Same-as-cash (deferred interest)
A financing offer — “no interest if paid in full by month 12 or 18” — where interest is only waived if you clear the whole balance by the deadline. Miss it, and interest is charged back on the entire original amount.
What it means for you
Fine if you're certain you'll pay it off in time; a trap if you're not, because the retroactive interest can be steep. Watch the monthly-payment framing that often rides along with it, and always re-anchor on the total project cost, not the monthly number.
Where you'll see it
The financing page of an in-home pitch.
Don't be fooled
“Same as cash / 0%” usually means deferred interest — the interest isn't gone, it's waiting. Know the payoff date and the total cost.
Also sold as: same-as-cash · 0% promo
Related terms
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