Can these cards be used for balance transfers too?

Some, but not all. For many 0% purchase cards, it's a big no. There's a devious trick as some will allow you to shift debts to the card, but this then attracts interest. Repayments must go towards the most expensive debts first, but as you're unlikely to be able to repay in full, you'll still get charged. You're therefore better off using a separate balance transfer card instead, or get one designed for both purposes. These include the above cards from TSB and Sainsbury's Bank as all let you transfer a balance over to the same 0% period you would receive for spending, after a one-off fee (these vary from 2.9% to 3% of the balance you're transferring). If you need to transfer debts, see the Best Balance Transfers guide for the longest balance transfer cards or our Best All-Rounders guide for the full details of the above cards and others that are designed for 0% spending and balance transfers.

What should I do if I'm worried about being or have been rejected for these cards?

The cards listed in this guide are the market's top deals. Some of them require a good credit score. Where possible, all links take you via our quick eligibility calculator before you apply. If it shows that you aren't likely to get these cards if you apply, then you can take steps to improve your credit. Check your credit score for free Understanding why you may be rejected is crucial for picking the right card. So first use the Credit Scores guide for a full explanation and how to do it. If you've only limited/minor issues Some of the cards above should still be accessible to you, especially those that rate for risk (they give some poorer credit scorers fewer months). However, if all score low on the eligibility calculator, then see if any credit cards for poorer credit are suitable. But beware, deals don't tend to be as good for poorer credit scorers. Already been rejected for a card? Lenders determine their wish list for profitable customers – it's not all about risk. Read the Credit Scoring guide for a full explanation. Of course, you should check for errors on your credit report, but hard and fast reasons are difficult to come by. It may be as bizarre as a lender choosing to give credit cards to customers it's more likely to be able to flog a mortgage to.

Is there another way to keep my debt at 0% for longer?

While disloyalty is frowned upon in relationships, it's lauded for consumers. Credit card tarts shift debt from 0% deal to 0% deal to ensure the minimum possible cost for their debts. This is the cheapest way to use credit cards, but it takes discipline and a good credit score. How to tart If you're a new tart, the process is pretty simple. Get a 0% purchases card. This is a card that you can spend on, and all the spending will be at 0% for a set period. See the longest 0% deals above. Ensure you make the repayments. All "0% interest" means is there is no cost to the borrowing; it still needs to be repaid. Ensure you make at least the minimum repayments to avoid being fined, or worse, having the 0% deal withdrawn, meaning you need to pay the expensive standard rate. Move or repay the debt BEFORE the 0% period ends. At the end of the 0% period the rate will jump to the standard APR, which will usually be around 20%. At this point you either need to have the card cleared, or shift it to a new card with a 0% balance transfer deal. If you still haven't repaid the debt when that deal closes, shift it again. To tart or not to tart? Tarting is without doubt the cheapest method, but it takes active management and you need to stay on top of it. If not, there's a big warning... Unless you shift the debt before the 0% period ends, it only takes a couple of months before all the gain is lost. The other thing it's important to understand is that to tart, you're going to need a good credit history. So it's important to check your credit rating , which can be done for free before you start. Plus the nature of repeated applications can have an impact on your score.

Best 0% Credit Cards

Up to 20 months' interest-free spending

Martin Lewis

Updated 4 January 2021

Do it right and credit cards are the cheapest way to borrow – you can get 0% for up to 20 months on new purchases. Yet get it wrong and you'll be stuck in debt for years. Our guide has full info on what to watch out for, and best buys. Coronavirus financial worries have caused lenders to tighten acceptance criteria, but our Eligibility Calculator will show cards you've the best odds of getting before you apply.

Who's this guide for? Anyone with a planned, budgeted-for purchase for a retailer that takes credit card.

Want to shift card debt to 0%? See our 0% Balance Transfers guide.

Want to borrow £3k+? A cheap loan often beats a credit card.

How do 0% spending cards work?

A 0% spending card is simply a card you can use to make purchases that you pay no interest on for a set number of months (length varies by card). If you need to borrow, eg, to replace a worn sofa or old fridge, then used correctly, 0% cards are cheaper than loans. But make sure you read our golden rules below to prevent a debt nightmare.

The four golden rules

Get it wrong and you could be left counting the cost, so here's what you need to know about 0% spending cards...

