Compare our best 0% purchase credit cards

Spread the cost of your spending interest free

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Last updated
February 7th, 2024

What is a 0% purchase card?

A 0% purchase card enables you to spend on credit and spread the cost of your purchases over several months without being charged any interest.

For example, if you make a purchase worth £1,500 on a 0% purchase card with an interest-free period of 20 months, you can settle what you owe without interest by repaying £75 every month.

The length of the interest-free period can range from just three months and go up to around 21 months on some cards. However, the 0% interest period you get depends on your credit history and individual finances.

Once the 0% introductory period ends, you'll be charged interest based on the card's revert rate for any outstanding balance on your card.

To make the most of your 0% purchase card, you should pay off the whole balance before the interest-free period ends.”

Why get a 0% purchase credit card?

If you're moving house

If you're moving house

Moving house is expensive - especially if you need to buy a lot of furniture to fill it, you need to equip a kitchen or you have some home improvements to pay for. A 0% purchase card can let you spread the cost of these purchases interest-free.

If you're planning a big holiday

If you're planning a big holiday

Getting a 0% purchase card ahead of a big trip abroad can let you pay for flights and accommodation, then pay back the money in instalments over the introductory period. You also get extra refund rights if your holiday is cancelled thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

If you're getting married

If you're getting married

Weddings are one of the most expensive days of your life but are planned months in advance. Interest-free purchase cards come into their own when you know you'll be spending a lot of cash in a short amount of time and want to split that cost over months or even years to come. In many ways, it's a perfect match.

If you're having a baby

If you're having a baby

Equipping a nursery and buying car seats, cots, prams and baby monitors - you can get all of this ahead of time and then pay back the sum in interest-free instalments, keeping costs manageable.

Why get a 0% purchase credit card?

If you're moving house

If you're moving house

Moving house is expensive - especially if you need to buy a lot of furniture to fill it, you need to equip a kitchen or you have some home improvements to pay for. A 0% purchase card can let you spread the cost of these purchases interest-free.

If you're planning a big holiday

If you're planning a big holiday

Getting a 0% purchase card ahead of a big trip abroad can let you pay for flights and accommodation, then pay back the money in instalments over the introductory period. You also get extra refund rights if your holiday is cancelled thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

If you're getting married

If you're getting married

Weddings are one of the most expensive days of your life but are planned months in advance. Interest-free purchase cards come into their own when you know you'll be spending a lot of cash in a short amount of time and want to split that cost over months or even years to come. In many ways, it's a perfect match.

If you're having a baby

If you're having a baby

Equipping a nursery and buying car seats, cots, prams and baby monitors - you can get all of this ahead of time and then pay back the sum in interest-free instalments, keeping costs manageable.

How much interest can you save with a 0% purchase card?

How an interest-free purchase card changes what you pay back and how fast you clear a balance of £2,500, assuming a fixed monthly payment of £100.
Image ViewerImage Viewer

How to choose a 0% purchase credit card

When trying to pick the best 0% purchase card, there are three main features you need to consider.

The interest free period

This is the 0% interest period during which you don’t pay any interest on your balance. Ideally, you’ll want to choose the longest 0% interest period you can be accepted for. That way, you can pay off your balance over a more extended period and keep your monthly payments as low as possible.

The APR

This is also known as the revert rate, or the interest rate you’ll be charged once the 0% interest period ends. If you plan to continue using the card after the 0% deal ends, you’ll want the revert rate to be as low as you can get. This is especially true if you’re likely to have a revolving balance on the card i.e. a balance you carry over from one month to the next.

Fees

Some credit cards may charge fees for different kinds of transactions. For example, foreign transaction fees for using the card abroad. Or cash advance fees for using your card to withdraw cash from an ATM. If you’re unlikely to use your card for any of these transactions, these fees shouldn’t matter. But if you are, make sure you look for a card with low or zero fees.

