0% purchase credit cards

Spread the cost with peace of mind

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Exclusive offer

Get a £25 M&S e-voucher if you take out an M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card^. Offer ends 14 September 2026. Representative 24.9% APR, T&Cs apply, UK only, 18+. See important info^^.

Make big buys more manageable

0% purchase cards spread costs interest-free for a set period

Browse your options worry-free

See which cards you could be eligible for without harming your credit score

Find cards to suit your spending

Compare credit cards from 21 FCA-regulated providers in minutes1

^Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year, at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable).

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Compare credit cards from trusted providers, including:

See a full list of our credit cards providers.

What is a 0% purchase credit card?

A 0% purchase credit card lets you spread the cost of spending without paying interest for a set period. It could suit you if you’re planning a big spend on something like a sofa, home repairs or a holiday, and you’re confident you can repay the balance before the 0% period ends.

You’ll need to make at least the minimum monthly repayment to keep your 0% offer. It’s also worth clearing the balance before the interest-free period ends, or the remaining balance will start to accrue interest at the lender’s standard rate.

Did you know?

The average credit limit people ask for on a 0% purchase card is £4,3162.

Woman with credit card and laptop

Our best 0% purchase credit cards

These are some of the 0% purchase credit cards with the longest interest-free periods from our panel of providers.

Most cards are for new customers only. Where a card is ’up to’ a certain 0% length, you might not get the full 0% period advertised – it depends on your credit file. Always check your eligibility and the T&Cs before applying.

Last updated 28 August 2026

0% purchase

  • M&S Purchase Plus Offer Credit Card: up to 26 months 0%

    0% purchase period
    26 months
    Check eligibility
    What you should know
    • The rate and promotional period we offer will depend on our assessment of your circumstances.
    • Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
    • Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 28.90% (Variable), representative 28.90% APR (Variable)**

  • Lloyds 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card: up to 25 months 0%

    0% purchase period
    25 months
    Check eligibility
    What you should know
    • Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
    • If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
    • When the promotional offer ends and for transfers made after the first 90 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
    • Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
    • Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**

  • MBNA Dual 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card: up to 24 months 0%

    0% purchase period
    24 months
    Check eligibility
    What you should know
    • Your standard interest rates will be linked to the Bank of England Base Rate. This means they will change automatically in line with changes to the Base Rate, but any promotional rates and offers you have will not.
    • When the promotional offer ends and for purchases and balance transfers made after the first 60 days, your standard variable rates and fees at that time will apply.
    • If you need to update or change any information once on the lender's website, this could change their decision to offer this product.
    • Maximum balance transfer limits apply. This will be set based on your personal circumstances.
    • Terms & Conditions apply. See provider website for more details

    Representative example – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (Variable), representative 24.90% APR (Variable)**

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. 0% interest applies as long as you make minimum monthly repayments. Credit is subject to status and eligibility.

**Representative APR: the estimated cost of borrowing – calculated as an annual percentage rate – after the 0% period ends.

How we choose which 0% purchase cards to feature

We offer lots of different credit cards via our panel of lenders, so when deciding which ones to feature on this page we prioritise:

  1. Longest 0% purchase period

  2. Whether the 0% borrowing is offered ‘up to’ a certain period based on applicants’ credit history or is available to everyone accepted for a card

  3. Any cashback or other perks

  4. Representative APR

  5. Duration of 0% balance transfer period (if applicable)

  6. Balance transfer fee (if applicable)

  7. Other terms and conditions.

How a 0% interest purchase credit card works

Compare purchase cards

Spend on your card

You can spend up to your maximum credit limit, but try not to go over 30% of the combined limit across all your cards as this can be bad for your credit score

Repay at least the minimum amount each month

You'll need to do this to keep the 0% offer, avoid fees and protect your credit score

Pay off your balance before the 0% deal ends

If you’ve met the card's terms, you shouldn’t have paid any interest during the 0% period. But after that, any leftover balance will start racking up interest at the lender’s much higher standard rate.

If you still have a balance, consider moving it to a balance transfer card or this could become expensive.

Compare purchase cards

The average purchase credit card APR in November 2025 was a hefty 35.8%, according to Moneyfacts.

If you had a £300 balance and paid off £20 a month, at that APR you’d end up paying £84 in interest and it could take 20 months to clear the debt.

