Get paid for borrowing at 0%

This guide is current as of January 2026.

If you need to borrow for a planned purchase, 0% purchase credit cards remain one of the smartest ways to spread costs. The longest deals currently available offer interest-free borrowing for up to 25 months—over two years to pay back what you owe without paying a penny in interest.

What's more, some of these cards offer rewards on your spending, meaning you can borrow at 0% while earning points or cashback. Here's everything you need to know about 0% purchase credit cards in 2026.

What is a 0% purchase credit card?

A 0% purchase credit card is a specialist type of credit card. If you use one of these cards for new purchases you can avoid paying any interest on your spending for a set period of time. Interest-free periods can vary massively between cards though, right now, the longest cards offer 0% periods are close to TWO YEARS.

0% purchase credit cards can be THE cheapest way to borrow. That's because if you use these cards correctly, you can actually borrow at no cost. Yet get it wrong by busting your credit limit, failing to repay, or missing a minimum repayment, and it could cost you big.

0% purchase credit card need-to-knows

If you've never borrowed on a credit card before, take the time to understand the following 0% purchase card need-to-knows.

1. Make at least the minimum payment each month. While 0% borrowing means you can avoid paying interest, it doesn't mean you have nothing to pay. In order to keep any interest-free deal, you're typically required to make at least the minimum payment each month. The easiest way to do this is to set up an automatic direct debit.

2. Stick within your credit limit. If you successfully apply for a credit card, then you'll be given a personal credit limit. This refers to maximum balance you can carry on your 0% card. For example, if your credit limit is £3,000, it's really important that you don't spend more than this on your card. If so do, this would be classified as busting your limit. This could negatively impact your credit score, and could also lead to the termination of your 0% deal.

3. Clear your balance before the 0% period ends. Whatever the length of your 0% purchase card it's important that you clear your balance before the interest-fee period ends. That's because after a 0% period ends, typical APR comes into play, which is usually very expensive. If you find you can't repay what you owe before your 0% period ends, then shifting your balance to a 0% balance transfer credit card is the next-best option.

4. Only get one of these cards if you won't overspend. If you fear you'll be tempted to use a 0% card to spend more than you usually would, then it's probably best to give these cards a miss. 0% credit cards should only be used for planned purchases, or to spread the cost of a big purchase that you can afford to repay. Never use the 0% element of these cards as an excuse to overspend.

The longest 0% purchase credit cards in 2026

As of January 2026, the longest 0% purchase periods available are up to 25 months. Three major providers currently offer this top deal: M&S Bank, Lloyds Bank, and TSB. This gives you just over two years to pay off your purchases without paying any interest.

However, it's important to understand that many of these cards are 'up to' deals. This means the 0% period you're offered will depend on your credit score and personal circumstances. Those with excellent credit histories are more likely to receive the full 25-month deal, while others may be offered shorter periods such as 22 or 19 months.

After the 0% period ends, the representative APR is typically around 24.9% on any remaining balance, so it's crucial to clear your debt before the interest-free period expires.

M&S Bank Purchase Plus - rewards while you borrow

One standout option is the M&S Bank Purchase Plus Credit Card, which offers up to 25 months at 0% on purchases. What makes this card particularly attractive is that it also rewards you for spending.

You'll earn one M&S Rewards point for every £1 you spend at M&S, and one point for every £5 spent everywhere else. Once you've collected 100 points, these convert into £1 in M&S vouchers. So if you're planning a large purchase and you shop at M&S, you can spread the cost interest-free while earning vouchers to spend in-store.

The representative APR on this card is 24.9% (variable) after the 0% period ends.

To explore more options and compare the latest deals, take a look at our best 0% purchase credit cards guide.

Is it wise to borrow in the climate climate?

As of January 2026, the UK economic picture has changed significantly from recent years. UK inflation currently stands at 3.2% (as of November 2025) and is forecast to fall further throughout 2026, with expectations that it will reach around 2.5% by the end of the year and approach the Bank of England's 2% target by mid-2027.

With inflation moderating and the Bank of England having cut interest rates to 3.75% in December 2025, the economic environment is more stable than it was during the 2022-2023 cost of living crisis. However, 0% purchase credit cards still offer significant value if used responsibly.

The key advantage remains simple: you can make a large purchase now and spread the repayments over up to two years without paying any interest. This makes it easier to manage your budget and avoid the high interest rates charged by standard credit cards (typically around 25% APR).

However, only borrow what you can afford to repay within the 0% period. If you don't have a genuine need to spread the cost of a planned purchase, or if you're concerned you might struggle to use these cards responsibly, it's best to stay clear of them.

To learn more about credit cards, take a look at our page that explains credit cards by their features.