These types of cards are ideal if have no existing credit card debt and you want to buy something expensive but offset the cost over a period of time to make repayments more manageable. You need to be fairly disciplined in order to get the best from these cards, but if you can make regular monthly payments to cover the cost of the purchase within the interest free period then you will reap the rewards. Usually the introductory 0% purchase period is combined with a 0% balance transfer period but this is where the card companies are looking to make money from you.
As ever when dealing with credit cards, you need to make sure that you can afford to repay what you spend. The 0% purchase period is usually for a limited period only and unless you repay what you spend within that period, you will be charged interest on the balance at the standard rate. This could work out to be very expensive if you’ve neglected to pay anything off and you may well have been better going for a lower interest rate card instead. That’s why it’s important to select the card that suits you and the way in which you manage your money.
Why go for a 0% purchase credit card?
As mentioned above, these are best suited to people without an existing balance. If you already carry a credit card balance then you should be paying off your debts before considering any further borrowing. But if you are looking to use this type of card to make an expensive purchase and you’re certain that you’ll cover the balance within the interest free period then this is probably the best option for you. You could almost consider it an unsecured loan but without having to pay the interest!
So what’s the catch?
Because 0% purchase credit cards are usually tied to some kind of balance transfer offer the temptation is to transfer your balance and continue spending without incurring interest charges. But be warned, this is where the credit card companies make their money. Payments you make against your balances will go towards paying off the debt you’ve transferred before anything else. So unless you repay your transferred balance before the 0% purchase period expires, you’ll find that you’ll be paying the standard rate of interest against all purchases regardless of the ‘interest free period’. So be warned, to take full advantage of 0% purchase credit cards make sure that you’ve not got a balance you need to repay first of all.
Continual innovation and a drive to be the most competitive makes this probably one of the best balance transfer cards available.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 13 months | 0% 3 months | 2.9% | 16.90% | Good Credit |  |
The 0% card is a great all rounder with travel and accident insurance and reward points redeemable at the Virgin online members shop.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 18 months | 2.87% | 16.8% | Excellent Credit | |
A great loyalty card which gives you great balance transfer and purchase rates plus double the usual points when you fly BMI.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 16.90% | Good Credit |  |
A superb cashback credit card that offers points that can be used to save up to £1500 off a new Vauxhall or £2500 off a new Saab.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 5 months | 0% 5 months | No Fee | 14.90% | Excellent Credit | |
With over the counter commission free currency and 0% on purchases made abroad this is what you should be using to pay for your holiday.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 2.98% | 16.90% | Excellent Credit | |
A good all round rewards card with two great programmes to earn points from, American Express SelectsSM and MBNA Rewards.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 16.90% | Excellent Credit |  |
A low interest rate and one of the longest balance transfer periods available make this a great option for your everyday spending.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 14 months | 2.9% | 14.90% | Good Credit | |
If this is something close to your heart and you want to do your bit for this fantastic organisation then apply today.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 12 months | 0% 12 months | 3% transfer within 90 days | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
Great interest rates, fraud protect and money off your phone bill on a credit card from one of the most trusted UK companies
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 13 months | 3% transfer within 90 days | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
A champion’s league club offers supporters a fantastic way to help the club and benefit from great interest rates at the same time.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
This credit card the from ethical lenders make for a great combination and this low interest credit card is no exception.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.9% | 12.9% | No Fee | 12.90% | Good Credit | |
This credit card the from ethical lenders make for a great combination and this low interest credit card is no exception.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.9% | 7% 6 months | 3% | 12.90% | Good Credit | |
The brand leader of balance transfer cards is aimed at the internet generation, the first to offer 0% on purchases and transfers.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Jan 2009 | 0% Jan 2010 | 2.5% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
A unique rewards card with interchangeable points that can be used for frequent flyer and hotel schemes.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 6 months | 0% 6 months | 2% | 15.90% | Good Credit | |
Five levels of securityagainst unauthorised spending with an excellent interest rate make this a true balance transfer credit card.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 13 months | 4.9% Jan 2012 | 2.5% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
A simple straight forward credit card with a low rate of interest and additional cards helps to keep you on top of your finances.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 8 months | 8.9% life of balance | 3% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
Your support helps those rising stars of the future continue to lead the club to victory while saving you a few quid at the same time.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
One of the biggest clubs in the world will enter you in their monthly prize draw when you spend to win amazing card holder only prizes.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
Long interest free periods plus offers discounts on holidays, hotels and car hire make this a very interesting card offer.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 6 months | 0% 13 months | 2.9% | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
Long interest free periods on this balance transfer credit card and 4 nectar points for every pound spent makes this is a great option.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 15.90% | Good Credit | |
A very similar card to the alternative offered by Sainsbury’s which its why it was discontinued in favour of their main card.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% | 15.90% | Good Credit | |
If you like your gadgets and great rates of interest, what better way than to earn pulse beat points which you can use in Sony retail outlets.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 6 months | 0% 12 months | 3% transfer within 90 days | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
This organisation does amazing work saving animals all over the world and you can join in every time you spend on this card.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 3 months | 0% 12 months | 3% transfer within 90 days | 16.90% | Good Credit | |
A pioneer of cashback credit cards, this particular card has now been replaced in favour of the Gold Fish cashback credit card.
| Intro APR | Transfer Rate | Transfer Fee | APR Representative Variable | Credit Quality | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.90% | 3.9% July 2010 | 3% | 15.90% | Good Credit |  |
