Stoozing: The Complete UK Guide
Stoozing is one of the simplest ways to earn free money from your everyday spending. This guide covers everything: what stoozing is, how it works step by step, how much you can earn, the risks to watch out for, and how to combine it with other strategies for maximum profit.
Last updated: March 2026
What is Stoozing?
Earn interest on money you'd spend anyway
Stoozing means spending on a 0% interest credit card instead of your debit card, while keeping your cash in a savings account earning interest. Before the 0% promotional period ends, you pay off the card in full. You keep all the interest as profit.
The term was coined on MoneySavingExpert forums in the early 2000s, named after a user called “Stooze” who popularised the technique. It quickly became one of the most discussed personal finance strategies in the UK, and it's just as effective today as it was then — arguably more so, with savings rates above 4%.
Here's a simple worked example: if you normally spend £800 per month on your debit card and switch to a 0% purchase credit card with a 20-month offer, that's potentially £16,000 that sits in a savings account earning interest instead of leaving your account immediately. At 4.5% AER, that could earn you over £300 in interest.
The key insight is that stoozing is not borrowing to invest. You're not taking on debt you wouldn't otherwise have. You're simply redirecting spending you'd make anyway through a 0% card, keeping the cash for longer, and earning interest on it in the meantime.
Want to see how much you could earn?
Use our free stoozing calculator to get a personalised estimate based on your spending and the current best savings rates.
How Stoozing Works
Five steps to start earning interest from your everyday spending. The whole process takes about 30 minutes to set up.
Apply for a 0% card
Get a 0% purchase credit card with the longest interest-free period you can find. Typical offers range from 12 to 24 months.
Use it for everyday spending
Switch all your regular spending from debit to the 0% card. Groceries, fuel, bills, subscriptions — everything.
Save the cash
The money stays in your current account. Move it into the best savings account you can find to earn interest.
Set up a Direct Debit
Set up a DD for at least the minimum monthly payment. Never miss one — it voids the 0% deal.
Pay off before 0% ends
Clear the full balance before the promotional period expires. Keep all the interest you earned.
Read our detailed stoozing guide for a deeper walkthrough of each step, with worked examples and tips.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your profit depends on three things: monthly spending, the length of the 0% offer, and the savings rate. Here are three realistic scenarios.
- £500/month spending
- 18-month 0% period
- 4.5% savings rate
- £800/month spending
- 22-month 0% period
- 4.5% savings rate
- £1,200/month spending
- 24-month 0% period
- 4.75% savings rate
These figures assume a 0% purchase card with no transfer fee. Balance transfer cards typically charge 1–3% upfront, which reduces your profit. For example, a 3% fee on £10,000 costs £300 — wiping out most of your interest earnings.
Calculate your exact profitBest 0% Credit Cards for Stoozing
Not all 0% cards are equal. The type of card you choose makes a significant difference to your profit.
0% Purchase Cards
No fee at all. You get 0% interest on everything you buy with the card. This is the ideal stoozing card — every penny of interest you earn in savings is pure profit.
- No upfront fees
- 0% on all purchases
- 12–24 month deals typical
Balance Transfer Cards
0% on transferred balances but charge a 1–3% fee upfront. This fee significantly reduces your stoozing profit. Only worth using if you already have credit card debt you want to consolidate at 0%.
- 1–3% transfer fee
- Fee reduces profit significantly
- Longer 0% periods available (up to 28 months)
Key tip
Look for the longest 0% period, not the highest credit limit. A longer 0% window means more time for your savings to compound. Card offers change frequently — what matters is the strategy, not the specific card. Always check your eligibility before applying to avoid unnecessary hard searches on your credit file.
Stoozing and Your Credit Score
One of the most common concerns about stoozing is the impact on your credit score. Here's what actually happens.
Applying for a card
Yes, applying triggers a hard credit check. This causes a small, temporary dip in your score — typically 5–10 points. One or two applications per year is absolutely fine. The impact fades within 3–6 months and disappears from your credit file after 12 months.
Using the card responsibly
Using credit and paying on time actually builds your credit score. Lenders want to see that you can manage credit responsibly. Making payments on time every month demonstrates exactly that. Stoozing can genuinely improve your credit history over time.
Credit utilisation
Try to keep your balance below 50% of your credit limit. Using 90%+ of your limit looks risky to lenders and can drag your score down. If your limit is £5,000, try not to let the balance exceed £2,500. Request a credit limit increase if you need headroom — most providers let you do this online.
Before a mortgage application
If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, pay off your stoozing balance 2–3 months before applying. A £5,000 credit card balance can reduce the amount you can borrow by £10,000–£20,000. Lenders look at your outstanding commitments, and a large credit card balance counts against you — even if it’s at 0%.
Multiple applications
Space your applications out. Don’t apply for 3 cards in a week — this looks desperate to lenders and will hurt your score. One application every 3–6 months is a sensible pace. Use eligibility checkers (soft search) to check your odds before formally applying.
For a deeper dive into how bank applications affect your mortgage prospects, read our guide on credit scores, bank switching, and mortgages.
