0% APR Promo Calculator
Plan exactly what to pay each month to clear the balance before the promo ends.
Pay this much each month to clear before promo ends
$278
The whole point of 0% APR is paying the balance off BEFORE the promo ends. Set a calendar reminder + autopay the required monthly.
A 0% intro APR offer lets you carry a balance without paying interest for a set number of months. The goal is simple: pay the whole balance off before the window closes, because whatever is left afterward starts accruing interest at the regular rate.
This calculator finds the fixed monthly payment that clears your balance right on schedule, so you are not left with a surprise balance when the promo ends. It also flags the difference between a true 0% offer and a deferred-interest offer, which behave very differently.
Enter your balance and the number of promo months to get the monthly payment you need, plus how much a single missed month can cost you.
How this calculator works
With true 0% interest, the math is straightforward: monthly payment = balance / number of promo months. A $2,400 balance with 12 months left needs $200 a month; the same balance with 18 months needs about $134. Because no interest accrues, every dollar goes to principal, so there is no compounding to solve for. If you want a cushion, divide by one or two fewer months than the promo actually offers so you finish early. The important edge case is deferred interest: instead of forgiving interest, it accrues in the background from day one and, if any balance remains at the end of the window, the entire accrued amount is added at once. On a $2,400 purchase at 26.99% deferred over 12 months, leaving even $50 unpaid can trigger a back-charge of roughly $350 to $400 in interest.
What affects the number
- Balance divided by promo months: the core payment target. Round up so rounding never leaves a stub balance at the end.
- True 0% vs deferred interest: a true intro APR forgives interest during the window; deferred interest (common on store and financing cards) back-charges all of it if any balance remains.
- New purchases on the same card: these may not share the 0% rate and can accrue interest immediately, so keep promo balances separate.
- Payment timing: pay a few days before the due date each cycle to avoid a late payment, which can cancel the promo entirely.
- A safety buffer: aim to finish one or two months early in case a payment is missed or the balance was higher than you thought.
- Minimum payment trap: the card's minimum is almost always far below what you need to clear the balance in time, so never rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to pay each month to clear a 0% balance in time?
Divide the balance by the number of promo months. A $3,000 balance over 15 months needs $200 a month. Paying only the card's minimum will almost never clear it before the window ends, leaving you with an interest-bearing balance.
What is the difference between 0% APR and deferred interest?
True 0% APR charges no interest during the promo, so only the balance carried afterward accrues interest. Deferred interest accrues from the purchase date and, if any balance remains when the promo ends, back-charges all of it at once. Deferred interest is common on store cards and 'no interest if paid in full' financing.
What happens if I still have a balance when the 0% period ends?
On a true 0% card, the remaining balance simply starts accruing interest at the regular APR going forward. On a deferred-interest offer, you are charged all the interest that built up since day one, which can be hundreds of dollars, so paying the full balance in time matters most there.
Can making new purchases affect my 0% intro balance?
Yes. New purchases may carry the standard APR even while your transferred or promo balance sits at 0%, and payments are often applied in ways that leave the interest-bearing portion last. To stay safe, avoid new charges on a card you are using for a 0% payoff.
This calculator provides general estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Your actual costs and credit outcomes depend on your specific card terms, issuer, and situation.