What is a good credit score for 0% APR?

Asked by: Prof. Ezekiel McKenzie DDS  |  Last update: December 8, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (42 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.

What credit score do you need for 0% APR?

You'll typically need good or excellent credit (a score of at least 690 on the FICO scale) to qualify for most 0% APR credit cards. The ongoing interest rate, which is charged once a card's promotional period ends, will also depend on your creditworthiness.

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.

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.

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.

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

30 related questions found

What is the point of 0% APR?

A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for a period of time, typically six to 21 months. During the introductory no interest period, you won't incur interest on new purchases, balance transfers or both (it all depends on the card).

What are the five C's of credit?

Called the five Cs of credit, they include capacity, capital, conditions, character, and collateral. There is no regulatory standard that requires the use of the five Cs of credit, but the majority of lenders review most of this information prior to allowing a borrower to take on debt.

Are 0% credit cards worth it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you live with a zero credit score?

Of course, you can live without a credit score; it's not oxygen. And credit reports and scores are not always easy to live with. It's important to monitor them, and sometimes you may have to dispute errors you find.

What credit score is needed for a $25,000 car loan?

There isn't one specific score that's required to buy a car because lenders have different standards. However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher.

What is an excellent credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

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

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.

How do dealers make money on 0% APR?

An automaker makes money with a 0% deal in one simple way: It doesn't make money on financing but rather on the car itself. Dealers will try to sell you extras to make up the difference, including extended warranties for your vehicle. Also, the cost of financing gets built into the price of the car.

What credit score do you need for 0% APR on a car?

0% APR auto loans are reserved for "well-qualified" buyers.

In most cases, "well-qualified" refers to borrowers with a credit score of 740 or higher. If a borrower isn't in this credit bracket and applies for the 0% APR offer, they could be taking a hit on their credit score that could have been avoided.

Is it worth keeping credit cards you don t use?

A crowded wallet and the temptation to spend might have you thinking about canceling unused credit card accounts. In most cases, however, it's best to keep unused credit cards open so you benefit from longer credit history and lower credit utilization (as a result of more available credit).

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.

Does having a zero balance on a credit card hurt your credit score?

In short, no, it isn't bad to have a zero balance on your credit card. Or, put another way, yes, it's okay to have no balance on your credit card; it can even help your credit score.

What is the highest possible credit score?

In most cases, the highest credit score possible is 850.

Why do banks prefer customers with high credit scores?

Higher credit scores are more appealing to lenders and they're more likely to trust you with a higher loan amount. If you have a higher credit score, you may also be eligible for lower rates, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Pay your bills on time.

What are the 7 P's of credit?

The 7 Ps of farm credit/principles of farm finance are Principle of productive purpose, Principle of personality, Principle of productivity, Principle of phased disbursement, Principle of proper utilization, Principle of payment and Principle of protection.