Credit cards with 0% interest can be a powerful financial tool—whether you’re looking to pay off existing debt, finance a big purchase, or simply avoid interest charges for a while. But how do they work? Are they really free? And most importantly, how can you get one?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about 0% interest credit cards, including:
✅ How 0% interest credit cards work
✅ The different types of 0% APR offers
✅ How to qualify for a 0% interest credit card
✅ Best 0% interest credit cards available today
✅ Pros and cons of using a 0% interest card
✅ What happens after the 0% period ends
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to use 0% interest credit cards wisely and make the most of their benefits.
What Is a 0% Interest Credit Card?
A 0% interest credit card is a type of credit card that offers no interest charges on certain transactions for a limited time period. These cards are usually designed for:
- Balance transfers – Moving high-interest debt to a card with 0% interest
- New purchases – Making large purchases without interest for a set period
These promotional 0% APR periods typically last 6 to 21 months, depending on the credit card. Once the promotional period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card’s regular APR.
📌 Key point: 0% interest doesn’t mean you don’t have to make payments—it just means you won’t pay interest if you pay off your balance before the promo period ends.
Types of 0% Interest Credit Cards
There are two main types of 0% interest credit cards:
1. 0% APR on Purchases
These credit cards allow you to make new purchases without paying any interest for a set time (usually 12 to 21 months).
✅ Best for:
- Large purchases (e.g., appliances, electronics, medical expenses)
- Avoiding interest while paying off purchases over time
🔹 Example: If you use a 0% APR credit card to buy a $2,000 laptop and pay it off over 12 months, you won’t pay a single cent in interest.
2. 0% APR on Balance Transfers
Balance transfer credit cards allow you to move existing credit card debt from a high-interest card to a new card with 0% APR for a limited period.
✅ Best for:
- Paying off high-interest credit card debt
- Consolidating multiple balances into one payment
🔹 Example: If you have $5,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR and transfer it to a 0% balance transfer card for 18 months, you can avoid interest charges and pay off your debt faster.
📌 Important: Some balance transfer cards charge a balance transfer fee (usually 3%-5% of the transferred amount).
How to Qualify for a 0% Interest Credit Card
Not everyone qualifies for a 0% APR credit card. These cards are typically offered to people with good to excellent credit (FICO score 670+).
✅ Steps to Increase Your Chances of Approval
🔹 1. Check Your Credit Score – Aim for a score of 700+ for the best offers
🔹 2. Reduce Your Credit Utilization – Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit
🔹 3. Make All Payments On Time – Late payments can hurt your credit score
🔹 4. Avoid Applying for Too Many Cards – Multiple credit inquiries can lower your score
📌 Pro Tip: If your credit score is below 670, consider improving it before applying for a 0% interest credit card.
Best 0% Interest Credit Cards in 2025
Here are some of the top 0% interest credit cards currently available:
1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
✅ 0% intro APR: Up to 21 months (best for long-term financing)
✅ 0% APR applies to: Purchases and balance transfers
✅ Balance transfer fee: 3% (first 120 days), then 5%
2. Citi Simplicity® Card
✅ 0% intro APR: 21 months on balance transfers
✅ No late fees or penalty APR
✅ Balance transfer fee: 5%
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
✅ 0% intro APR: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
✅ Cashback rewards on every purchase
✅ Balance transfer fee: 5%
4. Discover it® Balance Transfer
✅ 0% intro APR: 18 months on balance transfers
✅ Cashback rewards program
✅ Balance transfer fee: 3% (first 60 days), then 5%
📌 Important: Always check the terms and conditions before applying, as some cards charge balance transfer fees or high regular APRs after the promo period.
What Happens After the 0% Interest Period Ends?
Once the 0% APR period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the regular APR, which can be as high as 20%-30%.
How to Avoid Interest After the 0% Period Ends:
✅ Pay off your balance before the promotional period expires
✅ Transfer the balance to another 0% APR card (if possible)
✅ Consider a low-interest personal loan to refinance remaining debt
📌 Tip: Set up automatic payments to ensure you clear the balance before interest kicks in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though 0% interest cards can help save money, misusing them can lead to financial trouble. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
❌ 1. Only Making Minimum Payments
Paying only the minimum due won’t eliminate your balance before the promo period ends, leading to high interest charges later.
✅ Solution: Divide your balance by the number of months in your 0% period and pay that amount each month.
❌ 2. Overspending on a 0% APR Card
Some people use 0% APR credit cards as an excuse to spend more than they can afford.
✅ Solution: Use the card only for planned purchases and create a repayment plan.
❌ 3. Ignoring Fees
Some 0% interest credit cards have annual fees, balance transfer fees, or late payment fees that can add up.
✅ Solution: Read the fine print before applying.
Is a 0% Interest Credit Card Right for You?
✅ Who Should Get a 0% Interest Card?
✔️ People with good or excellent credit (670+ FICO score)
✔️ Anyone looking to avoid interest on purchases
✔️ People who want to pay off high-interest credit card debt
✔️ Those who can pay off the balance before the promo period ends
❌ Who Should Avoid Them?
❌ People with bad credit (may not qualify)
❌ Those who struggle with overspending
❌ Anyone who can’t pay off the balance before the 0% period ends
Final Thoughts
So, can you get 0% interest on credit cards? Yes! But to make the most of these cards, you need to:
✅ Choose the right 0% APR card for your needs
✅ Pay off the balance before the promotional period ends
✅ Avoid unnecessary fees and spending traps
A 0% interest credit card can be an excellent financial tool—if used responsibly. Now that you know how they work, are you ready to apply for one? 🚀
Also Check:
- Why Is My Credit Card Interest Rate So High?
- How to Lower Credit Card Interest Rate on Capital One
- Which Credit Card Is Best With the Lowest Interest Rate?
