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0% purchase credit cards
Find your ideal 0% interest free credit card
An interest-free purchase card allows you to spread the cost of large purchases, making it easier to manage your finances
Find your ideal credit card in minutes
Check your eligibility without impacting your credit score
Explore options from top UK credit card providers
Choose the right card for your needs
Find your ideal credit card in minutes
Check your eligibility without impacting your credit score
Explore options from top UK credit card providers
Choose the right card for your needs
Credit card deals from top UK providers for December 2025
Find credit cards from trusted providers matched to your goals: rewards, balance transfer, 0% deals & more
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Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.
What is a 0% purchase credit card?
A 0% purchase credit card lets you spread the cost of purchases without paying interest for an introductory period - which can range from around 3 to 25 months+. This can be a useful option for larger expenses such as furniture or holidays.
The interest-free rate applies only while you meet the card’s terms. To keep the 0% offer, you must stay within your credit limit and make at least the minimum repayment on time each month. Missing a payment or exceeding your limit could mean you lose the promotional rate early and start being charged interest.
As long as you repay the full balance before the introductory period ends, you won’t pay any interest on your spending - though it's important to check if other conditions trigger interest being added, such as cash withdrawals and foreign transactions.
How to use a 0% purchase credit card
A 0% purchase credit card lets you borrow interest-free, making it a handy way to spread the cost of large purchases. For example, if you make a £3,000 purchase with a 24-month 0% interest period, simply divide the balance (£3,000) by the number of months (24) to find your monthly repayment – in this case, £125.
Set up a direct debit for this amount to pay off the balance before the interest-free period ends, ensuring you avoid any interest charges. The APR rate is often higher at the end of the promotional period - possibly 25% or more, so try to avoid making additional purchases on the card as this will increase your balance and could lead to high interest charges when the 0% rate ends.
Pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Is a 0% purchase credit card right for you?
You're not looking to make cash withdrawals
You're able to make reliable repayments and stay within your limit
You plan to clear the balance before the promotional rate ends
How to apply for a purchase credit card
Applying for a purchase credit card is usually quick and can often be done online. Before you apply, it’s worth checking a few key details to help improve your chances of approval and avoid unnecessary admin.
Check your eligibility first – Many card providers offer eligibility checkers that show how likely you are to be approved without affecting your credit score
Compare cards carefully – Look at the length of the 0% purchase period, the standard interest rate after it ends, fees and any conditions attached to the offer
Make sure you meet the requirements – You’ll usually need to be over 18, a resident of the country, and have a stable income and credit history
Apply online or in-branch – Complete the application with your personal and employment details
Wait for a decision – Some applications are approved instantly, while others may take a few days. If accepted, your card is usually sent by post.
Explore your 0% purchase credit cards options
Answer a few simple questions, and we’ll help you find 0% purchase cards which align with your financial goals.
How to use a 0% purchase credit card responsibly
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of a 0% purchase credit card in a responsible way:
Set a repayment plan early to clear the balance before the 0% period ends
Always make at least the minimum payment on time to keep the promotional rate
Stay within your credit limit to avoid fees and losing the 0% offer
Track the end date of the promotional period so you’re not caught by higher interest
Avoid adding new purchases, especially if it makes repayment harder for you to manage
Check the fees and terms carefully so you understand what could trigger interest charges
What happens after the interest free period ends?
Once the 0% introductory period ends, any remaining balance will be charged at the card's standard APR, which is typically higher than standard credit cards.
To avoid high interest, aim to pay off your balance before the 0% offer expires. If that’s not possible, consider transferring the balance to another interest-free card.
Note that balance transfers may incur fees. Cancelling the card could impact your credit score, so weigh the benefits before closing it.
FAQs about 0% purchase credit cards
Is interest-free credit really interest-free?
Interest-free credit means you won’t pay interest on your purchases or balance transfers during the promotional period.
However, it’s important to remember that the offer is only interest-free if you make your payments on time and pay off the balance within the agreed period.
If you miss payments or fail to pay off the balance in full before the 0% period ends, interest is likely to be charged at the card's standard rate, which can be much higher.
How long do you need to pay off your credit card?
The time you need to pay off your credit card depends on the length of the 0% purchase period, so look for a card that offers the longest interest-free term to give yourself more flexibility.
What does lowest APR mean?
The lowest annual percentage rate (APR) on a credit card represents the cost of borrowing once the 0% introductory offer ends. The lower the APR - the less you’ll pay in interest if you have a balance on your card when the interest-free period ends.
When comparing cards, aim for the lowest APR to reduce long-term costs, especially if you’re unable to pay off your balance in full each month.
What are 'All in One' credit cards?
‘All in One’ or ‘all-round’ credit cards offer a 0% introductory period on both purchases and balance transfers, making them a versatile option for managing both new spending and existing credit card debt.
This dual benefit can help you avoid interest charges in the short term, while also giving you time to pay off your balances.
It’s important to note that these cards can become costly if you don’t repay what you owe before the 0% introductory period ends, as they typically revert to a higher standard interest rate.
Additionally, balance transfers may come with fees, so factor these into your decision-making.
Can you earn rewards with 0% credit cards?
Yes, some 0% purchase credit cards allow you to earn rewards on your spending. These rewards can include loyalty points, vouchers, or air miles.
Keep in mind, however, that not all 0% cards offer rewards, so it's important to compare options carefully to find one that suits both your financial goals and lifestyle.
Find out more about reward credit cards.
Do all credit cards have an interest-free period?
No, not all credit cards offer an interest-free period. Many credit cards in the UK provide a 0% interest introductory period on purchases or balance transfers, but this is typically for a limited time.
After the introductory period ends, the card will revert to its standard APR. Some credit cards, especially those with lower interest rates or rewards, may not offer any interest-free period at all.
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