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Compare the Best 0% Purchase Credit Cards

A 0% purchase credit card is a type of credit card that offers a 0% interest rate on spending for a fixed period of time. This means you could borrow money without paying any interest (if you meet all the terms of the 0% offer).

Moneyfactscompare.co.uk has been providing comprehensive comparison charts to the public for over 25 years. Start comparing the best purchase credit cards and introductory interest-free offers on our chart below.

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Best Purchase Credit Cards

Best Purchase Credit Cards

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<p>We found <strong>55 PRODUCTS </strong>in total, of which <strong>4 have links to providers</strong></p>

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Selecting ‘Provider Links First’ brings all products that you can apply for directly via Moneyfacts to the top of the chart in rate order. Products that do not have an ‘Go To Provider's Site’ button will appear below, again in rate order. Selecting an option from the drop-down will change the chart to list all products in order depending on the option you have selected, with the best rate being at the top. Products that have ‘Go To Provider's Site’ links will still be in the list but in rate position. Selecting ‘Favourites First’ will bring your chosen products to the top of the chart in rate order with those with Provider Links shown first.

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  • M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard

    M&S Bank Credit Card Purchase Plus Offer Mastercard

    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    24 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Check Eligibility
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card Visa

    HSBC Purchase Plus Credit Card Visa

    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    20 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Check Eligibility
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa

    HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa

    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,343 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    3 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    17 months
    Check Eligibility
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard

    M&S Bank Credit Card Transfer Plus Offer Mastercard

    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,343 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    3 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    17 months
    Check Eligibility
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • Barclaycard Platinum 21 Month BT and 24 Month Purchase Visa
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    24 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • MBNA Limited 0% Transfer and Purchase Credit Card Visa
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    22 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.94% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • Barclaycard Platinum 24 Month BT and 21 Month Purchase Visa
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    21 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • Lloyds Bank Platinum 0% Purchase and Balance Transfer Credit Card Visa
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    21 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.94% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • NatWest Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
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    20 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
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    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
  • Royal Bank of Scotland Purchase & Balance Transfer Credit Card Mastercard
    Total Cost of Borrowing
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    £3,000 including fees and interest
    Introductory Purchase Rate
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    0.00%
    Introductory Purchase Period
    Press for help tip
    20 Months
    APR
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    24.9%
    Time to Payback
    Press for help tip
    15 months
    Representative Example: Based on a credit limit of £1200.00 charged at 24.9% variable per annum for purchases. Representative 24.9% APR variable.
Note

moneyfactscompare.co.uk is an independent credit broker not a lender. We will receive a payment from credit providers where customers link to them from moneyfactscompare.co.uk. None of these arrangements affects our independence.

Where N/A is shown for Balance and/or Money Transfers, the applicable feature is not available.

Disclaimer

All credit cards are subject to the applicant’s status. The APR quoted is representative of the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances the APR you are offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit. Fees and rates subject to change without notice. Please check all rates and terms before borrowing.

Provider Links

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See your personalised credit card offers

Compare 0% purchase credit cards from different providers and see the offers you may be eligible for. This should only take a few minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

0% purchase credit cards explained

What is a 0% purchase credit card?

A 0% purchase credit card is a type of credit card that doesn’t charge any interest on your spending for a specified period.

This interest-free period could range from as little as three months to more than 20 months, potentially helping you to save hundreds of pounds (or even more) in interest compared to borrowing on a standard credit card over the same period.

With a 0% credit card, you can buy goods and services in-store or online, for example, without paying any interest.

This is on condition you meet the minimum monthly payments and the other terms of the card and that you clear your balance before the end of the 0% period.

Example

You’ve recently moved house and want to buy a new sofa (costing £1,000) and a fridge-freezer (costing £800). You use a credit card for both these purchases and, assuming you don’t use the card for further spending, your total balance is £1,800.

If your card has a 0% offer for 18 months, you have 18 months to pay off your balance in full before interest charges apply. By paying it off in equal instalments of £100 a month, you can clear your debt by the end of the 0% period.

How does an interest-free credit card work?

You can use a credit card with an interest-free period for your spending, whether it’s to pay for a particularly expensive item, a holiday or for a range of smaller purchases.

