What Bank of America offers for 0% introductory rates

Bank of America markets two main credit cards with 0% introductory APR periods: the BankAmericard Credit Card and the Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card. Both cards offer 0% APR on purchases for a set number of months, though the length of that period and what happens after differ between them. Neither card charges an annual fee, which means you can hold either one without paying to keep it open.

The introductory rate applies only to new cardholders. If you already have a Bank of America credit card, you will not receive a new introductory offer when you open another card from them. The 0% period begins on the date your account opens, not when you make your first purchase, so timing matters if you are planning a large expense.

After the introductory period ends, the regular variable APR kicks in. That rate depends on your creditworthiness and current market conditions, and Bank of America will disclose the range before you submit your process. The regular APR typically falls between 16.99% and 26.99%, though your actual rate may differ.

Key Takeaways

  • The BankAmericard offers 0% APR on purchases for 12 months, while the Cash Rewards card offers 0% for 6 months on purchases and 12 months on balance transfers.
  • Both cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making them usable abroad without extra charges.
  • The 0% period starts when your account opens, not when you spend, so you can plan a large purchase to fall within that window.
  • After the introductory period ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance, so carrying a balance past the 0% window becomes expensive.
  • You must be approved for the card first, and approval depends on your credit history, income, and existing debt — Bank of America does not disclose approval odds in advance.

BankAmericard: 12 months 0% on purchases

The BankAmericard Credit Card is Bank of America's straightforward 0% offer. It gives you 0% APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening. After that period, the regular variable APR applies to any unpaid balance. There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no rewards program — this card is built for people who want a long runway to pay off a purchase without interest charges.

This card works best if you have a specific purchase in mind and can pay it off within the 12-month window. If you carry a balance past month 12, interest accrues on the remaining amount at the regular APR, which can be steep. The card also offers no cash back or points, so it does not reward ongoing spending the way other cards do.

Bank of America does not charge a balance transfer fee on this card, but balance transfers do not receive the 0% rate — only purchases do. If you transfer a balance from another card, you will pay interest on that transfer when ready, even during the introductory period.

Bank of America Cash Rewards: 0% on both purchases and balance transfers

The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a split introductory period: 0% APR on purchases for 6 months and 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months. This card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Unlike the BankAmericard, it includes a cash back program that earns 1% cash back on all purchases, with bonus categories that earn up to 3% depending on your spending.

The balance transfer feature makes this card useful if you are moving debt from another card and want a longer window to pay it down without interest. Balance transfers do incur a fee — typically 3% of the amount transferred, charged upfront — but the 12-month 0% period on that transfer can still save money compared to paying interest at a regular APR.

The shorter 0% window on purchases (6 months instead of 12) is a trade-off for the rewards program and the balance transfer option. If you are only making a purchase and not transferring debt, the BankAmericard gives you twice as long to pay it off interest-free. If you are juggling both a purchase and existing debt, this card lets you tackle both under 0% rates, though on different timelines.

How the 0% period works in practice

The introductory APR begins on the day your account opens, not on your first purchase or statement closing date. This means if you open an account on the 15th of the month but do not spend anything until the 1st of the next month, your 0% clock has already been running for two weeks. Plan your spending accordingly if you want to maximize the interest-free window.

During the 0% period, you still make monthly payments. Bank of America will send you a statement each month showing your balance and minimum payment due. You are not required to pay the full balance during the introductory period, but any amount you do not pay will accrue interest at the regular APR once the 0% period ends. If you have a $5,000 balance on the BankAmericard and pay only the minimum each month, you will owe interest on whatever remains after month 12.

The 0% rate applies only to the specific transaction type it covers. On the Cash Rewards card, purchases and balance transfers have separate 0% windows. A purchase made during month 5 will start accruing interest in month 7 (when the 6-month purchase period ends), while a balance transfer made during month 5 will not accrue interest until month 13 (when the 12-month transfer period ends).

