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<Credit cards

0% purchase credit cards

Spread the cost of purchases interest-free

You can pay no interest on new purchases with a 0% purchase credit card. Compare credit cards that offer interest free periods on purchases below. Additional results may be available with an eligibility check.

Find a 0% purchase card

Answer a few quick questions to see which of our best 0% purchase cards are available to you
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Author
James Andrews
Editor
Salman Haqqi
Last updated
July 13, 2023
33 results found, sorted by longest purchase period.
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Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (19/22)

Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (19/22)

Interest on purchases
0%for22months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for19months with a2.99%fee
Representative APR (variable)
24.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • 19 months 0% balance transfer (2.99% transfer fee applies. Terms and conditions apply).
  • Earn up to 15% cashback automatically when you spend at a range of participating retailers with Barclaycard Cashback Rewards. This is a new benefit, available to all Barclaycard Visa credit card customers. T&Cs apply
Eligibility
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • be 21 years or over
  • not have had any Individual Voluntary arrangements, County Court Judgements and must not have been declared bankrupt
  • not already hold a Barclaycard credit card
  • best suited to customers with an income of £20,000
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card

M&S Bank Shopping Plus Credit Card

Interest on purchases
0%for18months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for15months with a2.99%fee (£5 min.)
Representative APR (variable)
23.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 23.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 23.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • 0% on purchases for 18 months
  • Collect one point per £1 spent at M&S online and in-store. Collect one point per £5 spent elsewhere and abroad. You will be rewarded in vouchers to spend at M&S
  • 0% on balance transfers for 15 months, available for 90 days from account opening (2.99% fee applies, minimum £5)
Eligibility
  • have a good credit rating
  • be 18 or older
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • have an annual income/pension of at least £6,800
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (16m) (23.9%)

Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (16m) (23.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for13months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for16months with a3%fee
Representative APR (variable)
23.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 23.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 23.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 16 months 0% for balance transfers, 12 months 0% for money transfers and 16 months 0% for purchases
  • 3% balance transfer fee
  • 4% money transfer fee
  • Contactless payments on purchases up to £100.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Virgin Money All Round Card (12 M) (29.9%) (Credit Builder)

Virgin Money All Round Card (12 M) (29.9%) (Credit Builder)

Interest on purchases
0%for12months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for12months with a3%fee
Representative APR (variable)
29.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 29.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 29.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 12 months 0% on balance transfers (3% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on money transfers (4% transfer fee)
  • 12 months 0% on purchases
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a UK bank or building society account
  • have a good credit history
  • have an annual income of £7,000, or household income of at least £15,000
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (12m) (29.9%)

Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (12m) (29.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for12months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for12months with a2.9%fee
Representative APR (variable)
29.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 29.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 29.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 12 months 0% for balance transfers, 12 months 0% for money transfers and 12 months 0% for purchases
  • 2.90% balance transfer fee
  • 4% money transfer fee
  • Contactless payments on purchases up to £100.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a UK bank or building society account
  • have a good credit history
  • have an annual income of £7,000, or household income of at least £15,000
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (14m) (27.9%)

Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (14m) (27.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for12months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for14months with a3%fee
Representative APR (variable)
27.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 27.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 27.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 14 months 0% for balance transfers, 12 months 0% for money transfers and 12 months 0% for purchases
  • 3% balance transfer fee
  • 4% money transfer fee
  • Contactless payments on purchases up to £100.
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Which? Recommended Credit Cards Provider in 2022
Virgin Money Travel Credit Card (23.9%)

