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What happens when zero APR ends on a credit card?

Jan. 24, 2025
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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.

Woman using a laptop
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.

Businessman using mobile phone while writing notes
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.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.