1. Beware: debt's like fire. Used well, it's great. Used badly, it burns

Always borrow as little as possible, and if you can, use savings to buy whatever it is instead.

If you have to, though, only borrow for something you've budgeted for and can afford to pay back. And NEVER borrow to fill income gaps which can leave you in a debt spiral (see our Stop Spending guide for more).

However, some use 0% spending cards tactically, for stoozing – but this takes real financial discipline.
2. Make AT LEAST the monthly minimum repayments (preferably more)

Set up a direct debit for at least the minimum repayment as soon as you're accepted. Even though you pay 0% interest, you still need to make repayments each month. If you miss one, you may lose your 0% deal and get a £12 charge. It may also be added as a missed payment on your credit report.
3. Aim to clear the card in the 0% period (+ how to make it work like a loan)

Go even one month beyond the promotional 0% period and the interest rate rockets, so calculate the amount needed to clear the balance by then and remember that end date.

Divide what you spent by the number of 0% months and set up a direct debit to clear it in that time, so it works like a loan where you pay it back in full over a set period.

So £600 over a year is £50 a month to clear. If you've not cleared it in time, see our Best Balance Transfers guide to move it to another 0% card.
4. 'Up to' deals mean you might not get the headline deal you apply for
There's a catch to watch out for. Some card firms give those with lesser credit histories fewer months at 0% than they advertise. You could, say, apply for a 20-month 0% spending deal, be accepted... but be given 12 months at 0%.

We highlight cards that do this by putting 'up to' before their headline offer, and tell you the other 0% lengths they may offer in the write-ups below.
Quick Questions

Is there any way to know what deal I'll get before I apply?

Sadly, the only way to know what 0% deal you'll get is to actually apply for it (unless our eligibility calculator shows you're pre-approved, in which case you'll get the 0% deal advertised).

Why do lenders give some applicants worse deals?

Lenders tell us they do this based on risk, so if you've got a credit score that only just meets a card provider's minimum criteria, it's likely you'll be accepted for the card, but given a lower number of months at 0%, or a higher APR.

Credit Card Eligibility Calculator

Compare which 0% credit cards you've the best chance of getting, in your own personal best-buy table.

Usually, applying is the only way to know if you'll be accepted for a credit card. Yet that marks your credit file, affecting your ability to get future credit. To help, our tool uses a 'soft search' to find your chances of acceptance before applying.

Check your chance of acceptance

Best 0% credit cards

Here are our four top-pick cards, all with a long 0% period. The longest are 'up to' cards though, so you may get a shorter deal than advertised – which can be risky if you've anything other than a top credit score. To help, we list the alternative 0% length that could be given.

Top long-0% purchase cards for new cardholders

LENDER	0% LENGTH	APPLY
TSB	Joint-longest interest-free period, though you may be accepted and offered 15 or 10 months at 0%. After the 0%, it's 19.9% rep APR. Full info
	Up to 20mths 0%	Apply
MBNA	Joint-longest 0% period, though only on purchases made in the first 60 days. You may also be accepted and offered 12 months at 0%. After the 0%, it's 20.9% rep APR. Full info
	Up to 20mths 0%	Check eligibility
		Apply*
Virgin Money	Longest definite interest-free spending period, as all accepted get the full 19 months 0%. It's then 21.9% rep APR after. Full info
	19mths 0%	Check eligibility
		Apply*
Sainsbury's Bank	Sadly won't accept anyone self-employed. Long 0% period, though you could be accepted and offered 12 months at 0%. The card has a 21.9% rep APR. Full info
	Up to 19mths 0%	Check eligibility
		Apply*

Important: M&S Bank has asked we direct people to our eligibility calculator, so only those more likely to be accepted will apply, reducing demand and enquiry calls, as they're over capacity and need to prioritise coronavirus help for vulnerable people. See all official APR examples.

The next best long 0% new purchase cards

If you're unable to get one of our top pick cards above, here are quick details of the next best.

Long 0% purchase card alternatives

LENDER	0% LENGTH	CHECK ELIGIBILITY / APPLY
M&S Bank	18mths 0% 19.9% rep APR after	Check eligibility
Barclaycard	18mths 0% 21.9% rep APR after	Check eligibility
Barclaycard	18mths 0% 21.9% rep APR after	Apply*
HSBC	18mths 0% 22.9% rep APR after	Check eligibility

Important: HSBC and M&S Bank have asked we send people to our eligibility calc, to reduce demand on their call centres at this crucial time. See all official APR examples.

