Best 0% credit cards

Interest-free credit cards, aka 0% credit cards, give you a period of time when no interest is charged on a particular part of your account balance.

The length of the 0% interest period varies depending on the card, ranging anywhere from 12 to 36 months. It can also be dependent on the applicant’s circumstances, with some card issuers tailoring 0% deals to the perceived risk profile of the borrower.

The 0% rate can also apply to different parts of your balance, depending on the type of card.

A 0% interest-free credit card is great for reducing the cost of existing debt or for spreading the cost of large one-time purchases like furniture, a holiday, wedding expenses or emergency repairs. You can get the maximum benefit from your card if you use it once for a big purchase (or transfer of debt), then spend the remainder of the promotional period paying off the balance.

Use this guide to compare interest-free credit cards in the UK, including different offers currently on the market. You can also find out about other features to consider so that you can find an interest-free credit card that suits your needs.

Compare interest-free credit cards

• 0% purchases
• 0% balance transfers
• Balanced 0% deals
• 0% money transfers

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Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Purchases	Balance transfers	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Link	Key benefit	Representative example
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard	Finder score 8.6Great	0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%	0% for 12 months (3.49% fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibilityCard details Compare	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card	Finder score 8.1Great	0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%	0% for 17 months (3.49%, min £5 fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibilityCard details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card	Finder score 9.3Excellent	0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%	0% for 15 months (0% fee)	£3 per month	29.8% APR (variable)	Check eligibilityCard details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
first direct Gold Credit Card	Finder score 6Standard	0% for 12 months reverting to 24.9%	24.9% (0% fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibilityCard details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
John Lewis Partnership Credit Card	Finder score 8.2Great	28.94%	28.94% (5% fee)	£0	28.9% APR (variable)	Check eligibilityCard details Compare	Earn 2.5% back as points towards gift vouchers on eligible spend at John Lewis and Waitrose in the first 60 days from account opening. Earn 5 points for every £4 spent on eligible purchases at John Lewis and Waitrose and 1 point for every £4 spent elsewhere. 1 point = 1p (min 500pts)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 28.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 28.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard Finder Award	Finder score 9.5Excellent	0% for 24 months reverting to 19.94%	21.81% (3.99% fee)	£7.99 per month	37.7% APR (variable)	Card details Compare	5 points per £4 spent (£4 minimum) in Tesco and 1 point per £8 spent (£8 minimum) outside Tesco. Must have available credit to earn points. Points are converted to Tesco vouchers or can be exchanged for Partner rewards to receive money off a variety of restaurants, entertainment or Avios points.	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 19.94% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £7.99 per month, your representative rate is 37.7% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Barclaycard Platinum 19 Month BT and 22 Month Purchase Visa	Finder score 8.1Great	0% for 22 months reverting to 24.9%	0% for 19 months (3.45% fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Card details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card	Finder score 9.1Excellent	0% for 21 months reverting to 24.94%	0% for 21 months (3.49% fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Card details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...

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Name	Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Finder score	Balance transfers	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Incentive	Link
Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card		3.5 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months (0% fee)	0% for 3 months reverting to 23.9%	£0	23.9% APR (variable)	Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 23.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard		4.1 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months (3.49% fee)	0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card		3.8 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 17 months (3.49%, min £5 fee)	0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card		4.0 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 30 months (3.49% fee, min £5 fee)	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Discounts and exclusive offers for dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping available through HSBC Home and Away. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable). You might get different interest rates and promotional periods to those shown here, because these depend on your circumstances.	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard		3.9 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 27 months (3.49%, min £5 fee)	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	1 point per £1 spent with M&S and 1 point per £5 spent elsewhere. Enjoy 55 days interest free, preferential rates plus no cash advance fee when buying M&S travel money with the card. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card		4.3 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 28 months (3.9% fee)	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
first direct Credit Card		3.8 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 20 months (2.99% fee)	24.9%	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Santander All in One Credit Card		4.4 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 15 months (0% fee)	0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%	£3 per month	29.8% APR (variable)	0.5% after £1 of monthly spend. Maximum of £10 cashback paid per month. Cashback paid Monthly into Card Account. Maximum spend for cashback purposes is limited to credit limit. Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 23.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £3 per month, your representative rate is 29.8% APR (variable).	Check eligibility Read review Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Purchases	Balance transfers	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Link	Key benefit	Representative example
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card	Finder score 9.1Excellent	0% for 21 months reverting to 24.94%	0% for 21 months (3.49% fee)	£0	24.9% APR (variable)	Card details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.94% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Santander World Elite Mastercard	Finder score 9.2Excellent	0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9%	0% for 18 months (0% fee)	£15 per month	49.8% APR (variable)	Card details Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 18.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 49.8% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...

