US Credit Cards
What Happens When Your 0% APR Intro Period Ends? A US Cardholder Guide
The month the intro ends, the whole remaining balance starts costing revert interest. Plan the final payment, not just the first.
Advertisement
- What changes
- Revert APR applies to the full balance
- Typical revert APR
- 19%-29% variable
- Grace period
- None on carried balances
- Practical lead time
- Clear it 60 days early
The switch is instant
There is no taper. The statement after the intro period charges interest on the entire balance at the revert rate, calculated from each purchase date.
Interest is not retroactive, usually
Most issuers charge forward only, but deferred-interest offers do exist where the whole intro period interest becomes payable if you carry a cent past the deadline. Read which one you have.
Plan the last 60 days
Work backwards from the end date and set the final payment two statements early, so a slow transfer cannot strand you in revert territory.
If you will not clear it
Transfer the remainder to another 0% card before the deadline, or refinance to a fixed-rate loan. Both beat carrying 24% indefinitely.
FAQ
Will my minimum payment rise?▾
Yes - it recalculates against the new interest, which is the trap for people paying only the minimum.
Can the issuer end the intro early?▾
Some can on a missed payment. Check the terms.
Is a balance transfer still possible after it ends?▾
Yes, and it is usually the cheapest exit.
Advertisement
