Most people think 0% APR credit cards are only good for paying off debt. And sure, that’s a solid move. But here’s the part nobody talks about: you can also use that intro offer to access real cash—without paying a dime in interest.

Whether you're planning a wedding, renovating a kitchen, or covering a slow month in your business, there are smart, legit ways to turn a balance transfer into usable money.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through five proven strategies to do just that—no sketchy loopholes, just practical moves that work.

1. Use Balance Transfer Checks

Some banks, like Chase, Citi, Barclays, and Wells Fargo, mail out balance transfer checks to cardholders. These checks work just like regular checks—you write them to yourself, deposit the money into your bank account, and boom: instant cash at 0% APR.

Pro tip: If you have multiple checks from the same issuer, you can repeat this process and move money between cards to keep the cycle going. Just:

• Write the first check for the max amount
• Transfer that balance to a second credit card
• Pay it off and use another check

If you didn’t get checks in the mail, call your credit card issuer and ask. Some will even offer to send funds via ACH transfer directly to your bank.

2. Swipe and Free Up Cash

This one’s all about shifting how you use your credit card.

Instead of using your checking account for everyday or business expenses, use your 0% APR card to cover those costs—and hold onto your cash.

I once worked with a store owner who needed $60,000 to expand. He was already spending $40,000 a month on inventory and supplies, so we had him put those expenses on a 0% card. That freed up his cash to fund the expansion—without touching a loan.

This works best if you have a predictable monthly budget and can manage the repayments smartly.

3. Overpay a Credit Card and Request a Refund

This one’s a little trickier, but it can work if you do it carefully.

Here’s how:

• Transfer a large balance (say, $10,000) from your 0% APR card to another credit card with a small balance (say, $100).
• Now the receiving card will show a negative balance (e.g., -$9,900).
• Call the issuer of that card and request a refund—they’ll typically mail you a check.

A word of caution: Banks are cracking down on this method. To reduce the risk:

• Don’t use a card from your main bank
• Make sure the receiving card has a small balance before the transfer

This method isn’t guaranteed—but when it works, it’s a fast way to pull cash.

4. Pay Friends Using PayPal or Venmo

Both PayPal and Venmo let you send money using a credit card (with a 3% fee). That money can then be transferred to your bank account.

However, there are a couple of big caveats:

• Some credit cards treat this as a cash advance, not a purchase—meaning it won’t qualify for the 0% rate
• Too many transactions could get your account flagged or even frozen

Use this method sparingly and never for large amounts.

5. Try BravoPay for Larger Payments

If you need to move bigger sums, look into BravoPay (now Famigo’s BravoPay app). This platform lets you send money from your credit card to someone else, and they can cash it out to a bank account.

Fees range from 3% to 3.6%, but here’s the kicker: major credit card issuers don’t treat BravoPay as a cash advance (at least, not currently). That means you still get the 0% APR treatment.

It’s a popular move for freelancers, small business owners, or anyone helping out family members with big expenses.

Final Thoughts

Used the right way, a 0% APR balance transfer isn’t just a debt tool—it’s a powerful way to free up cash without paying interest for up to 21 months.

But you need to play it smart. These strategies require planning, a solid credit score, and the discipline to pay it all back before the promo ends.

Done right, it can help you avoid pricey loans, speed up your goals, and keep more of your money where it belongs: in your pocket.