Do you enjoy shopping with your credit card but dislike paying interest on your purchases? Do you wish you could pay off your credit card debt faster without incurring higher costs? Are you looking to finance a large purchase without straining your budget?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may want to consider a credit card with 0% interest. These cards offer a promotional period during which you can make purchases or transfer balances with no interest, giving you some extra time to pay off your balance without accumulating additional charges.
However, not all 0% interest credit cards are the same. Some offer longer introductory periods, while others come with higher rewards and perks, and some have lower fees and costs. To help you find the card that best meets your needs, we have compiled a list of the best 0% interest credit cards of 2025 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 Millennia Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Millennia 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. HDFC Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition
The HDFC Infinia credit card is a premium, metal credit card designed for high-net-worth individuals who seek exclusive privileges and benefits across various categories like travel, lifestyle, and rewards. It is an invitation-only card, reflecting its exclusivity. One of the financial aspects of this card is its interest charges on revolving credit. The HDFC Infinia card offers a relatively low monthly interest rate of 1.99%, which translates to an annual percentage rate (APR) of 23.88%. This rate is applicable if the cardholder chooses to carry forward a balance on their credit card bill beyond the due date. While it's crucial to pay the full outstanding amount to avoid any interest charges, the 1.99% monthly rate is competitive for a card in this premium segment.
5. AU Bank LIT Credit Card
The AU Bank LIT Credit Card stands out as India's first customisable credit card, designed to offer a unique and flexible financial tool. This lifetime-free credit card empowers users to select and pay only for features that align with their individual lifestyles and spending habits. With the ability to switch features on or off as needed, the LIT Credit Card provides unparalleled control over benefits like cashback, rewards, memberships, and travel perks, making it a truly personalised credit experience.
How to Apply for a 0 APR Credit Card
Applying for a 0% APR credit card is a smart financial decision. Follow these steps:
- Research and Compare – Look for credit cards with 0% APR on purchases, balance transfers, or both.
- Check Eligibility – Make sure you meet the card’s age, income, and credit score criteria.
- Gather Required Documents – Keep documents like identity proof, address proof, and income proof ready.
- Apply Online or Offline – Visit the bank’s website or a nearby branch. For instance, you can apply for IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards online by filling out a simple form and completing verification.
- Await Approval – After submission, the bank will evaluate your application and share its decision.
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.
5. Is it good to have 0% APR?
Yes, if managed well, 0% APR cards help avoid interest while improving cash flow.
6. How to pay 0 interest on credit cards?
Pay your balance within the interest-free period and take advantage of 0% APR offers.
7. How do interest-free credit cards work?
You get a grace period (typically 45–50 days) during which no interest is charged if you pay in full.