Virgin Money Travel Credit Card (23.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for9months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for9months with a2%fee
Representative APR (variable)
23.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 23.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 23.9% (variable).
Additional information
  • Virgin Money Cashback offers cardholders the ability to earn cashback on their credit card spend at participating retailers when they are enrolled in the programme via the mobile app'.
  • 9 months 0% on purchases
  • 9 months 0% balance transfer (2% transfer fee)
  • 9 months on money transfers (4% transfer fee)
  • No fees on overseas purchases, 5% off Virgin Holidays - Terms Apply
  • Accepted worldwide in all Mastercard locations
Eligibility
  • be 18 or older
  • be a UK resident
  • have a good credit history
  • no balance transfers from Clydesdale Bank PLC
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply
Uswitch Limited is a credit broker, not a lender, for consumer credit.
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 woman is at her laptop looking at the latest credit card deals

Interest free, or 0%, purchase credit cards let you to essentially borrow for free in the short term. That's because they don't charge interest on spending during the introductory period.

They can be a great way to spread the cost of expensive items like sofas, TVs, bikes and holidays over months or potentially years.

These 0% interest purchase credit cards are only interest free for a fixed period of time. You'll still need to meet your minimum monthly repayments to keep the 0% interest offer in place.

Depending on the interest free period, you may pay no interest on your big purchase at all, provided you repay the full amount owing before the interest-free period expires.

But remember...

A 0% purchase card can be a good way to borrow for free during the introductory period. But it's important to read the terms and conditions before applying.

% of card balances that are interest free[1]
49.1%

Advantages of an interest free credit card

Spread the cost of large purchases

Spread the cost of large purchases

You can effectively borrow for free by using a 0% purchase card to spread the cost of large purchases such as furniture, a car, or electrical goods.

Use the 0% interest credit card to make the purchase. Then divide the balance on the card by the number of months remaining on the 0% period. Set up a direct debit paying this amount each month to pay off the debt before the 0% deal ends.

  • For example:

  • Item cost - £3,000

  • 0% introductory offer - 24 months

  • Total debt ÷ 24 months = £125

  • Monthly repayment to to clear balance within 0% period = £125

Purchase protection on items over £100

Purchase protection on items over £100

When you use a credit card to buy something costing between £101 and up to £30,000, both the card provider and supplier you’re buying from are responsible for your purchase.

This means you can claim your money back from either the provider or the supplier if the item is:

  • Faulty

  • Not as described

  • Not delivered

It's based on the cash price of the item you pay for, even if you only pay the deposit by credit card.

This protection is actually written into the law in the UK - specifically Section 75 of the 1974 Consumer Credit Act. It can be especially useful if the supplier goes bust and applies to purchases in the UK or abroad.

Advantages of an interest free credit card

Spread the cost of large purchases

Spread the cost of large purchases

You can effectively borrow for free by using a 0% purchase card to spread the cost of large purchases such as furniture, a car, or electrical goods.

Use the 0% interest credit card to make the purchase. Then divide the balance on the card by the number of months remaining on the 0% period. Set up a direct debit paying this amount each month to pay off the debt before the 0% deal ends.

  • For example:

  • Item cost - £3,000

  • 0% introductory offer - 24 months

  • Total debt ÷ 24 months = £125

  • Monthly repayment to to clear balance within 0% period = £125

Purchase protection on items over £100

Purchase protection on items over £100

When you use a credit card to buy something costing between £101 and up to £30,000, both the card provider and supplier you’re buying from are responsible for your purchase.

This means you can claim your money back from either the provider or the supplier if the item is:

  • Faulty

  • Not as described

  • Not delivered

It's based on the cash price of the item you pay for, even if you only pay the deposit by credit card.

This protection is actually written into the law in the UK - specifically Section 75 of the 1974 Consumer Credit Act. It can be especially useful if the supplier goes bust and applies to purchases in the UK or abroad.

Watch: How do 0% purchase credit cards work?

How do 0% purchase credit cards work?

A credit card is being used to pay contactless in a cafe

A 0% purchase credit card has a set period where no interest is charged. So any purchases made will not incur interest charges.

This period usually begins from the moment you get the card.

The length of the 0% period is usually measured in months, even for the cards that charge no interest for more than a year, such as 13 months or 24 months.