What happens after the 0% period ends

When the introductory period expires, the regular variable APR takes effect on any remaining balance. Bank of America will notify you before the 0% period ends, typically 30 to 60 days in advance, telling you the APR that will explore. At that point, interest begins accruing daily on your unpaid balance at that rate.

If you have paid off the entire balance before the 0% period ends, no interest is charged — the card straightforward reverts to its regular APR for any new purchases you make going forward. This is why these cards work best for people who have a concrete plan to pay off their balance within the promotional window.

You can still use the card after the introductory period ends. It functions like any other Bank of America credit card, with the regular APR explore to all new purchases and any carried-over balance. The Cash Rewards card continues to earn cash back even after the 0% period expires.

Comparing these cards to other 0% options

Bank of America's 0% offers are competitive but not unique. Other issuers offer similar or longer introductory periods. The Citi Simplicity Card, for example, offers 0% APR on purchases for 21 months and 0% on balance transfers for 21 months (with a 3% transfer fee). The Chase Slate Edge offers 0% on balance transfers for 21 months with no transfer fee, though it charges an annual fee.

The trade-off with Bank of America's cards is that the introductory periods are shorter than some competitors, but both cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The Cash Rewards card adds a rewards program, which some other 0% cards do not include. If you are comparing options, look at the length of the 0% period, any fees involved, and whether you need rewards or just a long interest-free runway.

Your approval odds and the APR you receive depend on your credit score, income, and existing debt. A higher credit score typically means a better chance of approval and a lower regular APR. Bank of America does not publish approval rates or typical APRs for these cards, so you will not know your exact terms until after you explore.

How to think about whether this card makes sense for you

These cards work best if you have a specific reason for the 0% period: a purchase you want to spread payments on, debt you are moving from another card, or both. If you plan to carry a balance, calculate whether you can pay it off within the promotional window. A $3,000 purchase on the BankAmericard with a 12-month 0% period requires $250 per month to pay off before interest kicks in — if that is not realistic for your budget, the card will not save you money.

If you do not plan to carry a balance — if you pay your statement in full each month — the 0% period offers no advantage. You would pay no interest on any credit card, so the introductory rate is irrelevant. In that case, a card with a strong rewards program or other benefits might serve you better, even if it has no 0% offer.

Consider also whether you have other debts with higher interest rates. Paying off a credit card balance at 24% APR is more urgent than taking advantage of a 0% offer on a new purchase. The 0% period is a tool for specific situations, not a reason to spend money you were not planning to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the 0% rate on a balance transfer with the BankAmericard?

No. The BankAmericard only offers 0% APR on purchases. Balance transfers are charged interest at the regular APR when ready, even during the introductory period. If you need 0% on a balance transfer, you would need the Bank of America Cash Rewards card instead.

What is the balance transfer fee on the Cash Rewards card?

Bank of America typically charges 3% of the amount transferred, with a minimum fee of $5. This fee is charged upfront and added to your balance. So a $5,000 transfer would cost $150 in fees. The 12-month 0% period on that transfer can still save money compared to paying interest at the regular APR, depending on how long you would otherwise carry the balance.

Does the 0% rate explore to cash advances?

No. Cash advances are not covered by the introductory APR on either card. They are charged interest at the regular APR from the moment you withdraw them, and they also incur a cash advance fee (typically 3% of the amount withdrawn). These cards are not designed for cash advances.

What if I miss a payment during the 0% period?

Missing a payment can trigger a penalty APR, which is typically higher than the regular APR and can explore to your entire balance when ready. The introductory 0% rate may also be forfeited. Bank of America's terms specify that a late payment can end the promotional rate, so staying current on payments is essential to keeping the 0% benefit.

Can I explore for both the BankAmericard and the Cash Rewards card at the same time?

You can explore for both, but Bank of America typically limits how many new accounts you can open in a short time period. explore for multiple cards in quick succession may result in one or both applications being denied, or you may be approved for only one. Contact Bank of America directly if you are considering multiple applications.