How 0% Intro APR and Balance Transfers Work
How the offers work
A 0 percent intro APR on purchases lets you finance a big purchase interest-free for the intro window, often 12 to 21 months. A balance transfer offer lets you move debt from a high-rate card to a 0 percent card, so your payments go entirely to principal during the intro period instead of interest.
Mind the fees and the deadline
Balance transfers almost always charge a fee of about 3 to 5 percent of the amount moved, which is still far cheaper than ongoing interest. The critical part is paying the balance in full before the intro period ends, because the regular APR then applies to whatever is left. Set a payoff plan that finishes early.
Rewards do not matter here
These cards are debt tools, not rewards plays. You usually do not earn rewards on a balance transfer, and no reward outruns credit card interest, so the goal is simply to pay zero interest while you clear the balance. See how credit card interest works and our carrying a balance guide.
Frequently asked questions
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