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Name	Product UKCCF	Finder Score	Finder score	Money transfers	Money transfer fee	Purchases	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Link	Incentive	Representative example
Virgin Money Dual Credit Card Mastercard Finder Award		4.0 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months reverting to 26.9%	4% for 12 months reverting to 5%	0% for 13 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9%	Read review Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money 29 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard Finder Award		4.0 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months reverting to 26.9%	4% for 12 months reverting to 5%	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9%	Read review Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money 20 Month 2% Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard Finder Award		4.0 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months reverting to 26.9%	4% for 12 months reverting to 5%	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9%	Read review Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money 18 Month Low Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard		4.0 ★★★★★	★★★★★ Expert analysis	0% for 12 months reverting to 26.9%	4% for 12 months reverting to 5%	0% for 3 months reverting to 24.9%	£0	24.9%	Read review Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 24.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 24.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...
Virgin Money 18 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard Finder Award		Not yet rated	Not yet rated	0% for 12 months reverting to 29.9%	4% for 12 months reverting to 5%	0% for 3 months reverting to 29.9%	£0	29.9%	Read review Compare		Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.9% APR (variable).	loading Fetching your data...

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What types of credit cards offer 0% interest?

There is a wide range of credit cards that offer interest-free promotions for a specific time period. Here, you can find information on a range of different 0% interest credit card options based on how you plan to use your card.

0% purchase credit cards

This type of credit card allows you to make new purchases without paying interest during the introductory period, which is usually the first 12 to 28 months from when you get the new card. At the end of the introductory period, a higher standard variable purchase rate will apply to any remaining balance.

When will I be charged interest on a 0% purchase credit card?

• If you still carry a balance at the end of the introductory period. The 0% offer only applies for an introductory period and will revert to the standard interest rate when the offer ends. For example, if the card comes with 0% for 18 months, the interest-free period will end 18 months after your card was activated and any remaining balance will begin to collect interest.
• If you use your card for a transaction that isn’t considered a “purchase”.While most everyday spending will be eligible for the interest-free offer, transactions such as cash advances or cash equivalent transactions will be charged interest at the cash advance rate from the time they are made.
• If you don’t make minimum monthly payments. Even with 0% interest on your purchases, you’ll have to pay at least the minimum amount required by the due date on each credit card statement.

0% purchase credit cards

0% balance transfer credit cards

A 0% balance transfer card offers an interest-free period on existing credit card debt that you move onto the new card. The 0% interest rate can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months or more depending on the offer. This gives you the opportunity to repay your debt without collecting any additional interest, which can help you put more money towards paying off the balance faster.

When will I be charged interest on a 0% balance transfer credit card?

• If you make new purchases. When you make a purchase on this type of card, the interest rate for purchases will apply from the time the transaction is made.
• If you use your card for a cash advance or cash equivalent transaction. With these transactions, interest charges and fees will apply from the time they are made.
• If you don’t make minimum monthly payments. Your credit card statement will stipulate the minimum you are expected to pay every month.
• If you don’t pay off your balance transfer debt by the end of the introductory period. If the balance transfer interest-free period ends and you have an outstanding balance to pay, you’ll start collecting interest on it.

0% balance transfer credit cards

“Balanced” or “matched” 0% purchase and balance transfer credit cards

This type of credit card offers an introductory 0% interest rate for both balance transfers and purchases. However, the promotional interest-free periods may be different lengths for balance transfers and purchases. For example, a card could offer 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 15 months but only 0% interest on purchases for the first 3 months.

