0% intro APR credit cards for planned purchases.
Spread out the cost of a purchase. Choose enough time to repay it without interest.
A 0% intro APR credit card charges no interest on eligible purchases for a set period. Choose an offer that gives you enough time to repay what you plan to spend. Check the monthly payoff amount, any annual fee, and the rate after the offer ends. Required monthly payments still apply.
Start with your purchase and payoff plan
Set the amount you plan to spend and what you can afford each month. Then check whether the offer gives you enough time to finish.
Purchase amount ÷ months left at 0% = monthly payoff target
The card’s minimum payment may not clear the balance in time. Aim to finish before the offer ends, and update your plan if you add purchases.
More time can make the payment fit
Say you need a $2,400 refrigerator. Two cards offer 0% intro APR on purchases, with no annual fee.
| 12-month offer | 18-month offer | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase amount | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Intro APR on purchases | 0% | 0% |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly payoff target | $200 | $134 |
Illustrative example only. Assumes you buy at the start of the offer, make no other purchases, and pay on time. The 18-month target is rounded up; the final payment is smaller.
The takeaway: f you can pay $150 a month, the 18-month offer fits. The 12-month offer does not. Choose enough time to clear the purchase before interest starts.
If $200 fits comfortably, either offer works. Then weigh other fees and the features you’ll use after the purchase is paid off.
If neither target fits, consider a lower-cost purchase, saving first, or exploring personal loans. Check the payment and total cost before choosing.
Check the terms before you apply
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| What gets 0% | Confirm the intro rate applies to purchases. A balance transfer offer may not cover new spending. |
| When the offer ends | Check the exact end date. Many offers start at account opening, so buying later leaves less time to repay. |
| Fees | Check the annual fee and fees for how you plan to use the card. A 0% rate does not remove fees. |
| Rate after the offer | Check the purchase APR on any balance left when 0% ends. |
| Credit limit and payment rules | Your approved limit may not cover the purchase. Check required payments and what could end the intro rate early. |
Check for deferred interest
“0% intro APR” and “no interest if paid in full” are different offers.
With a true 0% intro APR, interest from the promotional period is not added back when the offer ends. The regular rate applies to any remaining balance going forward.
With deferred interest, missing the payoff deadline can trigger interest dating back to the purchase.
Make the payment part of your plan
Set up an on-time payment that meets at least the minimum due. Pay enough each month to reach your payoff target, and check your progress before 0% ends.
Answer a few questions. Your plan narrows the options down to the one that fits your situation.