Best 0% Interest Credit Cards in the UK

Quick summary (TL;DR)

0% credit cards let you borrow interest-free for a fixed promotional period — useful for paying off debt or spreading a big purchase. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
There are three typical types: 0% balance transfer, 0% purchase, and 0% all-rounder (both). Choose based on whether you’re moving existing debt or making new purchases. MoneySavingExpert.com
Current market deals include introductory offers lasting many months (some providers advertise 30–35 months on balance transfers), but remember transfer fees and post-intro APRs. Always compare the length of the 0% period, transfer fees and the normal APR. moneysupermarket.com+1
New regulation and market changes (e.g., FCA consultation on Deferred Payment Credit / BNPL) affect consumer options and protections—keep an eye on FCA guidance. FCA

What is a 0% interest credit card?
Types of 0% deals — which one is right for you?
How 0% deals actually work (transfer fees, minimums, timescales)
Top picks & how to compare current deals (how to read the small print)
Step-by-step plan to use a 0% card safely (with examples)
Mistakes to avoid (and how they hurt your credit score)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Suggested meta tags, structured data and content plan for SEO
Final checklist & next steps

1. What is a 0% interest credit card?

A 0% interest credit card offers a promotional period in which the lender charges no interest on qualifying balances. That promotional period may apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both. These cards are a tool — not free money — and work best when you have a clear repayment plan to clear the balance before the promotional rate ends. MoneySavingExpert.com

Why use one? Two main uses:

To clear existing expensive card debt by transferring it to a 0% balance transfer card and paying it down interest-free.
To spread the cost of a large purchase by using a 0% purchase card and repaying over the promotional months with no interest.

2. Types of 0% deals — which one is right for you?

2.1 0% Balance Transfer Cards

Designed to move existing credit card debt from a high APR card to a new 0% interest account for a set period. These often charge a balance transfer fee (commonly 0–3.5% of the transferred amount). Great if you want to reduce interest costs and pay the debt faster. Many comparison sites currently highlight balance-transfer offers up to multiple years. MoneySavingExpert.com+1

2.2 0% Purchase Cards

These give you interest-free purchases for a promotional period (e.g., 6, 12, 18, 24 months). If you have a planned purchase and are confident you’ll repay within the offer window, this can be cheaper than using payday loans or higher-interest credit.

2.3 0% All-Rounder Cards

Some cards combine both balance transfer and purchase 0% periods (sometimes equal, sometimes different lengths). These are flexible but rarer and often in high demand.

3. How 0% deals actually work — the small print that matters

Understanding the mechanics is crucial to avoid surprise charges.

3.1 Balance transfer fees

A typical cost is between 0% and ~3.5% of the amount transferred. A 3% fee on a large transfer can negate savings if the promotional period is short. Always calculate the break-even. Comparison sites show many deals offering up to 35 months on transfers at competitive fees — but terms vary. moneysupermarket.com+1

3.2 Minimum and maximum transfer amounts

Some cards require a minimum transfer and may cap transfers by the new credit limit. Transfers often must be requested within a certain window (e.g., 60 days of account opening).

3.3 Time limits for transfers

Transferring outside the permitted window or exceeding a limit may mean the 0% rate does not apply — read the offer.

3.4 What happens after the promotional period

After the 0% period ends, the interest rate reverts to the card’s usual APR — which can be high. If you still carry a balance, you’ll start paying interest on the remaining amount.

3.5 Introductory purchase 0% often doesn’t cover balance transfers (and vice versa)

Many cards offer a long 0% period for balance transfers but shorter for purchases; some offer both. Compare the specific durations.

3.6 Deferred Payment Credit & Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) changes

BNPL products that masquerade as interest-free instalments are increasingly regulated. The FCA has been consulting on bringing certain BNPL products within regulation (called Deferred Payment Credit / DPC), which impacts how interest-free instalments are treated and the protections consumers have. Keep an eye on FCA updates for consumer protections and rules. FCA

4. Top picks & how to compare current deals

Important: the exact market-leading card changes frequently (new offers appear, others end). Below is a methodology to find the current best 0% options, plus examples of where long 0% periods are commonly available.

How to compare offers (use this checklist)

Length of the 0% period (balance transfer / purchase / both). Longer isn’t always better — check fees.
Balance transfer fee — convert this into an effective APR over the promotional period to compare value.
Post-intro APR — if you might carry a balance, this matters.
Eligible transfer amounts and time windows — some require transfers within 60 days.
Minimum monthly payment during the 0% period (you still must make payments).
Other benefits or charges (foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal rates, penalties).
Provider reputation & customer service (Which? and MoneySavingExpert track satisfaction and complaints). Which?+1

Where to look (trusted comparison resources)

MoneySavingExpert (Martin Lewis) — practical picks and calculators. Updated frequently. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Which? — consumer satisfaction and recommended providers. Useful for service quality checks. Which?
Uswitch / MoneySuperMarket / MoneySuperMarket — fast comparison search and sorting by 0% months & fees. Uswitch+1

Examples of the kinds of offers currently on the market

(Only use these as examples — check latest rates before applying.)

