What is 0% intro APR?
Reviewed by the CompareMyCard editorial team · Last updated 14 August 2026
A 0% intro APR is a promotional period, commonly 12 to 21 months, during which a card charges no interest on new purchases, balance transfers, or both, depending on the card. After the intro period ends, the card's regular variable APR applies to any remaining balance.
A worked example
A card offers 0% APR on purchases for 15 months. You buy a $2,400 appliance and pay it off in equal $160 monthly payments over those 15 months, you'll pay zero interest, as long as you pay on time every month and the balance is fully paid before the intro period ends.
Why it matters when choosing a card
These offers are genuinely useful for large planned purchases or consolidating higher-interest debt, but the deal only pays off if you have a realistic plan to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends. Missing a payment can sometimes end the intro rate early, and whatever balance is left when the period ends starts accruing interest at the card's full regular APR, which can be significant.