Over half (55%) of the credit cards available on the market include an introductory 0% period on purchases, according to new data from financial information provider Defaqto.

These 0% purchase credit cards allow you to buy items and spread the cost without paying any interest for a set period, but you do have to pay at least the minimum statement balance each month. The 0% deal is only available for the length of the introductory period after which time the rate soars.

See YourMoney.com’s Confused about 0% credit cards? Your 60 second guide for more information.

Defaqto found that while the market has seen a small fall in the number of credit cards offering 0% period on purchases, the length of 0% interest deals has risen from an average of six months in 2013 to 11 months in 2016.

There were 15 different cards offering over two years’ interest-free purchase periods and these are currently the longest interest free periods on purchase credit cards:

Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, said when used correctly, 0% purchase periods on credit cards can prove a valuable feature in helping spread the cost of big ticket items such as at Christmas at no extra cost to the consumer.

“It is important to remember that once the 0% period finishes, the interest rate can rise dramatically, so always plan your budget to pay off any debts before it ends, and never miss making a monthly payment on time.

“While recent years have seen a slight decline in the proportion of cards that offer 0% deals, the length of time in which these deals last is clearly on the increase amid fierce competition in the market. In the run up to Christmas where we nearly all spend more it is as good a time as any to consider the credit card options.”