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0% purchase credit cards

Save up to £608.09* in interest and spread the cost of purchases interest-free

If you've got a big purchase coming up, a 0% purchase card can help you spread the cost interest free

Find a 0% purchase card

Compare purchase credit card deals in our table below
BarclaycardSantanderVirgin MoneyHSBCCapital OneM&S BankBarclaycardSantanderVirgin MoneyHSBCCapital OneM&S Bank
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Author
Olly McConnell
Editor
Christian Blunden
Last updated
May 21st, 2025

*£608.09 interest saved in first 12 months. £3,000 balance transferred from a 27.9% APR card to a 0% card for 32 months, then 24.9% (variable), with a fixed monthly payment of £150. Includes 3.19% transfer fee of £95.70. Representative 24.9% APR. Terms offered depend on your financial circumstances and borrowing history. Find full calculation here. Updated May 2025.

Purchase credit card deals

23 results found, sorted by longest purchase period.

Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (21/24)

Interest on purchases
0%for24months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for21months with a2.95%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).
More Information
Additional information
  • 21 months 0% balance transfer (2.95% 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 Purchase Plus Credit Card

Interest on purchases
0%for24months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for12months with a3.49%fee (£5 min.)
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).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% on balance transfers for 12 months, available for 90 days from account opening (3.49% fee applies, minimum £5)
  • 0% on shopping for 24 months
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

Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (22/19) (31.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for21months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for24months with a2.95%fee
Representative APR (variable)
31.9%APR
Representative example:
The standard interest rate on purchases is 31.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 31.9% (variable).

HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card

Interest on purchases
0%for20months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for17months with a3.49%fee (£5 min.)
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).
More Information
Additional information
  • 3.49% fee applied on Balance Transfers (minimum £5) for balances transferred after the first 60 days
  • You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.
Eligibility
  • Have an annual income/pension before tax of £6,800 or more
  • Be a resident of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
  • Be over 18, and not hold an HSBC Basic Bank Account
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Santander All in One Credit Card

Interest on purchases
0%for15months
Account fee
£3a month
Interest on balance transfers
0%for15months with no fee
Representative APR (variable)
29.8%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 29.8% (variable). £3 monthly fee.
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% for 15 months on balance transfers, with no balance transfer fee.
  • 0% for 15 months on purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • 0.5% cashback (up to £10 a month) on all your purchases.
  • £3 monthly fee
Eligibility
  • be a permanent UK resident
  • be 18 or older
  • minimum income of £10,500
  • have a good credit rating
  • must not be an existing Santander balance transfer credit card customer
  • additional criteria for acceptance from the lender may apply

Virgin Money All Round Credit Card (16m) (24.9%)

Interest on purchases
0%for13months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for16months with a3%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).
More Information
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 13 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)

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).
More Information
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

M&S Bank Rewards Credit Card

Interest on purchases
0%for9months
Account fee
£0
Interest on balance transfers
0%for9months with a3.49%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).
More Information
Additional information
  • 0% on purchases for 9 months
  • 0% on balance transfers for 9 months, available for 90 days from account opening (3.49% fee applies, minimum £5)
  • For the first six months, we'll give you 5 Rewards points per £1 spent at M&S. After this, it will return to the standard 1 point per £1 purchase at M&S
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
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?

Interest free, or 0%, purchase credit cards let you 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 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.

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 to use a 0% purchase credit card

Two people on a hike laughing and looking at the view

When used responsibly, 0% interest credit cards can effectively be used for interest free borrowing. For example you could make a large purchase, or several small purchases that rack up a balance of £3,000. Let's say you get a 0% purchase card that offers you 24 months of 0% interest. Divide the balance on the card (£3,000) by the number of months remaining on the 0% period (24) to get the monthly payment you need to make to pay of the entire balance before the interest free period ends.

In this case that's £125, so you can set up a direct debit paying this amount each month to pay off the debt before the 0% deal ends. This way you won't have paid a single penny in interest.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should make sure not to make any additional purchase with this credit, or you'll keep adding to the balance.

Is a 0% purchase credit card right for you?

An interest-free purchase credit card could be a smart choice if you’re confident you can repay the balance in full before the 0% introductory period ends. These cards are ideal for short-term borrowing, allowing you to spread the cost of purchases without paying interest. For longer-term borrowing, or if you’re unsure about paying off the balance quickly, consider a low APR credit card instead.

0% interest does not apply to cash withdrawals

The interest-free period only applies to purchases made with your credit card. Cash withdrawals typically incur higher interest rates and additional fees, so it’s best to avoid using your card for this purpose.

You might lose the 0% offer

To maintain your 0% interest offer, you must meet your minimum monthly repayments and stay within your credit limit. Missing a payment or exceeding your limit could result in losing the interest-free deal.

The 0% interest free period will not last forever

Once the introductory interest period ends, your card will revert to the provider’s standard interest rate, which is often significantly higher. If possible, repay your balance before this happens to avoid charges.

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

FAQs

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 any 0% introductory offer ends. A lower APR means you’ll pay less in interest if you have a balance on your card after the interest-free period.

It’s important to note that the advertised APR might not be the rate you receive. Credit card providers are only required to offer the representative APR to at least 51% of successful applicants.

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.

Learn more from our Credit Card Guides

What happens after the 0% period ends?

Once the 0% introductory period ends, any remaining balance will be charged at the card's standard APR, which typically starts from 20%. 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.

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.

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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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 October 2023