Interest rates charged by credit card providers has been steadily creeping up in recent months. According to Moneyfacts latest data, the average APR across all cards (including those with annual fees) is now 34.7% (March 2024). That’s up from 30.7% just a year ago.
A 0% purchase credit card doesn’t charge interest for a set period of time. When used strategically, this means you can spread the cost of big-ticket items over time without having to pay a penny over the value of the goods or services you are buying.
These deals are particularly useful if you don’t have immediate access to cash, yet you know you could afford to pay for it over the interest-free period. Even if you do have the money in the bank, you might want to keep it back for a rainy day and borrow cost-free instead.
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Why you can trust Forbes Advisor’s ratings
1
M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card
0% interest on purchases for up to 20 months
0% on balance transfers for up to 12 months (3.49% fee)
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
1
M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card
On M&S Bank’s Website
Featured Partner Offer
2
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for 19 months
2.99% balance transfer fee
Representative Example: At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
2
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
On NatWest’s Website
Featured Partner Offer
What are the best deals?
Our research (March2024) found that the best 0% cards for purchase come with periods of up to 21 months. However, what’s best for you will be determined by your income, credit score and personal circ*mstances. Offers change frequently but are correct at the time of publication.
Best 0% Purchase Credit Cards
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Barclaycard Platinum Credit Card
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
0% purchase period
Up to 21 months
Representative APR
24.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
64%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.90% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.90% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% purchase period
Up to 21 months
Representative APR
Customer service score*
64%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.90% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.90% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Why We Picked It
The Barclaycard All Rounder Platinum Card offers interest-free spending for up to 21 months, charging 24.9% (variable) thereafter. The actual deal you’re offered will depend on your eligibility and credit score.
The card also stacks up well on balance transfers too, offering zero interest for up to 18 months. There’s a 2.99% transfer fee and you’ll need to make the transfer within the first 60 days.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive 0% period on interest-free purchases
- 4 free Apple subscriptions for up to 5 months
- Early access to live events via Barclaycard Entertainment
- Could be offered much shorter 0% term on purchases
- 2.99% fee if transferring a balance
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
M&S Purchase Plus Credit Card
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
0% purchase period
20 months
Representative APR
24.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
63%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
On M&S Bank's Website
0% purchase period
20 months
Representative APR
24.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
63%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Why We Picked It
If you’re accepted for this card, you’ll receive up to 20 months interest-free spending on new purchases. Just bear in mind that, depending on your individual circ*mstances, you may not be offered the full 20 months.
The card also accepts balance transfers, which remain interest-free for up to 12 months. However, there’s a balance transfer fee of 3.49% (minimum £5).
Alongside interest-free purchases, the card offers a reward scheme that pays one M&S point for every £1 spent in M&S stores, plus another point for every £5 spent elsewhere.
At the end of your interest-free period, you’ll pay a representative APR of 24.9% (variable) on any outstanding balance.
Pros & Cons
- Up to 20 months interest-free purchases
- 12 months 0% interest on balance transfers (3.49% fee)
- Successful applicants not guaranteed to get full 20 months
- 3.49% fee if transferring balance
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
MBNA Purchase Credit Card
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
0% purchase period
Up to 20 months
Representative APR
23.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
63%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 23.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% purchase period
Up to 20 months
Representative APR
23.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
63%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 23.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Why We Picked It
This card offers up to 20 months of interest-free spending for applicants with a strong credit score. Earn 15% cashback on your card spend with selected retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Costa Coffee, in the MBNA Smart Rewards scheme.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive 0% period
- Earn cashback with MBNA Smart Rewards
- New customers only
- Could be offered shorter 0% term
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
0% purchase period
19 months
Representative APR
24.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
59%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
On NatWest's Website
0% purchase period
19 months
Representative APR
24.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
59%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 24.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 24.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Why We Picked It
This competitive card from NatWest offers 21 months on new purchases from account opening. All accepted for the card will get the full 19 months.
It also offers a guaranteed 21 months interest-free on balance transfers made within the first three months – after which standard rates will apply. The balance transfer fee is 2.99%. There is no annual fee.
There is a minimum transfer amount of £100 and you can transfer balances up to 95% of your available credit limit. Balances can be transferred from most credit and store cards, although not from other cards within the NatWest Group (RBS and Ulster Bank).
A representative 24.9% APR (variable) will apply after the promotional periods have expired. However, actual APRs and credit limits can vary depending on NatWest’s credit assessment of applications. Interest on fees and charges is payable in line with the bank’s terms and conditions.
