What credit score do you need for 0% APR?

Asked by: Rodger Hermiston  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 5/5 (70 votes)

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.

How do you qualify for 0 percent APR?

Introductory no-interest credit cards typically require good credit (scores 670 to 739) or excellent credit (scores 740 and greater). If your score falls in the fair and average credit range (580 to 669) or bad credit range (below 669), you may have trouble qualifying for a 0% APR card.

What credit score do you need to qualify for 0 financing?

While the minimum credit score to qualify for an interest-free loan varies between 700 and 900, you must check the lender's eligibility requirements before applying.

Can I get 0% finance with bad credit?

If you have a less than perfect credit history (you've had CCJs or have missed payments on previous credit agreements), you'll be less likely to be approved for 0% finance. If you're worried about being declined, ask the dealership if they can run a 'soft search' to check your eligibility before applying.

Does 0% APR hurt credit score?

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.

How to Pay Off A Credit Card with 0 Cash Flow!

19 related questions found

Can you get 0% APR with 750 credit score?

Typical Credit Score Requirements

Excellent (750-850): Most likely to qualify for 0% APR. Good (700-749): Possible qualification, but not guaranteed. Fair (650-699): Unlikely to secure 0% APR deals.

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.

What credit score do you need for 0% down?

Today, no-down-payment home loans are only available to select individuals with high credit scores who can document adequate income needed to repay the loan. Such homebuyers must also exhibit good credit, usually with minimum scores in the mid-600 range.

How to get credit score from 0 to 700?

  1. 1. Make On-Time Payments. ...
  2. Pay Down Revolving Account Balances. ...
  3. Don't Close Your Oldest Account. ...
  4. Diversify the Types of Credit You Have. ...
  5. Limit New Credit Applications. ...
  6. Dispute Inaccurate Information on Your Credit Report. ...
  7. Become an Authorized User.

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.

What credit score do you need for 0 APR car deal?

Lenders want to ensure you have a near-perfect history of making payments and handling your debt before offering you no-interest financing. An excellent credit score — 781 or higher — will get you the best deal on financing, but you can still qualify for a competitive interest rate if your score is 670 or higher.

What happens after 0 APR ends?

When your intro APR ends, your credit card's regular APR will kick in on any remaining and new balances. Knowing when your promotional period ends helps you pay off your balance beforehand and keeps you from being surprised by mounting interest on a residual balance.

Should I pay off a zero interest loan early?

If you have a low-interest loan or 0% financing, there is little to no benefit to an early payoff. The same is true if you're close to the end of the loan. If you don't have an emergency fund, use your extra cash to start one before you pay off your car loan.

How good is 0% APR?

If you're disciplined to make on-time payments and pay off your balance before the intro period ends, then you will likely do well with a 0% APR credit card. However, if the 0% tempts you to overspend, you may face paying high interest charges if you're still carrying a balance after the intro 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...

How to get 0% APR on existing credit card?

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.

How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight?

10 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
  1. Review Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Pay Your Bills on Time. ...
  3. Ask for Late Payment Forgiveness. ...
  4. Keep Credit Card Balances Low. ...
  5. Keep Old Credit Cards Active. ...
  6. Become an Authorized User. ...
  7. Consider a Credit Builder Loan. ...
  8. Take Out a Secured Credit Card.

Is credit karma accurate?

Overall, Credit Karma may produce a different result than one or more of the three major credit bureaus directly. The slight differences in calculations between FICO and VantageScore can lead to significant variances in credit scores, making Credit Karma less accurate than most may appreciate.

What is the best FICO score possible?

In most cases, the highest credit score possible is 850. You can achieve the highest credit score by taking a variety of essential steps. Still, for many people, it's difficult considering the range of factors that dictate the highest credit score possible.

Does a trade-in count as a down payment?

Your trade-in works toward your down payment. Once you know your vehicle's value, you can apply that as your down payment. If the value of your vehicle exceeds the cost of your expected down payment, you have a few options to consider: Putting it all down to lower your monthly payments.

Can you buy a house with zero credit score?

Yes, it's possible to buy a house without credit. Even for those without an established credit history, there are options available. Alternative methods like cash offers, FHA loans with nontraditional credit or manual underwriting may be worthwhile strategies for buying a home with no credit.

What is a good credit score to buy a car?

Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

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.

What credit score is 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.

How long does 0% APR last?

How long does 0% APR last. The time when 0% APR is offered on a credit card is generally called the introductory promotional period. During this time, your promotional APR will be applied to purchases. Promotional periods with a 0% APR may last anywhere between 6 and 24 months.