A credit card with no annual fee does not necessarily mean borrowing is free. Check the purchase APR, balance-transfer or cash-withdrawal fees, late-payment charges and any foreign-exchange fees before applying. Paying the balance in full each month can help you avoid purchase interest, but only if your card provider’s terms allow this and payments are made on time. Compare cards using an eligibility checker where available, as applications may affect your credit record, and read the FCA-authorised provider’s terms carefully.