At a glance
You can’t technically switch credit cards – instead you apply for a new one and can then close your old one
It’s usually wise to wait around six months between credit applications, and many 0% offers are only available to new customers
Balance transfers – where you shift debt from one card to another – can reduce interest costs, but you’ll usually pay a 2-4% fee
Use an eligibility checker before applying to see what you’re likely to be offered without affecting your credit score.
Why switch 0% credit card offers?
People usually move from one 0% credit card deal to another for three possible reasons. The type of new card you choose depends on your goal:
1. Your 0% period is ending and you still have a balance to repay
In this situation you could look for a 0% balance transfer card. This can help you avoid paying high standard interest rates when your current offer expires.
Factor in the balance transfer fee (usually 2-4%) when working out if it'll save you money, and remember most cards require you to shift the balance within 60 or 90 days to get the 0% rate.
2. Your 0% period is ending, you have no balance left and want to continue spending interest-free
If you’ve cleared your balance and want to keep using an interest-free card for new purchases, a 0% purchase card can help. Just continue to manage your spending and repayments carefully.
3. Your 0% period is ending, you have a balance to repay and want to do new spending too
Firstly, think about whether adding new debt to existing debt is sustainable. Do you have a realistic plan to repay it all? If you're confident you do, you could consider a 0% on purchases and balance transfers dual or 'combo' card.
This does what it says on the tin. Be aware, though, that the 0% period might be different for the balance you've transferred than for the new spending you do. And it may be limited to transfers and spending done during a set introductory window, for example 60 or 90 days.
Example of how a 0% on balance transfers and purchases 'combo' card could work
These cards can be complicated. For example, they might offer:
- 0% for 24 months on balances transferred within the first 60 days
- 0% for 20 months on purchases made within the first 90 days
This means you'll need to be confident you can manage the card properly. Consider setting yourself reminders in order to get the most out of the product and avoid paying interest.
Technically, you’re not ‘switching’
Unlike with current accounts, you can't actually ‘switch’ your credit card. Instead, you:
Apply for a new card (based on your eligibility and credit score)
Transfer any balance, if that’s your goal
Decide what to do with your old card – you can keep it open to keep a longer credit history and lower credit utilisation ratio, or close it if you prefer to simplify your finances.
Find out more: should you close old credit cards?
How often can I switch from one 0% offer to another to avoid interest?
There's no set rule on how long you must wait between switching cards, but the general consensus is to give it at least six months between applying for new credit products.
Switching too often can have a couple of downsides:
Each full credit application involves a hard search which shows up on your credit file and is visible to lenders
Some lenders may reject you if they can see you’ve applied for credit multiple times in a short period.
Pros and cons of switching between 0% credit cards
Pros
You can continue to save on paying interest for a set time
You can roll multiple older debts into one card and track repayments more easily
If you pay your old card off but leave it open, your credit utilisation ratio (the percentage of total available credit you’re using) will go down, which can be good for your credit score.
Cons
You’ll usually have to pay a fee of 2-4% if transferring a balance and bear in mind any balance transfer window restrictions
If you don’t repay your balance within the promotional period, you could end up paying a high amount of interest and risk creating debt problems
Multiple credit card applications in a short time can lower your score temporarily or make lenders view you as higher risk
Most 0% cards are only open to new customers, so there’s a limit to how many times you’ll be able to jump from one card to another.
Find out more: advantages and disadvantages of switching credit cards
A quick step-by-step on switching effectively between 0% offers
Use an eligibility checker to see which 0% cards you might be offered
Based on your results, decide if switching is a good option for you
If it is, apply for the 0% card that best matches your needs
Request a balance transfer if you need one
Continue making the minimum payments on your old card until the transfer is complete (and continue to do so on any balance that you don't transfer)
Repay your new card within the 0% period, always ensuring you make at least the minimum payment each month.
Compare the Market 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.
Struggling to pay off your credit card?
Relying on switching indefinitely isn't a long-term solution to debt problems.
If you’re really struggling, don’t try to deal with it alone. You can get free, non-judgemental debt advice from Citizens Advice and Moneyhelper.
FAQs
Can I have more than one 0% credit card at the same time?
Yes, you can have multiple 0% credit cards at the same time. But doing so means:
More applications
More lines of credit
Careful management as you’re potentially making multiple payments each month and will need to think about when each card’s 0% period ends.
Does switching affect my credit score?
Opening a new credit card means making a full application, which involves a hard search on your credit file. This can affect your credit score.
Using an eligibility checker lets you see how likely you are to be accepted for a credit card before doing a full application.
This potentially avoids the risk of having an application refused and needing to apply for another product – handy, as too many applications in a short period may raise concerns with lenders.
Can I transfer my entire credit card balance to a new card?
Yes, you can transfer across the entire balance of your old card to a new credit card. You’ll just need to check that it’s within the new card’s transferrable credit limit, which is usually a percentage of the overall credit limit.
For example, if the transferable limit was 90% of £2,000, you could move over a balance of £1,800.
The credit limit you’re offered on the new card will depend on things including your:
Income
Existing debts
Repayment history
Current available credit limits.
What happens if I still owe money at the end of the 0% period?
If you still owe at the end of your 0% deal, you’ll be charged the lender’s standard rate on the remaining balance until you pay it off or transfer it to a new card.
The standard rate is usually pretty high and your debt can become costly quickly – so it can make sense to explore balance transfer cards at that point.
Looking for something else?
Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
Ele Clark is an award-winning editor who has held leadership roles at Which? and news-stand publications in London and Dubai. She’s appeared across the press and media, including BBC’s Panorama. With almost 20 years’ experience in personal finance, insurance and consumer journalism, she leads a talented team at Compare the Market, creating insightful, accessible content to help people make informed financial decisions.
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.
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