If there is something we can confirm is that 0% APR credit cards can be a powerful financial tool, allowing you to make purchases or transfer existing debt without incurring interest for a set period. Whether you’re looking to spread the cost of a large purchase or manage existing credit card debt more effectively, these cards offer significant benefits.
However, not all 0% APR credit cards are the same. Some provide longer interest-free periods, while others come with additional perks such as cashback or rewards. To help you choose the best option, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 0% APR credit cards in the UK for January 2025, detailing their key features and eligibility criteria.
Key Takeaways
- 0% APR credit cards help manage debt and finance large purchases interest-free for a set period
- Cards vary in interest-free duration, balance transfer fees, and additional perks like cashback or rewards.
- Choosing the best card depends on your needs—longer 0% APR periods are ideal for large purchases or debt consolidation.
- Consider balance transfer fees and post-offer APR to avoid unexpected costs.
- Always pay at least the minimum monthly payment to maintain the 0% APR offer.
- Using rewards and cashback strategically can maximize benefits.A repayment plan is essential to avoid high-interest charges once the promotional period ends.
Top 10 0% APR Credit Cards in the UK
Barclaycard Platinum Purchase Offer
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 24 months, making it ideal for spreading the cost of large expenses.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 18 months, with a 3.5% balance transfer fee.
- No annual fee, ensuring affordability.
- Access to Barclaycard Entertainment for exclusive event discounts.
- Free access to your credit score via Barclaycard’s online banking.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit score increases approval chances.
- Cannot already hold a Barclaycard Platinum.
- Must meet Barclaycard’s affordability checks, based on income and existing financial commitments.
MBNA 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 22 months, with a 2.99% transfer fee.
- 0% interest on purchases for the first 12 months, making it a good option for both spending and debt consolidation.
- No annual fee, keeping long-term costs low.
- Ability to transfer balances from most UK credit cards (excluding MBNA, Lloyds, and Halifax).
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A strong credit history is recommended for approval.
- Must meet MBNA’s lending criteria based on income and existing debts.
- Cannot transfer balances between MBNA, Lloyds, or Halifax accounts.
Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 20 months, helping spread the cost of spending.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 20 months, with a 2.99% balance transfer fee.
- No annual fee, keeping costs low.
- Provides free access to your credit score through Lloyds Bank’s mobile app and online banking.
- Offers contactless and mobile payment support, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit score is recommended for approval.
- Cannot transfer balances from another Lloyds Banking Group card (Lloyds, Halifax, or MBNA).
- Subject to affordability checks based on income and financial obligations.
Halifax Purchase Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 18 months, making it ideal for financing larger purchases.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 15 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee.
- No annual fee, ensuring affordability.
- Access to Halifax’s Credit Checker, allowing you to monitor your credit health.
- Provides compatibility with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A fair to good credit score improves approval chances.
- Cannot transfer balances from Halifax, Lloyds, or MBNA credit cards.
- Must pass Halifax’s affordability checks based on income and financial history.
Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 22 months, offering one of the longest interest-free periods for spending.
- Earn Clubcard points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for Tesco vouchers or other rewards.
- No annual fee, making it cost-effective.
- Provides access to Tesco Bank’s mobile app for easy account management.
- Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for convenient payments.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit score increases the chances of approval.
- Subject to Tesco Bank’s affordability assessments based on income and outstanding debt.
- Must not already hold another Tesco Bank Purchases Credit Card.
Sainsbury’s Bank 0% Purchase Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 27 months, allowing you to spread the cost of new purchases without incurring interest charges.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 27 months, with a 2.74% balance transfer fee, enabling you to consolidate existing debts.
- Earn Nectar points on your spending, with 2 points for every £1 spent at Sainsbury’s and 1 point for every £5 spent elsewhere, enhancing your rewards on everyday purchases.
- No annual fee, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
- Access to Sainsbury’s Bank Online Banking and Credit Card App for convenient account management.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit history is recommended for approval.
- Must have a minimum annual income of £10,000.
- Existing Sainsbury’s Bank credit cardholders may not be eligible for this offer.
- Subject to Sainsbury’s Bank’s affordability assessments based on income and existing financial commitments.
Virgin Money All Round Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 12 months, allowing you to manage new spending without immediate interest charges.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 12 months, with a 2.9% balance transfer fee on transfers made within the first 60 days, facilitating debt consolidation.
- 0% interest on money transfers for up to 12 months, with a 3% money transfer fee, providing flexibility to move funds as needed.
- No annual fee, keeping the card cost-effective.
- Access to Virgin Money Back program, offering cashback at selected retailers when shopping through the Virgin Money Back website.
- Manage your account easily with the Virgin Money Credit Card App.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit history is advisable for a successful application.
- Must have a UK bank or building society account.
- Existing Virgin Money, Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, or B credit cardholders may not be eligible to transfer balances from these accounts.