What sort of interest free purchase cards are available

Combination 0% purchase cards

Combination 0% purchase cards

Combination 0% purchase cards offer an interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. You need to be careful here as the two 0% periods do not always match, and the balance transfer element can come with a transfer fee.

Rewards 0% purchase cards

Rewards 0% purchase cards

Some 0% purchase cards come with rewards for spending on them, meaning you get to spread the cost of your purchases interest-free and get a bonus on top. Rewards for spending can include supermarket points, Avios and even straight-up cash back.

Bad credit 0% purchase cards

Bad credit 0% purchase cards

A few 0% purchase cards are available for people with relatively low credit scores. These typically offer shorter 0% periods - typically between three and six months - and lower credit limits than prime cards. But they can be a valuable option for those without an excellent credit score.

What sort of interest free purchase cards are available

Combination 0% purchase cards

Combination 0% purchase cards

Combination 0% purchase cards offer an interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. You need to be careful here as the two 0% periods do not always match, and the balance transfer element can come with a transfer fee.

Rewards 0% purchase cards

Rewards 0% purchase cards

Some 0% purchase cards come with rewards for spending on them, meaning you get to spread the cost of your purchases interest-free and get a bonus on top. Rewards for spending can include supermarket points, Avios and even straight-up cash back.

Bad credit 0% purchase cards

Bad credit 0% purchase cards

A few 0% purchase cards are available for people with relatively low credit scores. These typically offer shorter 0% periods - typically between three and six months - and lower credit limits than prime cards. But they can be a valuable option for those without an excellent credit score.

Our best purchase credit card deals

Our editors have picked out some of our best 0% purchase card deals.

Editor’s pick
Our chosen dual credit card

With this card, Barclays offers a competitive up to 21 months interest-free on purchases. Plus, you also get up to 20 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, for a 3.45% transfer fee.

Author image
Senior Personal Finance Editor
Card
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (20/21)
Purchases term
0% for 21 months
Rep APR
24.9% APR

Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).

Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
18 years
Minimum Income
£3,000
Editor’s pick
Our chosen dual credit card
Card
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (20/21)
Purchases term
0% for 21 months
Rep APR
24.9% APR

Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).

Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
18 years
Minimum Income
£3,000

With this card, Barclays offers a competitive up to 21 months interest-free on purchases. Plus, you also get up to 20 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, for a 3.45% transfer fee.

Author image
Senior Personal Finance Editor

We are classed as a credit broker for consumer credit, not a lender.

How much can I borrow with a 0% purchase card?

The amount you can borrow depends on your credit limit. This is the maximum amount your provider is willing to let you borrow on your credit card, and it will depend on factors such as your credit history, your income and how much debt you already have.

The credit limit of a credit card can range from just a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds. You can borrow any amount at any time within this limit.

Most credit card providers won’t tell you your credit limit until after you’ve applied for your card and they’ve assessed your suitability for the card you’ve chosen.

Average credit limit June 2023[1]
£5,580

How CardFinder works

CardFinder is a tool that matches you with the credit cards you're likely to get based on your needs and circumstances. It uses a “soft search” credit check, so your credit score will not be affected.

It's a good idea for most people to use CardFinder because it ensures that you only apply for the cards you can get, which means you won’t hurt your credit score through rejected applications

CardFinder is a quick and low-risk way to ensure you only apply for a card you're likely to be accepted for.”

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Find a 0% purchase credit card in minutes

We've partnered with Uswitch to help you find a great deal. Start your eligibility journey now
eligibility-animation
1
Answer a few basic questions about your circumstances
2
We'll show you the cards you’re likely to get, so you can apply with confidence
3
Your credit score will always be protected

What to think about before applying for a 0% purchase card

Will it arrive in time?

If you're trying to snap up a great deal on a new bike, for example, you need to ask yourself if your card will arrive before the offer on the bicycle expires. Most credit cards arrive within 10 working days after your application is accepted, so if that’s too late, you could end up paying more. 0% purchase cards work best when you know in advance that you'll be spending big and can plan for it.