This shows how handy a 0% purchase card can be for money-saving (and also why it’s important to clear the balance before the 0% period expires).

How to choose the best interest-free purchase credit card for you

The best interest-free credit card for you will depend on your personal circumstances, financial history, and which credit cards you’re actually eligible for.

Here's what to check before applying:

Icon of a calendar

Interest-free period

  • A longer 0% period gives you more time to repay your balance without paying interest

  • Many cards offer ‘up to’ a certain number of months interest free, meaning it’s not guaranteed – the 0% period you’re offered will depend on your credit history.

Percentage in circle icon

Revert rate

  • Once the 0% period ends, the card switches to its standard APR (known as the revert rate)

  • It’s worth checking how much this is, especially if you might not clear the balance before the 0% deal finishes.

Pound sign in circle icon

Minimum monthly payments

  • You’ll need to make at least the minimum payment each month, which can vary based on your balance and card terms

  • Make sure the minimum monthly payments feel manageable before using the card, as missing a payment could lead to extra charges and may affect your credit score.

Warning triangle icon

Fees and charges

  • Some credit cards have an annual fee while others don’t, so make sure any fee doesn’t outweigh the card’s benefits

  • Check what other fees and charges could apply, such as foreign transaction fees or cash advance fees.

How to find out if you're eligible for an interest-free purchase credit card

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for any credit card (although some may stipulate 21 or older). Usually, you need to:

  • Be a permanent UK resident

  • Have a UK bank account

  • Earn a steady income.

People who apply for a 0% purchase credit card typically earn £45,1612 but this an average, not a minimum. Use our eligibility checker to see which cards you're most likely to be offered based on your personal circumstances.

You can check which credit cards you could be accepted for from our panel of providers by using our credit card eligibility checker:

Check your eligibility now

Quick tip

You can check your credit score for free with the three big credit reference agencies – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Doing this could help you find ways to boost your creditworthiness and spot any potential errors that need fixing before applying for a card.

Man with credit card and laptop

How to apply for an interest-free purchase credit card

When you use our free eligibility checker, you'll be shown which cards you’re likely to be accepted for from our selected credit card providers, based on a soft check of your credit history. Here’s a quick run through of how it works:

Find a card

Share your info

Tells us a few details about yourself, including your full name, job and income

Apply for your chosen card

If you find a credit card that suit you, you can click through to your chosen card provider’s site and apply

The provider runs its checks

The provider will carry out a hard credit check on you and review the information you provided

Find out if you've been accepted

The provider will let you know whether your application has been accepted and what terms you’ve been offered

Find a card

Quick tip

To apply for a card, you may need to show:

- Proof of identity, such as a copy of your passport or driving licence

- Proof of address, for example official letters addressed to you at your given address such as utility bills or your HMRC tax notification

- Proof of regular income, which can be bank statements and payslips that show you have a steady income.

Pros and cons of interest-free purchase credit cards

A card offering 0% on purchases can be an affordable way to borrow money if you use it responsibly. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

Helps you spread the cost

You can buy expensive items you wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for upfront, instead spreading the cost over months or years

Pay no interest

Your borrowing won’t cost a penny of interest if you stay on track with your repayments and repay what you owe before the 0% deal ends

Gives you purchase protection

Most goods and services costing between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75

Potential perks and rewards

Some cards offer discounts, cashback, or other perks.

Cons

The 0% period will end

At this point, you’ll pay a much higher standard interest rate if any balance remains

0% cards are usually for new customers only

If you’ve had another credit card with any members of the same banking group before, you probably won’t be accepted

You might be tempted to spend beyond your means

When there’s no interest to pay, it can be easy to spend more than you can afford to repay.

Alternatives to a 0% purchase card

A 0% purchase card is usually best for planned spending you can repay within the promotional period. If you need to clear existing card debt, want fixed monthly repayments, or are less likely to qualify, another option may fit better.

Combined purchase and balance transfer cards

Combined purchase and balance transfer cards offer 0% interest on both balance transfers and new purchases for a set time, which can be helpful if you want to reduce interest payments on existing card debt and spend interest-free too.

The interest-free period for balance transfers may be different for the from the interest-free period for new purchases, so check before you apply.

Retailer finance schemes

Some retailers let you spread the cost of a purchase through instalments or delayed payments via a third-party lender, sometimes at 0% interest.

