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Best 0% Interest Purchase Cards in the UK
If you’re planning an expensive purchase, an interest-free credit card is a handy way to spread the cost. Here we explain what to consider before you apply, and share our pick of the best 0% interest credit card deals.
Table of Contents
- The best 0% interest credit cards
- The best 0% interest credit cards for bad credit
- How do 0% interest purchase cards work?
- Advantages of 0% interest purchase cards
- Disadvantages of 0% interest purchase cards
- Am I eligible for a 0% interest purchase card?
- How to apply for a 0% interest purchase card
- How to use a 0% interest purchase card
- Is a 0% interest purchase card right for me?
- Other types of credit card
- 0% interest purchase card frequently asked questions
A 0% interest purchase credit card is one of the cheapest ways to borrow because you won’t pay any interest on the amount you owe for a set period of time. Some providers, such as Tesco, offer interest-free deals that last for up to 24 months – which could save you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, and help you to clear your debt more quickly.
The best 0% interest credit cards
Before applying for a credit card with 0% interest, the most important detail to check is how long the interest-free period lasts, and how much interest you will be charged when it ends. A card with a long 0% period will give you more time to clear your debt before paying interest – ideally, you will have reduced your balance to zero by the time the deal expires.
If you think you might need a little longer to pay it off, pay attention to the interest rate (APR) that will apply when the 0% deal ends – and look for the lowest rate. However, you will need a good credit score to qualify for the best deals.
Longest 0% interest credit cards
The cards listed below have been ordered by the longest 0% interest-free period, then APR. Depending on your circumstances you may be offered a shorter 0% interest period.
Missing monthly payments could result in the withdrawal of the promotional 0% interest period and harm your credit score.
Provider | 0% interest period (up to) | Representative APR | Perks & Rewards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 24 months | 37.7% | 5 Clubcard points for every £4 spent at Tesco, 1 point for every £8 outside Tesco | |
 | 22 months | 24.9% | N/A | |
 | 21 months | 24.9% | N/A | |
 | 20 months | 24.9% | 1 point for every £1 spent in M&S and every £5 spent elsewhere. Points can be converted into M&S vouchers | |
 | 20 months | 24.9% | £25 cashback when you spend £100+ in first 60 days | |
 | 20 months | 24.9% | N/A | |
 | 20 months | 24.9% | N/A |
Missed or late payments can lead to increased debt and negatively impact your credit rating.
This table is checked and updated regularly. We aim to provide accurate information but prices, terms and conditions of products and offers can change, so double-check first. Credit card data is provided by Fairer Finance.
Tesco Clubcard Plus Credit Card
24 months
37.7%
5 Clubcard points for every £4 spent at Tesco, 1 point for every £8 outside Tesco
Representative example: 37.7% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 37.7% p.a. (variable)
Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card
22 months
24.9%
N/A
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
MBNA 0% Transfers and Purchases Credit Card
21 months
24.9%
N/A
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable).
M&S Bank Purchase Plus Credit Card
20 months
24.9%
1 point for every £1 spent in M&S and every £5 spent elsewhere. Points can be converted into M&S vouchers
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
20 months
24.9%
£25 cashback when you spend £100+ in first 60 days
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
Lloyds Bank 0% Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
20 months
24.9%
N/A
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable).
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
20 months
24.9%
N/A
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
The best 0% interest credit cards for bad credit
Don’t assume you won’t be eligible for a 0% interest purchase card if you don’t have a high credit score. Although you might not be able to get the longest 0% deals, some providers still offer low or 0% interest cards if you have a poor or limited credit history.
Before you sign the credit agreement, double check the APR once the introductory offer ends – if you don’t think you will be able to clear the balance in time, consider your circumstances and think carefully about whether it’s wise to take on more debt.
The cards listed below have been ordered by the longest 0% interest-free period and then APR. You may be offered a higher APR and/or a shorter 0% interest balance transfer period depending on your circumstances.
Provider | 0% interest period (up to) | Representative APR | Perks & Rewards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12 months | 24.9% | N/A | |
 | 12 months | 34.9% | N/A | |
 | 4 months | 34.9% | N/A | |
| | 3 months | 33.9% | N/A |
This table is checked and updated regularly. We aim to provide accurate information but prices, terms and conditions of products and offers can change, so double-check first. Credit card data is provided by Fairer Finance.