Make a plan to pay it off

0% purchase cards are not free money. In fact, if you don't clear your balance before the introductory 0% period ends, they can become quite expensive as interest will be charged on your remaining balance. Make sure you know how you'll be paying the card off and how long you have to do it before you start spending.

Find your limits

Once you know your credit limit, make absolutely sure you don't go over it. Missing a payment or breaching your credit limit could mean you fall foul of the card's terms and conditions, and you could lose your 0% period on your entire balance.
Used wisely, these cards can provide breathing room for financial goals, but careful budgeting and discipline are essential to maximise their benefits.

What are the alternatives to a 0% purchase card?

Before deciding whether a 0% purchase card is right for you, it’s important to consider the alternatives.

Personal loan

If you need to borrow a fairly large sum of money, say £10,000, you’re unlikely to be able to use a credit card as most credit limits won’t stretch far enough. A better alternative could be a personal loan which will let you borrow a lump sum of money (often up to £25,000) over a set term of say one to five years. 

Your monthly repayments will be fixed, not flexible as they are with a credit card, but this can make personal loans better for those who need to budget. You’ll also need to pay interest on your repayments, but interest rates can be competitive for sums of between £7,500 and £15,000.

Overdraft

If you only need to borrow from time to time and your borrowing requirements are fairly small, another option is an overdraft. If you don’t already have an overdraft on your current account, applying for one is usually straightforward and your overdraft will often be ready to use instantly. It’s best to look for an overdraft that’s interest-free, otherwise rates can be high. If you can’t get an interest-free overdraft, aim to pay off your overdraft as soon as possible.

Money transfer credit card

A third option is to use a 0% money transfer credit card. This enables you to move money from your credit card into your bank account. You can then use these funds to pay for a purchase or pay off debt. Interest-free periods can last several months, but you’ll usually need to pay a transfer fee of up to 4%. Remember that if you don’t pay off your balance in full before the 0% deal ends, interest will kick in.

Watch our video on how 0% purchase credit cards work

Can you get a 0% purchase card with bad credit?

A less-than-perfect credit rating doesn't mean you'll automatically be rejected for cards - but it can limit your choices.

Each provider makes up its own mind about what it considers important when looking at an application.

That means even if you've been rejected by one credit card provider, you might not be rejected by another.

But a rejection letter or email from one card provider should absolutely not be seen as a signal to apply to everybody else.

Card lenders share details of who's applying for what with each other – lots of applications in a short space of time can make you look desperate for cash and that will actively hurt your chances of being accepted.

The key is to use an eligibility checker before applying to see what you're more likely to be approved for.

People with better credit scores will generally qualify for more cards, with longer 0% purchase periods.

You will see the number of deals and the length of the interest-free periods go down the worse your credit score gets.

But even with a bad credit rating, you might still find someone willing to offer you a deal.

Bad credit doesn’t mean no 0% purchase cards are available, but it will mean fewer are.”

Interest free purchases card jargon buster

APR

APR stands for “Annual Percentage Rate” and is the total cost of borrowing over 12 months. For example, if your APR is 20%, you will be charged 20p for every £1 borrowed over the course of 12 months. If you pay your balance in full and on time, you will not pay interest.

Annual fee

Some credit cards come with an annual fee, which you pay to use the card. This is separate from interest charges on balances. The fee is charged once a year and typically appears as a one-time fee on your credit card statement.

Cash withdrawal

Withdrawing money from an ATM on a credit card is known as a cash advance, and it nearly always attracts a cash withdrawal fee, usually of around 3%. In addition, interest is charged on cash withdrawals from the day you take the money out, sacrificing your standard interest-free period.

Several other transactions - including buying stocks and shares, foreign currency and lottery tickets - are frequently treated as “cash-like” transactions by card providers and have the same rules and fees applied to them.

