Forget 'Buy Now, Pay Later.' This Trick Gets You 0% Interest Instead

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) sounds like a great concept -- split up your payments, no interest, no worries. But behind the shiny checkout button lie some sneaky commonly-reported issues.

Almost half (49%) of BNPL users said they've experienced issues like overspending and missing payments, according to a new Bankrate survey. There's also a hefty amount of buyer regret, which is frustrating because these services are supposed to make life easier -- not add financial stress.

So what's a better option if you want to spread out purchases, but still avoid paying interest? Let me show you a little trick that helped a friend of mine save over $1,000 in interest.

How 0% intro APR credit cards work

The trick is using a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. These aren't sketchy promos -- they're real offers from big-name banks. Most give you anywhere from six to 21 months of 0% interest on purchases and/or balance transfers.

Here's how they work:

1. You apply for a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR on purchases (or balance transfers).
2. You make your new purchases, or transfer debt from an old card.
3. You've then got the entire intro APR period -- say, 18 months -- to pay it off without any interest.

Example: Let's say you buy a $1,000 patio set on a card offering 0% intro APR for 18 months. You then make payments of $56 per month during that interest-free period, and you're done. No interest paid.

How 0% intro APR cards give you more breathing room

BNPL is like juggling flaming swords. Each plan is short term (often six weeks to six months), and it's easy to forget a payment.

Meanwhile, 0% intro APR cards are like a wide safety net. You can:

• Stretch payments over 12 to 21 months
• Consolidate multiple purchases into one plan
• Avoid juggling multiple due dates

They're especially handy for financing large purchases. Or transferring balances to help pay off high-interest debt from another card faster.

Understand the fees and rules

Before applying for a 0% intro APR credit card, here are a few key things to know:

• Most 0% intro APR cards require good credit (typically 670 or higher FICO® Score).
• There's usually a 3%-5% fee to transfer a balance (but you can still save way more than paying high interest).
• Missing a payment could void your 0% deal. Always pay on time.

Remember, the 0% intro rate will eventually expire. So don't treat it like free money or build a lifestyle around borrowed cash. It's a tool to help you catch up -- not fall further behind.

Used wisely, 0% intro APR cards give you more time and flexibility than most BNPL plans. But in either case, the smartest move is sticking to purchases that fit your budget.