0% Purchase Credit Cards | September 10

0% Purchase Best Buy Guide Read more in... Part 1: How Do 0% Purchase Credit Cards Work? Part 2: How to Compare 0% Purchase Credit Cards 0% Purchase Credit Card Questions Got a Credit Card Question? Send your question to and we'll set our team of credit card experts to it! Most recent questions: How much will I have to pay back of my 0% purchase spend each month? How long is the longest 0% purchase deal available? What happens at the end of the 0% purchase period? What transactions aren't included in the 0% purchase deal? Are there any hidden charges with a 0% purchase deal? Are all purchases included in the 0% purchase rate? More frequently asked questions »

Part 3: How to Use a 0% Purchase Credit Card

0% purchase rate credit cards can be a helping hand for anyone who wants to borrow spending money for free.

This section takes a more in-depth look into how use zero percent purchase rate credit cards with a step by step guide into how to apply, use and lose them, plus tips on how to use them correctly.

How to use a 0% purchase Credit Card Step by Step

1. Apply for your credit card - Once you’ve found your perfect 0% purchases deal you can apply for the credit card online. You will have to fill out a simple form so try to have details such as your pre-tax salary and your address for the past five years to hand.
   
   Your new credit card issuer will then contact you by post. You may need to provide them with some additional details and after that you'll receive your credit card.



2. Budget - Now that you've got a 0% purchases credit card the best way you can make the most of it is to budget your income.
   
   If you are making one large purchase simply divide the price by the length of the 0% introductory period in months.
   
   For other spending on purchases it’s best to work out how much you will be able to comfortably afford to pay back at the end of the 0% introductory period and then make sure you don’t spend over that amount.
   
   Most importantly, however, remember that you still have to make at least minimum repayments every single month. Missing a monthly payment could lead to your 0% purchases offer being withdrawn so set up a direct debit and make a note to check that it has transferred.



3. Start spending - As soon as you’ve worked out how much you can afford to spend you can start making purchases with your 0% purchase rate credit card.
   
   Make sure that you only spend on purchases not cash transactions or gambling payments. For more on this see our how to use section.



4. Use the whole 0% period - The 0% interest period will usually start as soon as your credit card arrives so if you want to make a few purchases start as soon as possible to make the most of it.



5. Know when your 0% purchases credit card deal ends - Knowing when your 0% purchases credit card offer ends can help you to work out how much you need to repay each month to clear your balance by the end of the introductory period.
   
   If you know you won't be able to clear your balance by the end of the 0% purchases period, set a date in your diary when your 0% deal expires and remember to either pay off your balance completely or move the balance to a 0% balance transfer deal in good time to avoid paying interest.



6. Stop using your 0% on purchases credit card - Unless you want to use a credit card for short term borrowing within the usual limited 0% period stop using your 0% purchases credit card to avoid carrying a balance and paying interest.
   
   If you choose to get rid of the credit card, be aware that simply cutting it won’t close your account. Ring your provider to shut down the account properly.

0% purchase credit cards