This deal used to be reserved for existing NatWest customers but is now open to all applicants who are UK residents aged 18 or over, and earn more than £10,000 a year.
The same offer is available from RBS and Ulster Bank which are part of the same banking group (NatWest Group plc).
Pros & Cons
- Get full 21 months if accepted
- Same 0% period on balance transfers (2.99% fee)
- No rewards for spending
- Must earn £10,000 a year
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
LLoyds Bank Platinum Purchase card
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
0% purchase period
19 months
Representative APR
23.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
64%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 23.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
0% purchase period
19 months
Representative APR
23.9%
(variable)
Customer service score*
64%
Representative Example
The representative APR example gives you an estimate of how much it might cost if you borrowed a certain amount of money. This helps you compare products and provides a guide on how much carrying a balance could cost. Your personal offer may vary from the representative APR example.
At an assumed credit limit of £1,200, at a purchase rate of 23.9% p.a. (variable), the representative APR is 23.9% (variable). Credit available subject to status.
Why We Picked It
Lloyd’s Platinum Purchase credit card charge offers up to 19 months at 0% on purchases.
You could also get 0% on balance transfers for up to 17 months with this same card, although there is a big transfer fee of 5%.
The representative APR is 23.9% and Lloyds Bank’s credit cards have a solid customer service rating of 64% from Fairer Finance.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive o% period on purchases and balance transfers
- Longer 0% purchase periods available
- 5% fee if transferring balance
*Fairer Finance data (March 2024)
How did we rank the cards?
We’ve ranked the top 0% purchase cards by the following factors, and in order of importance:
- 0% interest period: how many months you can make purchases on the card without being charged interest
- Interest rate: the representative APR you’ll be charged when the zero-interest period ends
- Customer experience: the customer experience rating of the card issuer as measured by independent data provider, Fairer Finance
- Other perks: such as earning points on spending
There is a good chance the APR (annual percentage rate) you see advertised will not be the one you are offered. APRs are ‘representative’ which means they must only apply to 51% of successful applicants.
The 0% purchase cards with the lengthiest terms are reserved for applicants with top credit scores. Providers’ eligibility checkers which form part of the application process calculate your chances of being accepted for a card and on what terms. This means your credit score is protected should you be rejected and reapply elsewhere.
0% purchase credit cards in a nutshell
A 0% purchase credit card charges zero interest on borrowing for new purchases for a stated number of months. This time period is normally referred to as an ‘introductory offer’ or ‘promotional period’.
During the promotional period, 100% of your credit card repayments will go towards repaying your debt, not towards paying interest.
So, using a 0% purchase credit card means you can effectively borrow money for free, so long as you repay the entire debt before the end of the 0% period – and don’t incur other fees.
What can you use a 0% purchase card for?
For this reason, these cards are ideal for spreading the cost of large purchases, such as a new car or holiday. Alternatively, you can use a 0% purchase card for numerous small purchases.
Either way, the golden rule is to repay your debt within the interest-free period. For example, if you borrow £2,000 on the card and can afford to repay £100 a month, you need a card offering 0% interest on purchases for at least 20 months.
How can I find the best deal?
Broadly speaking – and so long as you use the card efficiently – the best 0% purchase card is simply the one that offers the longest interest-free period.
However, there are other factors to consider too. For example, any annual fees for having the card as well as the APR (annual percentage rate) that applies after the interest-free period ends, should you have a balance remaining.
Be aware that the rate advertised is representative which means it only has to be offered to 51% of successful applicants. You could be in the 49% of customers given a higher rate.
Customer experience can also play a part. Having a credit card that’s easy to manage will help when it comes to clearing your purchase balance before interest kicks in.
Unlike 0% balance transfer and money transfer credit cards, there’s no particular timeframe in which you need to make purchases to qualify for 0%. The only stipulation on 0% purchase cards is that purchases will need to be made within the 0% introductory offer period.
What about fees?
There are not usually any upfront fees associated with a 0% purchase credit card, although some premium credit cards might charge monthly or annual fees, while some kinds of transactions (such as taking cash out of an ATM or using your card overseas) are also likely to cost.
And, just like any other credit card, you still need to make at least the minimum payment each month. If you don’t you’ll be charged a late payment fee which is normally about £12. You may also lose your 0% promotional offer, and your credit score is likely to be damaged.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
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