0% interest period basic question

ghost3h

I have a somewhat stupid/basic question about interest free periods on cards. Applies to both balance transfer and spends.

Does the period start from opening the card, or from the point of purchase.

So if I open it on January 1st and its 12m interest free, it runs until Dec 31st? Or if I bought something in March, is it 12months interest free from that date in march?

I have always thought its from opening the credit card, but a college seems adamant its from the purchase point?

Thanks

BoGoF

Usually from account opening

[Deleted User]

Promo periods will run from when the account is created.

So a little after your application and a little before you get the card.

MallyGirl

and watch out for the MBNA one that is 0% for 12 months but only on purchases made in the first 90 days (or something like that).

Sharon87

You can't lump spends and balance transfers into one.

balance transfers are from the date of the transfer. If you apply for it at the same time as your application then that starts the 12 months or whatever it is. If you have an offer of a balance transfer on an existing card, it's from the date of the transfer.

0% on purchases are from account opening - and as has been mentioned sometimes you have to spend it within a time limit, or it can be the whole 0% period, depending on the card.