Can I get a 0% bank loan?

Asked by: Zaria Russel  |  Last update: February 10, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (35 votes)

Yes, you can get a 0% bank loan, but they're usually promotional offers for specific purchases like cars or retail items, often requiring excellent credit (740+) and strict terms, with high retroactive interest if you miss payments or pay late, plus potential fees or higher sticker prices; non-profits and online lenders also offer limited 0% options for specific needs, like Kiva for business or JFLA for emergency situations.

Is it possible to get a loan with 0% interest?

Yes, you can get a 0% interest loan, but it's usually a promotional offer for a specific period (like 12-21 months) on big purchases (cars, furniture) or credit cards, requiring excellent credit and strict adherence to terms, with potential deferred interest charged retroactively if you miss payments or don't pay it all off in time. These aren't typical bank loans but rather marketing tools, and you must read the fine print carefully for hidden fees or harsh penalties if terms are broken, as "zero interest" doesn't always mean "free money". 

Do 0% personal loans exist?

Zero-interest loans are typically facilitated through third-party lenders, not by the stores themselves. These lenders may have specific eligibility criteria that borrowers must meet to qualify for 0%-interest personal loans, such as a certain minimum credit score, income level, and employment history.

Is 0% APR a trap?

Yes, 0% APR can be a trap if not used carefully, as it encourages overspending, leads to high penalty rates if payments are missed, and can hide inflated prices or fees, but it's also a valuable tool for those who pay the balance off before the introductory period ends. The danger lies in falling for the "free money" illusion, missing payments (which can trigger a high penalty APR), or failing to pay it all before the rate jumps, turning a deal into costly debt.
 

Is it possible to get 0% financing?

You'll only get a 0% rate if it's advertised by the manufacturer and have good credit. If it's not something the manufacturer advertises, it's not something that will be available (especially in this interest rate environment).

What's Wrong With 0% Financing?

22 related questions found

Do banks do 0% loans?

Lenders don't offer interest-free loans, but other types of interest-free credit are available. Below are four options you could consider.

How much would a $10,000 loan cost per month over 5 years?

A $10,000 loan over 5 years (60 months) costs roughly $190 to $230 per month, depending on your interest rate (APR), with payments decreasing as the rate drops; for example, at 8% APR, it's around $199/month, while a 13% APR could be about $228/month, with higher rates meaning more total interest paid. 

Can a 0% loan hurt your credit?

It makes no difference to them whether you're paying 0% or 50%—although it does make a big difference to how much your debts cost you. Also, a higher APR means accruing more interest, which can lead to more debt and hurt your credit score.

How much is a $25,000 car loan for 72 months?

For a $25,000 car loan over 72 months, your monthly payment will vary based on the interest rate (APR), but expect payments generally ranging from around $350 to $450+, with lower interest rates like 3-5% yielding payments closer to $350-$400, while higher rates (e.g., 9%) push payments up towards $450 or more, plus significant total interest paid over the life of the loan. 

What is the 2 2 2 credit rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for building a strong credit profile, suggesting you have two active revolving accounts (like credit cards) open for at least two years, with on-time payments for those two consecutive years, often with a minimum $2,000 limit per account, demonstrating reliable credit management to lenders. It shows you can handle multiple credit lines consistently, reducing lender risk and improving your chances for approval on larger loans, like mortgages.
 

How much is a $20,000 loan for 5 years?

A $20,000 loan over 5 years (60 months) costs roughly $2,600 to over $7,000 in interest, with monthly payments varying significantly by Annual Percentage Rate (APR), such as around $377 at 5% APR or $445 at 12% APR, meaning total repayment could range from approximately $22,600 to over $26,700. 

What are the risks of 0% loans?

Zero-interest loans might seem like a no-cost way to borrow money, but they come with hidden risks. These loans can encourage overspending and impulse purchases, and they often come with strict repayment terms and hefty penalties if you miss any payments.

What credit score is needed for a $30,000 loan?

To get a $30,000 loan, you generally need a good credit score (670+) for the best rates, but some lenders may approve you with a fair score (around 600-640) or even lower (580+) if you have solid income, though interest rates will be higher. Excellent credit (740+) gets the lowest rates, while bad credit (below 580) makes approval difficult but possible with secured loans or specialized lenders. 

