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Using a credit card for big purchases can help you spread the cost over several months, but it only makes sense when using the best credit cards that offer 0% on purchases.
Although the Bank of England has frozen the base rate at 5.25% at three meetings, interest rates are still high. With that in mind, using a 0% purchase card may make more sense financially than other forms of borrowing.
But it’s important to remember that you should never borrow more than you can afford and stay on top of making your minimum payments and only use the card to buy what you need.
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Here are the best 0% credit card deals available now. If you want to know more about how these cards work, and any drawbacks associated with the deals, we take a closer look below.
These are only prospective offers – the rate you get will depend on your personal credit score. Before you apply, use an eligibility checker, like the one on our sister site Go.Compare will help you see if you qualify for the best deals before you apply.
The best 0% credit cards
- Up to 21 months 0% on purchases
- Up to 18 months 0% on balance transfers
- 24.9% APR after 0% period
This offering from Barclaycard has one of the longest 0% offers on the market. If successful, applicants can get a maximum of 0% on purchases for up to 21 months, although this offer is not guaranteed. Our eligibility calculator from sister site Go.Compare will help you see if you qualify before you apply.
Natwest Purchase and Balance Transfer credit card
- 19 months at 0% on purchases and balance transfers
- 24.9% APR after the 0% offer
This card from Natwest is offering 19 months 0% on purchases and balance transfers. But note, balance transfers are only 0% for the first three months of opening the account, and it comes with a 2.99% transfer fee.
Our eligibility calculator from sister site Go.Compare will help you see if you qualify before you apply, or you can check directly on the Natwest website.
- Up to 18 months 0% interest on purchases
- Up to 15 months 0% on balance transfers
- 23.9% APR after 0% offer
This dual credit card offers gives 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers, but the 0% period you get will depend on your credit history.
Plus, every time you shop you will earn points which can be converted into M&S vouchers. Our eligibility calculator from sister site Go.Compare will help you see if you qualify before you apply, or you can check directly on the M&S website.
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
- Up to 18 months 0% on purchases
- Up to 16 months 0% on balance transfers
- 24.9% APR after 0% offer
With this HSBC credit card, you can get up to 18 months 0% on purchases. Plus, get up to 16 months 0% on balance transfers, with a 3.49% transfer fee on a minimum £5.
The good news is, there is no fee to hold this Plus credit card. Our eligibility calculator from sister site Go.Compare will help you see if you qualify before you apply, or you can check directly on the HSBC site.
Should I use a 0% credit card?
These interest-free credit cards allow users to effectively borrow money for free, but it’s important to remember that this is still borrowing.
You have to repay the money you owe and if you miss a payment or fail to meet the minimum each month, the company is likely to cancel your 0% offer and start adding interest.
Other fees and charges may also be applied to your bill.
Things to watch out for with credit cards
Credit cards tend to be a fairly expensive form of borrowing so you shouldn’t come to rely on them to fund spending.
While a 0% purchase card can help you borrow money more affordably as there’s no added interest to pay on your repayments, the 0% interest will only be available for a limited time.
Therefore, it’s vital to keep an eye on when the offer period ends. It could be anything from a couple of months to several years.
After the offer ends, the card's standard rate of interest for purchases will apply.
Who can apply for the best credit cards on the market?
These are the best deals on the market, but you might not be able to access these offers.
Legally, credit card firms only need to give their advertised deals to 51% of successful applicants. If you have a bad credit history they might not offer you anything like the advertised deal. So it pays to do your research.
An online eligibility checker, like the one from our sister site Go.Compare or checking your credit score with any one of the three credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax or TransUnion can be a good place to start.
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