


Compare 0% credit cards
Compare interest-free credit cards
- Rated Excellent 4.9/5 on Trustpilot
- Check your credit card eligibility without impacting your credit score
- Compare 0% credit cards from multiple FCA-regulated providers
What is a 0% credit card and how does it work?
A 0% credit card is an interest-free card that, depending on the offer, can be used to:
- Make purchases
- Transfer your balance from another card, or
- Transfer money to your bank account.
The 0% interest rate is usually offered for a fixed amount of time which might be anything from three to 30 months, depending on a few things including the card type. After this, you’ll normally be switched to the lender’s higher standard rate.
Check eligibilityRelated articles
Bear in mind...You must make at least the minimum monthly repayment. If you miss a repayment, you’ll usually lose the interest-free benefit and could be hit with a late payment fee of around £12 and high interest charges. Similarly, going over your agreed credit limit could cost you an ‘overlimit’ fee – also often £12 – and you may lose your promotional rate. Setting up a direct debit and online banking can help you stay on top of your payments and spending. |
What types of 0% interest cards are available?
There are a few different types of 0% credit cards, including:
0% balance transfer cards
These allow you to transfer an existing balance from one card to the balance transfer card and pay it back with 0% interest over a pre-agreed term. This could be useful if you’re being charged a high interest rate on what you owe on an existing card.
With this type of card, you’ll typically be charged a fee of around 2-4% of the amount you transfer. But if this is less than the amount you’d end up paying in interest on your existing card, you might decide it’s worth it.
Bear in mind you’ll have to start paying interest after the 0% period ends, so it’s best to try and clear the full balance before that point.
Quick tipIf you want to use a 0% balance transfer credit card for new spending as well, check whether the 0% interest rate also applies to purchases. Many lenders apply a different interest rate on new spending, or offer 0% interest for a different period on spending than on the balance you’ve transferred. |
Compare 0% balance transfer cards
0% purchase cards
These cards offer you 0% on spending for a set period of time. These interest-free credit cards can be a real help if you need to pay for an expensive item. But when the 0% period ends you’ll start being charged interest, so remember to pay back the balance before then – or consider looking at balance transfer cards at that point if you’re unable to clear the balance in full.
0% balance transfer and purchase cards
You can transfer debt and make purchases, both interest free, with these combined cards. But keep in mind that the 0% period for balance transfers and the 0% period for purchases may be different.
Compare 0% balance transfer and purchase cards
0% money transfer cards
You can use these cards to transfer money to your bank account and pay 0% interest on what you owe for a set period. You’ll usually be charged a fee of around 3-5% to do a money transfer, so make sure you take this into account when deciding whether this type of card is right for you.
What are the pros of a 0% credit card?
- Zero interest: of course, the biggest advantage of 0% credit cards is that you don’t pay interest during the 0% period. This can make borrowing much cheaper than with an interest-charging credit card.
- Spread the cost of big purchases: with a 0% purchase card, you could pay for a big-ticket item such as a sofa or holiday over the course of several months or even a couple of years, depending on the deal.
- Clear down debt more quickly: with a 0% balance transfer card, you could shift existing debt from a card (or cards) charging a high interest rate to one with no interest. This can help you pay off your debt faster.
- Improve your budgeting: knowing you’ll have interest-free repayments over a set time could help you better plan your monthly budget.
- Potential extra perks: some 0% cards might also offer rewards or cashback. Just be sure to check the small print carefully as there may be restrictions or fees attached.
What are the cons of a 0% credit card?
- You might not get the advertised interest-free period: this will depend on the lender’s criteria and your credit score.
- 0% might not apply to all transactions: some cards offer 0% on balance transfers but a higher interest rate on purchases, for example. And if your card does offer 0% on both balance transfers and purchases, there might be different periods on each, so do check this before accidentally racking up interest.
- You might not qualify, even if your credit score is excellent: many 0% cards are only available to new customers. And you can’t usually make a balance transfer between two cards offered by the same banking group. Always check the T&Cs and your eligibility before applying to avoid being rejected and unnecessarily denting your credit score.
