0% purchase credit cards
Compare purchase credit cards for interest-free spending
- Check which 0% purchase credit cards you have the best chance of getting with our eligibility checker
- A 0% purchase card can help spread the cost of bigger purchases
- Check what’s available to you in just a few minutes without affecting your credit rating
We compare credit cards from trusted providers, including:
What you need to know about 0% interest purchase credit cards
If used with care, a 0% on purchases credit card can be a useful way to buy bigger items and pay for them over a longer period. Find out how this type of credit card works and how you can avoid racking up a debt that you’ll find hard to pay back.
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What is a 0% purchase credit card?
A 0% purchase credit card lets you buy items upfront and pay off the amount you’ve spent over a set period without any interest. If your debt is clear at the end of the pre-agreed 0% period, then you’ll pay no interest and the credit won’t have cost you anything.
How do 0% purchase credit cards work?
Interest-free credit cards let you spread the cost of an item you’ve bought across several months or sometimes years, interest free. To make the most of a 0% purchase credit card, plan to pay off the entire debt before the agreed interest-free period ends, otherwise you could be transferred to a higher interest rate.
Interest-free credit cards are different to many other cards, as you’re not charged interest when using them for purchases during the interest-free period. But you’ll still have to meet the minimum monthly repayments. The 0% interest period only lasts for a fixed amount of time, as outlined in your credit agreement.
How do I get the most out of my 0% credit card offer?
A 0% purchase credit card could be a cheap way to borrow for a planned purchase if it’s used wisely and effectively. To make the most of any 0% offer, you’ll want to:
Use it for large purchases
It’s usually wise to use your 0% credit card for more expensive planned purchases. This is because you won’t need to fund the purchase yourself up front, and can spread the cost over a set period, without being charged interest.
A 0% interest credit card could help spread the cost of a necessary purchase, but to avoid future problems with debt, it’s important not to see a 0% offer as a way to overspend. Make sure that any purchase is affordable and have a plan to pay it back.
Aim to pay off the card in full during the 0% interest-free period
Ideally, you’ll want to repay the full amount you’ve borrowed before your 0% period ends. Otherwise, you’ll start receiving interest charges on the remaining balance, which may make that expensive purchase even more costly.
The best way to do this is by dividing the cost of your purchase by the number of interest-free months you’re getting. This will tell you how much you need to pay off each month to clear the debt before the 0% period ends.
At the very least, make sure you keep up with the minimum monthly repayments, or you could lose the 0% offer and be moved on to the lender’s standard interest rate.
Avoid withdrawing cash
You should avoid using your credit card for cash withdrawals, as these remain separate to purchases, and won’t be eligible for the 0% rate. Instead, you’ll be charged a daily interest fee, along with an additional withdrawal charge. This is usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning on using your 0% credit cards for purchases abroad, check the terms to make sure you’ll be covered by the promotional 0% rate. Look out for any non-sterling transaction fees and be aware of the charges that will apply if you withdraw money at a foreign ATM.
What are the advantages of interest-free credit cards?
A card offering 0% on purchases can help you buy expensive items that you wouldn’t be able to pay for upfront, as they can help you to spread the cost over a number of months or years without paying any interest.
The ‘interest-free’ period you could be offered varies, depending on the lender and your credit score, but it’s typically a year or two – sometimes longer. Once the introductory offer ends, you’ll start to be charged interest on any outstanding balance.
While it’s essential to meet your minimum payment each month, ideally you should be paying more than this if you can. This means you can clear your debt before the 0% deal expires. You can work out what you need to pay by dividing your balance by the number of interest-free months you’ve got.
For example:
- You buy something for £1,200 using your credit card
- Your credit card offers 0% on purchases for 12 months
- This spreads the cost of £1,200 over 12 months
- 1,200 divided by 12 is 100
- Your monthly repayments for 12 months would be £100.
What are some of the disadvantages of a 0% purchase card?
As with all types of credit cards, people can (and regularly do) get into significant debt problems if they misuse them, so it’s important to use your 0% purchase card with care.
Here are some details to watch out for with a 0% purchase credit card:
- The 0% period expires – once this period ends, you’ll be charged the standard interest rate on the remaining balance each month, until it’s paid off.
- You might not get the 0% period advertised – you may not be offered the full advertised 0% period, depending on your credit history.
- Your card will have a credit limit – keep track of your credit card spending to avoid reaching your limit. If you exceed your limit, there will likely be charges to pay.
- You can lose your 0% benefit - if you can’t keep up with your minimum monthly repayments or exceed the credit limit on your card, you’ll risk losing the benefit of the 0% rate and instead be put on the standard rate, which is more expensive.
Read about the charges you need to consider before getting a credit card. Or you could find out more about the pros and cons of credit cards, before comparing the types of card we offer.
How to choose the right interest-free credit card for you
The right interest-free credit card for you will depend on your personal circumstances and the credit cards you’re eligible for. The terms that could be available to you depend on your credit score and financial history.
Here are some details to look out for when searching for the right interest-free credit card:
Look closely at the interest-free period
Understand the revert rate
Check the minimum monthly payments
Look for an annual fee
Check the terms
Am I eligible for an interest-free credit card?
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for any credit card. Usually, you need to be a permanent UK resident with a UK bank account and a steady income.
Credit card providers will also set their own individual eligibility criteria. For example, you might need to have a minimum annual salary to qualify. Any credit you’re offered will be based on your personal circumstances and borrowing history.
