As the name implies, a 0% credit card offers 0% interest on purchases for an introductory time period – typically from 6 to 12 months. After the intro period expires, any outstanding balances are charged a standard interest rate.
The disadvantages of 0% credit cards
Avoid getting a 0% purchase card if:
- You have trouble controlling your spending
- You lack the discipline required to pay off your credit card bill in full on a monthly basis
- You will plan on carrying a balance after the 0% introductory period expires
- You plan on withdrawing money from ATMs, buying travelers checks or making any other cash transactions that don’t qualify for the 0% teaser rate
The big advantage of 0% credit cards
Usually, financially responsible folks love a 0% credit card for one primary reason: No-cost short-term financing! The biggest advantage of a 0% purchase card is that it acts as an interest-free short-term loan for responsible borrowers who intend to retire their debt before the introductory period expires.
Photo Credit: GotCredit
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