When the introductory period ends, any remaining debt from purchases or balance transfers will attract interest at the standard variable rate for that card. This rate could also be different for purchases and balance transfers.

When will I be charged interest on a “balanced” or “matched” 0% purchase and balance transfer credit card?

• If you make a money transfer. Most “balanced” or “matched” cards do not offer 0% on money transfers so the interest rate will be charged whenever you transfer money from your credit card to a bank account.
• If you make a cash advance on your card. This type of transaction is likely to attract interest immediately, without the interest-free days that usually apply to purchases.
• If you don’t pay off your debt by the end of the 0% introductory period. Anything remaining on your balance will be charged interest at the standard revert rate.
• If you don’t make minimum monthly payments. Although you may have 0% on your debt, you must still pay the minimum amount on your statement every month.

“Balanced” 0% on purchases and balance transfer credit card

0% money transfer credit cards

This type of credit card allows you to transfer money from your credit card to your bank account, which could help you pay off an overdraft or personal loan. Many of these cards offer a 0% period for anything from 19 to 30 months, giving you a long break from the interest bill.

Money transfer credit cards don’t always have long 0% offers on purchases so you could accrue high interest if you use the card to pay for purchases.

When will I be charged interest on a 0% money transfer credit card?

• If you make new purchases. Any new purchases made on a money transfer card will be charged the standard interest rate at the time of the transaction.
• If you make a balance transfer. If you transfer any balances from an existing credit card, you accrue interest from the date the debt is transferred.
• If you don’t pay the minimum monthly payment. You could risk losing the 0% offer if you fail to make the minimum monthly payments required on your statement.
• If you make a cash advance on your credit card. While money transfers allow you to move money off the card into a bank account, actually withdrawing cash from a machine will be charged interest immediately from the date of withdrawal.
• If you don’t clear your balance by the end of the introductory period. Following the end of the 0% bonus period, you will be charged the standard rate of interest.

Money transfer credit cards

Credit cards with interest-free days

Most credit cards offer a certain number of interest-free days for each statement period. For instance, you may see “up to 55 days interest-free” included as a feature on your credit card.

This 0% interest period is usually only available if you pay your balance off completely by the due date on each of your statements. If you carry a balance or make a late payment, you won’t be eligible for interest-free days and interest will be applied for all purchases made during that statement period. Usually, you will only be able to access interest-free days again after you have paid your balance in full for one or two consecutive statement cycles.

How to compare interest-free credit card offers in the UK

If you want to get a credit card with an interest-free period, considering the following features and details can help you find one that’s right for you:

• Introductory period. If the card offers a promotional 0% interest rate for purchases or balance transfers, check how long the introductory period is available for so you can factor this into your repayments and budget. Consider your budget and calculate whether or not you can repay the balance you put on the card while the introductory offer is in place. If not, you might want to look for a card with a longer promotional interest-free period.
• Standard interest rates. The standard variable rates for credit cards can be as high as 30%. Make sure you check what the promotional rate reverts to when comparing options so that you can budget for any interest charges that may apply if you’re still carrying a balance at that time.
• Balance transfer or money transfer fees. Some cards have a one-off processing fee of around 2–4% when you apply for a balance transfer or money transfer. If you choose an interest-free card for your existing debt, make sure you look for this fee when comparing options so you can find one that’s affordable.
• Interest-free days requirements. Credit cards that offer interest-free days for each statement cycle usually have specific conditions around eligible purchases and repayments. For example, cash advances are not eligible for interest-free days and you must pay your balance in full by the due date on each statement.
• Rewards programs. Some cards earn cashback, rewards or frequent flyer points for every £1 spent on the card. These programs can provide extra value, particularly if you have an interest-free credit card for purchases. But be careful you don’t overspend in order to get more rewards, otherwise you may end up with unnecessary debt.
• Annual fees. Although many cards don’t charge an annual fee, some products can charge an annual fee from £25 to over £450. Make sure that the cost of the annual fee doesn’t offset the interest savings you’ll make from the interest-free offer. You may even want to consider a credit card with no annual fee to help save on your costs.
• Complimentary extras. Many cards offer complimentary extras such as international travel insurance, purchase protection, airport lounge access, extended warranty coverage and concierge services. These perks may add value to your card, but only if you think you will use them.