Best 0% credit cards for poor credit scorers

If you have high levels of current debt, missed payments (recent or historic), bankruptcies, county court judgments (CCJs) or individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs), chances are your credit score might not be in the best shape.

If so, the cards above aren't likely to be open to you (use our eligibility calculator first to check). Yet the cards below give an option if your problems are over a year old, though the 0% periods are a lot shorter. If you can't get these cards, read our Credit Cards For Bad Credit guide for more help to build or rebuild your credit history.

Top poor credit 0% purchase cards for new cardholders

LENDER	0% LENGTH	CHECK ELIGIBILITY / APPLY
Aqua	A decent six months at 0%, which gives you time to spread the cost of purchases. After the 0%, it's 34.9% rep APR. Full info, incl how to use this card to get a respite from existing debts.
	6mths 0%	Check eligibility
Capital One	A short four-month break from paying interest while rebuilding your credit. After the 0%, it's 34.9% rep APR. Full info, incl how to use it to provide a respite from existing debts.
	4mths 0%	Check eligibility
		Apply*
Amazon	Three months at 0% and a £20 Amazon voucher on acceptance, though use carefully if you already have credit problems. After the 0%, it's 29.9% rep APR. Full info, incl how to use it to provide a respite for existing debts.
	3mths 0%	Apply

Important: Aqua has asked we send people to our eligibility calc, to reduce demand on its call centre at this crucial time. See all official APR examples.

Cashback sites may pay you for signing up

As an extra boon, members of specialist cashback websites can be paid when they sign up to some financial products. Do check that it's exactly the same deal though, as terms can be different. And remember the cashback is never 100% guaranteed until it's in your account.

Full help to take advantage of this and pros and cons in our Top Cashback Sites guide.

Coronavirus credit card help

If you're struggling to pay off debt on an existing credit card due to coronavirus, lenders should provide support. What's available depends on whether you've already had help:

• If you've already had payment holidays totalling six months, contact your lender to discuss your options.

Help is still available and will be tailored to your circumstances. You could be offered a (further) payment holiday or a period of reduced payments, reduced interest or a repayment plan – providers should take into account what you can afford and how your finances are likely to change in the near future.

Providers are expected to report any support they give you to credit reference agencies, which could affect your future creditworthiness. Yet don't let that put you off from contacting your provider – missing payments or defaulting is likely to have a far worse impact.
• If you've had no help, or a break from payments less than six months, you can apply for a payment holiday.

Under the latest rules from the Financial Conduct Authority, you can apply for a payment holiday of up to six months if you've not had any help to date, or to 'top up' to a total of six months if you've already had payments paused.

However, you'll still be charged interest, so it's likely to cost you more in the long run. And while these payment holidays won't be reported as missed payments on your credit file, there are other ways for lenders to find out about them. But don't let that put you off from applying for a payment holiday if you really need one – missing payments without agreeing it with your provider first is likely to have a far worse impact.

For the latest updates and full information on the support available, see our Coronavirus Finance & Bills Help guide.

0% spending cards Q&A

How much could I save?

The amount you save with a 0% card will obviously depend on how much you borrow, but here's a practical example to show what sort of savings you could make.

Best used for planned, budgeted-for and needed purchases, if you paid £5,000 for a new kitchen on a standard credit card at 18.9%, repaying £150 a month, you'd pay £792 interest in year one. However on the joint-top TSB 0% card, you'd pay no interest for the first year (as it's 0% for 20mths).

After two years making the same £150 monthly repayments, the standard card has cost you a massive £1,394 in interest, while the TSB card has cost you £111 – still sizeable as the rate jumps to 19.9% after the 0% period ends.

That said, a good credit card tart taking advantage of another 0% deal would pay nothing in interest (though would need to pay balance transfer fees to keep the debt at 0%). This is the best way to keep interest costs down if you cannot afford to clear it at the end of the 0% period.

CREDIT CARD INTEREST £5,000 INITIAL SPEND, REPAYING £150 PER MONTH (1)		INTEREST COST AFTER...
		1 year	2 years
Standard credit card	18.9%	£792	£1,394
TSB	20mths 0% then 19.9%	£0	£111
Credit card tarting (2)	0% (rotating cards)	£0	£0
(1) For ease of comparison, ignores minimum payments rules and credit limits. (2) Needs a good credit score.

