Credit cards are a double-edged sword in personal finance; they can be convenient but also dangerous. Some of the most tempting deals are for a 0% APR — annual percentage rate — on purchases or balance transfers. They seem like golden tickets to financial freedom, these offers that extend all the way through 2026. But to properly unlock their hidden savings potential its need to have an insight on the intricacies behind those offers.

How 0% APR Deals Work

With a 0% APR offer, you can spend money or transfer a balance and not pay interest for a set amount of time. These promotional periods usually last 12 to 24 months but some issuers have also extended the offer until 2026.