Check the finance provider is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You could also be charged if you miss payments or don’t clear your balance before the promotional period ends.

Buy now, pay later schemes

Many retailers partner with buy now, pay later (BNPL) providers such as ClearPay and Klarna to let you spread the cost of a purchase or delay payment. This is usually interest-free if you stick to the payment terms.

Unsecured personal loans

You might be able to borrow more, or repay over a longer period, with an unsecured personal loan. Your repayments will usually be set at the same amount each month for the duration, which can help with budgeting, but you will pay interest.

Credit builder cards

If you need to borrow but aren't eligible for a 0% deal, a credit builder card might help. These cards are designed for people with low or no credit scores.

On the downside, they tend to come with higher interest rates and lower limits than other cards. But on the plus side, if you use them responsibly you'll be able to build your credit score and qualify for better products in the future.

Money transfer credit cards

Money transfer credit cards let you transfer money from the card directly to your bank account if you need actual cash. You’ll normally have to pay a transfer fee, but some cards offer 0% interest for a certain period.

Did you know?

0% purchase cards are our second most-applied-for credit card type, making up 23% of applications. They follow balance transfer cards, which are our most popular card type2.

Charlie Evans

What our expert says...

"A 0% purchase card can work well if you know what you’re buying and how much you can afford to repay. Before applying, work backwards from the end of the 0% period and check whether your planned repayments would clear the balance in time. It’s also worth looking closely at the standard APR, because any balance left after the offer ends will accrue interest at that rate.

“If you're already carrying card debt, another option may be more suitable, such as a dual purchase and balance transfer card or a debt consolidation loan. The key with a purchase card is to use the 0% deal as a short-term way to spread costs, not as a reason to spend more than you can comfortably repay.”

Charlie Evans, Personal finance expert

Purchase card guides

See how purchase offers work, how long introductory rates last and what happens when they end

Person typing on a laptop while also holding a credit card in their hand
0% balance transfer and purchase credit cards
Get the best of both worlds with a dual credit card
Card types
Switching between 0% credit card offers
Find out how often you can switch, and what to watch out for
Card types
What happens when the 0% interest period ends?
Knowing what happens next can help you stay one step ahead
Card types
Minimum repayments on 0% cards
You'll need to keep up to date with your payments to keep your 0% deal
All credit card guides

Credit card repayment calculator

A simples way to estimate your repayments and plan ahead

Credit card eligibility checker

Check your chances risk-free before you make an application

^^Exclusive M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card offer

  • Available to new customers or those who have not held an M&S card in the last 12 months.

  • Customers must have applied by 14 September 2026.

  • The card account must still be open by the time the voucher is sent.

  • Qualifying spend of £500+ must be made within 30 days of opening the card.

  • Full terms and conditions apply.

FAQs

Can I get a 0% interest purchase card if I have bad credit?

If you have bad credit, you may not have as many 0% purchase card options as those with a better score. But there are still providers that might offer you a card if you have a poor credit history.

Keep in mind that:

  • You might not get the full 0% period advertised

  • Your credit limit may also be lower than if you had a strong credit history

  • You'll need to check for any other limits, restrictions or fees when comparing 0% credit cards.

You can use our credit card eligibility checker to see which 0% credit cards you could be accepted for from our selected providers, without impacting your credit score.

If you’re not eligible for a 0% purchase credit card now, think about ways to build your credit score and then e-apply later.

What happens if I miss a repayment on a 0% purchase card?

If you miss a repayment on a 0% purchase card:

  • You’ll likely be hit with a late payment fee of up to £12

  • You might lose your 0% deal and be switched to the higher standard rate

  • Your credit score could also take a hit.

Find out more: minimum repayments on 0% credit cards

How do lenders decide your credit limit?

If you are accepted for a credit card, the lender will decide your credit limit based on factors such as your income, credit history, existing debt and overall financial circumstances. Each provider uses its own criteria, so limits can vary.

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Charlie Evans
Reviewed 28 Aug 2026 by Charlie Evans Personal finance expert

Charlie is a senior commercial leader with close to a decade of experience across the UK’s leading personal-finance and comparison platforms. Before joining Compare the Market as Head of Commercial in 2024, he held senior commercial roles at TotallyMoney and MoneySuperMarket Group.

Methodology

1 Correct as of June 2026.

2Correct as of June 2026.