 TITLE: What Credit Score Do You Need for a 0% APR Credit Card? CONTENT: When Does It Make Sense to Get a 0% APR Credit Card?\n----------------------------------------------------\nDoes getting a 0% APR credit card make sense for you? Before you apply for a 0% APR credit card, here are some factors to consider.\n*   **How long is the introductory 0% APR period?** Credit cards offering 0% APR come with a catch: That 0% interest rate doesn't last forever. It's a promotional rate good for a limited time. Legally, the promotional period must last at least six months (unless you are over 60 days late on a payment), but you can find cards with promotional periods as long as 21 months. If you're planning to transfer a high balance from another credit card with a high interest rate to the 0% APR card, make sure you'll be able to pay off the balance during the introductory period (or at least make a significant dent in it).\n*   **What types of transactions does the introductory 0% APR apply to?** Don't assume that the 0% interest rate applies to every transaction. It generally applies to purchases, balance transfers or both, but won't apply to cash advances. To confirm the interest rates charged for different transactions, review the terms of the credit card agreement. (You can find these on the card's application page online or in the offer mailer.)\n*   **What APR will you pay once the promotional period ends?** After the introductory 0% APR expires, the card issuer will start charging a standard APR. Look at the credit card terms to find the standard APR; it may be expressed as a range, since you may not know the specific interest rate you qualify for until you're approved.\n*   **What do you want to use the card for?** A 0% interest credit card can be a useful tool for transferring balances or making large purchases. If you transfer the balance on a high-interest credit card to a 0% APR card, that balance won't incur any new interest charges until the promotional period ends. Ideally, you'll pay off the balance before it starts accruing interest. You can also use a 0% APR credit card to finance an expensive purchase, like furniture for your new apartment or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, and pay off the balance over time without accruing interest.\n*   **Are there any fees?** Some cards charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the U.S., which can add up if you use the card on international trips. If you plan to use your card for balance transfers, you'll likely incur a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount you're transferring. (Refer to the card terms for details.) END