Credit limit

Your credit limit is the amount you can borrow on your credit card at any one time. If you exceed this amount, you can be charged a fee - typically £12 - and it can leave a mark on your credit report.

You won’t usually find out your credit limit until the end of an application process - although you can ask your provider to increase – or decrease – your credit limit at any time.

Credit limits are set based on your credit history and your earnings.

Once you've reached your credit limit, you need to make a payment to bring down your balance before you can use the card again. Find out more in our guide to credit limits.

Credit score

Your credit score is calculated based on your credit history. Each credit reference agency has its own method of calculating this.

Your credit score will go up for things like making payments on time and down for things like being late or defaulting on a loan. Typically, the higher your score, the more likely you are to be offered a lower rate of interest or higher credit limit.

There is no absolute pass or fail mark attached to a credit score, with each lender making its own decision on what it considers acceptable.

Direct Debit

A Direct Debit is when you give a company permission to take payments automatically from your bank account. It decides the amount, but you are free to cancel the arrangement. For example, you can set up a Direct Debit to pay off your credit card. This could be for the minimum amount due, a fixed sum, or the entire balance.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum eligibility criteria define the attributes the provider expects customers to have before offering them a product. They’re designed to help customers understand if they should proceed with an application.

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of approval. Eligibility criteria include factors such as age, salary and sometimes other details, depending on the product.

Foreign transaction fees

If you buy something abroad or from an overseas website, you are likely to be hit with a foreign transaction fee, which is often around 3% of the total payment.

Some credit cards charge no foreign transaction fees and are designed for use abroad. However, cash withdrawals tend to incur an additional cost, whether at home or abroad. The exchange will be based on Mastercard or Visa currency rates (depending on who issues your credit card).

Interest-free credit

Interest-free credit cards allow you to either transfer a balance, make purchases or transfer cash to a current account without paying any interest on your balance for a set period. However, you must keep making at least the minimum monthly repayment during this time.

Once the 0% deal is over, you will be charged interest on any remaining debt at your standard APR. With balance transfers and money transfers, you will usually have to pay a transfer fee. 

Introductory offer

Credit card introductory offers include bonus reward points, extra cashback, 0% on balance transfers or 0% on purchases.

Introductory offers are used to attract new customers, but once they expire, they revert to the standard offer or rate. When this happens, you should check if you’re still getting the best deal or whether you need to switch to a different credit card.

0% purchase card FAQs

How long will it take to get a card?

It usually takes around 10 days for your card to arrive once you have applied. Here is how long it can take and how to speed up the process.

Does my credit record matter?

Yes, your credit record matters as it helps lenders decide whether to accept you as well as what APR and credit limit they will offer you.

How do I repay my credit card?

The best way to repay your credit card is to set up a Direct Debit to pay off the full balance. This means you will never miss a payment or pay interest. Here are all the ways to repay.

What are minimum payments?

Your provider will set a minimum amount you have to pay back each month. However, it’s best to pay off more than this if you can. If you don’t meet the minimum payment, you will be charged a fee of around £12, and the missed payment will be noted on your credit record.

Can I do a balance transfer with a 0% purchase card?

No, you can't do a balance transfer unless it is to a combined balance transfer and purchases card. If you do this, you can transfer what you owe on a credit card to a new deal with a better interest rate.

Learn more about interest-free purchase cards

Find out more about how 0% purchase cards work and the extra rights you get when using them.
Can you use a 0% card for spending
Can you use a 0% card for spending
Section 75: Your free credit card purchase protection
Section 75: Your free credit card purchase protection
How to use a credit card for interest free purchases
How to use a credit card for interest free purchases

About the author

Salman Haqqi
Salman Haqqi spent over a decade as a journalist reporting in several countries around the world. Now as a personal finance expert, he helps people make informed financial decisions.

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References

1. FICO UK Credit Card Market Report June 2023

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