Can you buy a car with a credit card with 0 APR?

Asked by: Dr. Ludwig Kling  |  Last update: January 25, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)

A credit card typically has a higher interest rate than a car loan. So, you only want to buy a car with a credit card if you have a plan to pay it off quickly. For example, it may make sense to use your credit card to pay for a car if you have a 0% APR card and can pay everything off before the intro period ends.

Can you really get 0% APR on a car loan?

You'll only get a 0% rate if it's advertised by the manufacturer and have good credit. If it's not something the manufacturer advertises, it's not something that will be available (especially in this interest rate environment).

Can you get 0% APR on a credit card?

Zero percent APR cards generally offer promotional periods between 12 and 21 months, during which no interest is charged on your qualifying balance. Many consumers use 0 percent APR cards to save on interest, pay off debt more quickly or catch up on their savings.

Can I purchase a car with a credit card?

In general, car dealerships accept credit cards. You might even be able to use a card to buy a vehicle. However, it's more likely that the dealership will take a credit card for a down payment or a part of the down payment up to a certain amount. For you, using a credit card is a convenience or maybe a necessity.

Is it smart to pay your car with a credit card?

Although it's not common, some lenders may let you make car payments with a credit card, but it could be a costly move that may damage your credit score. If you use a 0% intro APR credit card, you could pay off your car loan with no interest, but watch out for high fees, and make sure not to fall behind on payments.

The TRUTH About 0% Car Loans

19 related questions found

Why is buying a car with a credit card not a good idea?

Higher interest rates

Unless you're able to pay off the transaction for your new car within a month or two, (or longer if you're using a credit card with a generous 0% intro APR offer), it's not worth it.

Is it better to auto pay with credit card or bank account?

Paying bills with a credit card might help your credit score if: It helps you pay on time. If you struggle to remember payment due dates, setting up automatic payments with a credit card can help prevent missed payments without worrying about insufficient funds in your checking account.

Is it better to buy a car with a credit or debit card?

Since credit cards typically charge much higher interest rates than auto loans, you'll only want to charge a car to your credit card if you know how you'll pay down the balance. For example, it could make sense to pay for a car with a credit card if you have the cash in the bank to cover the purchase.

How much can you put on a credit card for a car?

How much can you put on a credit card when buying a car? Many dealers limit credit card transactions to a range of $5,000 to $10,000. However, some don't take credit cards at all, whereas others are willing to charge as much as your credit limit allows.

What forms of payment do car dealerships take?

While most car dealerships will allow you to buy a car with cash, you usually have a few other payment options. You can expect almost all car dealerships to accept a cashier's check issued from your bank, a personal check, or a wire transfer from your bank account.

Does 0 APR hurt credit?

A credit card with an introductory 0 percent APR can help you manage new debt or pay off old balances. However, a 0 percent intro APR card can hurt your credit if it causes you to carry a higher balance than usual or if you carry your balance beyond the introductory offer period.

What is the #1 credit card to have?

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 on purchases...

Is there a catch to 0% APR?

Your 0% APR deal could be canceled

Even with a 0% APR card, you'll still have to make monthly minimum payments — usually a small percentage of your balance. And if your payment is late, even by a single day, your card issuer could cancel the 0% offer and reset your card's interest rate to the ongoing APR.

Which car company is offering 0% APR?

Renault 0% APR Representative

Discover 0% APR Representative offers across the Renault car range including the Renault Clio E-Tech.

Why do dealerships do 0 APR?

Many manufacturers and dealerships advertise no-interest car loans. These loans are offered through captive finance companies, which the manufacturer owns, and are used to attract prospective buyers. As car loan interest rates soared over the past few years, no-interest car loans became a better and better deal.

What credit score do you need for a low APR auto loan?

Usually, higher scores mean lower interest rates on loans. A target credit score of 661 or above should get you a new-car loan with an annual percentage rate of around 6.7% or better, or a used-car loan around 9.63% or lower. Superprime: 781-850.

Is $20000 a good credit card limit?

Having $20,000 in available credit is good if you use no more than $6,000 of that limit. It's best to keep your usage to $2,000 or less at any one time. That way, you keep your credit utilization ratio below 10%, which is great for your credit score.

How much is too high of a car payment?

Here are some important points to consider when getting into car payments. So, When Is a Car Payment Too High? According to experts, a car payment is too high if the car payment is more than 30% of your total income. Remember, the car payment isn't your only car expense!

Is it smart to put a car payment on a credit card?

To keep a healthy credit score, it's best to use less than 30% of the total available credit line on your cards. Putting a big chunk of debt such as a car loan on a credit card can increase your credit utilization ratio, which can shave points off your score.

Is it better to buy a car through the bank?

Working directly with a bank, credit union or online lender to get preapproved for financing before you visit the dealership could save you money by giving you a chance to compare interest rates.

Is it wise to use a credit card for a down payment on a car?

The interest rate you'll have to pay back on a credit card may be far higher than the interest rates that you'd have to pay for a loan. You're better off using other financing options such as cash, an auto loan, or trading in a car for a down payment if you're looking for financially responsible ways to buy a car.

Does your credit score go up or down when you buy a car?

For example, it's important to know that when a car dealership runs your credit, it usually goes down. This is because when your credit is checked, a hard inquiry is entered into your credit history, lowering your score.

What happens if you don't have enough money for an automatic payment?

If you don't have enough money in your bank account, you could risk being charged overdraft fees as a result.

What bills can you not pay with a credit card?

Depending on the type of bill and the merchant, you may be able to use a credit card to pay bills. Mortgages, rent and car loans typically can't be paid with a credit card. If you pay some bills, like utility bills, with a credit card, you may need to pay a convenience fee.

Can you pay rent with a credit card?

Landlords who do accept direct credit card payments have to pay merchant processing fees for the privilege, and it's common for them to pass those fees on to the renters on top of rent. The convenience fee for paying rent with a card typically ranges from 2.5% to 2.9%, which may sound small, but it adds up.