0% Intro APR Credit Cards

You just bought a house. You saved all your hard-earned funds for the down payment and closing costs. You’ve moved in and realized… this is JUST the beginning! You need to buy a lawn mower, you don’t have a sofa, your dishwasher needs to be replaced. Bills, bills, bills.

Credit card companies will not want me to share this trick with you. But, currently, many cards are offering 12-21 months 0% interest. This temporary, introductory offer for new credit card holders provides an easy way to slowly reduce debt.

If you are planning big purchases, consider utilizing this free source of credit to stretch payments.

If you’re looking to pay down debt, consider transferring to one of these 0% interest credit cards. This is not an ad, just my personal thoughts!

A long introductory rate on purchases and qualifying balance transfers could provide you the grace period needed to pay off large purchases or reduce debt without accruing additional interest payments.

Remember, any remaining balance after the introductory period ends will be subject to interest charges, even if you made the purchases during the initial time. Make sure you have paid your balance by the time the 0% interest expires.

PROs	CONs
​Time: The biggest bonus of 0% Intro APR is it gives you time to pay off large debt. The offers below have at least 15 months’ time frame.	​Missing payments could forfeit your intro APR period: The issuer could consider a missed payment a violation of the introductory terms and start charging standard APR immediately.
​Interest savings: you could potentially save hundreds of dollars on interest with this introductory offer for purchases and balance transfers.	​Credit score impact: when you apply for a new credit card, a hard credit inquiry hits your credit report and dips your credit score. Hard credit inquiries come off your credit score in one year though.
​Lower monthly payments: Having more than one year to pay off a balance could mean lower monthly payments.	​Balance transfer fees: Most cards charge a balance transfer fee, usually 3% (sometimes up to 5%) with a min. $5 fee.
​Potential long-term credit improvements: responsibly managing debt can help boost your credit score in the long run. While you have a longer period to pay off debts interest-free, you should plan to have fully paid the balance by the time your introductory offer expires.	Intro APR expires: Remember this 0% intro APR doesn’t last forever.

Calculate your total payment amount to figure out your monthly payment needed. While it may be tempting to spend, spend, spend during this period, you should avoid adding extras to your debt total. The 0% interest rate works well as a debt reduction tool, so responsible spending patterns are necessary in order to reap the full benefits.

Best Credit Card Offers with 0% Intro APR:

Longest Intro APR – Wells Fargo Reflect Card

0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension of 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the introductory period. 15.99% to 27.99% variable APR thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee. $0 annual fee. Recommended credit score of 670-850. This card is great if you need extra time to pay off an existing card balance or large purchase, but doesn’t have additional rewards.

Additional Rewards after Intro Offer – Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards

0% intro APR for the first 15 months as well as 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months (3% flat fee on amount transferred). 17.99% to 27.99% variable APR thereafter.

The card also offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores. The big bonus is 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment and tickets at Vivid Seats for those concertgoers. Currently, you can also receive $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 within the first three months. $0 annual fee. Recommended credit score of 670-850.

Best for Balance Transfers – Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards

0% intro APR for first 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 14.99% to 24.99% will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers. $0 annual fee. Recommended credit score of 670-850. The ongoing APR is lower than average, but the 1.5% cash back (which is lower than most) makes it less appealing. There is currently a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days.

Best for Additional Travel Rewards – Chase Freedom Unlimited

0% intro APR for the first 15 months as well as 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee within first 60 days, then 5% thereafter). After the intro offer, 17.24% to 25.99% variable APR applies. $0 annual fee. Recommended credit score of 670-850. Earn an extra 1.5% cash back for the first year, so 6.5% on travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstore purchases and 3% on everything else (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Check out my other posts about boosting your credit score and how to find the perfect credit card for you!

This is not an advertisement or solicitation for business, and my personal experience does not constitute universal application. Information is for informational and recreational purposes only. Each financial situation is unique, and you should do your own due diligence. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Some content may contain affiliate or referral links.

Jordan is the creator of Lifetime Tidbits and has spent more than 10 years working in finance, primarily as a securities trader. She holds her CFA charter and has been Series 7 & 63 licensed.