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If you're looking to make an expensive purchase but aren't in a position to cover the cost upfront, a credit card that offers a 0% deal on spending can help you spread the cost over a longer period.
These cards won't charge any interest on purchases for an initial period of between three and 24 months. However, to really benefit you'll need to steadily repay the debt before the promotional period ends; otherwise, you'll be charged interest on the remaining balance at the card's standard APR - typically around 24%.
This guide explains everything you need to know about 0%-on-purchases credit cards, and how to find the best deals.
Find the right credit card and check rates using the service provided by Experian.
Check eligibilityThe table below shows the longest-lasting 0% credit card deals currently on the market.
Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of a credit card provider before committing to any financial products.
Card name | 0% purchase term | Purchase APR (%) | Representative APR (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard | 24 months | 37.7% | 37.7%. Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 37.7% APR (variable), representative 37.7% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 23 months | 23.9% | 23.9% Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable), representative 23.9% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard | 23 months | 23.9% | 23.9% Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable), representative 23.9% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
It's frustrating that you never know what you're going to get with a credit card provider until after you've applied and taken out a deal.
Fortunately, Which? has reviewed 25 of the biggest credit card providers to help you discover what they're like for customer service, cost, rewards and managing your account before signing up.
So you can check out customer scores of the major players in the 0% purchase credit card market such as Tesco Bank, Barclaycard and more in the best and worst credit card providers before you make a decision.
The companies that combine great deals with top-notch customer satisfaction are awarded our coveted Which? Recommended Provider status.
Below are the top 0% purchase credit cards on the market that are also Which Recommended Providers.
Please note that the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms & conditions of a credit card provider before committing to any financial products.
Card name | 0% purchase term | Purchase APR (%) | Representative APR (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard | 24 months | 37.7% | 37.7%. Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 37.7% APR (variable), representative 37.7% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
Halifax 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Mastercard | 17 months | 22.9% | 22.9%. Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 22.9% (variable), representative 22.9% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
Tesco Bank Clubcard Credit Card Purchases Mastercard | 14 months | 22.9% | 22.9%. Representative example: assumed borrowing of £1,200 for one year, at a purchase rate of 22.9% APR (variable), representative 22.9% APR (variable). Credit available subject to status. Terms apply. |
Table correct as of 28 March 2023.
In some circumstances, a 0% credit card may be better suited to your needs than a personal loan.
With an interest-free credit card, you don't have to commit to anything higher than the minimum repayment each month.
It's also a form of 'revolving credit', so what you pay back you can spend again.
In contrast, when you take out a personal loan you will need to make fixed monthly repayments for as long as you've asked to borrow for and won't be able to use that money again.
The best 0% purchase credit cards offer up to 24 months interest-free but even with the cheapest loan, you will have to pay interest.
The best deal for loans ranging between £7,500 and £15,000 is around 4.8% APR right now.
The amount you can borrow may also differ. You can choose to borrow smaller amounts with a credit card - even if you are given a big limit. In contrast, the smallest amount you can get with a personal loan is £3,000 and the rates aren't as competitive compared to borrowing larger amounts.
The table below sets out some of the main differences to consider.
Credit card | Personal loan |
---|---|
You can borrow smaller amounts at competitive rates | The smallest amount you can borrow is £3,000 and rates aren't as good compared to borrowing more |
Repayments are flexible | Repayments are fixed |
You can avoid paying interest for a number of months on a 0% purchase deal | You will have to pay interest on the money you borrow even on the cheapest personal loans |
You get revolving credit so you can spend what you pay back | You can't spend any more than you originally borrow |
If you're planning to take out a 0% purchase credit card make sure you know the golden rules that will help you get the most of the deal.
With a 0% purchase credit card it's important to just borrow what you need and can afford to pay back.
So even if you get a credit card with a high limit of £10,000, you shouldn't max out your borrowing if you may be unable to clear the balance after the 0% period.
Even if you plan to delay repaying the bulk of what you borrow on a 0% purchase credit card you'll need to make at least the minimum repayment on time each month.
If you don't, you'll not only incur a late payment fee (typically around £12) but could lose the 0% deal altogether. To avoid getting caught out, set up a direct debit to cover this amount.
The minimum on a credit card is usually around 1% of the outstanding balance but can be more so double check your card's terms and conditions.
If you can afford to pay back more than the minimum repayment you should.
The key to making the most of a 0% purchase credit card is to ensure you have no remaining debt when the interest-free period comes to an end.
A simple way to do this is to divide the total you've spent on your credit card by the number of months that your 0% deal lasts for and set up a direct debit to pay off that amount each month, in the same way you would pay off a loan.
Provided you don't make any more purchases, this will ensure you don't pay interest on what you've borrowed.
If you have some debt remaining after your card's promotional period ends, consider shifting this to a card that offers a 0% interest deal on balance transfers.
You can use our 0% purchase credit card calculator to work out what your repayments should be:
You should avoid withdrawing cash using your 0% purchase credit card.
If you do you will be charged interest from the day you take the money out and usually at a much higher rate.
That's because your 0% deal is only for new purchases you make with the card online, in shops, restaurants - not for taking cash out of an ATM or for any other cash advance such as buying travel money.
Some providers also report when you make a cash withdrawal on your credit record, as it suggests you may be in financial difficulty.
Here are some common queries about 0% purchase credit cards. If you have any other questions please get in touch.
Search for the right credit card using the service provided by Experian.
Check eligibility