RBS Credit Cards 101: A Complete Guide

The RBS credit cards make it incredibly easier to transfer balances with minimum interest, make a purchase, and use the card abroad, all while earning rewards points. These credit cards offer value to cardholders with a generous sign-up bonus and longer-term period.

The credit cards are categorized into 4 major categories, which are: student, balance transfers, rewards, and classic. Cardholders can choose their specialized cards to satisfy unique needs.

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Interested in applying for an RBS credit card? Keep reading to learn more about the requirements, perks, benefits, and fees associated with each card.

Features & Advantages of RBS Credit Cards

If you are on the lookout for a credit card with a high rewards yield, the RBS Reward Credit Card is a great contender. It lets cardholders generate heaps of rewards by using the card as payment. Purchases made in UK supermarkets can yield up to 15% in points, with no minimum amount required. Cardholders can use these points for redemption of gift cards and other rewards.

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Meanwhile, the RBS Balance Transfer Credit Card allows up to 23 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, as long as balances are transferred within the first three months of opening the account. On top of this awesome sign-up bonus, you can also expect no annual fees.

The RBS Student Credit Card is also a stunner with its credit-building feature for cardholders’ future borrowings. This card has a longer interest-free purchase period of up to 56 days, with no annual fee and a maximum credit limit of £500.

Finally, the Classic RBS Credit Card is an everyday card with a lower interest rate on purchases and balance transfers. This credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for using the card outside of the United Kingdom. Because it is powered by Mastercard, cardholders can definitely enjoy exclusive deals and merchant discounts anywhere in the world.

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RBS Credit Cards Cons

The only major weakness of RBS credit cards is that they have lower rewards rates for non-supermarket purchases. Cardholders can only gain 0.5-1.0 percent in rewards for using the card for other transactions like fuel, shopping, and travel.

RBS Credit Cards Offers

The signup bonus for the RBS credit cards includes a refundable annual fee for the Rewards card only if cardholders have an RBS current account. In addition, cardholders can also receive 1-15 percent cashback on selected MyRewards retailers.

Balance transfers are also free-of-charge for the first 23 months after opening an account. For frequent travelers, you can enjoy zero foreign transaction fees for using the card outside the UK.

RBS Credit Cards & Balance Transfers

Do you have an existing credit card balance from another local bank? You are free to transfer this amount to the RBS credit card for 0% interest in the first 23 months. Take advantage of this offer to clear off balances in a matter of time, without incurring additional charges.

RBS Credit Cards Eligibility

Applying for this credit card is easy and hassle-free as long as you have all the requirements met. For the Balance Transfer card, you need to have an existing current or savings account with RBS to qualify as a cardholder.

The basic requirements for credit card account opening are being 18 years old, a UK resident, and employed earning a minimum of £10,000 per year. For the Reward Black Credit Card, a minimum of £15,000 annual salary is required.

RBS Credit Cards Application

To apply, interested individuals can utilize the online application option for convenience. Before you apply, you can use the eligibility checker to ensure that you are qualified for a specific credit card.

During the application, your personal information will be asked for, including complete name, residence, and employment information. Head to the RBS website and choose what type of credit card best fits your needs and lifestyle.

RBS Credit Cards Activation

Upon delivery of the card, you can already use it for purchases. It is already activated upon issuance to cardholders. However, the contactless feature will be used by withdrawing cash from an ATM machine, using Chip and Pin for purchases.

For existing customers who are receiving a new card because the last one has expired, the replacement credit card doesn’t need to be activated, unless you are receiving a replacement PIN.

RBS Credit Cards Limit

The credit limit for the RBS credit card depends on the applicant’s financial circumstance and capacity to pay. The assumed credit limit for a Student credit card is £500 maximum and £1,200 for the other cards. Note that your annual income and credit rating matter in the decision of the bank for issuing the credit limit.

RBS Credit Cards APR & Charges

  • Annual Fee – £0 annual fee except for Reward card (£24) and Reward Black card (£84)
  • Representative APR – 9.9% for the Classic card; 19.9% for Balance Transfer card; 23.7% for the Reward card; 37.1% for Rewards Black card; and 18.9% for the Student card
  • Balance Transfers – 6.7% for a Classic card; 18.3% for Balance Transfer card (0% first 23 months); 17.4% for Rewards card and Rewards Black card; 17.48% for Student card
  • Foreign Transaction Fee – 0% for a Classic card; 2.75% per transaction for Balance Transfer card, Rewards card and Students card; 3% for Rewards Black per transaction
  • Late Payment Fee – £12 for all cards

Using the App & Online Banking

Activating the digital or online banking is easy as long as you have a sort code for existing account numbers and credit card. To start, you need to visit the website of RBS and click on the Set Up For Digital Banking button. Enter your personal details, account name, date of birth, and sort code and account number.

You will receive an activation code that you can use to login to your account. Set up the password with 6 to 20 characters. Download the app then enter your details. In case you are having trouble, you can contact the customer service hotline of RBS.

what RBS Credit Cards look like
RBS Reward Black card

Already a Royal Bank of Scotland Customer? 

Below is some additional information on how you can better manage your credit card.

RBS Address & Contact Details

For urgent concerns and inquiries, you may reach the Royal Bank of Scotland at 0370-907-0010 for UK residents and +44 1268-5080-18 for overseas. The hotline is available 24/7. The registered address of the Royal Bank of Scotland is 36 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Payment Options

There are a couple of ways to pay for your RBS credit card balance. You can settle the amount through the digital or mobile app, Direct Debit, at a Royal Bank of Scotland branch, through the post, or by using another bank’s online banking service.

Each month, you need to pay a minimum of £5 or pay the balance in full.

How to Cancel an RBS Credit Card

To discontinue using the credit card, you can reach the Royal Bank of Scotland Credit Card Services hotline at 0370 907 0010 for UK residents and +44 1268 108 018 for overseas.

You can also write to the bank and ask for the credit card to be closed. Send the letter with your signature at Cards Customer Services, PO BOX 5747, Southend On Sea, SS1 9AJ.

Conclusion

The RBS credit cards are best suited for individuals who are after low-interest rates and generous sign-up bonuses. Get up to 23 months of zero percent balance transfer and earn points for every transaction. Overall, when you use your credit card properly, they are perfect for everyday expenses, trips abroad, and large purchases.

Disclaimer: All credit products carry risk. Be aware of these risks by reading the associated terms and conditions.