Stoozing Calculator

Q: What is stoozing?

Stoozing is a strategy where you use a 0% purchase credit card for spending and place the cash you would have used into a savings account. The aim is to earn interest on the savings while making only the minimum card repayments, then clear the balance in full before the 0% period ends.

Oct 20, 2025 | Credit Cards, Guides

Editor, Consumer Finance: Michelle Blackmore

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

What is Stoozing and is it safe?

Stoozing is a term used to describe a particular kind of credit card strategy. It works like this. You take advantage of a 0% interest credit card offer, move the borrowed money into a high interest savings account, and keep the interest you earn before repaying the credit card balance in full.

It is not risk free. If you miss payments, rely on the wrong type of card, or fail to clear the balance before the interest free period ends, the costs can outweigh any benefit.

In theory, it’s a way to earn free money. In practice, it’s a niche and high risk technique that only works under specific conditions and it’s not suitable for most people.

At Mintify, we provide a stoozing calculator and information to help you understand how stoozing could potentially work. We don’t give financial advice, and whether or not you use this method is entirely your decision.

How does Stoozing work?

The most common way people stooze is by using a 0% purchase credit card. Here is how it usually works in practice:

You make everyday purchases on the card during the interest free period.

Instead of using your cash to pay off the balance straight away, you put that money into an easy access savings account that pays interest.

You make at least the minimum monthly repayments.

At the end of the 0% period, you repay the card in full using the money you set aside.

If everything is managed carefully, the savings account may have earned some interest. If anything goes wrong, such as missing a payment, savings rates dropping, or failing to clear the balance in time, the costs can be higher than the benefit.

Mintip: Look for a current or savings account with the highest interest rate, and make sure it’s an easy-access account. You’ll need to be able to withdraw the money quickly to pay off the balance on the 0% card when the introductory period is about to end.

Risks of Stoozing

Risk	Description	What Could Go Wrong
0% period ends early	Most deals last 12–24 months.	Once the promotional period expires, interest can jump to 20–30%+ APR, wiping out any gain.
Balance Transfer or cash fees	Many cards charge 1.5–3% to transfer balances or withdraw cash.	That upfront cost can exceed the savings you earn.
Missed payments	One late payment cancels the 0% deal and can hit your credit score.	You pay back interest on the full balance immediately.
Credit utilisation	Using too much of your credit limit can reduce your credit score.	Future borrowing (like a mortgage) could be affected.
Terms of use	Some lenders forbid using the card for investment or saving.	Breaching terms could result in account closure.

How much could I make from Stoozing?

At a savings rate of 4.25%, someone using a 0% purchase credit card could make around £330 in interest over 21 months if everything goes exactly to plan.

Here is how the numbers might potentially look:

Credit card limit: £5,000 with a 21-month 0% interest period

Monthly spending: £1,250, placed on the card instead of paid from the bank account

Savings: the same £1,250 moved into an easy-access savings account each month at 4.25% interest

Repayments: minimum payment made to the credit card each month from the current account

How the profit might build:

By month 4, the savings account holds close to £5,000.

Average balance across the 21 months is around £3,700.

At 4.25% annual interest, this balance earns roughly £330 over the full term.

At the end, the credit card is repaid in full, leaving the savings interest accumulated as profit.

This is only an illustrative example. Actual results depend on interest rates, card terms and fees, and making every repayment on time. Missing just one payment could cancel the 0% offer and trigger high interest charges. This is not financial advice.

Try it yourself: Stoozing Calculator

The example above shows just one possible scenario. Your numbers will look different depending on your card limit, the 0% period, your savings interest rate and any fees.

Use the calculator below to test your own figures. It will show you how much interest you might make, the repayments you need to cover, and the possible net outcome.

The calculator assumes the full saved amount is in the account for the whole 0% period. In reality, most people add money month by month, so the actual interest earned is usually lower.

Results are for illustration only. They do not guarantee an outcome and do not consider your personal circumstances.

This is not financial advice.

Stoozing Calculator

Estimate whether a stoozing strategy could net you a positive return.

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Balance to transfer (£)

Intro 0% period (months)

Balance Transfer fee (%)

Balance Transfer fee cap (£)

Optional: maximum fee amount. Set to 0 for no cap.

Minimum monthly payment type

Savings AER (%)

Annual Equivalent Rate for savings account

Compounding

Tax treatment

Overrun months after intro

Months to model after promotional period ends

Revert APR (%)

Standard APR that applies after promotional period

Fee handling flow

Who might use stoozing?

