Compare 0% balance transfer and purchase cards

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a key figure that helps you compare credit card offers more easily. It represents the total cost of borrowing on a credit card, including both the interest rate and any standard fees (like annual fees or late payment charges).

After any introductory 0% interest period ends, the APR will tell you how much you'll pay on any outstanding balances. Generally, a higher APR means higher interest charges and larger repayments, so it’s important to find a card with a competitive APR, especially if you’re carrying a balance after the promotional period.

The rate you see advertised isn’t necessarily the rate you will get. Credit card providers only have to give the typical APR they advertise to 51% of successful applicants. If you don’t have a good credit score, you might be given a higher APR.

Check that the rate you see advertised is the rate you will actually get to avoid a shock when your first statement arrives. Again, getting your credit rating into good shape will help your chances of getting the best deals.

In terms of what you will need to provide, it's generally straightforward. Questions you can expect on a credit card application include:

• Your name

• Contact information

• Date of birth

• Address and how long you have lived there

• Residential status (tenant, owner, living with parents, etc)

• Your annual income

On a balance transfer or money transfer credit card application, you will need to have the details of the other accounts you are transferring to your new 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.

The balance transfer period is a set amount of time during which you won’t be charged interest on the debt you’ve moved from an old credit card to a new one. Typical 0% interest periods range from 18 to 24 months, with the best deals offering up to 30 months. However, there’s usually a one-time transfer fee, often between 1% and 4% of the transferred balance. If you want to avoid paying a fee, check out our no-fee balance transfer credit cards.

Always make at least the minimum monthly payments, but aim to clear your balance before the 0% period ends to avoid high interest charges on any remaining debt.

A 0% purchase period allows you to make purchases with your credit card without paying interest for a set time. This can be useful for spreading the cost of big expenses. However, you should aim to repay the balance in full before the 0% period ends to avoid being charged interest on any remaining debt. If your card offers both 0% purchase and balance transfer periods, note that they may have different end dates, so it's important to track them separately.