0% introductory APR credit cards and secured cards can help people with no or poor credit build a positive payment history. Success depends on on-time payments, understanding fees, and planning for the end of the promotional period.

Why 0% intro APR offers matter

A credit card with a 0% introductory APR (often called a "zero interest" offer) gives you a window to use credit without paying interest on purchases or transferred balances. Used responsibly, these offers let you make purchases, consolidate debt, and focus payments on principal - all while building a history of on-time payments that feeds your credit score.

Who benefits most

These cards help two groups in particular:

  • People with little or no credit history who need a way to create positive payment records.
  • People repairing damaged credit who want to avoid high ongoing interest while they pay down debt.
For consumers with poor credit, secured credit cards - which require a refundable deposit as collateral - provide a reliable path to credit access and reporting to the three major credit bureaus. Many secured cards convert to unsecured accounts after a period of responsible use.

Key rules for success

Make at least the minimum payment on time every month. Even with a 0% intro APR, late or missed payments can trigger penalty APRs and may cancel the promotional rate.

Treat the promotional window as a hard deadline. Any balance remaining when the introductory period ends will begin accruing interest at the card's regular APR.

Watch for fees. Some offers include balance-transfer fees or annual fees. Factor those costs into whether the deal actually saves you money.

Common structures and caveats

  • Introductory periods vary by issuer and offer. Many promotions run for several months; terms change frequently. 1
  • Balance-transfer offers let you move existing credit-card debt onto a 0% plan, but they may charge a transfer fee and often exclude certain types of debt.
  • Secured cards require a deposit and typically start with lower credit limits. Responsible use and on-time payments can lead to higher limits or an upgrade to an unsecured card.

How to use a 0% offer to rebuild credit

  1. Pick an offer that matches your timeline: choose a promo long enough to finish a repayment plan.
  1. Avoid new high-interest debt while you focus on paying down the promotional balance.
  1. Set up autopay for at least the minimum to avoid accidental late payments.
  1. Monitor your credit reports and scores to confirm reporting and track progress.

The takeaway

Zero-interest introductory offers and secured cards are practical tools for building or repairing credit when you use them strategically. Know the fine print, pay on time, and plan for the end of the promotional period so you don't get surprised by interest or fees.

  1. Confirm typical ranges for introductory 0% APR promotional periods offered by major US issuers in 2025.
  2. Verify common balance-transfer fee practices and typical fee ranges for current credit-card offers in 2025.
  3. Confirm whether balance transfers or purchase 0% offers have standard exclusions or retroactive interest policies among major issuers.

FAQs about Zero Interest Credit Cards

What’s the difference between a 0% purchase offer and a 0% balance transfer?
A 0% purchase offer applies to new purchases during the promotional period. A 0% balance transfer applies to debt moved from another account. Balance transfers often carry specific fees and terms, so compare costs before transferring.
Can a secured card become an unsecured card?
Yes. Many issuers upgrade secured accounts to unsecured ones after months of on-time payments and responsible use, returning the deposit when the account converts.
Will my on-time payments improve my credit score?
Yes. Payment history is the most important factor in credit scoring. Consistently paying at least the minimum on time helps rebuild or establish positive credit history.
What happens when the intro period ends?
Any remaining balance begins accruing interest at the card's regular APR. If you expect a remaining balance, plan ahead or consider refinancing before the promo expires.
Do late payments cancel the promotional APR?
Most issuers can end or limit promotional rates after a missed payment and may apply penalty APRs. Always make payments on time to preserve the promo.