- Fees might apply: 0% balance transfer and money transfer cards often charge a fee to make the transfer. Some 0% cards may also charge an annual fee.
- Interest can sneak up on you: the interest-free period won’t last forever. If you haven’t cleared your balance by the time the offer ends, interest charges will kick in, often at a high rate. Add the date to your diary and try to clear the debt before that point.
- Temptation to overspend: don’t let the interest-free credit lure you into spending more than you can afford to repay.
- Missed payments have consequences: even one missed payment could mean losing your 0% interest rate, a fee, and a hit to your credit rating.
- It’s a short-term solution: 0% cards can offer temporary relief but won’t solve underlying budgeting or spending issues. They can be a useful tool when managed well, but could leave you in a bind if you’ve not cleared your balance when the interest-free period ends.
Quick tipIf you’re struggling with ongoing debt, speak to your lender as soon as possible. You can also reach out to dedicated debt support charities such as StepChange and National Debtline. |
Am I eligible for a 0% credit card?
The criteria to be approved for a 0% credit card are sometimes stricter than for other types of cards. You’ll generally need to:
- Be aged over 18
- Be a UK resident
- Have a good level of regular income (the amount varies per lender)
- Have a solid credit score that shows you’re reliable at keeping up with repayments
- Be a new customer (though this varies between lenders)
Providers will also have their own individual criteria they’ll need you to meet.
The good news is you can use an eligibility checker to see if you’re likely to be accepted and what credit limit you could get.
The pre-approval check doesn’t leave a hard search on your credit file, meaning it can’t be seen by other lenders.
Things to consider before getting a 0% credit card
There are a few things to think about when looking for an interest-free card:
- What you want to use the card for – do you want to pay off a balance, make purchases or both?
- The length of the interest-free period – how long will it take you to pay off your balance? Is the interest-free period long enough?
- Any costs – for example, you might need to pay a balance transfer fee or money transfer fee, though this may be lower if you go for a shorter 0% period.
- APR after the 0% period ends – the APR shows the total cost of borrowing over a year, including interest and standard charges. It will give you an idea of what you’ll pay if you don’t clear your balance before the interest-free period ends.
- Whether you’re eligible for the card – you can use our credit card eligibility checker to see which cards you’re likely to be eligible for without damaging your credit score.
Quick tipIt’s always a good idea to check your credit report before applying for a credit card. You can see if there are any mistakes that might be damaging your credit score and get the errors corrected. You can also look for opportunities to boost your score. You can check your credit report for free with the three main credit reference agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. |
How to choose the best interest-free credit card
The best interest-free credit card for you will depend on your individual circumstances and which cards you’re eligible for.
Once you’ve worked out which type of 0% credit card would suit your needs, you can use our eligibility checker to see which cards you’re likely to be accepted for without affecting your credit score.
If the eligibility checker shows that you’re likely to be accepted for more than one card, consider the following in order to find the best card for you:
- Duration of 0% period
- Any fees
- APR
- Credit limit you’re likely to be offered (if this information is available before you apply)
- Your likelihood to be accepted
- Any other perks such as 0% on other transaction types, cashback or rewards.
Compare the Market Limited acts as a credit broker, not a lender. To apply you must be a UK resident and aged 18 or over. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.
How do I compare 0% cards?
Compare credit cards quickly and easily. Use our eligibility checker to search for a credit card deal – and find out if you’re likely to be approved without it affecting your credit score.
Compare nowFrequently asked questions
Can I get a 0% credit card with bad credit?
It may be possible to get an interest-free credit card with bad credit but you’ll probably have fewer cards to choose from. The interest-free period you’re offered is likely to be shorter and you’ll pay a higher rate of interest when it ends.
How do I compare 0% cards?
You can compare credit cards quickly and easily. Our eligibility checker lets you search for a credit card deal and find out if you’re likely to be approved without it affecting your credit score.
Like this?
Then you'll like these