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Purchase credit cards
Find a 0% interest purchase card that’s right for you
- Compare 0% purchases cards, low APR cards and other options in one simple search
- Review new purchases rates and periods in an easy-to-understand comparison table
- Use smart search before you apply to increase your chances of being accepted
What is a 0% purchase credit card?
A purchase credit card can be used to buy things, or put a deposit down on bigger items like cars.
With so many options out there, it’s important to compare purchase credit cards to help you get the best deal. Some have interest rates as low as 0% and even come with extra perks.
Many purchase credit cards will offer a lengthy interest-free period for new shoppers, sometimes longer than 12 months.
That means that if you need to spread the cost of a major purchase, this type of card could save you money.
Of course, that's only true if you clear the balance within the introductory offer.
If not, you'll pay interest, typically at around 18%.
If you compare credit cards through Gocompare you'll be presented with a table showing all available cards.
You'll then be able to narrow down your search, and you can choose to see the cards offering 0% purchases only.
How do 0% purchase credit cards work?
A 0% purchase credit card will only offer 0% interest for a number of months. That means you’ll pay 0% interest on purchases you make during that time period.
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Compare
Before you apply for a 0% credit card, compare the different offers available to you so you know you’re getting the right deal
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Buy
Once you’ve been accepted for a 0% credit card, you can buy items up to your spending limit
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Repay
You’ll repay the cost of the items, without paying interest on your purchases, for as long as your card allows
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Pay it off
Try to pay off the full amount before the 0% interest offer ends, to keep your repayments to a minimum
Is a purchase credit card right for you?
Not all credit cards are the same - there are lots of different types and each is suitable for a different kind of borrower.
A purchase card is a good idea if you're looking to spread the cost of a large buy or lots of smaller expenses.
If you clear the debt in time, you won't pay any interest on your borrowing.
It's also easier and safer to shop online or over the phone using a credit card.
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your card company is jointly liable for your purchases with the retailer.
That means that if the seller goes bust or sends you a faulty item, you shouldn't be left out of pocket.
However, a purchase card might not be the right card for you. If you have existing card debt or loans, then you could be better off with a balance transfer credit card.
Some cards allow balance transfers and give an interest-free period on new spending, so you may want to consider one of those.
If you always clear your balance at the end of the month then a cashback credit card could let you actually earn money on your spending.
Think about how you plan to use your plastic before comparing products.
What are the downsides to a purchase card?
The main concern with a purchase card is that - at some point - the interest-free period ends.
While some cards have a lengthy interest free period of 34 months, they’re few and far between. The average length of a 0% interest free offer is actually around 18 months.
If you have a good credit score, you may be able to transfer the debt over to a balance transfer card at that point. However, there's no guarantee you'll be accepted, and you'll almost certainly have to pay a fee.
If you think it'll take you longer to clear the balance on a card, it's worth considering one that comes with a low interest rate, rather than an interest-free period.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, you won't know what spending limit you'll be given when you apply. The card company will make that decision based on your credit history and income.
So you could find that you qualify for a card, but don't get the credit limit you were hoping for.
How to choose the best purchase credit card
It can be tricky to know what the best deal is for you.
Be sure to take a look at things like:
- the interest rate (the lower, the better)
- how long any promotional rates will last for (the longer, the better)
- and what you’ll end up paying when it expires. For instance, you could be paying 0% interest for 18 months, but when this runs out, the interest could shoot up to 20%.
A quick comparison can tell you the providers more likely to accept you, so you won’t end up applying for lots of credit cards and damaging your credit score in the process.
The important thing is making sure you can pay at least the minimum requirement every month, so it’s good to take a look at your finances before you commit to a credit card.
Will you qualify for a top purchase card deal?
When you're comparing products, bear in mind that low interest rates and larger spending limits typically go to people with an excellent credit history and higher earnings.
Failed applications will damage your credit history meaning you're even less likely to qualify for the top deals.
There's an easy way to find out if you're likely to be accepted when you compare credit cards with Gocompare - just use our smart search function to find out how likely you are to get the card you want, without affecting your credit score.
Can I get a 0% purchase credit card with bad credit?
It is possible, but there aren’t many 0% purchase cards on the market for people with bad credit.
When the 0% interest rate runs out, the standard rate may be higher than for someone with good credit too.
It may be better to start by working out why you have a low credit score; it could be something as simple as not being on the electoral roll.
From there, you can find ways to bring your credit score back up - for instance, by using a credit builder card. When lenders can see that you have a stable history of making repayments, they’ll be more likely to give you better rates.
How to compare credit card deals with GoCompare
It’s easy, quick and won’t cost you a thing.
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Hit the ‘Get Quotes’ button at the top of the page
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You’ll be taken to a form where you’ll need to fill out details like your address, your income and your employment status
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You’ll get your results instantly, showing you the credit cards you’re most likely to be accepted for
Frequently asked questions
Your credit score could take a hit, as any missed repayments show up on your credit history.
You could also find yourself losing any promotional rates, like 0% interest, and paying the standard variable rate instead.
If you’re unable to make repayments, talk to your provider as soon as you can to see if they can help.
To increase your credit limit, you’ll need to prove to your credit card provider that you’re responsible with your money. Making repayments on time and above the minimum amount will help.
You probably won’t be able to increase your credit limit until you’ve had your card for six months. To request it, simply contact your provider.
A minimum payment is the lowest amount your provider will allow you to repay each month.
The actual amount you’ll pay depends on how much you’ve already spent on your card and what your interest rate is. You must make your minimum payments every month, or you could lose access to 0% interest rates and other benefits of your credit card.
Using our smart search tool only takes five minutes, and will help you find the right card for you.
When you’ve chosen the one you want, it can then take around 15 minutes to apply formally for it. You can be accepted almost instantly.
Once you’ve been accepted, your credit card will be shipped to your home within 10 days, and you can start using it straight away.