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What is a 0% credit card?

A 0% credit card is an interest-free card that allows you to spread paying back your balance over the length of the interest-free period. You won’t pay any interest at all provided you stay within the T&Cs and make the minimum monthly payments.

How do interest-free credit cards work?

You can use an interest-free credit card to make purchases, transfer money to your bank account or transfer your balance from another card.

The interest-free period can last from three months to around two years.

You must make at least the minimum monthly repayment. If you miss a repayment, you’ll lose the interest-free benefit and could be hit with high interest charges.

What are the pros of a 0% credit card?

Spread the cost of a big purchase without having to pay interest
Get a break from paying interest on balances from other cards, so you can pay off your debt faster.

What are the cons of a 0% credit card?

You’ll need to pay interest if you haven’t cleared your balance by the end of the interest-free period, which could get you into more debt
Miss a payment and you could lose the interest-free period. You could also damage your credit rating.
There will usually be a fee for transferring a balance to a 0% card.

What types of 0% interest cards are available?

Types of 0% cards include:

0% balance transfer cards

These could be useful if you already have a credit card and are being charged a high interest rate on the outstanding balance. You can transfer the balance from one card to another and pay 0% interest over the pre-agreed term. Just remember that you’ll have to start paying interest after the 0% term ends.

With this type of card, you’ll typically be charged a fee (normally 2-4%) on the amount you transfer. However, this can be much less than the interest rate you might be charged on an existing card.

0% purchase cards

These cards offer you 0% on your spending for a set period of time. These zero-rate credit cards can be a real help if you need to pay for an expensive purchase. But when the interest-free period ends, you’ll be charged interest on what you owe on your card, so remember to pay back the balance before then.

0% balance transfer and purchase cards

You can transfer debt and make purchases using these combined cards. The 0% period for balance transfers and the 0% period for purchases may be different.

0% money transfer cards

You can use these cards to transfer money to your bank account. Look for one with a 0% interest period. You’ll usually be charged a fee to do a money transfer, so make sure you take this into account when looking at this type of credit card.

How to choose the best interest-free credit cards

The best interest-free credit card for you will depend on your individual circumstances and what cards you’re eligible for. Our eligibility checker will show you cards you’re likely to be accepted for without affecting your credit score.

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.

Can I get a 0% credit card with bad credit?

It may be possible to get an interest-free card with bad credit. However, 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.

Am I eligible for a 0% credit card?

As with any credit card, to get a 0% card you’ll need to be:

Aged over 18
A UK resident
Employed.

Providers will also have their own criteria, which may include earning a certain level of income.

Things to consider before getting a 0% credit card

There are a few things to consider when looking for an interest-free card:

What you want to use the card for: do you want to pay off a balance or 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: you'll pay a balance transfer fee or money transfer fee which may be lower if you go for a shorter 0% period.
The 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.

Top Tip

It’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 them corrected. You can check your credit report for free with the three main credit reference agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

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.

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