Interest-free credit cards can be a convenient and affordable way to access additional funds in a wide range of situations. But it’s important to compare your options to find the right type of card for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to make repayments during the interest-free period?

  Yes, regardless of the type of interest-free credit card you choose, you will still need to pay at least the minimum amount required by the due date on your statement.

• What happens if I don’t repay my balance on an interest-free credit card?

  Regardless of the type of interest-free credit card you choose, you still need to make repayments by the statement due date each month. If you fail to maintain these regular repayments, some of the repercussions you could face include:

  • Interest charges.If you don’t pay your balance in full by the statement due date, interest will be applied to the remaining debt.
  • Late payment fees. If you don’t make a payment by the statement due date, a late payment fee may be applied. This is usually around £12 on a standard credit card or more on a charge card.
  • Overlimit fees. A fee of £12 can apply if you don’t repay your credit card balance and go over your available credit limit.
  • Cancelled promotional interest rates. If you don’t pay the balance, the interest-free promotion may no longer apply. This penalty varies depending on the card, so make sure you check the terms of your offer.
  • Bad credit. Failing to make repayments could have a negative impact on your credit history, especially if your account goes into default.

  If you’re struggling to make a repayment by the due date on your statement, it’s important to contact your credit card provider as soon as possible. Customer service staff will assess your situation and discuss repayment options based on your individual circumstances.

• What is the best interest-free credit card?

  Just as there are different types of interest-free offers available, there are many potential “best” interest-free credit cards depending on your individual spending habits and goals. So instead of looking for a single “best” card, you can compare a range of options based on your goals to help you find the right 0% interest rate card for you. For example, if you want to save on existing debt, you could compare 0% balance transfer cards to find one that suits your needs. Or, if you want to save on upcoming purchases, a 0% purchase rate card could be an ideal option. Whatever your goal, remember to consider the ongoing features and costs of the card.

• Which interest-free credit card is right for me?

  Interest-free cards provide 0% on purchases, 0% on balance transfers and interest-free days on purchases. Depending on your needs, your ideal credit card may feature one or more of these promotions and include other features and benefits. Compare your options and consider what you need and are eligible to apply for. It is important to consider the features and costs of the card to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

• How long is the interest-free period?

  The interest-free period varies from card to card. In general, it can range from 12 to 28 months if you have a card with a promotional 0% balance transfer offer, or up to 55 days if it’s an interest-free days credit card. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the card to ensure that the interest-free period complements your spending habits and financial situation.

• Can I balance transfer to any bank or provider?

  You can’t transfer your balance to a new card under the same bank. This means that you also can’t transfer balances between banks that are owned by the same provider. For example, you can’t balance transfer between Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest as they are both owned by RBS.

• When does the interest-free period start?

  Promotional interest-free periods begin when your credit card is approved. Interest-free days begin on the first day of your statement cycle.

• Can I transfer my outstanding balance after my promotion has ended?

  Yes. Transferring your existing balance after a 0% purchase or 0% balance transfer promotion has ended is allowed. Note that any balance transfer request will be subject to lending criteria and approval from the issuer.

• If I pay off my credit card balance during the interest-free period, can I cancel the credit card?

  Yes, this is generally accepted across balance transfer credit cards. Once you’ve repaid your outstanding balance, you can cancel the credit card at any time.

• Can I use a 0% purchase card when I'm overseas?

  Typically, yes. As long as the promotional 0% interest rate applies, your overseas purchases should not attract any interest. However, any transactions that don’t count as purchases, such as withdrawing cash from an ATM or buying foreign currency, will be charged interest at the cash advance rate for your card. Be aware, your provider may charge you foreign transaction fees, although there are some specialist cards that don’t charge these fees. Make sure to check the Summary Box for your individual card for the specific details.