Is “0% Interest-Free Credit” Really Free in the UK?

Why buyers often pay more for “free” finance — and how paying directly can save you thousands

We’ll show you the True prices, every time.

At By Design Cambridge, we don’t offer finance — and that’s deliberate.
We prefer to give our customers clear, honest prices without the hidden costs that can come with “0% interest-free” offers.

You’ll never see us promoting “buy now, pay later” deals, because we believe true value comes from transparent pricing, not clever finance packages.

Let’s look at why “interest-free” credit from big kitchen chains like Wren isn’t always the bargain it seems — and how paying directly for your new kitchen or bathroom can actually save you money.

The truth behind “0% Interest-Free Credit”

When a retailer advertises 0% finance, the cost doesn’t just disappear — it’s built into the price.
Here’s what really happens:

• The retailer pays a finance subsidy (often 8–12% of the total sale) to the lender so you can borrow “interest-free.”
• That cost is then added back into the product price, meaning you end up paying it indirectly.

So while the loan may have “0% APR,” the goods themselves are often priced higher to cover the finance company’s fee.

In other words: it’s not really free — it’s just hidden.

The hidden costs of “free” finance

1. Higher advertised prices
   Large retailers that offer finance usually factor those costs into every quote. The price you see is rarely the same as a true cash value.
2. No genuine room for discounts
   If a big store is paying a 10% subsidy to the lender, they’ve already lost that margin — leaving little room for real price reductions.
3. Tied-in promotions
   Long-term 0% deals often come with strict conditions — minimum spends, deposits, or credit approval criteria that can limit your flexibility.
4. Marketing over substance
   “Free fitting” often accompanies finance offers, but those extras are rarely free. Their costs are built into the package price.

A simple comparison example

Imagine a kitchen quoted at £18,000 with 24 months of “0% finance.”
Behind the scenes, the retailer might be paying a 12% finance fee (that’s £2,160) to the lender.

At By Design Cambridge, because we don’t fund any finance deals, that £2,160 stays where it should — in your pocket.

That means our customers can often enjoy the same high-quality kitchen for a lower total price simply by paying directly via bank transfer or credit card.

Safer ways to pay — without using retailer finance

Even without a finance agreement, you can still protect your purchase:

• Pay your deposit by credit card (over £100) to qualify for Section 75 protection, which covers your purchase in case of problems.
• Pay the balance by bank transfer or debit card directly to By Design Cambridge once your order is confirmed — simple, transparent, and secure.
• Avoid “Pay by Bank” buttons from third parties — they don’t offer the same consumer protections as traditional payment methods.

Why By Design chooses not to offer finance

Our decision not to offer finance isn’t about limiting options — it’s about offering better value and honesty.

By avoiding high-cost finance schemes, we can:

• Keep our prices fair and competitive all year round
• Offer personal, flexible service rather than one-size-fits-all packages
• Focus entirely on design, craftsmanship, and aftercare — not commission-driven sales

Every quote we prepare is a true price — not inflated to fund the finance company fees or headline offers.

The bottom line

“0% Interest-Free Credit” may sound tempting, but it’s rarely truly free.
When you buy from By Design Cambridge, you’re not paying for someone else’s finance deal — you’re paying for quality, design expertise, and honest value.

We’d rather offer you a genuine, competitive price up front than hide costs behind glossy finance marketing.
It’s part of what makes working with a local independent different.

By Design Cambridge – Kitchen & Interior Specialists

We don’t do finance — we do fair pricing.

Visit our showrooms in Cambridge or Newmarket and see the difference transparency makes.
We’ll design around your budget, your style, and your space — without the hidden extras.

www.bydi.co.uk
Cambridge: 01223 656 555 | Newmarket: 01638 597 777
Book your design appointment today and beat the 2026 price rise.