Card issuers use 0% introductory APRs to attract customers. These offers can eliminate interest on purchases or balance transfers for a fixed period, but they are temporary and often include fees (balance-transfer, late fees, annual fees) and rules that can void the promotion. Read the terms, calculate payments to clear the balance before the promo ends, and compare total costs across offers.

Why issuers offer 0% APR promotions

Card issuers use 0% introductory APRs to attract customers. Those offers typically apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both, and run for a fixed promotional period. Issuers pair these promotions with rewards, sign-up bonuses, and other perks to win business in a competitive market.

The upside: cheaper short-term financing

A 0% APR promotion can let you move an existing balance or make a planned purchase without paying interest during the promo period. That can be a useful financial tool when used deliberately: you avoid interest, preserve cash flow, and may earn rewards at the same time.

The risks: fees and the cliff when the promo ends

Promotional APRs are temporary. When the period ends, the account reverts to the card's standard APR for new purchases and any remaining balance. If you still carry a balance, interest can start accruing and compound quickly.

Common fees and triggers to watch for:

  • Late payment fees and penalty APRs (a missed payment can cancel the intro APR)
  • Balance transfer fees (typically charged as a percent of the transferred amount)
  • Cash-advance fees and high cash-advance APRs
  • Returned-payment or processing fees
  • Foreign-transaction fees on some cards
  • Annual fees on premium cards
Also note that some issuers require an on-time payment to qualify for the promotional rate, and some promotional offers exclude certain types of transactions (cash advances, convenience checks, or promotional checks).

How to use a 0% APR offer safely

  1. Read the fine print. Know exactly which transactions the 0% APR covers, how long it lasts, and what actions can void it.
  1. Plan to pay off the balance before the promo ends, or calculate the monthly payment that will fully amortize the balance in that period.
  1. Factor in balance-transfer fees and annual fees when deciding if the offer saves money 1.
  1. Avoid new purchases on the card if your issuer applies payments to lower-interest balances first, leaving higher-interest balances to accrue interest after the promo ends.
  1. Keep payments on time to avoid penalty APRs or loss of the promo rate.

Compare offers and use tools

Shop around. Comparison sites, issuer disclosures, and resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help you evaluate offers. Consider total cost (fees + interest after promo), not just the advertised 0% APR.

Bottom line

0% APR credit card offers can be a practical short-term financing tool when you read the terms, plan repayment, and factor in fees. Used without a plan, they can leave you with higher costs once the introductory period ends.

  1. Confirm typical range for balance-transfer fees (percentage) among major issuers as of 2025.
  2. Confirm typical promotional APR period ranges currently offered (minimum and maximum months) as of 2025.
  3. Verify whether over-limit fees remain common or are largely phased out and the current regulatory status.

FAQs about 0 Percent Credit Card

What does 0% APR really cover?
A 0% APR applies only to the transactions specified in the offer - commonly purchases, balance transfers, or both - during a fixed promotional period. Read the card's terms to confirm which transactions qualify.
Can the introductory 0% rate disappear?
Yes. Missing payments, posting certain transactions, or violating the card terms can cancel the intro rate and trigger a penalty APR. Always make payments on time.
Are balance transfers free with 0% offers?
Not always. Most balance transfers carry a fee (a percentage of the transfer). Factor that fee into your savings calculation before transferring a balance .
How do I avoid getting hit when the promo ends?
Create a repayment schedule that pays the balance in full before the promotional period ends, or know the post-promo APR so you can compare total costs if you carry a balance.
Where can I compare 0% offers and find trustworthy info?
Use issuer disclosures, reputable comparison sites, and consumer protection resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to compare terms, fees, and the effective cost of offers.

News about 0 Percent Credit Card

How Do 0% APR Credit Cards Work? 7 Things to Know Before You Apply - NerdWallet [Visit Site | Read More]

The best balance transfer credit cards for 2025: Don't pay any interest until 2026 - Yahoo Finance [Visit Site | Read More]

Best interest-free purchase credit cards 2025 - which.co.uk [Visit Site | Read More]

Stoozing - Make money with your credit cards - Uswitch [Visit Site | Read More]

What happens when my 0% APR period ends? - CNBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Best credit cards October 2025 | Martin Lewis’ top tips - Money Saving Expert [Visit Site | Read More]

Best 0% balance transfer credit cards 2025 - which.co.uk [Visit Site | Read More]