A credit card gives you access to revolving credit. When you get a credit card, you’ll be given a credit limit (maximum spend). You can spend up to this amount on your credit card.

You’ll need to make at least the minimum monthly repayment on your credit card each month, or pay the balance off in full. If you don’t pay the balance off in full each month, you’ll be charged interest on your remaining balance. If you do pay your entire balance off in full on or before your repayment date, you won’t be charged interest on your spending.

The credit limit offered to you will depend on your credit history and your personal circumstances. This means it could be lower than the maximum credit limit available.

A balance transfer credit card allows you to transfer a balance from one credit card to another, usually for a fee. 

Balance transfer credit cards often come with an initial interest-free period. For instance, if the interest-free period was for first four months, you would not pay interest on your credit card balance during that time. This can give you more time to pay off what you owe without your debt increasing.

When your interest-free period comes to an end, you’ll pay interest on your credit card's entire remaining balance.

If your credit card has a 0% on purchases introductory offer, this means you can make purchases using your credit card without being charged interest for a set period of time, e.g. four months.

For instance, if you wanted to spread the cost of a big purchase or a number of small purchases, you could make the payments on your credit card, then pay it off in monthly instalments before the end of your 0% on purchases introductory offer.

If you still have any balance remaining on your credit card when your offer ends, you’ll be charged interest on the entire remaining balance.