Two Credit Cards Quietly Increased Intro APR to 21 Months
Two major issuers recently extended their 0% intro APR offers. The BankAmericard® and Slate® credit cards now offer 21 months of introductory APR, up from the previous 18-month period.
Photo: big4credit.com
Recent updates in the credit card market quietly extended the length of introductory APR offers on two popular cards. What used to be 18 months of 0% introductory APR is now 21 months, giving cardholders three additional months to pay down balances or finance large purchases without interest.
For consumers looking for flexibility, this change could make these offers significantly more valuable.
What Changed
Two credit cards recently increased their introductory APR periods:
- Previous Offer: 18 months intro APR > New Offer: 21 months intro APR
- Previous Offer: 18 months intro APR > New Offer: 21 months intro APR
This means cardholders now have three additional months with no interest on purchases or balance transfers.
Longer introductory APR periods are especially useful for:
- paying down existing credit card balances
- financing large purchases
- managing temporary cash flow gaps
Why Longer Intro APR Offers Matter
A 0% introductory APR period allows cardholders to carry a balance without paying interest for a limited time. When the intro period is extended from 18 to 21 months, the impact can be meaningful.
For example:
If you carry a $5,000 balance and pay it down over 21 months instead of 18 months, the longer period gives you lower required monthly payments and more flexibility.
These offers can also help avoid high interest rates while paying down debt.
Are 21-Month Intro APR Offers Common?
Intro APR offers used to be shorter.
Historically, many cards offered:
- 12 months
- 15 months
- sometimes 18 months
But in recent years, longer offers have appeared. Some cards now provide 21 months or even 24 months of introductory APR.
For example, in March 2025, U.S. Bank introduced the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card, which initially offered 0% intro APR for 24 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. It now offers 21 billing cycles, still among the longest promotional APR periods currently available.
This trend may continue as card issuers compete for new customers.
When a 0% Intro APR Card Makes Sense
These offers can be helpful when used strategically.
Situations where a long intro APR can be useful include:
- consolidating high-interest credit card balances
- covering emergency expenses
- financing a large purchase while paying it off gradually
- smoothing out temporary cash-flow fluctuations
However, it is important to pay attention to balance transfer fees, regular APR after the intro period, and payment requirements.
What Happens After the Intro APR Ends
Once the promotional period expires, the card’s regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
Because of this, it is generally best to:
- create a payoff plan before the intro period ends
- make consistent monthly payments
- avoid adding new charges to the balance
- Doing so helps maximize the value of the introductory offer.
The Bottom Line
The increase from 18 months to 21 months of 0% intro APR gives cardholders additional time to manage balances or finance purchases without interest.
While only a few cards currently offer intro periods this long, the trend toward longer promotional offers could continue.
Consumers comparing credit cards may want to pay attention to intro APR length, especially if they plan to carry a balance temporarily.
FAQ
What is the longest 0% intro APR period currently available?
Most 0% intro APR offers typically range from 12 to 21 months, with 21 months now representing the upper end of the market.
Do credit cards with 0% APR offer rewards on purchases?
Some do, but many of the longest intro APR credit cards focus on low interest financing rather than rewards. Cashback and travel rewards cards often have shorter intro APR periods.
Is a 21-month intro APR good?
Yes. A 21-month introductory APR period is among the longest currently offered by major credit cards and provides more time to finance purchases or pay down balances without interest.
Can you use a 0% intro APR card for balance transfers?
Yes. Many 0% intro APR cards allow balance transfers, although a balance transfer fee (often 3%–5%) may apply.
Do all credit cards offer intro APR?
No. Many rewards cards do not include introductory APR offers.
Looking for the longest intro APR offers?
See our picks for the best credit cards with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, including cards offering up to 21 months of introductory APR.