Unlike standard credit cards which charge interest on your balance, 0% credit cards won’t charge interest for the specified period. For example, a credit card with a 12-month interest-free period won’t charge any interest for 12 months.

Some credit cards won’t charge any interest on any purchases made during the entire 0% period. However, others may only offer 0% interest on purchases made during a limited period at the start of the offer, but give you a set number of months interest-free to pay these off after that.

For example, purchases made within 60 days of taking out the card may be eligible for the 0% offer and won’t be charged interest; but any purchases made after this point will be charged interest at the standard rate. Always check for this restriction before applying for a card.

While you won’t be charged any interest during this period, you still need to make at least the minimum monthly payments. Otherwise, you risk losing the 0% offer and the provider may charge a penalty fee.

Once the 0% period ends, the provider will charge interest on any balance left outstanding on your credit card. This means you need to clear your balance in full (either by paying it off or by transferring it to a 0% balance transfer card) before the end of the 0% period to avoid paying any interest.

As with all credit cards, you also need to keep within your credit limit.

While you won’t be charged interest on purchases, interest or fees may be charged on other activities such as spending overseas or cash withdrawals, for example.

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To help you clear your balance before the end of the 0% period, aim to pay more than the minimum payment each month. Ideally, divide your balance by the number of interest-free months and set up a Direct Debit so you can clear your card in equal instalments by the end of the term.

What can you use a 0% purchase credit card for?

It’s possible to use a 0% purchase credit card for most purchases, both online and in-store, provided the retailer accepts credit cards.

For example, you may use a 0% credit card to spread the cost of a holiday, a new car or an expensive new appliance such as a washing machine or television.

You could also use a 0% credit card for your supermarket shopping and other spending, or to cover any emergency expenses. For example, a 0% credit card could be a useful back-up option if you need to pay for unexpected repairs or replacements, or if your income suddenly drops for some reason.

But, whatever the reason for using a 0% purchase credit card, it’s important to only spend what you can afford to repay. It shouldn’t be an excuse to overspend as you’re likely to face expensive interest charges if you can’t clear your debt before the end of the 0% period.

Some 0% cards may also offer an interest-free period on balance transfers or money transfers. However, these may be different to the interest-free purchase period, so it’s important to check the terms of a card for more information.

Bear in mind that, while you may be able to use a 0% purchase credit card for cash withdrawals, expensive interest charges may apply.

Pros and cons of 0% purchase credit cards

  • If you don’t have the money saved up, they can help you to afford an expensive purchase and spread the cost over a number of months.
  • Provided the balance is paid off in full before the interest-free period ends, no interest will be charged.
  • Some credit cards offer extra incentives, including cashback and loyalty points, which can add up to a tidy additional sum.
  • When buying something with your credit card worth between £100 and £30,000, you have certain rights under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which means you could get your money back should anything go wrong.
  • If you don't clear your balance before the end of the interest-free period, you will likely be charged a high interest rate on the sum left outstanding.
  • If you use the credit card to withdraw cash, interest charges can be high and accumulate quickly.
  • Failing to make a minimum payment or going over your credit limit could affect your credit score and lead to a penalty fee. You could also lose your 0% deal.
  • Credit cards could tempt you into overspending and building up unaffordable debt, so it’s important to use it responsibly and only use it for necessary and affordable purchases.

How long is the interest-free period on an interest-free credit card?

The 0% period on an interest-free credit card can vary. At the time of writing, the longest interest-free period available is up to 23 months.

Bear in mind that you may not receive the advertised offer if the card says the 0% period is “up to” a certain number of months. The actual 0% offer you receive will depend on your credit history and personal circumstances.

However, some purchase credit cards offer a fixed 0% period, which means you will definitely receive this offer if you’re approved for the card.

What happens after the interest-free period ends?

Once the interest-free period comes to an end, interest will start to be charged on any outstanding balances and on any further purchases.

You can carry on spending with the card once the 0% offer ends, but aim to clear your balance each month to avoid paying interest.

What happens if you don’t pay off your 0% interest credit card?

If you don’t pay off your credit card before the end of the 0% period, you will be charged interest on the outstanding balance.

