# What is a 0% credit card?

> Quick answer · Last updated 23 June 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-0-percent-credit-card/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-0-percent-credit-card.md

## In short

A credit card with an introductory period where you pay no interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both. After the offer ends, the standard APR applies to any remaining balance.

A 0% credit card charges no interest for a set introductory period — commonly 12 to 24 months — on new purchases, transferred balances, or sometimes both. They are widely used to spread the cost of a large purchase or to consolidate existing card debt more cheaply, provided you clear the balance before the offer expires.

Balance-transfer cards usually charge a one-off transfer fee (often around 1% to 3% of the amount moved). Purchase cards may not charge a transfer fee but will not help with existing debt on other cards. Always check which type of spending the 0% rate covers and whether it applies from account opening or only to transactions after a certain date.

Once the introductory period ends, any remaining balance is charged at the card's standard APR, which can be high. Missing a minimum payment or breaking other terms can end the 0% deal early. Use gov.uk's cost-of-borrowing guidance to compare the true cost against a personal loan if you will not repay in full before the offer ends.

Applying for several cards in a short time can affect your credit score. Check your eligibility with a soft search where possible, and work out a repayment plan so the debt is cleared before interest kicks in.

## Related

- [Banking guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/banking/)
- [What is Section 75?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-section-75/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/compare-the-cost-of-borrowing-2500

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Money Guide is not a financial adviser and does not currently earn commission on credit cards. This guide is educational information only — always check the issuer's own terms, eligibility checkers and fees before applying. 18+, subject to status. Credit is a commitment: only borrow what you can repay in full each month, because interest charges erase every reward on this page.