0% Interest Credit Cards NZ 2025
Complete guide to zero interest credit cards in New Zealand. Compare balance transfer offers, interest-free purchase periods, and save thousands on credit card debt.
Best Current 0% Offers
- Longest Balance Transfer: BNZ Advantage - 0% for 12 months
- Best Purchase Offer: BNZ & Kiwibank - 0% for 6 months
- No Transfer Fee: ANZ Low Rate Visa
- Lowest Ongoing Rate: Westpac - 13.45% p.a.
Zero percent interest credit cards offer a powerful way to save money on credit card debt or make large purchases without paying interest. In New Zealand, banks compete aggressively with 0% balance transfer offers and interest-free purchase periods to attract new customers.
This comprehensive guide covers all 0% interest credit card offers available in New Zealand for 2025, including detailed comparisons of balance transfer deals, purchase promotions, fees, and strategies to maximize your savings.
Types of 0% Interest Credit Card Offers
Balance Transfer 0%
Transfer existing credit card debt to a new card at 0% interest for a promotional period, typically 6-12 months.
- • Save hundreds in interest charges
- • Consolidate multiple debts
- • Fixed repayment timeline
Purchase 0%
Make new purchases with 0% interest for an introductory period, usually 3-6 months on selected cards.
- • Spread large purchases
- • Emergency expenses
- • Cash flow management
Combined Offers
Some cards offer 0% on both balance transfers and new purchases for the promotional period.
- • Maximum flexibility
- • Debt and spending solution
- • Single card convenience
0% Interest Credit Cards Comparison
| Card | Balance Transfer | Purchases | Transfer Fee | Annual Fee | After 0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BNZ Advantage Visa Classic BNZ | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 6 months | 1% of amount | $0 first year, then $45 | 13.90% p.a. |
ANZ Low Rate Visa ANZ | 0% for 6 months | 0% for 6 months | None | $58 | 13.90% p.a. |
Westpac Low Rate Mastercard Westpac | 0% for 6 months | 55 days interest-free | 2.99% of amount | $59 | 13.45% p.a. |
Kiwibank Low Rate Mastercard Kiwibank | 0% for 6 months | 0% for 6 months | 1.99% of amount | $50 | 13.95% p.a. |
ASB Visa Light ASB | 0% for 6 months | 44 days interest-free | 3% of amount | $40 | 13.50% p.a. |
Detailed 0% Credit Card Reviews
BNZ Advantage Visa Classic
Best for: Consolidating existing debt
Pros
- Longest balance transfer period
- Low ongoing rate
- No annual fee first year
Cons
- Transfer fee applies
- Shorter purchase period
ANZ Low Rate Visa
Best for: Small debt consolidation
Pros
- No balance transfer fee
- Same period for purchases
- Low ongoing rate
Cons
- Shorter 0% period
- Annual fee applies
Westpac Low Rate Mastercard
Best for: Long-term low rate needs
Pros
- Lowest ongoing rate
- Quick approval
- Mastercard benefits
Cons
- High transfer fee
- Standard purchase terms
Kiwibank Low Rate Mastercard
Best for: Supporting local banking
Pros
- Local NZ bank
- Competitive rates
- Both purchases and transfers
Cons
- Transfer fee
- Limited rewards
ASB Visa Light
Best for: Basic low-cost card
Pros
- Lowest annual fee
- Good ongoing rate
- Simple terms
Cons
- Highest transfer fee
- No purchase promotion
How to Maximize 0% Interest Offers
Balance Transfer Strategy
- 1Calculate total debtInclude all cards and interest rates
- 2Compare transfer costsFactor in fees vs interest savings
- 3Set repayment planDivide debt by 0% period months
- 4Automate paymentsEnsure debt cleared before revert rate
Purchase Strategy
- 1Plan major purchasesTime them with card approval
- 2Budget repaymentsEnsure full payment before 0% ends
- 3Track spendingDon't overspend due to 0% offer
- 4Set remindersNote when promotional period ends
Potential Savings with 0% Interest Cards
Balance Transfer Savings Example
Without 0% Transfer
- Debt Amount: $10,000
- Interest Rate: 19.95% p.a.
- Monthly Payment: $500
- Time to Pay Off: 24 months
- Total Interest Paid: $2,194
With 0% Transfer (12 months)
- Debt Amount: $10,000
- Transfer Fee (1%): $100
- Monthly Payment: $841
- Time to Pay Off: 12 months
- Total Cost: $100
Total Savings: $2,094 - By using a 0% balance transfer card, you save over $2,000 in interest charges!
Important Considerations for 0% Cards
⚠️ Watch Out For These Traps
Common Pitfalls
- • Revert Rates: High interest after 0% period ends
- • New Purchases: May not be covered by 0% offer
- • Late Payments: Can void promotional rate
- • Cash Advances: Never covered by 0% offers
- • Payment Allocation: Payments may go to 0% balance first
Protection Strategies
- • Set up automatic minimum payments
- • Calendar reminder before 0% ends
- • Don't use for cash advances
- • Read all terms and conditions
- • Keep old card as backup (don't close)
How to Apply for 0% Interest Credit Cards
Check Eligibility
Income requirements, credit score, residency status
Compare Offers
Balance transfer vs purchase needs, fees, periods
Apply Online
Submit application with income and ID documents
Transfer & Plan
Initiate transfers, set repayment schedule
Required Documents
- ✓ Proof of identity (passport or driver's license)
- ✓ Proof of income (payslips or tax returns)
- ✓ Bank statements (3 months)
- ✓ Details of debts to transfer
- ✓ Proof of address
- ✓ Employment details
0% Interest Credit Cards FAQ
Common questions about zero interest credit card offers answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
You transfer existing credit card debt to a new card that charges 0% interest for a promotional period (usually 6-12 months). You'll typically pay a one-time transfer fee (1-3% of the amount), then make regular payments to clear the debt before the 0% period ends.
It's challenging but not impossible. Most 0% offers require good to excellent credit (650+ score). If your credit is poor, consider secured cards or cards specifically designed for credit building first, then apply for 0% offers once your score improves.
The interest rate reverts to the standard purchase rate (typically 13-23% p.a.). Any remaining balance will accrue interest at this rate. It's crucial to pay off the entire balance before the promotional period ends to maximize savings.
No, you cannot transfer balances between cards from the same bank. For example, you can't transfer from one ANZ card to another ANZ card. You must choose a different bank for your balance transfer.
Generally no. Keeping old cards open (with zero balance) helps maintain your credit history length and available credit, both positive for your credit score. Only close cards with high annual fees you're not using.
Yes, but be careful. New purchases may not be covered by the 0% offer and could accrue interest immediately. Also, payments typically go toward the 0% balance first, meaning purchase interest compounds.
Savings depend on your debt amount and current interest rate. For example, transferring $10,000 from a 19.95% card to 0% for 12 months saves approximately $2,000 in interest, minus any transfer fees.
Yes, common fees include balance transfer fees (1-3%), annual fees ($0-$150), late payment fees, and cash advance fees. Always factor these into your calculations when comparing cards.
There's no legal limit, but multiple applications can impact your credit score. Banks also consider your total credit exposure. It's generally better to choose one card that meets all your needs rather than multiple cards.
Currently, the longest balance transfer offer is 12 months from BNZ. Purchase offers typically max out at 6 months. These periods change regularly, so check current offers when applying.
Related Credit Card Guides
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