How much would a $5000 personal loan cost a month?

A $5,000 personal loan's monthly payment varies significantly with the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and loan term, but expect payments from roughly $100 to $200 per month, with a 3-year term at ~10% APR around $150-$160, while a 5-year term at a higher rate (like 20%) could be around $100-$120, with longer terms and higher rates increasing total interest paid. 

What credit score is needed for 0% interest?

To get 0% financing, especially for cars, you generally need excellent credit (typically 740-850), with scores of 700-750 often being the minimum for manufacturer deals, while some top offers require 780+ or even 800+; for credit cards, a score of 670 or higher is usually needed, though it varies by issuer and promotion. It's a reward for highly creditworthy borrowers, often alongside other factors like low debt. 

Do Jews get 0% interest?

Jewish Free Loan Association offers zero-interest, zero-fee loans that restore dignity, stability, and opportunity. Thousands of individuals and families have achieved financial security because JFLA was able to say "YES" to them when they needed it most. History teaches us that we can expect the unexpected in 2026.

How much is a $30,000 car payment for 60 months?

A $30,000 car loan for 60 months (5 years) results in monthly payments typically ranging from about $500 to over $600, heavily depending on the interest rate (APR), with lower rates (e.g., 5%) yielding payments around $566, and higher rates (e.g., 7%) pushing payments closer to $600 or more, not including taxes, fees, or down payments.
 

Is it better to buy new or used with a loan?

It may be easier to secure a loan for a new car than it is for a used car, and new car loans often come with lower interest rates. Used cars can be a good fit if you're on a budget and they generally cost less to insure; however, interest rates for used car loans are often higher than for new car loans.

What credit score do I need for a $27,000 car loan?

For a $27,000 car loan, you generally need a FICO score of 661 or higher (Prime category) for competitive rates, with scores above 780 (Super Prime) getting the best deals, but you can still get approved with lower scores (like 601-660 for Nonprime or 501-600 for Subprime) at higher interest rates, with the average score for new car buyers around 754. There's no official minimum, but a higher score leads to much lower interest, saving you thousands over the loan term. 

Are 0% loans really free?

But the lender typically doesn't give you that money for free. Instead, you pay interest and fees to the bank for lending you the money. APR stands for annual percentage rate, which calculates how much the lender charges to borrow the money. With a 0% APR financing deal, you repay the money you borrow and nothing more.

What is the biggest killer of credit scores?

The single biggest thing that hurts your credit score is late payments, especially those 30+ days past due, as payment history accounts for 35% of a FICO score; maxing out credit cards (high credit utilization) and opening too many new accounts quickly also cause significant damage, while major negative events like bankruptcy are devastating.
 

How to get a 700 credit score in 30 days?

Improving your credit in 30 days is possible. Ways to do so include paying off credit card debt, becoming an authorized user, paying your bills on time and disputing inaccurate credit report information.

Which loan app gives $50,000 instantly?

No single app guarantees an instant ₹50,000 loan, but apps like Airtel Thanks, Piramal Finance, and platforms partnering with lenders like SoFi, Upgrade, and Upstart (via their apps/platforms) offer personal loans up to ₹50,000 with quick approvals and disbursals for eligible users, focusing on digital processing and minimal paperwork, though eligibility and actual speed vary by lender and credit profile. 

How much personal loan can I get on a $70,000 salary?

With a $70,000 salary, you could potentially get a personal loan from $10,000 up to $100,000 or more, but the exact amount depends heavily on your credit score, existing debts (DTI ratio), employment stability, and the lender's policies, with $50,000 being a common maximum for many lenders. Lenders use your income and debt to assess affordability, so a strong credit profile and low existing debt will help you qualify for larger amounts, while options like a cosigner or secured loan can also increase your borrowing power. 

What are the risks of taking out a loan?

5 Risks of Taking Out a Personal Loan

  • High Interest Rates.
  • Prepayment Penalties.
  • Origination Fees.
  • Higher Overall Debt.
  • Damage to Your Credit Score.