However, if you want to avoid paying interest but don’t have the money to pay off your card, you could consider moving your debt to a balance transfer credit card. If you qualify for a 0% balance transfer offer, you can continue to avoid paying interest for the specified period, giving yourself longer to pay off your card.

If you want to transfer your balance, make sure to do this before the end of your existing 0% offer, otherwise you may be charged interest.

What is the purchase rate on a credit card?

The purchase rate on a credit card is the interest rate that you’ll be charged on your purchases.

If a purchase card has an introductory 0% offer, this means you won’t be charged interest for this period. Once this offer ends, the purchase rate applies which means you will be charged interest at this rate.

Note that the annual percentage rate (APR) of a credit card is calculated using the purchase interest rate, plus any fees.

Try our credit card calculators

Calculate what you need to know before applying.

Balance transfer calculator – calculate how much you could save by switching to a 0% balance transfer credit card.

Minimum repayment calculator – calculate how long it will take to clear your balance when only making the minimum repayments.

Repayment calculator – calculate how quickly you could pay off your credit card.

Applying for a 0% purchase credit card

You can typically apply for a purchase credit card if you’re over 18 years old and have a UK bank account, although some providers may only accept applications from those aged over 21.

When you apply, you’ll need to tell the provider your name, address, date of birth and contact details, as well as information about your employment status, income and financial dependants.

Some providers may set a minimum income requirement and other criteria, so always make sure you meet these before applying. For example, some may only consider applications from those with a good credit history and record of managing payments.

Will applying for an interest-free credit card score affect my credit score?

Yes, providers will run a hard credit check when you apply for any type of credit card.

While one hard check is unlikely to have a significant impact on your score, multiple applications for credit in a short space of time could be viewed negatively by lenders and harm your score. This is why it’s so important to only apply for a credit card if you’re confident of approval, so you limit the number of applications you make.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to see if you qualify for different credit cards before formally applying, as this allows you to see your chances of approval with no impact on your credit history.

How many 0% credit cards can you have?

Theoretically, you can have as many 0% credit cards as you like, on condition that you pass the provider’s checks. However, it’s important to consider that lenders will run a hard credit check every time you apply for a card, and multiple applications in a short period could affect your score. Furthermore, having access to too much credit on multiple cards could also affect your credit score and make providers wary, affecting your chances of getting credit in the future.

Importantly, if you have multiple credit cards, there’s a greater risk that you could build up too much debt that you can’t afford to repay. If you have more than one credit card, it’s crucial to stay on top of your spending and manage your debts effectively, otherwise this could harm your credit history and have more serious consequences for your finances.

How do I know if I qualify for an interest-free credit card?

You can see if you qualify for an interest-free credit card by checking your eligibility first. This involves a soft credit search which won’t be visible on your credit report or affect your score.

See the interest-free credit card offers you qualify for with our partner Monevo.

Other types of credit card to consider

Depending on what you need the credit card for and your financial situation, a different type of credit card may be more suitable for you than a 0% purchase card.

For example, if you’re currently paying interest on any existing credit card debt, moving it to a 0% balance transfer credit card could help you save money.

Alternatively, if you’re confident that you can afford to clear your credit card balance every month, a cashback credit card or rewards credit card may offer more benefits than a 0% interest card.

Anyone planning to travel abroad may be interested in a specialist travel credit card to avoid paying any expensive overseas fees.

Meanwhile, those with poorer credit histories who may not qualify for the most competitive credit cards could consider taking out a credit builder card.

Interest-free credit card FAQs

What is the best interest-free credit card?

For many, the best interest-free credit card may be the one with the longest 0% period as this means you have longer to pay off your card before interest starts being charged.

However, as well as the 0% purchase period, it’s worth looking at other features, such as any 0% period for balance transfers, cashback or reward schemes or fee-free spending abroad. Depending on how you plan to use your credit card and how long you need to repay your balance, a credit card with a shorter 0% period but with an attractive reward scheme could be more beneficial than the card with the longest 0% period.

Before applying for a credit card, check your eligibility to see what interest-free credit card offers you may qualify for.

Why would somebody use a 0% purchase credit card?

