need to check the small print in their card terms and conditions, to find out who actually issued their Virgin credit card.
However we do know that all of the following featured credit cards will allow a balance transfer from any MBNA issued credit card. These cards will also allow a balance transfer from the current Virgin Money credit cards :-
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Card Offers
Card Details
- 0% interest for up to 27 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
- 0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening
- At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
- Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
- Manage your card online
- Annual Fee: None
Application Criteria
- You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
- You are a UK resident
- You are aged 18 or over
- You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
Card Offers
Card Details
- 0% for 28 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
- 2.99% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
- 0% on purchases for 3 months from account opening
- Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
- One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
- Manage account online
- Annual Fee: None
Application Criteria
- You are a UK resident
- You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
Card Offers
Card Details
- 0% interest for up to 16 months on balance transfers made within first 60 days of account opening
- 3.49% balance transfer fee applies (minimum £5)
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 18 months from account opening
- At end of promotional period, balance transfers and purchases will revert to standard variable rate
- Worldwide offers and discounts with HSBC home&Away
- Manage your card online
- Annual Fee: None
Application Criteria
- You have an annual income or pension before tax of £6,800 or more
- You are a UK resident
- You are aged 18 or over
- You do not hold an HSBC Basic bank account
Card Offers
Card Details
- 0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months
- 2.9% balance transfer fee
- 0% on purchases for up to 12 months
- Credit limit up to £8,000
- Online account management
- Annual Fee: None
Application Criteria
- You are a UK resident
- You have a bank or building society account
- You are aged 18 or over
Card Offers
Card Details
- 0% for 15 months on balance transfers made within 90 days of account opening
- 2.99% balance transfer fee, minimum £5
- 0% on purchases for 18 months from account opening
- Collect M&S points every time you shop anywhere in the world with your card
- One point for every £1 you spend in M&S and one point for every £5 you spend elsewhere
- Manage account online
- Annual Fee: None
Application Criteria
- You are a UK resident
- You have an annual income or pension of at least £6,800
- You are aged 18 or over
- You have not held a credit card with M&S Bank within the previous 12 months
Who Owns Virgin Money Credit Card
All of the Virgin credit cards are now issued by Virgin Money, using the Mastercard payment network. At one time the Virgin Atlantic cards were issued by MBNA. These card accounts came with both a Visa and an AMEX card. There are now, no longer any Virgin branded Amex balance transfer cards available in the UK.
Mastercard credit cards are accepted at millions of shops, hotels and restaurants all around the world. The cards are also accepted widely at online retailers as well as airlines and other travel companies.
Who owns Virgin credit card and is MBNA part of Clydesdale bank?
Virgin Money was originally founded by Richard Branson, back in 1995. Virgin Money has now been taken over by the parent company of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank. These old historical bank names have now been phased out, and replaced with Virgin Money branding.
This does mean however, that balance transfers are not allowed from any Clydesdale Bank or Yorkshire Bank credit card, to any new Virgin Money credit card.
So in summary, Virgin credit cards are now issued by Virgin Money, and no longer have any relationship with MBNA. There is also no relationship between MBNA and Clydesdale bank credit cards.
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