Can these cards be used for balance transfers too?

Some, but not all. For many 0% purchase cards, it's a big no. There's a devious trick as some will allow you to shift debts to the card, but this then attracts interest. Repayments must go towards the most expensive debts first, but as you're unlikely to be able to repay in full, you'll still get charged.

You're therefore better off using a separate balance transfer card instead, or get one designed for both purposes. These include the above cards from TSB and Sainsbury's Bank as all let you transfer a balance over to the same 0% period you would receive for spending, after a one-off fee (these vary from 2.9% to 3% of the balance you're transferring).

If you need to transfer debts, see the Best Balance Transfers guide for the longest balance transfer cards or our Best All-Rounders guide for the full details of the above cards and others that are designed for 0% spending and balance transfers.
What should I do if I'm worried about being or have been rejected for these cards?

The cards listed in this guide are the market's top deals. Some of them require a good credit score. Where possible, all links take you via our quick eligibility calculator before you apply. If it shows that you aren't likely to get these cards if you apply, then you can take steps to improve your credit.

Check your credit score for free

Understanding why you may be rejected is crucial for picking the right card. So first use the Credit Scores guide for a full explanation and how to do it.

If you've only limited/minor issues

Some of the cards above should still be accessible to you, especially those that rate for risk (they give some poorer credit scorers fewer months).

However, if all score low on the eligibility calculator, then see if any credit cards for poorer credit are suitable. But beware, deals don't tend to be as good for poorer credit scorers.

Already been rejected for a card? Lenders determine their wish list for profitable customers – it's not all about risk. Read the Credit Scoring guide for a full explanation.

Of course, you should check for errors on your credit report, but hard and fast reasons are difficult to come by. It may be as bizarre as a lender choosing to give credit cards to customers it's more likely to be able to flog a mortgage to.
Is there another way to keep my debt at 0% for longer?
While disloyalty is frowned upon in relationships, it's lauded for consumers. Credit card tarts shift debt from 0% deal to 0% deal to ensure the minimum possible cost for their debts. This is the cheapest way to use credit cards, but it takes discipline and a good credit score.

How to tart

If you're a new tart, the process is pretty simple.

Get a 0% purchases card. This is a card that you can spend on, and all the spending will be at 0% for a set period. See the longest 0% deals above.

Ensure you make the repayments. All "0% interest" means is there is no cost to the borrowing; it still needs to be repaid. Ensure you make at least the minimum repayments to avoid being fined, or worse, having the 0% deal withdrawn, meaning you need to pay the expensive standard rate.

Move or repay the debt BEFORE the 0% period ends. At the end of the 0% period the rate will jump to the standard APR, which will usually be around 20%. At this point you either need to have the card cleared, or shift it to a new card with a 0% balance transfer deal. If you still haven't repaid the debt when that deal closes, shift it again.

To tart or not to tart?

Tarting is without doubt the cheapest method, but it takes active management and you need to stay on top of it. If not, there's a big warning...
Unless you shift the debt before the 0% period ends, it only takes a couple of months before all the gain is lost.

The other thing it's important to understand is that to tart, you're going to need a good credit history. So it's important to check your credit rating, which can be done for free before you start. Plus the nature of repeated applications can have an impact on your score.

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In this guide

In this guide

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Former Utility Point customers struggling to get credit refunds

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Cheap Personal Loans

0% Balance Transfer & Spending Cards

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Best 0% Credit Cards

Up to 20 months' interest-free spending

Best 0% credit card deals

How do 0% spending cards work?

The four golden rules

1. Beware: debt's like fire. Used well, it's great. Used badly, it burns

2. Make AT LEAST the monthly minimum repayments (preferably more)

3. Aim to clear the card in the 0% period (+ how to make it work like a loan)

4. 'Up to' deals mean you might not get the headline deal you apply for

Quick Questions

Best 0% credit cards

Top long-0% purchase cards for new cardholders

The next best long 0% new purchase cards

Long 0% purchase card alternatives

Best 0% credit cards for poor credit scorers

Top poor credit 0% purchase cards for new cardholders

Cashback sites may pay you for signing up

Coronavirus credit card help

• If you've already had payment holidays totalling six months, contact your lender to discuss your options.

• If you've had no help, or a break from payments less than six months, you can apply for a payment holiday.

0% spending cards Q&A

How to tart

To tart or not to tart?

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