What credit cards offer 0% interest on purchases in the UK? UK Credit Cards Offering Up to 36‑Month 0% Purchase Deals (Longest Interest‑Free Offers Revealed)

• August 14, 2025

Rising Living Costs

UK households face steep price rises. The ONS reports CPI inflation peaked at 11.1% in Oct 2022 and remains well above the 2% target. Grocery bills are about 25% higher than two years ago, while typical energy costs have almost doubled.

With budgets stretched, using a 0% purchase credit card can give welcome breathing room. The longest interest‑free deals – including some 36‑month purchase offers – let you spread a big cost without paying interest, provided you clear the balance on time. That can be cheaper than an overdraft charging roughly 39.9% APR.

Before you apply, map out affordable repayments and use tools like our repayment calculator to stay on track and keep your credit score healthy along the way.

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Near‑Prime Explained

Near‑prime borrowers sit in the middle of the credit spectrum. Your history isn't spotless, yet you're managing your money and want to move forward. Lenders see a little more risk, so standard credit cards can carry APRs of 29.9%. That's why a 0% purchase credit card can be so powerful.

Even if you don't qualify for the longest interest‑free credit card – some stretch to 36 months – many near‑prime deals still offer 0% on spending for 12 months. Used well, that is long enough to spread the cost of a new fridge or season ticket without paying interest. Always set a Direct Debit for at least the minimum, stay within your limit and clear the balance before the offer ends.

Want to check your chances? Try our free eligibility checker or explore our near‑prime credit card guide.

Interest‑Free Purchase Deals

0% purchase cards let you buy now and pay later without interest. Most UK issuers currently offer 12 months interest‑free, yet the market has hosted the best 12  month interest‑free credit card on purchases. While no provider has a live 36 month interest‑free credit card on purchases UK wide today, the longest interest‑free card still gives you more than 12 months to clear the balance – ideal for large buys. Eligibility often demands a good credit record, but near‑prime options are emerging for shoppers with thinner files. Always check the small print.

When comparing deals, watch:

Length: Interest‑free credit cards may give up to 24 months.
Revert APR: Standard rates often rise to 29.9% to 49.9%, so budget to repay before the 0% ends.
Extras: Some cards pair a 0% purchase credit card period with a 0% interest credit cards balance transfer offer.

Use an eligibility checker before you apply and set a payment plan that clears the balance within the window. Explore more in our interest‑free credit cards UK guide.

Selection Criteria

Hunting for the best 12-24 month interest‑free credit card on purchases UK consumers can find? Keep these points front of mind:

0% duration: The longest deals run 24–30 months; 36‑month offers are rare, so compare using our interest‑free card guide.
Revert APR: After the honeymoon, rates typically jump to 29.9% - 49.9% variable.
Fees & perks: Watch for annual fees, balance‑transfer charges, cashback or rewards.
Credit profile: Near‑prime borrowers can gauge approval odds via our Eligibility Checker before applying.
Repayment plan: Divide what you spend by the interest‑free months and set up an automatic payment.

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Divide what you spend by 24 and set up a direct debit – it keeps the offer active and safeguards your credit score.

118 118 Money blends a long purchase window with a handy balance‑transfer facility, making it a strong pick while you compare the longest interest‑free credit card deals. Check your chances with soft search or our own eligibility checker.

Always divide your planned spend by the interest‑free term to see the monthly payment you will need. Missed or late payments can cancel the offer, leaving you paying interest immediately. If you are also looking to shift existing debt, remember this card is purchase‑only; for a 0% interest credit cards balance transfer option, review our guide to interest‑free credit cards. Responsible use can protect your credit score and boost financial fitness.

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Repayment Blueprint

Getting a 0% purchase card is exciting, but real savings come from a smart pay‑off plan. First, divide what you spend by the interest‑free term. Spend £1,800 on the longest 36‑month interest‑free credit card and you'll need £50 each month to clear it. A 24‑month offer demands £75. Remember, most cards revert to 21%–29% APR when the deal ends, so planning matters (find out how 0% works).

Set up a direct debit for the calculated amount plus £5 to build a cushion.
Keep below your limit; going over can cancel the 0% rate.
Two months before expiry, check if a 0% balance transfer could save further interest.

Hidden Charges

0% purchase cards can feel cost‑free, yet a few stealth costs can creep in:

Balance transfer handling fees typically 1.5%–3.5%.
Cash withdrawals charged at around 3% plus immediate interest.
Non‑sterling spending attracts a 2.95%–3.99% foreign loading.
Miss a payment and you could lose the intro deal and pay 24.9% APR.
Annual or “account” fees on some longest interest‑free credit cards.

Before applying, read the summary of charges and set up a Direct Debit, keeping you on track and ensuring hidden costs never derail your interest‑free plan or your journey to financial fitness.

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Eligibility Boosters

Landing a 0% purchase deal – especially the longest interest‑free credit card at 24, 30 or even 36 months – starts with a healthy credit profile. Try these quick wins:

Register on the electoral roll and keep your address stable for 12+ months.
Pay every bill on time; one missed payment can erase a 0% offer.
Use a soft‑search eligibility checker before applying to protect your score.
If your history needs work, start with a credit‑building card and upgrade after six on‑time payments.

Key Takeaways

Interest‑free spending: 0% purchase credit cards let you buy now, pay later without interest; top UK deals currently give 12–24 months, while 36‑month offers are very rare.
Know the expiry date: Plan repayments so the balance is cleared before the standard rate (typically 29.9%–49.9% APR) kicks in.
Dual benefits: Some cards combine 0% on purchases with a 0% interest credit cards balance transfer window; check fees before moving debt.
Eligibility first: Use a soft‑search tool such as our Credit Card Eligibility Checker to avoid unnecessary credit searches.
Stay disciplined: Pay at least the minimum, avoid cash advances and keep within your limit to protect the promotional rate and your credit score.