What the Card Offers
MBNA markets the True Line Mastercard as a no-fee, low-rate card: a 12.99% rate on purchases, 0% for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days, and up to 9 authorized users at no cost.
- 12.99%
Low purchase rate1
A 12.99% annual interest rate on purchases, with no annual fee.
- $0
No annual fee2
No annual fee for the card or for authorized users.
- 9
Free authorized users3
Add up to 9 authorized users at no extra fee. The primary cardholder pays for everything they charge.
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- 0%
Balance transfers for 12 months4
0% for 12 statement periods on balance transfers made within 90 days of opening, with a 3% transfer fee (minimum $3.50).
Benefits as advertised by the issuer. The conditions attached to them are in the Fine Print Report below.
Welcome offers change often, and issuers sometimes run limited-time or targeted offers that differ from what's shown here. Confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before you apply.
Sources (4)
- MBNA True Line Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Annual Interest Rates
- MBNA True Line Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Annual Fees
- MBNA True Line Mastercard product page (retrieved 2026-10-26), footnote ¤
- MBNA True Line Mastercard Information Box (application disclosure, retrieved 2026-10-26), Promotional Rates and Other Fees
The Fine Print Report
Moderate fine print. The rate and transfer offer are real, but both depend on paying on time.
2 late payments: purchases go to 19.99%Impact level: High
Two late payments in 12 months raise your purchase rate from 12.99% to 19.99%
If MBNA doesn't receive the minimum payment on time twice within 12 consecutive statement periods, purchases go from 12.99% to 19.99% and balance transfers from 17.99% to 24.99%. The higher rates last until you make 12 on-time payments in a row.
Why it matters: The low rate is the reason to hold this card. Set up automatic minimum payments.
0% transfer: 3% fee, ends on a late paymentImpact level: High
The 0% balance transfer costs 3% up front, and one late payment ends it early
The 0% rate applies to transfers made in the first 90 days, with a 3% fee on each transfer (minimum $3.50). It lasts 12 statement periods, then the balance moves to 17.99%. A missed minimum payment moves it to 17.99% from the second statement period after the miss.
Why it matters: On a $5,000 transfer the fee is $150. Plan to repay the balance within the 12 months.
Carrying a balance ends interest-free daysImpact level: High
While a transferred balance is unpaid, new purchases are charged interest from the day you make them
The interest-free grace period on new purchases applies only if you pay the full statement balance, which includes the transferred balance, by the due date. Otherwise new purchases are charged interest at 12.99% from the transaction date.
Why it matters: During the 0% offer, use another card for everyday spending, or pay the purchases' interest.
Cash advances: 24.99% with no grace periodImpact level: Medium
Cash advances cost 24.99% from day one, plus a 1% fee
Cash advances, including cash-like purchases such as lottery tickets, money orders, gambling and cryptocurrency, are charged 24.99% from the transaction date with no grace period, plus a 1% fee (minimum $3.50).
Why it matters: The low rate covers purchases only; don't use the card for cash.
Missed payment: TD can use your depositsImpact level: Medium
After one missed payment, MBNA can take money from your other TD accounts without telling you
MBNA is a division of TD. If a minimum payment is missed, the account is no longer in good standing, and TD can deduct money from any other account the primary cardholder has with the TD Bank Group, with or without notice, and can demand the full balance.
Why it matters: If you bank with TD, a missed card payment can lead to a withdrawal you didn't schedule.
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2.5% FX fee, also charged on refundsImpact level: Low
Foreign currency purchases cost 2.5% extra, and refunds are charged the fee again
Purchases in a foreign currency are converted at the Mastercard rate plus a 2.5% fee. A refund is converted at the rate on the day it posts, minus another 2.5% fee.
Why it matters: Every $1,000 spent in a foreign currency costs about $25 in fees.
No purchase or travel insuranceImpact level: Low
No insurance of any kind
Unlike the True Line Gold, this card lists no purchase assurance, extended warranty, travel or rental car insurance.
Why it matters: Use another card for purchases you'd want protected.
Who This Card Is For
Great fit if you...
- Carry a balance from month to month
- Want to move a balance at 0% for a year
- Want no annual fee
- Always pay at least the minimum on time
Consider alternatives if you...
- Pay in full every month
- Plan to spend on it during the 0% offer
- Might miss payments (19.99% penalty rate)
- Want rewards or insurance
The Verdict
The MBNA True Line Mastercard charges 12.99% on purchases with no annual fee, and offers 0% for 12 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days.
The transfer costs 3% up front and ends early after a late payment. While it's unpaid, new purchases are charged interest from day one, and two late payments in a year raise purchases to 19.99%.
The Recommendation: Good for paying down a balance if you transfer it in the first 90 days, stop spending on the card and pay on time. If you'll carry a balance long-term, compare the True Line Gold's lower rate.
Before you apply: This teardown is general information, not financial, legal or insurance advice, and reflects the issuer's documents as of October 2026. Terms, rates, fees and offers change, and the issuer's own agreement, disclosure statement, insurance certificates and program terms are what govern your card. Read them in full and confirm details with the issuer before you apply. Full disclaimer