What to do before your 0% credit card deal ends
When the 0% promotional period on a purchase card ends, any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the standard rate. This guide is about the date, the balance, and the post-promo rate together.
Guide · Credit cards · Published 3 July 2026
Why this matters
A 0% promotional purchase deal is a fixed window. The day after the end date, the standard purchase APR applies to whatever balance remains — and that interest is then added to the next statement.
FCA persistent debt rules require firms to intervene when customers pay more in interest and charges than in repayments over an 18-month period. Paying only the minimum after a promotional period ends can trigger that.
What to check before your 0% deal ends
Promotional end date
Confirm the exact day the 0% purchase deal ends. The statement and online account will both show this.
Current balance
Note the balance you would carry into the post-promotional period if nothing else changed.
Standard purchase APR
Check the card's standard purchase APR — the rate that applies once the promotion ends.
Minimum payments and persistent debt rules
FCA persistent debt rules require firms to intervene when customers pay more in interest and charges than in repayments over an 18-month period. Paying only the minimum can trigger that.
Planned clearance schedule
Work out the payment schedule needed to clear the balance by the end date, or as much as realistically possible.
Timing window
When to act
The practical window is the final two-to-three months of the promotion. Earlier than that and the schedule is comfortably manageable; later and the maths is forced.
Sources
- FCA — Credit card market study and persistent debt rules.
- FCA — CONC sourcebook on minimum payments and disclosures.
- MoneyHelper — Credit card costs and persistent debt.