How to get 0 APR on existing credit card?

Asked by: Andy Weber  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)

You may be able to secure a 0% APR offer by requesting one from your credit card issuer. Offers are generally for balance transfers, but some issuers also offer pay-over-time plans or credit line loans. Using your card responsibly and negotiating a retention offer can increase your chances of getting a 0% offer.

Can I ask my credit card for 0 APR?

Highly unlikely that you will get a 0% APR period from an existing card. Your best bet is to get a new card if you really want 0% APR. Sometimes credit cards will have offers to let you ``borrow'' the money. Essentially a transfer check that is just deposited to your checking account.

Can you get a 0% APR credit card?

Yes, it is possible to request a 0% APR on an existing credit card, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on several factors: Promotional Offers: Some credit card issuers offer promotional 0% APR periods on balance transfers or new purchases. You can inquire if your issuer has any current promotions available.

How to get zero interest on credit card?

Ways to avoid credit card interest
  1. Pay your credit card bill in full every month.
  2. Consolidate debt with a balance transfer credit card.
  3. Be strategic about major purchases.
  4. Use a debt repayment method.
  5. Make multiple credit card payments per month.
  6. Tap into savings to pay down debt.
  7. Consider a personal loan.

How can I change my credit card to zero interest?

A balance transfer credit card lets you move what you owe on one or more credit cards to a new card with a different provider. A balance transfer card typically has a lower or 0% interest rate for a fixed period. It could help you get on top of your credit card debt and reduce the total cost of your borrowing.

Should I Transfer My Credit Card Balance To A 0% Interest Account?

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Can you lower your interest rate on an existing credit card?

Depending on your credit card issuer, if you ask for a lower interest rate, a customer service specialist might be able to submit a request on your behalf. Keep in mind that not every credit card issuer or bank accepts these requests and there is no guarantee that this request will be accepted.

Do 0% interest credit cards exist?

A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for a period of time, typically six to 21 months.

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 credit card has the longest 0% interest rate?

Credit cards with long 0% introductory APR offers include:
  • U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card.
  • Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.
  • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.
  • Citi Rewards+® Credit Card.
  • Discover it® Cash Back.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

In some cases, a balance transfer can positively impact your credit scores and help you pay less interest on your debts in the long run. However, repeatedly opening new credit cards and transferring balances to them can damage your credit scores in the long run.

Who qualifies for 0% APR?

To qualify for a 0% APR car loan, you generally need excellent credit, a solid income and a low debt-to-income ratio.

Are credit cards interest-free if you pay on time?

If you pay off the whole amount (the balance) owed on the card by the due date, you will not be charged interest on your purchases. But interest may be added for cash advances.

What is a good credit score for 0% APR?

0% intro APR cards require good to excellent credit

This means you'll need a FICO credit score of at least 670 or a VantageScore credit score of at least 661. If you have very good or excellent credit, which means a FICO score of at least 740 or a VantageScore of at least 781, your chances of approval are even higher.

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.

Why is my APR so high with good credit?

Even people with good credit scores make mistakes, and a bank may charge a penalty APR on your credit card without placing a negative mark on your credit report. Penalty APRs typically increase credit card interest rates significantly due to a late, returned or missed payment.

Is $5000 in credit card debt a lot?

$5,000 in credit card debt can be quite costly in the long run. That's especially the case if you only make minimum payments each month. However, you don't have to accept decades of credit card debt.

Is it worth getting a 0% credit card?

Credit cards with 0% interest on purchases can be a good way to spread cost and build up your credit score. For example, you could use one to book flights, pay for a holiday or cover the cost of home improvements and then pay it back in monthly repayments.

How many times can you transfer to 0% credit card?

You can transfer as many balances as you want onto a 0 percent intro APR card, as long as you don't exceed the balance transfer card's credit limit — and as long as your transfers still qualify for the introductory APR offer.

Does closing a credit card hurt your credit?

Closing a credit card can hurt your credit, especially if it's a card you've had for years. An account closure can cause a temporary hit to your credit by increasing your credit utilization, lowering your average age of accounts and possibly limiting your credit mix.

Can I get 0 APR on a credit card I already have?

You're more likely to get a 0% APR for a balance transfer on an existing credit card than you are for a new purchase. Some issuers offer interest-free, pay-over-time plans or loans against your card's credit line, which tend to be cheaper than cash advances or your purchase APR.

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance?

It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.

How many credit cards should I have?

It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.

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...

What is a good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

Which is the best strategy for paying your credit card bill?

Use the debt snowball method

In order to use this method, list all of your credit card debts from lowest balance to highest balance. Now start concentrating on wiping out the credit card with the lowest balance while still making the minimum payments on the other cards. The point of this strategy is to build momentum.