What is a 0% credit card?
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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.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
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.
Primary source: gov.uk/compare-the-cost-of-borrowing-2500
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