RedditHow 0%-on-Purchases Credit Cards Work
Some credit cards offers 0% introductory APR on purchases for a period of time, typically between 6 and 24 months. These cards extend you credit for your purchases now and allow you to pay off the balance later without charging interest fees during the introductory period, as long as you make monthly minimum payments to keep your account active. You can save money on the potential interest cost of expensive purchases by riding the 0% APR until the introductory period ends, and then paying off the balance completely or choosing to transfer the balance to another card with 0% or lower APR.
During the introductory period, you still need to make monthly minimum payments, which is usually just 1% of your current balance. Making minimum payments each month reduces your account balance. More importantly, it is like signaling to the bank that you are still actively managing your account and are not disappearing completely. If you don’t make the minimum payments, you will be charged for penalty fees.
Potential Savings by Using a 0% Credit Card on Purchases
How much can you save with a 0% credit card? For instance, if you have a credit card offering 0% on purchases for 12 months and use it for a purchase of $10,000, you can ride the 0% APR until the end of the 12 introductory months. Compared with a typical interest rate of 18% that may be charged by other credit cards, you will save about $1,800 (= $10,000 * 18%) on the potential cost of interest for the 12 months.
Credit Cards that Feature 0% APR on Purchases
Choose from the following best credit cards that offer 0% on purchases for at least 12 months. All these credit cards are for people who have good or excellent credit rating. If you have a credit score of 700 or above, you may qualify for these offers.
0% on Purchases for 18 Months or More
| Credit Card | 0% Introductory Interest | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 0% on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening (rates & fees) | $0 |
0% on Purchases for 15 Months
| Credit Card | 0% Introductory Interest | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 0% on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (rates & fees) | $0 |
 | Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | 0% on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 18.24% - 28.24% variable applies. | $0 |
 | Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | 0% on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 18.24% - 28.24% variable applies. | $0 |
 | Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | 0% on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 18.24% - 28.24% variable applies. | $0 |
 | Citi Custom Cash® Card | 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (rates & fees) | $0 |
 | Citi Rewards+® Card | 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (rates & fees) | $0 |
 | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (rates & fees) | $0 (fees) |
 | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 20.49% - 29.24% variable applies. | $0 |
 | USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card | 0% on purchases for 15 months (rates & fees) | $0 (fees) |
0% on Purchases for 12 Months
| Credit Card | 0% Introductory Interest | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | 0% on purchases for 12 months from account opening (rates & fees) | $0 |
 | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 0% on purchases for 12 months (rates & fees) | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (fees) |
 | Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | 0% on purchases for 12 months and on qualifying balance transfers for 21 months (rates & fees) | $0 |
 | Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | 0% on purchases for 12 months. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 18.49% - 24.49% variable applies. | $0 |
 | Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | 0% on purchases for 12 months. After the intro period ends, the go-to rate of 18.49% - 24.49% variable applies. | $0 |
