Intro APR
An intro APR is a low or 0% interest rate a credit card charges for a set time after you open it, on purchases, balance transfers or both, before the regular APR applies.
Under the CARD Act an introductory rate must last at least six months (12 CFR 1026.55). Common 0% periods run 12 to 21 months. When it ends, any balance left is charged the regular APR from then on, not retroactively.
That differs from deferred interest, used by some store cards, where unpaid balances are charged interest back to the purchase date.
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Related terms
Sources: CFPB: Regulation Z, 12 CFR 1026.55