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What happens when zero APR ends on a credit card?

Emily Thompson
Emily Thompson
Credit cards editor
Emily Thompson specializes in beginner content as a credit cards editor. She taps into her prior experience as a high school English teacher to help others demystify credit scores and unlock experiences that credit card rewards can make possible.
Jan. 24, 2025
•
3 min read
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Editor's Note

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If you find yourself carrying a credit card balance that's accruing interest at a sky-high rate, you may decide to open a 0% annual percentage rate credit card to pay down the balance without accruing more interest.

But, like all good things, that introductory offer won't last forever. So, what happens when your 0% APR ends?

What happens when 0% APR ends?

When the 0% APR introductory period ends, your balance will begin accruing interest at the rate listed in your card agreement terms and conditions — with current average credit card interest rates over 21%, that can hit hard.

KSENIYA OVCHINNIKOVA/GETTY IMAGES

To avoid accruing interest after your 0% APR ends, work to pay off your balance before your introductory period is over.

Still, even if you've paid off your balance in the 0% APR offer period, we don't recommend canceling the card. To help your credit score and credit utilization ratio, leave the card open and pay off your balance in full each month moving forward.

Related: The best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards

How to extend no interest on a credit card

Of course, sometimes life happens, and you aren't able to pay off the balance within the 0% APR period. If so, you can call the credit card company to request a lower interest rate. This doesn't always work, but there's no harm in trying.

MORSA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

If you cannot negotiate a lower interest rate on your card, you have a few options to lower the interest you'll accrue on your balance.

You can open another balance transfer card or 0% APR credit card and transfer your balance to the new card. Just be aware of the 3%-5% balance transfer fee.

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You could also take out a personal loan to pay off your credit card balance, as personal loans generally have much lower interest rates than credit cards.

Regardless of your chosen method, have a plan to pay off the balance to avoid juggling lower-interest options.

Related: How to avoid and reduce credit card interest

Bottom line

When your 0% APR offer ends on your credit card, you'll start accruing interest on any balance you still carry. After that, you can take steps to reduce the amount of interest you'll pay on the card, such as requesting a lower interest rate or taking out a personal loan.

Regardless of what it looks like, however, ensure you have a plan to pay down your debt.

Related reading:

Featured image by NARISARA NAMI/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.