Risks and How to Avoid Them
Stoozing is low-risk if you're organised, but there are four pitfalls that catch people out. Here's how to avoid every one of them.
Missing a minimum payment
The risk
Voids the 0% deal immediately. The card provider applies the standard revert rate — typically 23–25% APR — to your entire balance. One missed payment can cost you hundreds.
The solution
Set up a Direct Debit for at least the minimum payment from your current account. This costs you a few pounds a month but guarantees you never miss a payment.
Forgetting the 0% end date
The risk
After the promotional period, you suddenly start paying 23%+ interest on the remaining balance. Many people forget the exact date and get caught out.
The solution
Set calendar reminders for 3 months and 1 month before the 0% period ends. Or use StoozeMax to track your card expiry dates — we send automated reminders before they expire.
Spending more than usual
The risk
The card should replace debit card spending, not increase it. Some people treat the 0% card as “free money” and buy things they wouldn’t normally buy. This defeats the entire purpose.
The solution
Only put spending on the card that you would have made anyway with your debit card. If you wouldn’t buy it with cash, don’t buy it on the card.
High credit utilisation
The risk
Using 90%+ of your credit limit looks risky to lenders and can significantly hurt your credit score. This matters if you’re planning to borrow for a mortgage, car, or other loan.
The solution
Keep your utilisation below 50% of your limit. If you need to borrow soon, clear the stoozing balance 2–3 months before applying so it shows as paid on your credit file.
Learn more about the most common pitfall in our article on how to avoid the 0% expiry trap.
Combine with Bank Switching & Regular Savers
Stoozing is powerful on its own, but it's even more effective when combined with the other two proven UK banking strategies.
Bank switching earns you £100–200 per switch in cash bonuses, with most people managing 4–6 switches per year. Combined with stoozing, you're earning interest on your spending and collecting bonuses for moving your current account.
Regular saver accounts offer 7–8% AER on monthly deposits of up to £300. Many banks require a current account to open one, which pairs perfectly with bank switching — switch for the bonus, then open their regular saver for additional earnings.
Total annual earnings when you stack all three
per year
Learn how to combine all three strategies in our guide on how it all works, or browse current offers to see what's available right now.
Stoozing FAQ
Everything you need to know about stoozing, answered.
What is stoozing?
Stoozing is a UK money strategy where you spend on a 0% interest credit card instead of your debit card, while keeping the equivalent cash in a savings account earning interest. Before the 0% period ends, you pay off the card in full and keep all the interest as profit. The term was coined on MoneySavingExpert forums in the early 2000s.
Is stoozing legal?
Yes, stoozing is perfectly legal. You’re simply using a credit card as intended — spending on it and paying it off. The banks offer 0% deals to attract customers, and there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of that offer while earning interest on your cash elsewhere.
How much can you earn from stoozing?
It depends on your monthly spending, the length of the 0% offer, and the savings rate available. Most people earn between £100 and £400 per year. Someone spending £800/month on a 22-month 0% card with a 4.5% savings rate could earn around £350.
Is stoozing worth it?
Yes, if you’re disciplined and organised. Stoozing is essentially free money for being methodical — you set up a Direct Debit for the minimum payment, redirect your normal spending to the card, and let the cash earn interest. The main requirement is that you pay off the balance before the 0% period ends.
Does stoozing affect your credit score?
Applying for a 0% card causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score from the hard search. However, using the card responsibly and paying on time actually builds your credit history. The key is to keep your credit utilisation below 50% of your limit and avoid applying for multiple cards in quick succession.
What happens if I miss a payment while stoozing?
Missing even one minimum payment can void the 0% deal immediately. The card provider will apply their standard revert rate — typically 23–25% APR — to your entire balance. This is why setting up a Direct Debit for at least the minimum payment is essential. Never rely on remembering to pay manually.
Can I stooze with a balance transfer card?
Yes, but it’s less profitable. Balance transfer cards typically charge a 1–3% upfront fee on the amount transferred, which eats into your earnings. A 0% purchase card has no fee — you simply spend on it and keep the cash. Purchase cards are almost always better for stoozing.
Where should I put the money while stoozing?
The best options are the highest-rate easy-access savings account you can find, or Premium Bonds if you prefer the prize draw structure. You need instant access because you must be able to pay off the card before the 0% period ends. Fixed-rate accounts often pay more but lock your money away, which adds risk.
How long do 0% credit card offers last?
In 2026, most 0% purchase card offers last between 12 and 24 months. The longest deals occasionally stretch to 28 months. The length of offer you’re approved for may depend on your credit score — you might be offered a shorter 0% period than the headline deal.
Can I stooze if I’m planning a mortgage?
Yes, but pay off your stoozing balance 2–3 months before applying for a mortgage. Lenders look at your outstanding credit balances, and a £5,000 credit card balance could reduce the amount you can borrow by £10,000–£20,000. Clear the balance, wait for it to show on your credit file, then apply.
Never miss a 0% deadline
StoozeMax tracks your 0% card expiry dates and sends reminders before they expire. Free to use, no payment details required.