Stoozing is not suitable for everyone. It requires strict discipline and the ability to manage credit cards responsibly.

People who might consider it are usually:

Experienced with managing credit and not missing payments

Financially stable and able to repay the balance before the 0% period ends

Comfortable keeping track of multiple accounts and payment dates

It is unlikely to be suitable for anyone who:

Already has debts they are struggling to repay

Finds it difficult to budget or keep on top of bills

Relies on credit for day-to-day living expenses

Mintip: If you find repayments difficult or have existing debt problems, stoozing could make your situation worse. In these cases, it is usually safer to focus on paying down debt or seeking free advice from StepChange or MoneyHelper.

What about balance transfer cards?

While stoozing usually refers to using 0% purchase cards, some people look at balance transfer cards as another way to save money. A balance transfer moves existing credit card debt onto a new card with a 0% interest period, giving time to repay without interest charges.

Key points to know:

Fees: Most balance transfer cards charge a fee of 2–4% of the balance moved.

Repayments: The balance must be cleared within the 0% period or a much higher APR will apply.

Purpose: Unlike stoozing, the aim is to reduce the cost of existing debt, not to earn savings interest.

If you want to explore this further, try our balance transfer calculator.

Plan Before You Switch

Use our Balance Transfer Calculator to find the right card for you.

If you’re carrying credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card can help you pay it down faster by moving your balance to a new card with 0% interest for a set period. Using a balance transfer calculator helps you understand how much interest you could potentially save by transferring debt from your existing cards to a balance transfer card.

Calculate Potential Savings

Alternatives to consider

If your goal is to improve your finances, there may be other approaches that are simpler and carry less risk than stoozing. For example:

Paying down existing debt
Clearing debt directly can often save more money in interest than stoozing is likely to earn.

Saving regularly without borrowing
Building a savings habit by setting money aside each month means you earn interest with no added credit risk.

Choosing the right product for your needs
A standard savings account or cash ISA may give you a secure way to grow money without relying on credit.

Seeking free, impartial advice
If you are unsure about borrowing or already find it difficult to manage repayments, organisations like StepChange and MoneyHelper can provide confidential guidance.

Will stoozing affect my credit score or mortgage application?

Potentially yes, because stoozing involves borrowing on credit cards, it can affect your credit profile and may reduce the amount you can borrow on a mortgage.

Key risks to be aware of:

Credit score impact:
High credit utilisation ratio (using a large share of your available credit) can lower your credit score. Multiple applications in a short time can also be seen as risky.

Missed payments:
Even a single late or missed minimum repayment can cancel the 0% deal, add high interest charges, and leave a mark on your credit history.

Mortgage affordability:
When lenders assess a mortgage, all outstanding credit card balances count as debt, even on 0% card. A maxed-out card can reduce the loan amount you are offered or affect approval.

Lender response:
High balances may prompt lenders to reduce credit limits, increase interest rates, or close accounts. This can limit access to credit for emergencies.

Mintip: If you are planning to apply for a mortgage or another major credit product, it may be safer to avoid stoozing.

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Mintify Limited, trading as Mintify, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Creditec Limited who acts as a credit broker, not a lender.

Frequently asked questions about Stoozing

What is Stoozing?

Stoozing is a method where you use a 0% purchase credit card for spending and place the cash you would have used into a savings account. The aim is to earn interest on the savings while making only the minimum card repayments, then clear the balance in full before the 0% period ends.

Is Stoozing legal?

Yes. Stoozing is legal, provided you stay within the terms and conditions of your credit card and keep up repayments.

Is Stoozing bad for your credit score?

It can be. Carrying high balances, missing repayments, or making multiple applications in a short time may lower your credit score. Even if you pay no interest, lenders still see the balance as debt.

Is Stoozing worth it?

Not always. Any potential profit is modest and depends on strict discipline. Missing one repayment or failing to clear the balance in time can result in high interest charges that outweigh the benefit.

How much can you make from Stoozing?

The amount varies and there is no guaranteed profit. Any return depends on your credit card terms, your repayment discipline, the savings rate, and avoiding all fees.

What are the risks with Stoozing?

The main risks are missing a repayment, savings rates falling, fees reducing your return, carrying too much debt, or failing to repay in time. In all these cases, the costs can outweigh any benefit.