How to Get 0 APR on Existing Credit Cards in 2025?

Did you know that many credit cards in India charge interest rates of up to 44% annually? This can quickly increase your outstanding balance if not managed well. The good news is that there are ways to avoid or minimise these charges. Beyond simply paying your bills on time, you can explore more innovative options, including cash back rewards, interest-free transactions, and promotional offers.

If you have ever wondered how to get 0 APR on existing credit card, this guide will walk you through it. Learn what 0% APR really means, how to request it from your issuer, eligibility conditions, and key factors to keep in mind before applying.

What 0% APR on a Credit Card Really Means

If you purchase goods or services using your credit card, the credit card issuer imposes a finance charge on the outstanding credit card balance. Banks calculate this finance charge as a percentage of the interest rate every month, based on both monthly statement payments and minimum payments.

However, the effective annual rate is commonly referred to as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR card). In the case of a 0% Credit Card APR, banks do not levy a finance charge on your transactions for a specific introductory period.

For instance, if you spend ₹50,000 on your credit card during a 12-month 0 APR offer period, you won’t be charged any finance charges on that balance as long as you pay within the promotional offer terms. Proper credit utilization management can help maximise your benefits.

3 Ways to Get 0% APR on Your Existing Credit Card

The answer to your question of how to get 0 APR on existing credit card in India is all about taking advantage of Balance Transfer APR promotions, renegotiating with your bank, and availing EMI or 0% Credit Card APR offers. These techniques can eliminate or cut down interest payments for a temporary period, ease debt repayment, and save on excessive interest amounts. 

Let us look at the methods in detail:

1. Balance Transfer Offers

• Most Indian banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and AXIS Bank offer balance transfer facilities wherein the amount outstanding in a high-interest card can be transferred to another card giving 0% APR for a promotional period ranging from 3 to 12 months. 
• For instance, you can shift ₹50,000 from a card giving 36% APR to an HDFC card giving 0% for six months. This provides interest-free repayment for six months, which can be a huge saving.
• Moreover, application in this case is usually smooth online where the eligibility criteria is based on good payment record and credit rating.

2. Negotiate Directly with Your Issuer

• Strong credit history cardholders may negotiate a reduced APR with their banks.
• You can call customer service, cite lower rates from competitors, and ask for a cut or an interim waiver. About 35% of Indian cardholders manage to reduce their rates by negotiating.
• Some banks provide hardship programs or special 0% APR windows if asked while in financial distress.

3. EMI Conversion Plans

• Some cards, like Standard Chartered Smart or AU Bank LIT, permit converting big buys or existing balances into zero/low-interest EMIs for a limited period which is usually up to 90 days. 
• For example, you can purchase a ₹60,000 laptop on 0% EMI for 12 months and pay only ₹5,000 a month without any additional interest, relaxing financial strain.

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Can You Request a 0% APR on Your Existing Credit Card? 

You can get a 0% APR on your existing credit card. However, usually the 0% APR offer applies to new credit cards with offers on approval. Since opening a new account or getting a new credit card can affect your credit score, certain banks provide 0% APR offers to their existing cardholders for a promotional period or an introductory offer period.

Further, banks provide this offer because getting approval for a new credit card is not guaranteed. Based on your situation, understanding how to get 0 APR on existing credit cards can be beneficial over opening a new credit card.

5 Conditions to Get 0% APR Offers on Existing Cards 

1. As a responsible card user, ensure you repay your credit card bills within the due date to get a 0% APR offer.
2. Ensure you maintain a good credit score by paying your debts on time.
3. You need to keep your credit card account open to get 0% APR offers.
4. Ensure you keep your notifications on to receive 0% APR offers from your credit card company.
5. You can log in online to check if any 0% APR offer is available.

4 Things to Consider When Applying for a 0% APR Credit Card 

1. 0% APR Offer Might Not Apply to All Transactions

Banks providing 0% APR offers might restrict certain transactions from the offer. Usually, online purchases, fresh offline purchases and balance transfer are included in offers.

However, using credit cards for cash withdrawal is often not included in 0% APR offers. It might attract cash advance fees, which are significantly high.

2. Interest-free Period Varies Based on the Transaction Type

The interest-free grace period for credit cards usually lasts for a specific tenure, after which interest charges apply on the outstanding balance. For instance, a 0% APR on balance transfer might apply for only 24 months, while the offer on online purchases might apply for a 6-month duration.

Beyond this, there might be balance transfer fees applicable to card users. Further, you might have to pay high interest rates after the 0% APR period. Ensure you check the terms and conditions of the card issuer before you avail the offer.

3. Amount for 0% Interest Is Limited

Your credit card comes with a specific credit limit for transactions. The 0% APR offer might apply to a restricted limit on outstanding balance for specific 0 APR cards. For instance, if your credit card limit is ₹5 lakh, your 0% APR offer might apply to the outstanding balance up to ₹2 lakh and not the entire amount.

4. Penalty Beyond 0% APR Period

Banks might offer a 0% APR offer on your credit card debt for a certain period. However, if you do not pay the outstanding amount within the concerned period, banks might levy standard interest rates on the outstanding amount as a penalty.

To avoid adversities beyond the 0% APR period, ensure you check the terms and conditions of the card-issuing bank beforehand.

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Conclusion

Now that you know how to get 0 APR on existing credit cards, ensure you pay your credit card bills within the due date. Ensure you maintain a good credit score to get a 0% APR on new credit cards.

Furthermore, ensure that you pay your bills within the 0% APR tenure to avoid incurring additional penalties. Before you apply for such an offer based on eligibility, you need to check the terms and conditions to avoid discrepancies later.

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