Virgin Money 12-Month All Round Credit Card
12 months
24.9%
N/A
Representative example: 24.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable)
Post Office Classic Credit Card
12 months
34.9%
N/A
Representative example: 34.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable)
JaJa Vanta Credit Card
4 months
34.9%
N/A
Representative example: 34.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 34.9% p.a. (variable)
Barclaycard Forward Credit Card
3 months
33.9%
N/A
Representative example: 33.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 33.9% p.a. (variable)
» MORE: Compare best credit cards
How do 0% interest purchase cards work?
If you need to pay for a pricey item, such as a fridge freezer, or cover an unexpected expense like a vet’s bill or a new boiler, a 0% interest credit card can be a useful way to spread the cost.
Unlike most other types of credit cards and loans, you won’t be charged any interest until the 0% introductory offer comes to an end, which means that you’re effectively borrowing money for free. You will still need to make a monthly payment, but this won’t include added interest, so every penny you pay helps to reduce your debt.
However, once the interest-free period is over, you will be charged interest on what you owe. For this reason, it’s important to only borrow an amount that you’re certain you can afford to repay – ideally before the 0% period ends – rather than using it as a way to cover everyday expenses or an opportunity to overspend.
Advantages of 0% interest purchase cards
The main advantages of 0% interest purchase cards are:
- You can spread the cost of expensive purchases without paying any interest on the amount you’ve borrowed.
- You’ll have purchase protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which means you can probably claim back your money if a retailer goes bust, you receive faulty goods or your order never arrives. This is automatically applied when you use your card to spend between £100 and £30,000.
- You won’t pay a penny in interest as long as you make at least the minimum payment each month, and clear the balance before the 0% offer ends.
- You could clear your debt more quickly as there won’t be any additional interest added to your debt during the promotional period.
- You could benefit from extra perks like cashback or reward points when you use your card.
Disadvantages of 0% interest purchase cards
If this all sounds too good to be true, bear in mind that 0% credit cards do have some disadvantages:
- You need a good credit score to be eligible for the best deals, with the longest interest-free periods.
- After the 0% period ends you pay interest on your outstanding balance. So if you don’t pay off your debt before then, the interest could quickly accumulate as it tends to be higher than with other types of cards.
- You may be charged interest if you use a 0% purchase card to withdraw cash. Check your terms and conditions, as this may be at a higher rate than the standard APR.
- You may be charged interest if you exceed your credit limit or miss a payment. Pay attention to your payment dates and minimum monthly payment, and consider setting up a direct debit if you’re liable to forget.
- Your credit score could temporarily drop. This is because each new application triggers a hard search which shows up on your credit report.
- You could make your financial situation worse. Think carefully about why you need to borrow, and whether you can afford to pay it off before the 0% period ends. If you’re using a 0% purchase card to get your hands on some cash, or there’s a risk of overspending, a 0% card may not be the best option.
Am I eligible for a 0% interest purchase card?
As with all types of credit cards, you will need a good credit score to be eligible for the best deals and longest 0% periods. You may be offered a lower credit limit and/or a shorter introductory period if your credit score is poor.
Before you apply for a 0% interest purchase card, remember to do the following:
- Check your eligibility: Eligibility criteria vary, but generally, you need to be over 18, a UK resident with a permanent address, earning a minimum annual income, and not declared bankrupt or have any recent individual voluntary agreements (IVAs) or County Court Judgements (CCJs). Even if you tick all those boxes, it’s wise to use an eligibility checker via the provider or broker to reduce the risk of an unsuccessful application. When you answer a few questions this will tell you how likely you are to be offered the card you want, and sometimes you might be given an idea of your credit limit and APR. This check won’t show up on your credit report, so other lenders won’t be able to see any evidence of your search.
- Check your credit score: Your credit score is a three- or four-digit number that helps lenders decide whether to offer you credit. It’s important to check your credit score before you apply as several factors can impact your credit score, such as missed or late payments, defaults or high use of credit. You can then pick up on any errors that need to be corrected, or take steps to improve your score. You can check your credit score for free with credit reference agencies like Experian and Equifax, or via platforms like ClearScore and Credit Karma.
How to apply for a 0% interest purchase card
You can apply for a credit card either online or in person at a branch of the relevant bank. You will need to provide some information so that the provider can run a credit check. This will typically include:
- Your contact details.
- Your address (including all addresses for the last three years).
- Your bank account details.
- Your income.
You could get an instant decision when you apply online, but the approval process varies between lenders so you may have to wait a few days to find out if your application has been successful.
If your application is approved, the next step is to sign a credit agreement. Usually, you can do this digitally if you apply online, or you will be sent paperwork to sign and return. Remember to check your credit limit, APR, any fees and charges and the minimum monthly payment as these might have changed since you first applied.
