0% purchase credit cards
Compare purchase credit cards for interest-free spending
- Check which 0% purchase credit cards you might be accepted for with our eligibility checker
- A 0% purchase card can help spread the cost of bigger purchases
- Check what might be available to you without affecting your credit rating
We compare credit cards from 21 FCA-regulated providers[1], including:
[1] Correct as of March 2025.
What you need to know about 0% interest purchase credit cards
If used with care, a 0% purchase credit card can be a useful way to buy bigger items and pay for them over a longer period. On this page we explain how this type of credit card works and how to 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 is a card which doesn’t charge any interest for a set period of time, provided you keep up with your minimum monthly repayments.
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.
At the end of the 0% period you’ll be moved on to a much higher rate. If you still have a balance remaining on the card, interest charges will kick in from that point.
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.
Here are some key need-to-knows about how a 0% purchase credit card works:
- Unlike many other cards, you’re not charged interest when using them to buy things during the interest-free period
- 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
- You should aim to pay off the entire debt before the interest-free period ends, as at that point you’ll be transferred to a higher interest rate.
Bear in mind...Missing a monthly payment could cause you to lose your promotional rate and any rewards on your card. It can negatively affect your credit score, and you may be charged a late payment fee, usually around £12. |
How do I get the most out of my 0% purchase 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:
Think about using it for large purchases
A 0% credit card can be really handy for expensive planned purchases or one-off costs, as they let you spread the payments over a longer period without incurring interest.
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 that you 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 paying interest on the remaining balance, which may make that expensive purchase even more costly.
The simplest way to do this is as follows:
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Divide the cost of your purchase by the number of interest-free months you’re offered
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Aim to pay that amount 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. Not doing this means you could lose the 0% offer and be moved on to the lender’s standard interest rate.
Head to our handy guide for more tips on how to pay off credit card debt.
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. With a cash withdrawal, you’ll be charged:
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A daily interest fee
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An additional withdrawal charge, which is usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning on using your 0% credit card 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
- Be aware of the charges that will apply if you withdraw money at a foreign ATM.
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Quick tip A travel credit card can be a useful way to pay for things overseas if you’re a frequent traveller. They typically offer excellent exchange rates and fee-free spending abroad. Just be mindful that you could still be charged a fee and interest for cash withdrawals.
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What are the advantages of interest-free purchase credit cards?
A card offering 0% on purchases can be an affordable way to borrow money if managed responsibly. 0% purchase cards:
- Help you spread the cost – you can buy expensive items that you wouldn’t be able to pay for upfront and instead spread the cost over a number of months or years
- Don’t charge you any interest – that's if you keep up with your monthly payments and clear your balance by the end of the interest-free period
- Give you purchase protection – most goods and services costing between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974
- May offer you extras – this could be discounts, cashback, or other perks. Be sure to check the criteria for keeping these perks and make sure any rewards align with your spending habits.
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.
One way to work out what you need to pay is to divide your balance by the number of interest-free months you have.
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 purchase credit cards with 0% interest?
As with all types of credit cards, people can (and regularly do) get into significant debt problems if they misuse them. That’s why it’s important to use your 0% purchase card with care.
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for with a 0% purchase credit card:
- The 0% period will end – once this happens, 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 could be offered a shorter 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. You’ll instead be put on the standard rate, which is more expensive
- You might be tempted to spend beyond your means – knowing you have access to an interest-free balance for a certain period may entice you to spend more than you can afford to repay.
Read about the credit card charges you should consider before getting a credit card. You can also find out more about the pros and cons of credit cards before finding out what might be available to you using our eligibility checker.
How to choose the right interest-free purchase 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
Check whether there’s an annual fee
Check the terms
Am I eligible for an interest-free purchase 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
- Have a UK bank account
- Earn 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 which credit cards you could be accepted for, from our selected providers, using our credit card eligibility checker.
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Quick tip You have a legal right to access your credit score for free from any credit reference agency (CRA). Checking this regularly gives you the chance to fix any issues before applying for credit. Having a good credit score means you’re more likely to be accepted for credit and offered better rates. You can find more details on this in our guide to free credit checks. |
How do I apply for an interest-free purchase credit card?
You can compare credit card deals with us. You’ll be shown which 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, you’ll just need to give a few simple details, 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. From there, you can fill in its online application form.
When you submit your application, the 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. It’ll then let you know for sure if you’ve been accepted for the credit card and, if so, under what terms.
What our expert says...
“If you need to borrow, many credit cards offer a promotional set period of 0%, which could help you spread the cost without paying any interest. Once the introductory offer ends, you’ll start to be charged interest on any outstanding balance.
“It’s important to remember not to over-commit yourself and to make the minimum payments during the interest-free period with an aim to have it fully paid off before the offer ends, otherwise there is a risk of longer-term debt.”
- Guy Anker, Personal finance and insurance expert
Frequently asked questions
Can 0% purchase cards be used for balance transfers?
Some 0% purchase cards also allow interest-free balance transfers for a limited period. But 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 will depend on your financial circumstances and credit history.
Can I get a 0% interest purchase card if I have bad credit?
You may not have as many card options as those with a better score. But 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
- Your credit limit might also vary
- 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 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% purchase cards?
Some 0% cards might also reward you with cashback 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 types of 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. But 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 purchase credit card?
When you apply for a credit card, the provider may ask you to provide certain documents as proof of the details you have given 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% purchase 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% purchase 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. This could make your repayments much more expensive, especially if you have a large balance on your card.
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:
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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.
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Ask for a credit limit increase – you can ask your provider directly for an increase. But keep in mind that it may run a hard credit check as part of your request. Also, there’s no guarantee it’ll approve it.
How many interest-free purchase cards can you have?
While there isn’t a set limit on the number of interest-free purchase credit cards you can have, that doesn’t mean you can have endless credit cards. Each credit card will need 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.
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.
But 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.