As well as 0% periods, several cards come with additional perks - letting you build up things like Nectar or Clubcard points, Airmiles, free use of executive lounges in airports and more.

Some cards let you combine 0% balance transfers and 0% on new purchases.

But be sure about your balance transfers...If you transfer a balance and continue to spend on the card, you could end up with much more debt than you started with.

Value of purchase card transactions in Nov[1]
£18.2bn

Is a 0% purchase credit card right for you?

You should only consider getting a purchase credit card if you know you can clear the debt before the 0% interest deal ends. If you feel you'll be unable to pay off the debt within the introductory period, you'll need a card that's more suitable for sustained borrowing. You might want to consider getting a low APR credit card.

0% interest does not apply to cash withdrawals

The 0% interest free period only applies to purchases you make with the card. You'll be charged a higher rate and additional fees for cash withdrawals.

You might lose the 0% offer

You will need to meet all your minimum monthly repayments, or you might lose the 0% interest offer. And you must not go over the credit card limit set by the credit card provider.

The 0% interest free period will not last forever

When the 0% on purchases introductory period ends, the interest will rise to a more expensive standard rate.

Comparing credit cards to find the best interest free offer for you

Many cards offer more than just 0% on purchases. What makes the best purchase credit card for you will depend on your needs.

  • Longest 0% purchase period

  • Lowest APR

  • 0% on both purchases and balance transfers

  • 0% credit cards with rewards

Average 0% interest free periods on UK credit cards
How many months of 0% interest different types of credit cards are offering on average.

Source: Defaqto and Uswitch data, correct as of December 19, 2022

FAQs

How long do you need to pay off your credit card?

The longer the 0% purchase period, the longer you have to pay back your balance without being charged any interest. So look for a card with the longest 0% period.

What does lowest APR mean?

The annual percentage rate (APR) shows you what the credit card will cost you once your 0% introductory period ends. A higher APR means higher repayments.

Depending on your financial situation, the credit card provider might not give you the APR you see advertised. Credit card providers only have to give the typical APR they advertise to around 50% of successful applicants.

What are 'All in one' credit cards?

You can avoid interest on both your spending and existing credit card debts, with an 'all in one' or 'all round' credit cards. They work by offering a 0% introductory period on both balance transfers and purchases.

But they can become expensive if you're unable to pay off what you owe once the 0% introductory period ends.

0% credit cards with rewards

Some 0% purchase credit cards will offer you the chance to earn rewards on your spending. This includes things like loyalty card points, vouchers and air miles.

Find out more about reward credit cards.

Learn more from our Credit Card Guides

How Uswitch compares credit cards

What does ‘most popular’ and ‘popularity’ mean?

When we use the term ‘most popular or ‘popularity’ on Uswitch in reference to credit cards, these cards are ranked by the number of clicks they have received on the site in the past 30 days.

The most clicked on cards are at the top, with the least at the bottom. This reflects how popular they are with visitors to Uswitch.com. Consequently, this is a good table to look at if you’re interested in seeing which cards most people think are worth getting.

Does Uswitch compare all the credit cards on the market?

We compare over 100 credit cards from all of the major banks and credit card providers.

However, we do not compare all the credit cards that are available in the UK.

This is because some credit card providers have offers that are only available exclusively through their own website or branch, or through other comparison websites - in the same way some credit cards are exclusively available through Uswitch.

There are also many credit cards that are only available to people in member organisations and clubs.

Explore related guides

Find out omre about credit cards and credit scores with our in-depth guides
What is a credit card?
What is a credit card?
How to improve your credit rating and credit score
How to improve your credit rating and credit score
How to dispute your credit report
How to dispute your credit report
Find more guides here

About the author

Author imageJames Andrews
James Andrews
James has spent the past 20 years writing about and editing personal finance articles and guides in the UK. His driving mission has been to help people make better decisions with their money.

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References

1. UK Finance card spending statistics November 2022