Don’t sign until you’re happy with everything, as you can walk away with no obligation. Even if you change your mind after you’ve signed, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. It means you can cancel the agreement without explaining why – but you will need to repay any money you’ve spent on the card, plus any applicable interest and charges.
Resist the temptation to try again straight away if your application is unsuccessful, as this can damage your credit score. This is because each application will leave a mark on your credit report, giving lenders the impression that you’re experiencing financial difficulties.
Instead, check your credit report to see what you could do to improve your chances of being accepted in the future, and use an eligibility checker to reduce the risk of being turned down again.
How to use a 0% interest purchase card
The following tips will help you to make the most of your 0% credit card:
Think carefully about why you want – or need – the card
Will it help you to spread the cost of an expensive planned purchase? If you don’t have a particular purchase in mind or usually repay your balance in full every month, another type of credit card might suit you better.
Consider how long it will take to repay what you borrow
Can you realistically repay the full amount before the 0% period ends? If not, you could be hit with expensive interest charges, unless you plan to move the balance to a 0% balance transfer card in future.
Limit additional spending
Continuing to spend on your card will make it harder to clear the balance before you are charged interest.
Pay off as much as you can, as soon as you can
As well as reducing your debt and credit utilisation, this means you’re more likely to avoid paying interest when the promotional period ends.
Don’t miss payments or exceed your credit limit
This could result in the 0% interest offer being cancelled, costing you more to borrow and potentially damaging your credit score.
Avoid using your card to withdraw cash
Cash advances and withdrawals are unlikely to be covered by the promotional rate, which means you will be charged interest – often at a high rate.
Check if you will incur charges if you use your card abroad
Overseas transactions may not be eligible for the 0% interest offer, and you may also incur overseas transaction fees.
Is a 0% interest purchase card right for me?
A 0% interest purchase card can be a good way to spread the cost of an expensive purchase. Although it’s probably the cheapest way to borrow, it may not be the best option for you.
Each new credit application will leave a mark on your credit report, which is something to consider – particularly if you are working to build your score. However, this change should only be temporary and, in the long term, your score should improve as you pay off your debt.
If you’re struggling financially, a 0% credit card can seem like a good way to get your hands on some cash to cover an unexpected expense. However, you should think carefully before you apply and work out if you can afford to make the repayments and clear the balance before the interest-free period ends. Remember, if you’re not confident that you can do this, you could find yourself in a worse position a few months down the line.
In this situation, it’s important to consider all your options before taking on more debt, including seeking free debt help from charities such as:
Other types of credit card
There are several different types of credit cards which may be better suited to your circumstances.
- 0% interest balance transfer credit cards
- Money transfer cards
- Credit builder cards
- Prepaid credit cards
0% interest purchase card frequently asked questions
If you have an ‘interest-free card’, you won’t be charged any interest on the money you borrow for a specified period of time – which in some cases can be well over a year. However, no cards remain interest-free forever, and once this introductory period ends you will have to pay interest on your remaining balance, even if you spent it during the promotional period.
This varies between providers and is also dependent on your credit score. If you have a poor credit score you may only be offered up to six months interest-free credit, but you could be eligible for deals of over a year if you have a good credit score. At present, the longest 0% purchase card deal is available with Tesco, which offers up to 24 months.
As with all credit cards, you will need a good credit score to get the best deals with the longest interest-free periods. This doesn’t mean you won’t be eligible without a high score, but you might qualify for a shorter 0% period or a lower credit limit. Be sure to use an eligibility checker before you apply, to reduce the chances of an unsuccessful application.
When you have a 0% purchase card, there will be a set period of time when you won’t be charged interest on anything you buy. This runs for a set period from the date your account is opened. When the 0% offer expires, you will be charged interest on any remaining balance, even if you spent the money during the 0% purchase period. However, if you exceed your credit limit or miss a payment you risk losing the 0% rate.
Not always, as the offer will depend on your individual circumstances and credit score. For this reason, it’s wise to use an eligibility checker before you apply, as this often gives you an idea of the credit limit, length of the 0% offer and the standard APR that you are likely to qualify for. However, regulatory requirements mean that the advertised interest rates should be given to at least 51% of applicants accepted by a provider.
This is very unlikely, as 0% interest deals are usually only offered to new customers. You would need to switch to a new credit card to benefit from a 0% interest deal.
You can find the interest rate of your credit card on your statement, or in your banking app. If you have a promotional offer, like a 0% interest purchase card, you can also check how long this lasts in the terms and conditions that you will have received when you opened your account. There may be different interest rates for purchases, cash withdrawals and balance transfers. If you’re unsure, contact your card issuer for more information.
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