0% purchase credit cards

Spread the cost with peace of mind

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Exclusive offer

24-month 0% balance transfer and purchases credit card from Virgin Money – the longest 0% term on this card, only via Compare the Market. Ends 11:59pm, 29 November 2026. T&Cs apply, UK only, 18+. Rep APR 24.9%^. See important info^^.

Make big buys more manageable

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

Check your eligibility first

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

Find cards to suit your spending

Compare credit cards from 26 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). Credit available subject to status. Correct as of September 2026.

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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.

Keep in mind that:

You’ll need to make at least the minimum monthly repayment to keep your 0% offer.
It’s 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.
Miss a payment and you could lose your 0% rate, pay a late fee and see your credit score affected.

Did you know?

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

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 (last updated 28 October 2026).

M&S Purchase Plus credit card: up to 26 months' 0%

0% purchase period
Up to 26 months
Representative 24.9% APR** – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year, at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% (variable)

Also 0% for up to 6 months on balance transfers made in first 90 days (3.49% transfer fee, minimum £5)
Earn points when you shop and they'll be converted into M&S vouchers
Credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

Check eligibility

Lloyds Platinum: up to 25 months' 0%

0% purchase period
Up to 25 months
Representative 24.9% APR** – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable), representative 24.9% (variable)

Also 0% for up to 23 months on balance transfers made in the first 90 days (2.99% transfer fee)
Transfers must be made in first 90 days to get offer
Register for Everyday Offers and earn up to 15% cashback at selected retailers
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

Check eligibility

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Money up to 24 months' 0%

0% purchase period
Up to 24 months
Representative 24.9% APR – assumed borrowing of £1,200 for 1 year at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable), representative 24.9% APR (variable)

Also 0% for up to 24 months on balance transfers made in first 60 days (2.95% transfer fee)
Also 12 months' 0% on money transfers made in first 60 days (4% transfer fee)
New customers only, credit subject to status, T&Cs apply

Check eligibility

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:

Longest 0% purchase period
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
Any cashback or other perks
Representative APR
Duration of 0% balance transfer period (if applicable)
Balance transfer fee (if applicable)
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 credit limit, which the lender sets. Try to keep your balance well below your limit, as using a lot of it can affect 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 standard rate.

Compare purchase cards

The average purchase credit card APR in June 2026 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 example shows how a 0% purchase card could help you save on interest (and why it’s important to clear the balance before the 0% period ends).

How much should I repay each month?

To work out what to pay each month, divide your balance by the number of full months left on your 0% offer:

Check your end date. Find the date your 0% period ends in your card agreement or online account, then count the full months left.
Divide your balance by those months. That’s the monthly amount needed to clear it in time. You can play around with different numbers on our credit card repayment calculator.
Compare it with the minimum payment. Your minimum payment may not be enough to clear the card before the 0% offer ends. Pay only the minimum each month and you could have a balance left over.

Here’s some quick examples of how the sums could work:

Amount spent	Months of 0% left	Monthly payment required to clear debt
£600	12	£50
£1,800	18	£100
£3,000	24	£125

These examples assume you have 0% interest for the whole period, no fees, and no further spending. Your card’s terms may differ.

After the 0% period ends

Any balance left when the 0% period ends will start being charged interest at the card’s standard purchase rate.

Still have a balance? You could move it to a balance transfer card, but check the transfer fee and whether you’re likely to be accepted first.

Find a card

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:

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.

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.

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.

Credit limit

The lender sets your limit based on your circumstances, so it may be lower than you hoped.
Check it’s high enough for what you plan to spend, and that you can repay it within the 0% period.

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 check if you're eligible for a 0% 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 is 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.

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.

How to apply for an interest-free purchase credit card

Use our free eligibility checker to see which cards from our selected providers you’re likely to be accepted for.

This requires a soft check of your credit history, which won't affect your score. Here’s a quick run through of how the process works:

Find a card

Share your info

Tell 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 suits you, you can click through to the provider’s site to apply

The provider runs its checks

The provider will review your information and run a hard credit check, which may affect your credit score

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 0% purchase credit cards

A 0% purchase card can be a way to spread the cost of spending 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

No interest during the 0% period

You won’t pay interest on purchases during the 0% period if you make at least the minimum payment each month

Gives you purchase protection

Most goods and services costing between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act

Potential perks and rewards

Some cards offer discounts, cashback, or other perks.

Cons

The 0% period will end

At this point, you’ll pay the lender's standard interest rate (which can be very high) if any balance remains

0% cards are often for new customers only

If you’ve had another credit card with any members of the same banking group before, you may not 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 suited to 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.

You can also compare other types of credit cards.

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 0% period for balance transfers may differ from the 0% 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. The finance is provided by another company and may be at 0% interest for a set time.

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.

These cards usually have higher interest rates and lower limits than other cards. But using them responsibly could build your credit score and help you qualify for better products in the future.

Money transfer credit cards

Money transfer credit cards let you move money from the card into your bank account. 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.

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 Virgin Money All Round Card

Offer ends Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm.
Subject to status and eligibility.
0% for 24 months on balance transfers (2.95% fee) and purchases, and 0% for 12 months on money transfers (4% fee). All must be made within the first 60 days of account opening.
Terms, fees and charges apply.
Credit limit subject to individual assessment.
Promotional rates may be withdrawn if minimum payments are missed.
Gambling and cryptocurrency transactions excluded.
See full Virgin Money credit card terms and conditions for more details.

FAQs

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

Possibly, although you may have fewer 0% options if your credit score is lower. Some providers might still 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 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 lender's 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.

Can a 0% purchase offer be withdrawn?

Yes, providers can change or end offers, so check the terms when you apply. Once you have the card, keep in mind that:

Your 0% rate can also be withdrawn if you miss a minimum payment
Some offers only apply to spending within a set time after opening the account.

Looking for something else?

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Reviewed 28 Oct 2026 byCharlie EvansPersonal finance expert

Charlie is a senior commercial leader with almost a decade's 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

¹Correct as of September 2026.

²Correct as of June 2026.