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A 0% purchase credit card lets you spread the cost of your spending over several months without paying any interest. 

For example, if you use a 0% purchase card with a 24-month interest-free period to buy something for £1,500, you could pay it off in equal instalments of £62.50 per month, without any added interest.

Interest-free periods can vary, typically lasting anywhere from three to 26 months. The exact length you’re offered will depend on your credit history and financial situation.

Once the 0% period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card’s standard rate, so it’s always best to clear your debt before then to avoid extra costs.

Why get a 0% purchase credit card?

How to choose a 0% purchase credit card

When trying to pick the best 0% purchase card, there are four main features you need to consider.

Assess the length of the 0% offer

The first thing to look for is the 0% interest period during which you don’t pay any interest on your balance. Ideally, you’ll want to choose the longest 0% interest period you can be accepted for. That way, you can pay off your balance over a more extended period and keep your monthly payments as low as possible.

Consider the revert rate (APR)

This is the interest rate you’ll be charged once the 0% interest period ends. If you plan to continue using the card after the 0% deal ends, you’ll want the revert rate to be as low as you can get. This is especially true if you’re likely to have a revolving balance on the card (a balance you carry over from one month to the next).

Watch out for transaction fees

Credit cards typically charge fees for certain kinds of transactions. For example, foreign transaction fees for using the card abroad and cash advance fees for using your card to withdraw cash from an ATM. If you’re unlikely to use your card for any of these transactions, these fees shouldn’t matter. But if you are, make sure you look for a card with low or zero fees.

Check for extra perks

While the interest-free period is the main attraction, some cards offer additional benefits like cashback on your spending, reward points, or discounts with specific retailers. If you are torn between two cards with similar 0% offers, these extras could be the deciding factor.

What sort of interest free purchase cards are available

The 3 golden rules of 0% purchase cards

To get the most out of your card without getting stung by hidden costs, stick to these three principles:

Never miss a monthly payment

One of the conditions of having a credit card is you must make monthly repayments of at least a minimum sum. But, as only paying the minimum amount each month would leave you still owing money when your 0% term ends, aim to repay more each month.

Clear your balance before the 0% deal ends

Mark the 0% end date in your calendar. If you still have a balance after this date, the interest rate will shoot up to the standard APR. To avoid this, divide your total spend by the number of interest-free months and set your monthly payments to cover that amount.

Don’t use the card for cash withdrawals

The 0% offer almost always applies to purchases only. If you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM or buy travel money, you will usually be charged a fee and high interest from the moment you take the money out.

The amount you can borrow depends on your credit limit. This is the maximum amount your provider is willing to let you borrow on your credit card, and it will depend on factors such as your credit history, your income and how much debt you already have.

The credit limit of a credit card can range from just a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds. You can borrow any amount at any time within this limit.

Most credit card providers won’t tell you your credit limit until after you’ve applied for your card and they’ve assessed your suitability for the card you’ve chosen.

Applying for a credit card and getting rejected can leave a mark on your credit report. Our eligibility checker removes the guesswork. It matches you with the cards you are most likely to get based on your needs and financial circumstances, helping you apply with confidence and protecting your credit rating.

What to think about before applying for a 0% purchase card

Will it arrive in time?

If you're trying to snap up a great deal on a new bike, for example, you need to ask yourself if your card will arrive before the offer on the bicycle expires. Most credit cards arrive within 10 working days after your application is accepted, so if that’s too late, you could end up paying more. 0% purchase cards work best when you know in advance that you'll be spending big and can plan for it.

Make a plan to pay it off

0% purchase cards are **not** free money. In fact, if you don't clear your balance before the introductory 0% period ends, they can become quite expensive as interest will be charged on your remaining balance. Make sure you know how you'll be paying the card off and how long you have to do it before you start spending.

Find your limits

Once you know your credit limit, make absolutely sure you don't go over it. Missing a payment or breaching your credit limit could mean you fall foul of the card's terms and conditions, and you could lose your 0% period on your entire balance.

Before deciding if a 0% purchase card is right for you, it's worth comparing it against other borrowing options to see which fits your needs best.

Personal loan

  • Best for: Large expenses (e.g., a new car or home renovation) or those who prefer fixed monthly payments.

  • How it works: If you need to borrow a larger sum — often up to £50,000 — a personal loan is usually more suitable than a credit card, which has lower limits. You receive a lump sum and pay it back over a fixed term (typically 1 to 7 years).

  • The trade-off: Unlike a 0% card, you will usually pay interest. However, rates are often much lower than standard credit card APRs, especially for borrowing between £7,500 and £25,000.

Overdraft

  • Best for: Short-term, small borrowing or emergency cash flow.

  • How it works: An overdraft lets you dip into negative territory in your current account. It is quick to arrange and often instantly available.

  • The trade-off: Interest rates on overdrafts can be very high (often higher than credit cards). It is best suited for dipping in and out of for a few days, rather than carrying a debt for months. Try to find an account with an interest-free buffer if possible.

Money transfer credit card

  • Best for: Paying for services where credit cards aren’t accepted (e.g., a plumber or builder).

  • How it works: This specialised card allows you to transfer cash from the card directly into your bank account. You can then spend that cash as you please. Like purchase cards, many offer 0% interest periods.

  • The trade-off: There is almost always a transfer fee (typically 3% to 5%) to move the money. Also, you must clear the balance before the 0% period ends to avoid high interest charges.

A less-than-perfect credit rating doesn't mean you'll automatically be rejected for cards - but it can limit your choices.

Each provider makes up its own mind about what it considers important when looking at an application. That means even if you've been rejected by one credit card provider, you might not be rejected by another. But a rejection letter or email from one card provider should absolutely not be seen as a signal to apply to everybody else.

Card lenders share details of who's applying for what with credit reference agencies – lots of applications in a short space of time can make you look desperate for cash and that will actively hurt your chances of being accepted.

The key is to use an eligibility checker before applying to see what you're more likely to be approved for. People with better credit scores will generally qualify for more cards, with longer 0% purchase periods.

You will see the number of deals and the length of the interest-free periods go down the worse your credit score gets. But even with a bad credit rating, you might still find someone willing to offer you a deal.

Interest free purchases card jargon buster

Pros

  • Interest-free borrowing: This is the headline benefit. You can borrow money to make large purchases and pay it back over time without paying a penny in interest, which is usually cheaper than a personal loan or overdraft.

  • Purchase protection: When you buy something costing more than £100 and up to £30,000 using a credit card, you are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means if the retailer goes bust or the item is faulty or not delivered, the card provider can refund you.

  • Build your credit score: If you make your payments on time and stay within your limit, using a credit card responsibly is one of the best ways to improve your credit rating.

  • Perks and rewards: Many cards offer cashback, loyalty points, or travel insurance as an added bonus for your spending.

0% purchase card FAQs

About the author

Lucinda O'Brien profileLucinda O'Brien
Lucinda O'Brien has spent the past 10 years writing and editing content for regional and national titles. She applies her industry knowledge to ensure readers can make confident financial decisions.

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