Choosing the best 0% APR business credit card

Whether you’re building a startup or a small business, cash generally flows slowly at the beginning. At first, you’re typically covering upfront expenses, like software, contractors, and equipment. But those investments likely won’t pay off in the form of revenue for at least a few months. 

The best 0% annual percentage rate (APR) business cards can seem like attractive safety nets. The idea of a credit source that lets you spend now and pay later, without having to cover the cost of interest, is incredibly appealing when you’re trying to find your footing. These cards can help cover costs before your next funding round or your first revenue stream takes off. For many founders, those first few interest-free months can make all the difference in managing early cash flow. 

But not all 0% offers are built the same. When comparing the best business credit cards at 0% intro APR, closely reading the ins and outs of the offer is essential. Terms vary widely by issuer, and the fine print can sometimes turn a short-term advantage into long-term debt. By understanding how these cards work, you make smarter decisions for your company’s stage and goals.

A 0% APR business credit card offers a limited-time period (usually between six to eight months) when you can carry a balance without paying interest on certain types of transactions. Think of it as a short-term financing window, not a permanent loan. Once that introductory period ends, the standard purchase APR applies to any unpaid balance. During that window, you can make purchases or, if your card allows, transfer balances without interest. Most introductory periods are closer to six than eight months, so it’s important to note when the promotional interest rate ends.

Purchases vs. balance transfers

Some 0% offers apply to new purchases, others to balance transfers, and a few to both. For example, you might use an offer to buy startup equipment or cover payroll software. But, if you’ve already purchased those items on another card, and your 0% offer doesn’t cover transfers, moving that debt over will still accrue interest.

0% APR vs. deferred interest 

It’s worth noting that “0% APR” isn’t the same as “deferred interest.” With a true 0% APR offer, you simply don’t accrue interest during the promotional period. With deferred interest, however, you’ll owe retroactive interest on the entire original balance if it isn’t paid by the end of the term. It’s a common pitfall with retail cards.

Other types of APRs to watch

Even during a 0% promotional period, certain spending categories might still accrue interest. Here are a few examples to be aware of:

• Purchase APR: Interest applies to new purchases after the intro period ends
• Balance transfer APR: Interest applies to balances you move from another card
• Cash advance APR: Higher interest rates apply for cash withdrawals
• Penalty APR: Steep interest rates that can be triggered by late payments

In short, a 0% APR business card can be a powerful early-stage tool — but only if you use it carefully, know exactly which transactions qualify, and have a clear plan to pay off the balance before interest kicks in. 

A 0% APR business card can be a smart short-term tool when it’s used to fund a predictable, revenue-generating activity — not day-to-day survival. Here are examples of times when using a 0% APR card typically makes sense. 

When you need to make an early-stage purchase

Launching a new business often comes with a lot of startup costs, but it can take months to build revenue streams. A credit card with a 0% APR window can provide a temporary cash flow reprieve so you can pay for necessities — like software subscriptions, initial inventory, or marketing campaigns — before your business starts earning revenue.

When you’re waiting for cash flow

Whether a client invoice is coming due, you’re expecting revenue from a product launch, or a funding round just closed, an interest-free period lets you bridge the gap and stay liquid while you wait.

When you need credit card relief

Some cards extend the 0% offer to balances transferred from other accounts. If that’s the case, you can reduce interest costs on existing debt, but only if you repay the transferred amount before the intro period ends. 

There are also times when a 0% APR card doesn’t make sense. Even the best business credit cards — 0% APR included — can present a risk if you don’t have a clear plan to pay off the balance. If the purchases you’re covering won’t generate a return without the promotional window, these cards won’t help much. Once the 0% term expires, most business cards revert to standard variable rates.

Even experienced founders can get tripped up by the fine print for 0% APR cards. Here are a few potential pitfalls to avoid.

Rate reset

Regular interest rates kick in immediately when the intro period ends. That means the standard interest rate will apply to any remaining balance. If you’ve treated the card like free money and haven’t paid off the balance, the interest charges can outweigh any initial savings.

Hidden conditions 

Read the terms carefully. Some business credit cards require a minimum monthly spend. Others exclude certain transactions from the 0% window. Some charge annual fees or balance transfer fees that undercut the value of a 0% promotional offer.

Overextension 

A 0% APR card is still credit. Without discipline, it’s easy to spend more than you have coming in. Whenever you’re considering making a purchase, it’s crucial to put a plan in place to pay off the debt.

When exploring the best business credit cards with 0% APR, skip the marketing hype and read the fine print. Here are a few questions you should be able to answer before you sign up:

• How long is the 0% interest window? Does it apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both?
• When the promotional window ends, is the interest rate competitive?
• Are there any annual fees, transfer fees, or late-payment penalties?
• How will you clear the balance before the interest kicks in? 
• Does the card meet your business needs overall? (If you’re trying to cover payroll or business travel, there are likely better options.)

0% APR cards can help solve temporary cash flow challenges. But when they aren’t used carefully, these cards can introduce entirely new problems.

Credit cards with APR offers aren’t your only option for handling temporary gaps in cash flow. Mercury, for instance, doesn’t offer promotional APRs — and that’s by design. Instead of offering short-term deals, the Mercury IO Card helps founders manage cash flow sustainably. Every IO Card connects directly to your Mercury account, so you can see spending across teams in real-time, understand how cash is moving, and help your team scale.

The terms are clear and consistent, with no hidden catches or promotional deadlines — just steady rewards that deliver consistent value over time. It’s a structure built for trust, providing clarity and control, that helps founders confidently make decisions well beyond the first few months after launch. 

Choose one of the industry’s best business credit cards (0% APR included), and you could gain a helpful bridge when you need to smooth cash flow or fund early growth. Just make sure that you set clear spending boundaries and make a plan to pay off your balance before the 0% APR period ends, and you owe interest. These cards only offer an advantage when you use them intentionally (not reactively), and you have a clear understanding of how quickly your business is spending available capital.

Looking for flexibility without the fine print? Learn how the Mercury IO Card can help you manage spend, track cash flow, and build the financial clarity your business needs to thrive.