Best 0% credit cards

Save on costs and pay off debt faster with a credit card that charges 0% interest for a set period.

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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

Name Product Rating Finder score Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£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).
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NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£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).
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HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 18 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 16 months
(3.49%, min £5 fee)
£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
Santander All in One Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 15 months reverting to 23.9%
0% for 15 months
(0% fee)
£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
Tesco Bank Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 24 months reverting to 19.94%
21.81%
(3.99% fee)
£7.99 per month
37.7% APR (variable)
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).
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 21 months reverting to 24.94%
0% for 21 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers.
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).
Barclaycard Platinum all-rounder Visa
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 21 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 20 months
(2.99% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Buy tickets for up to 3500 selected live events through Barclaycard entertainment and get 5% off tickets per year and exclusive pre-sale tickets on selected festivals with 10% off ticket prices.
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).
M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard
Not yet rated
Not yet rated
0% for 20 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 12 months
(0% fee)
£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).
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Name Product Rating Finder score Balance transfers Balance transfer fee Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
Santander Everyday Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 26 months reverting to 23.9%
3% (min. £5)
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
Royal Bank of Scotland Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 23 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49%
0% for 3 months reverting to 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).
Go to site
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
2.99%
0% for 19 months reverting to 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).
Go to site
NatWest Longer Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 23 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49%
0% for 3 months reverting to 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).
Go to site
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 16 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49%, min £5
0% for 18 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
NatWest Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 13 months reverting to 24.9%
0%
0% for 3 months reverting to 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).
Go to site
Royal Bank of Scotland Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 13 months reverting to 24.9%
0%
0% for 3 months reverting to 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).
Go to site
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 24 months reverting to 24.9%
3.49% fee, min £5
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
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Name Product Rating Finder score Purchases Balance transfers Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Incentive Link
Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£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).
Go to site
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£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).
Go to site
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 21 months reverting to 24.94%
0% for 21 months
(3.49% fee)
£0
24.9% APR (variable)
Earn up to 15% cashback on purchases through Smart Rewards at popular retailers.
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).
Ulster Bank Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 19 months reverting to 24.9%
0% for 19 months
(2.99% fee)
£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).
Santander World Elite Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 18 months reverting to 18.9%
0% for 18 months
(0% fee)
£15 per month
49.8% APR (variable)
0.5% on £1 to £3000 of monthly spend. Maximum of £15 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 18.9% (variable) p.a. with a fee of £15 per month, your representative rate is 49.8% APR (variable).
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Name Product Rating Finder score Money transfers Money transfer fee Purchases Annual/monthly fees Representative APR Link Incentive Representative example
MBNA Long 0% Money Transfer Credit Card
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
Expert analysis
0% for 14 months reverting to 24.94%
3.49% for 14 months reverting to 5%
24.94%
£0
24.9%
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).
Virgin Money Dual Credit Card Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
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%
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).
Virgin Money 27 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
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%
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).
Virgin Money 20 Month Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
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%
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).
Virgin Money 20 Month 2% Fee Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
Finder score
★★★★★
★★★★★
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%
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).
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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.

hands using cellphone while holding credit card

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

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

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