- Subject to Virgin Money’s affordability checks based on income and current financial obligations.
Santander Everyday Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 18 months, allowing you to spread the cost of new spending.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 18 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee.
- No annual fee, making it a cost-effective option.
- Access to Santander Boosts, which offers cashback and personalized rewards when shopping with selected retailers.
- Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay for seamless transactions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit score is required for approval.
- Must have a minimum annual income of £7,500.
- Existing Santander credit cardholders may not be eligible for this offer.
- Subject to affordability assessments based on income and current financial obligations.
HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 20 months, making it ideal for spreading the cost of large purchases.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 18 months, with a 2.99% transfer fee.
- No annual fee, ensuring affordability.
- Access to HSBC Rewards Program, where cardholders can earn cashback and discounts with select retailers.
- Provides purchase protection, covering eligible items against theft or accidental damage.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good to excellent credit score is recommended for approval.
- Must have an HSBC current account or be able to meet their lending criteria.
- Cannot transfer balances from other HSBC Group credit cards (including First Direct and M&S Bank).
- Subject to HSBC’s affordability checks based on income and existing debts.
NatWest Purchase Credit Card
Key Features
- 0% interest on purchases for up to 23 months, offering one of the longest interest-free periods for spending.
- 0% interest on balance transfers for up to 21 months, with a 2.9% transfer fee.
- No annual fee, keeping the card cost-effective.
- Provides NatWest Rewards, allowing eligible customers to earn cashback on household bills when using the card alongside a NatWest Reward account.
- Easy account management through the NatWest mobile banking app.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
- A good credit history is required for approval.
- Must have a UK bank or building society account.
- Cannot transfer balances from another NatWest, RBS, or Ulster Bank credit card.
- Subject to affordability assessments based on income and existing credit commitments.
Comparison of Key Features
| Credit Card | 0% APR on Purchases | 0% APR on Balance Transfers | Balance Transfer Fee | Post-Offer APR | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard Platinum | 24 months | 18 months | 3.5% | 21.9% variable | Barclaycard Entertainment, free credit score |
| MBNA 0% Transfer & Purchase | 12 months | 22 months | 2.99% | 22.9% variable | No annual fee, mobile banking |
| Lloyds Bank Platinum | 20 months | 20 months | 2.99% | 21.9% variable | Free credit score access, mobile payments |
| Halifax Purchase | 18 months | 15 months | 3% | 22.9% variable | Credit Checker, mobile wallet support |
| Tesco Bank Purchases | 22 months | N/A | N/A | 20.9% variable | Earn Tesco Clubcard points |
| Sainsbury’s Bank 0% Purchase | 24 months | 21 months | 2.89% | 22.9% variable | Earn Nectar points, mobile app |
| Virgin Money All Round | 12 months | 20 months | 2.9% | 21.9% variable | Virgin Money Back cashback |
| Santander Everyday | 18 months | 18 months | 3% | 22.9% variable | Santander Boosts cashback |
| HSBC Purchase Plus | 20 months | 18 months | 2.99% | 21.9% variable | HSBC Rewards, purchase protection |
| NatWest Purchase | 23 months | 21 months | 2.9% | 22.9% variable | NatWest Rewards cashback |
How to Choose the Right 0% APR Credit Card
Choosing the best 0% APR credit card depends on your financial goals. Here are key factors to consider:
- Length of the 0% APR Period
- If you’re making a large purchase, look for a card with the longest 0% purchase APR period.
- If you’re transferring existing debt, prioritize a longer 0% balance transfer period.
- Balance Transfer Fees
- A lower transfer fee can save money in the long run. Some providers offer no-fee balance transfers for a limited time.
- Post-Offer APR
- Once the promotional period ends, standard interest rates apply. If you think you may carry a balance beyond the offer period, choose a card with a lower post-offer APR.
- Additional Benefits
- Some cards come with cashback, loyalty points, or purchase protection. If you frequently shop at certain retailers, a rewards credit card could provide extra value.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Your credit score and income impact approval chances. Many providers offer eligibility checkers to see if you qualify before applying.
Maximising Benefits of 0% APR Credit Cards
To make the most of a 0% APR credit card, follow these best practices:
- Pay off your balance before the 0% period ends to avoid interest charges.
- Make at least the minimum monthly payment to retain the 0% offer and avoid penalties.
- Use rewards and cashback strategically—align spending with reward categories for maximum value.
- Avoid unnecessary spending—treat the 0% offer as an interest-free loan, not a reason to overspend.
- Monitor balance transfer offers if you need more time to repay debt after the introductory period ends.
Conclusion
0% APR credit cards are a valuable financial tool for managing debt or financing large purchases without interest. Choosing the right card depends on your specific needs, such as the length of the 0% APR period, fees, and additional perks. Be sure to compare options carefully, understand the terms, and have a clear repayment plan to avoid interest charges once the promotional period expires.
