The best 0% purchase credit cards to help spread the cost of Christmas

Summer may only just be over but from today there are just 100 day left until Christmas and according to research from American Express, 32% of consumers have already started their Christmas shopping.

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, so it may make sense to spread the cost over several months by starting the festive shop early. This year will be particularly difficult for many consumers and, according to American Express, 28% of consumers are planning to spend less on Christmas this year compared to the previous year.

Ideally, those who like to splash out during the festive season should have a Christmas savings fund to help them with the cost. But, for those who have had to use their savings to help with essential costs during the year or who haven’t managed to save as much as they like, a 0% purchase credit card can be a helpful way of spreading the cost of Christmas.

It should always be remembered that money spent on credit cards is borrowed money and, as such, those using credit cards should keep their spending within affordability limits and ensure they have a plan in place and the means to pay off the credit card as quickly as possible. 0% purchase credit cards can be a useful option in the run up to Christmas, as they do not charge interest on purchases made on the card during a pre-set time period.

Below we’ve highlighted some of the best deals within the 0% purchase credit card charts.

Santander has the longest interest-free period on a 0% purchase credit card with its All in One Credit Card Mastercard offering 26 months of 0% interest. This card has a monthly fee of £3 and offers 0.5% cashback on purchases. After the interest-free period has ended it charges 21.7% APR variable.

In addition to Santander’s All in One Credit Card Master card, which offers 0.5% cashback on purchases, Tesco Bank, M&S Bank, and Sainsbury’s Bank all offer competitive deals with rewards. Tesco Bank’s Clubcard Plus Credit Card Mastercard offers 0% interest for 24 months, after which it charges 37.7% APR variable. This card is only available to Clubcard Plus subscribers and a £7.99 per month fee applies for this subscription. It offers reward points on purchases made on the card, which are converted to Tesco vouchers which can be used towards shopping or exchanged for Partner Rewards.

M&S Bank’s Shopping Plus Mastercard has a 20 month interest-free period, after which it charges 19.9% APR variable. Rewards are gained when purchases are made on this card which are converted into reward vouchers four times a year and sent with the Loyalty statement. The vouchers can be redeemed in all Marks & Spencer UK stores and online.

Sainsbury’s Bank’s Dual Offer Credit Card Mastercard has an interest-free period for 20 months. After the interest-free period has ended it charges 20.9% APR variable. This card is only available to Nectar members of at least six months. It enables customers to earn Nectar points on purchases made on the card.