Best 0% Credit Cards UK

A 0% credit card lets you borrow money at zero interest for a set period — either for purchases or for transferring existing debt. Used correctly, they're one of the most powerful money-saving tools available. Used incorrectly, they can make debt significantly worse.

Golden rule: Always have a plan to clear the full balance before the 0% period ends. If you don't, you'll be charged interest on the entire remaining balance at the card's standard rate, which is typically 20–30% APR.

Types of 0% Credit Card

0% Purchase Cards

Lets you make new purchases and pay no interest for the 0% period. Ideal for a large planned purchase (sofa, boiler, car repair) that you want to spread over several months without paying interest.

How to use it properly:

1. Make the purchase on the card
2. Divide the total by the number of months in the 0% period
3. Set up a direct debit for that amount every month
4. Clear it completely before the 0% ends

0% Balance Transfer Cards

Move existing credit card debt to a new card and pay no interest on it for the 0% period. A small transfer fee typically applies (1–3% of the amount transferred). Still saves significant money vs. paying 20%+ APR on your current card.

Example: £3,000 on a card charging 22% APR. Move to a 0% card with a 2% fee. Transfer fee: £60. Interest saved over 24 months: approximately £720. Net saving: £660.

Money Transfer Cards

Similar to balance transfers, but the cash is sent directly to your bank account rather than to another card. Useful if you need cash to pay off an overdraft. Higher fees typically apply.

Current Best 0% Deals

Offers change regularly. The market moves frequently — always check MoneySavingExpert's 0% credit card comparison for the current best deals with eligibility checkers.

The longest 0% purchase periods are currently offered by:

• Barclaycard Platinum — often one of the longest 0% purchase periods available (up to 21 months)
• MBNA — competitive balance transfer offers
• Sainsbury's Bank — often competitive for balance transfers with low fees
• Virgin Money — regular strong balance transfer offers

Eligibility & Soft Checks

Most comparison sites including MoneySavingExpert, ClearScore, and Credit Karma offer eligibility checkers that use a soft credit search (doesn't affect your credit score) to show you your approval odds before applying. Always use these before applying formally, as declined applications leave a mark on your credit file.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing a payment — even one missed payment can void the 0% deal and move you onto the standard rate immediately. Set up a direct debit for at least the minimum payment
• Cash withdrawals — taking cash from a credit card charges interest from day one at a higher rate, regardless of your 0% deal
• Not clearing before the deal ends — diarise the end date of your 0% period and set a reminder 2 months before
• Spending more because you have the card — the card is a tool for planned debt, not a licence to increase spending

Section 75 Protection

An often-overlooked benefit of credit cards: under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, the credit card company is jointly liable with the retailer for purchases between £100 and £30,000. If a company goes bust or fails to deliver, you can claim your money back from the card provider. This protection doesn't apply to debit cards.

Struggling with existing credit card debt? A 0% balance transfer can help, but if the debt feels overwhelming, get free help from StepChange or National Debtline before taking on more credit.