You can check what credit cards you could be accepted for, from our selected providers, using our credit card eligibility checker. It typically takes less than four minutes to see eligibility, and it won’t impact your credit score.
How do I apply for an interest-free credit card?
You can compare credit card deals with us. We’ll show you what credit cards you’re likely to be accepted for from our selected credit card providers, based on a soft check of your credit history.
To do that, we’ll need a few simple details from you, including your full name, job and income details.
If you find the right credit card deal for you, we’ll send you through to your chosen card provider’s site where you can fill in their online application form.
When you submit your application, your provider will carry out a hard credit check on you – that’s the type that does show up on your credit report – and review your information. They’ll then let you know for sure if you’re accepted for the credit card and, if so, under what terms.
What our expert says...
“0% purchase credit cards can be one of the cheapest ways to borrow money, if managed correctly. They’re a good alternative to personal loans and other finance deals, since you won’t get charged interest on purchases until the end of the promotional period, giving you time to pay off that new washing machine interest free. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully however, as some providers require you to spend within a short time frame (e.g. 60 days) to benefit from the offer.”
- The Editorial Team, Experts in personal finance, insurance and utilities
Frequently asked questions
Can 0% purchase cards be used for balance transfers?
There are 0% purchase cards that will also allow interest-free balance transfers for a limited period. However, you’ll normally still need to pay a fee for each balance transfer and other terms or charges may apply.
Whether you’re eligible for a credit card that offers 0% on both purchases and balance transfers depends on your financial circumstances and credit history.
Can I get a 0% interest card if I have bad credit?
While you may not have as many options as those with a better score, there are still providers who might offer you a 0% purchase credit card with a poor credit history.
Keep in mind that you may not receive the advertised 0% period length, and your credit limit might also vary. And be sure to check for any other limits, restrictions or fees when comparing 0% credit cards.
You can use our credit card eligibility check to see what 0% credit cards you could be accepted for from our selected providers, without it affecting your credit score.
If you’re not eligible for a 0% purchase credit card now, think about ways to build your credit score and consider re-applying later.
Can you get cashback with 0% cards?
Some 0% cards might also reward you with cashback schemes or points, but for good cashback-earning potential, you may be better off with a dedicated cashback credit card. These will offer you a specific percentage of cashback on a wide variety of purchases.
Cashback credit cards reward you for spending more, so be careful to avoid building up debt.
What other 0% cards should I think about?
0% balance transfer credit cards let you move debt from your current card to a new one, without having to pay interest on the balance you’re transferring. However, you’re likely to have to pay a fee to move the balance, typically around 3% of the amount borrowed.
You could also look at 0% balance transfer and purchase cards, which will allow you to move a balance interest-free and get 0% interest on your spending.
With any zero-interest credit cards, check the details carefully so that you know exactly how long the offers last and under what terms.
What documents do I need to apply for a zero-interest credit card?
When you apply for a credit card, the provider may also ask you to provide certain documents as proof of the details you have provided on your application form. You might need to show:
- Proof of identity – such as a copy of your passport or driving licence.
- Proof of address – official letters addressed to you at your given address such as utility or council tax bills, tenancy agreements or your HMRC tax notification.
- Proof of regular income – bank statements and payslips that show you have a steady income.
What credit limit can I get with a 0% credit card?
The credit limit you’re offered by 0% credit card providers depends on your credit rating and current financial circumstances. You’re more likely to be offered a high credit limit if you have:
- A high annual salary
- A very good credit history
- A low level of debt.
Although a higher credit limit may sound tempting, it could be a problem if it means you spend more than your means. To avoid getting into debt, it’s important to only borrow what you need and what you can comfortably afford to repay.
What happens if I miss a repayment on a 0% card?
You’re likely to be charged a late payment fee if you miss one or more of your monthly minimum repayments. You may also break the terms of the introductory 0% offer detailed on your credit card agreement.
That may mean you’re moved off the 0% rate and onto your provider’s standard rate. That could make your purchases much more expensive, especially if you still have a lot to pay off.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure you can afford the minimum repayments before you take on any new credit.
If your circumstances change, and you find yourself struggling to make repayments, you should call your credit card provider immediately.
How can I increase my credit limit?
Increasing your credit limit can be done in two ways:
- Automatic credit limit increase – some credit card providers will increase your credit limit automatically, if you consistently prove you can keep up with your monthly repayments and stay within your existing limit.
- Request a credit limit increase – you can ask your provider directly for an increase. However, keep in mind that they may run a hard credit check as part of your request. Also, here’s no guarantee that they’ll approve it.
How many interest-free credit cards can you have?
While there isn’t a set limit on the number of interest free credit cards you can have, that doesn’t mean you can have endless credit cards. Each credit card will require its own application and a review of your credit report.
If you open too many lines of credit, this could negatively impact your credit score. Lenders and credit card providers are likely to be increasingly wary of the amount of credit you have access to.
If potential lenders see you as a risk, it could affect your chances of borrowing in the future, and the rates you’re offered.
Is 0% APR good for your credit?
The APR on a credit card won’t, by itself, impact your credit score in any way. How you use a 0% credit card can, though.
Because large amounts of interest building up on your credit card would increase your level of debt and likely lower your credit score, having a 0% APR card can prevent that from happening.
If you pay off your 0% card on time and in full, it could help to boost your credit score.
However, if you fail to make repayments and get shifted onto your provider’s standard APR, this could leave a negative mark on your credit file. Once interest starts to build on your balance, this can affect your credit utilisation rate, which could lower your credit score.