Someone may use a 0% credit card for a range of purchases. For example, they could use it to pay for an expensive appliance, such as a dishwasher, or for a sofa, bed or other piece of furniture. You can also use a 0% card to pay for services, including hotel stays, flights or package holidays, as well as to cover any emergency expenses.

Is it worth getting a 0% credit card?

A 0% credit card may be worth getting if you need to buy one or more big ticket items and don’t have enough in savings to pay for them. Using a 0% card allows you to spread the cost of your purchases and, assuming you pay off the card in full by the end of the 0% period, it won’t cost you anything in interest. However, because credit cards can be risky, it’s important to only apply for one if you won’t be tempted to overspend and if you’re confident that you can afford to repay your debt.

What credit score do you need for an interest-free credit card?

There isn’t a fixed credit score that you need for an interest-free credit card, and it’s also important to remember that you have different credit scores with different credit reference agencies (CRAs).

Typically, the better your credit score, the better your chances of approval and of accessing the most competitive 0% offers.

Can I get an interest-free credit card with bad credit?

It may be possible to get an interest-free credit card with a bad credit score, but you may not qualify for the best offers. Providers view those with a poorer credit history as a higher risk so typically reserve the longest and most attractive 0% offers for those with the best credit scores. You can compare credit cards for bad credit on our chart.

You can compare credit cards for bad credit on our chart. Alternatively, see what credit card offers you may qualify for (without affecting your credit score) with our partner Monevo.

Can I transfer a balance from a standard credit card to a new 0% interest credit card?

This depends on the credit card. Some interest-free credit cards allow balance transfers and may offer a 0% balance transfer offer alongside their purchase offer. This means you can transfer a balance from another credit card (often for a fee) and avoid paying any interest for the specified period. Check the terms of an individual card to see their balance transfer terms.

What is the difference between a balance transfer credit card and a purchase credit card?

A purchase credit card is suitable for spending while a balance transfer credit card is specifically designed to transfer debt from existing credit cards (typically to save money on interest). There are some credit cards that have 0% balance transfer and 0% purchase offers. These may be known as “all in one” or “all round” credit cards.

What is the difference between a purchase card and a credit card?

A purchase card is a type of credit card that’s designed for spending. A purchase card may come with a 0% introductory offer on purchases while a standard credit card may not.

Can I get an interest-free credit card with a cashback offer?

Some credit cards with a 0% interest period may come with some form of cashback or reward scheme, such as loyalty points. Check the terms of an individual card to see if it offers this perk. If you’re interested in a credit card that offers cashback, there may be more attractive offers available on specific cashback credit cards.

Are interest-free credit cards better than personal loans?

When used effectively and responsibly, interest-free credit cards can be better than personal loans for short-term borrowing as you won’t need to pay any interest. They can also offer more flexibility in repayments as you can pay different amounts each month, depending on your circumstances. By contrast, personal loans charge interest and are typically repaid in fixed monthly payments.

0% credit cards also come with the perk that any purchases between £100 and £30,000 are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, unlike any purchases made with money from a loan.

However, 0% credit cards come with the risk that you could build up unaffordable debt and, if you don’t clear your balance in time, you may end up paying more in interest than if you took out a personal loan.

As a result, if you’re concerned that you could be tempted to borrow more than you can afford to pay and you prefer to have a set repayment plan, a personal loan may be more appropriate than a credit card.

After the 0% purchase interest rate ends, are you still charged interest even if you pay off your balance each month?

Once the 0% period ends on your credit card, it will work in the same way as any other credit card. This means you won’t be charged interest if you pay off your balance in full every month.

Can you withdraw money from a 0% credit card?

It may be possible to withdraw money from a 0% purchase credit card, but you should bear in mind the interest-free offer is likely to only apply to purchases. This means that providers could charge a high interest rate if you use one of these cards to withdraw cash, making it a potentially costly option. If you want access to cash, a specialist money transfer credit card may be more suitable, or you could consider a loan instead.

Can you get 0% interest on an existing credit card?

0% offers are typically only available when you apply for a new credit card. You can’t usually get a 0% interest offer on your existing credit card.

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Rhiannon Philps

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