Long balance transfer deals: Some providers advertise 30–35 months 0% on balance transfers for new accounts (usually with a transfer fee). These can be excellent for large debts if you commit to a repayment schedule. moneysupermarket.com+1
Mid-length purchase 0% deals: Many cards offer 12–24 months interest-free on purchases. Good for planned one-off expenses. Uswitch

Note: because top deals rotate quickly, always confirm the exact months, fees and eligibility on the issuer or comparison site at the moment you apply.

5. Step-by-step plan: How to use a 0% card safely (with examples)

Scenario A — You have £3,000 of existing card debt at 24% APR

Find a balance transfer card offering as long a 0% period as possible with a low transfer fee. Example: a 24-month 0% transfer with a 1.5% transfer fee means a fee of £45 for £3,000 — usually far cheaper than interest at 24% APR. Use MoneySavingExpert or Uswitch to compare and check provider reputation. MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Calculate monthly repayment: £3,000 / 24 = £125/mo. Pay that each month — the debt will be cleared before the 0% ends.
Avoid using the new card for further purchases unless the card also offers 0% purchases (and you can repay them in time).
Once cleared, close or repurpose the card carefully (closing may affect credit-age; some prefer to keep with zero balance).

Scenario B — You need a £1,800 laptop and want to spread cost interest-free

Find a 0% purchase card offering at least 12 months. Divide £1,800 by number of months (e.g., 12 → £150/month). Uswitch
Apply and make the purchase if accepted.
Make at least agreed minimums — missing payments can void the 0% rate and add penalty APR.
Consider retailer finance or BNPL only after checking protections — BNPL changes are being regulated. FCA

6. Mistakes to avoid (and how they can hurt)

Missing a payment: Lenders typically cancel the 0% deal if you miss scheduled payments and may apply punitive APRs.
Ignoring the transfer fee: A 3% fee on a big balance can wipe out savings if the promotional period is short.
Rolling new spending onto a transfer card: If transfers are 0% but purchases aren’t, extra purchases will attract interest.
Multiple hard applications in a short time: This can damage your credit score and reduce approval odds. Use eligibility checkers before applying. MoneySavingExpert and comparison sites have free eligibility checkers that don’t affect your credit. MoneySavingExpert.com+1

7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Are 0% interest credit cards risky?

A: Only if you treat them like disposable cash. They’re low-risk when used with a disciplined repayment plan. Missed payments and prolonged balances after the promo end are the main risks.

Q: Will applying for a 0% card damage my credit score?

A: The application will usually involve a hard search, which can slightly lower your score temporarily. Multiple applications in a short span are worse. Use eligibility tools (soft-search based) first. MoneySavingExpert.com

Q: What happens if I transfer a balance but then continue spending?

A: New spending may not be covered by the 0% rate — check whether the card offers 0% on purchases too. Unplanned new purchases can attract interest immediately.

Q: Should I consolidate multiple 0% deals?

A: Sometimes — but consolidation depends on available credit limits and fees. It can simplify repayments but may require careful calculation.

Q: Are BNPL instalment plans the same as 0% credit cards?

A: Not necessarily. BNPL providers often offered unregulated interest-free instalments; regulators (FCA) are bringing many products under rules as Deferred Payment Credit (DPC), which will change protections and disclosures. Until regulation is final, treat BNPL with caution and check protections. FCA

8. SEO-ready content additions for a webpage targeting “Best 0% Interest Credit Cards UK 2025”

Below are on-page SEO elements to help your article rank for that query.

Suggested H1

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Suggested H2s (structure for scanning)

What is a 0% credit card?
Best 0% cards right now (how we pick them)
Balance transfer vs purchase 0% — how to choose
Step-by-step 0% plan to kill your debt
Real costs: fees, penalties and the hidden traps
How to apply (eligibility checks & docs)
FAQs
Final checklist

Example meta description (SEO-friendly)

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Suggested target keywords

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9. Final checklist & next steps (actionable)

Decide your goal: clear debt or spread a purchase?
Use comparison tools: check MoneySavingExpert, Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket and Which? for up-to-the-minute offers and eligibility. Which?+3MoneySavingExpert.com+3Uswitch+3
Calculate the effective cost: include transfer fees and monthly repayment plan to ensure you’ll be debt-free before the 0% ends.
Use an eligibility checker to avoid multiple hard searches. MoneySavingExpert and many comparison sites provide soft-check tools. MoneySavingExpert.com
Apply and stick to the repayment plan. Missed payments can void the deal.

Sources & further reading (trusted)

MoneySavingExpert — Best 0% credit cards and guides (regularly updated). MoneySavingExpert.com+1
Which? — Best interest-free purchase credit cards & provider satisfaction. Which?
FCA — Consultation on Deferred Payment Credit (BNPL regulation). FCA
Uswitch — Guides to balance transfer and purchase 0% cards. Uswitch
MoneySuperMarket — Balance transfer comparison and market commentary. moneysupermarket.com

Best 0% Interest Credit Cards in the UK — The Complete 2025 Guide