TL;DR
- 0% credit cards offer a fixed period - often 12-30 months - during which no interest accrues.
- Balance transfers usually carry a fee of 2%-3.5% of the transferred amount.
- Missing a minimum payment cancels the 0% rate in most cases.
- After the promotional period, the standard APR (often 20%-30%) applies to any remaining balance.
- FCA financial promotions rules require all material conditions to be disclosed clearly.
Last reviewed: May 2026 | Sources: FCA, FOS, Money and Pensions Service
A 0% credit card offers an introductory period during which no interest is charged on purchases, balance transfers, or both. See also the dedicated balance transfer cards guide and the first credit cards guide if you are building credit history.
Types of 0% credit card
A 0% purchase card charges no interest on new purchases during the promotional period. A 0% balance transfer card charges no interest on debt transferred from other credit cards. A combined card offers both, sometimes for different promotional periods. Promotional periods in 2025-26 have typically ranged from 12 to 30 months.
What happens when the promotional period ends
On the day after the promotional period ends, any remaining balance begins to accrue interest at the standard rate - for most 0% cards, 20% to 30% APR. Options include repaying from savings, or transferring the remaining balance to another 0% deal subject to a new credit check and transfer fee.
Minimum payments and promotional rate conditions
A minimum monthly payment is required throughout the promotional period. Missing one typically causes immediate cancellation of the 0% rate. Setting up a direct debit for at least the minimum payment prevents accidental missed payments.
RELATED GUIDES: Credit Cards and Personal Finance
FCA rules on credit card promotions
FCA financial promotions rules require that 0% promotions be clear, fair, and not misleading. All material conditions - such as the transfer fee, the end date of the promotional period, and the standard rate that applies afterwards - must be disclosed prominently in the standard summary box format required by the FCA.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Credit is subject to status. Terms and availability of 0% offers change frequently. Always read the full product terms and conditions before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 0% card have an annual fee?
Most 0% purchase and balance transfer cards in the UK do not charge an annual fee. Annual fees are more common on rewards or premium credit cards.
Can I use a 0% purchase card for cash withdrawals?
Cash advances are almost never covered by a 0% purchase promotion. They typically attract a fee of 2%-3% and begin accruing interest immediately at a higher cash advance rate.
What is the representative APR on a 0% credit card?
The representative APR is the rate that at least 51% of accepted applicants receive. On 0% cards, it reflects the standard rate that applies after the promotional period, not the 0% introductory rate. The actual APR depends on the individual credit profile.
Can I transfer a balance within the same bank?
No. Most credit card providers do not permit balance transfers between cards issued under the same banking group. The sending and receiving cards must be from different banking groups.
What if my credit limit is lower than the balance I want to transfer?
Only a partial transfer is possible up to the available limit. A partial transfer may still be worthwhile if it reduces the total balance accruing interest.
How this guide was verified
This article draws on FCA Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC), FCA financial promotions rules, Money and Pensions Service guidance, and FOS published decisions. No secondary aggregator sites were used.
