0 Interest Credit Cards

Do you adore buying with your credit card but hate paying interest on your purchases? Do you wish you could pay off your credit card debt faster without paying greater prices? Do you want to finance a large purchase without breaking the bank?

If you answered back 'sure' to any of these questions, then you might want to take into account getting a credit card with 0% interest. These cards provide a promotional duration of no interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both, offering you some breathing room to pay off your balance without accruing extra charges.

But now, not all 0 interest credit cards are created the same way. Some have longer intro periods than others, a few have higher rewards and perks, and some have lower fees and charges. To assist you in discovering the card that suits your needs, we've compiled a list of the best 0 interest credit cards of 2024 based on our research.

What is Zero APR and How Does It Work?

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, which is the interest rate that you pay on your credit card balance over a year. For example, if your credit card has an APR of 24%, it means that you will pay 24% interest on your balance every year or 2% every month.

Zero APR means that you don't have to pay any interest on your balance for a specified period of time. This can be either for purchases, balance transfers, or both. For example, if your credit card offers zero APR on purchases for one month, it means that you can buy anything with your card and pay no interest for a month as long as you make the minimum payments every month.

Zero APR credit cards are usually offered as an introductory offer to attract new customers or to reward existing customers for their loyalty. They are also a way for credit card issuers to compete with each other and offer better deals to customers.

What are the Benefits of 0 Interest Credit Cards?

The main benefit of 0 Interest credit cards is that they can help you save money on interest charges and pay off your debt faster. For example, if you have a balance of ₹50,000 on a credit card with an APR of 24%, you will have to pay ₹12,000 as interest over a year, assuming that you don't make any additional purchases or payments.

But if you transfer this balance to a 0 Interest credit card with an 18-month offer, you will pay no interest at all during this period. This means that you can use the money that you would have paid in interest to reduce your principal amount and clear your debt sooner.

Best 0 Interest Credit Cards in India

There are not many credit cards in India that offer 0 interest on purchases or balance transfers, as this is not a common feature in the Indian market. However, there are some credit cards that offer low interest rates or no annual fees, which can also help you save money on your credit card bills.

Here are some of them:

1. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers an extended interest-free credit period for the first 90 days post-credit card issuance by paying only the minimum amount due. With this card, you get a 2% cashback on all your online spending, with a maximum limit of ₹1,000 per month. Also, your transactions can be converted into EMIs at a discounted monthly interest rate of 0.99% with no processing costs.

And, not to forget that you receive 1% cashback on all your other purchases, up to a monthly cap of ₹500. However, fuel purchases do not qualify for this cashback.

2. Club Vistara IDFC First Bank Credit Card

The Club Vistara IDFC First Bank Credit Card offers a 48-day interest-free period on revolving credit and interest-free cash withdrawals across ATMs globally for up to 48 days. It also offers 6 CV Points per ₹200 spent, 10 CV Points on dining spends on your birthday, and 1 CV Point on fuel. You can redeem these points for flight tickets, class upgrades, and other benefits and privileges with Air Vistara. With this card, you also get complimentary flight ticket vouchers, class upgrade vouchers, airport lounge access, golf privileges, dining discounts, and travel insurance.

3. HDFC Bank Millenia Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Millenia Credit Card offers a 50-day interest-free period from the date of purchase, and an annual fee of ₹1,000 is waived on spending ₹1 lakh in a year. It also offers 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Sony Liv, Tata Cliq, Uber, Zomato, and Myntra, and you also get a 1% cashback on all other spends (except Fuel), including EMI & Wallet transactions.

With a flexible tenure option, you can convert big spending to EMIs after making purchases.

4. DBS Bank Bajaj Finserv 5X Rewards Credit Card

The DBS Bank Bajaj Finserv 5X Rewards Credit Card offers the feature of withdrawing cash from any ATM across India and paying no interest for up to 50 days.

This card also offers 5X rewards on reaching spends of ₹10,000 on all spends, including online shopping, dining, travel and more. Plus, you also get 8 cash points for every ₹200 spent, which you can redeem for vouchers, cashback or air miles. And the best part is you can earn up to 3,000 additional Cash Points per month with this offer.

5. AU Bank LIT Credit Card

The AU Bank LIT Credit Card offers a 50-day interest-free period from the date of purchase and no annual fee. With this card, you can get four complimentary lounge access per quarter, a 1% surcharge waiver on fuel transactions, and a 5% cashback on retail purchases three times within 90 days. You also earn 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent, which you can use for various redemption options. That's not all; you also get a free 3-month membership to Zee5, Amazon Prime, or Netflix to binge-watch your favourite shows on the go. Plus, you get zero liability protection against fraudulent transactions in case of loss or theft of your card. 

Conclusion

0 Interest credit cards can be a smart way to save money on interest charges and pay off your debt faster, as long as you use them responsibly and pay off your balance before the offer expires. However, they are not the only option to consider when looking for a credit card that suits your needs and preferences.

There are many other credit cards that offer low-interest rates, no annual fees, or other benefits and rewards that can help you make the most of your credit card spending. You should compare different credit cards based on their features, fees, charges, and eligibility criteria before applying for one.

If you are looking for the best credit cards in India, you can visit Finology Select and compare various credit cards across different categories, such as travel, shopping, dining, rewards, cashback, and more. You can also check your eligibility and apply online for the credit card of your choice in a few simple steps.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply and compare the credit cards that suit you the best and enjoy a smarter way to spend with your credit card!

FAQs on 0 Interest Credit Cards

1. What is a 0% interest credit card?

A 0% interest credit card offers an introductory period during which you don't have to pay interest on your purchases or balance transfers. This can be a great way to save money on large purchases or to consolidate high-interest debt. 

2. How long does the 0% interest period last?

The length of the 0% interest period varies from card to card. Some cards offer a few months, while others may offer up to 18 or 21 months.

3. Are there any fees associated with 0 interest credit cards?

Some cards may charge a balance transfer fee or an annual fee. It's important to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any fees that may apply.

4. Can I use a 0 interest credit card for cash advances?

Cash advances typically have higher interest rates and fees, even during the 0% introductory period. It's generally not a good idea to use a 0% interest credit card for cash advances.