best travel credit card 0 apr

Best travel credit cards with 0% APR

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Travel reward credit cards and 0 percent introductory APRs on purchases and balance transfers don’t often co-exist. Having both travel rewards and 0 percent APR are incredible perks on their own, but when you combine the two, you have the makings of a credit card with potential for substantial savings.

The best travel rewards credit cards make it possible to significantly save on travel-related expenses, while 0 percent introductory APR saves you money on costly interest charges. During a recession and high inflation , both of these benefits can make a huge difference with your budget.

The 5 best travel cards with 0% introductory APR

We picked the following credit cards and found our list of top contenders, each of which offer at least 12 months 0 percent APR on purchases or balance transfers , plus earn high rates of travel rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for simple travel rewards program

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers a 0 percent introductory APR for purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.99 percent, 24.99 percent or 29.99 percent variable). Additionally, you earn 3X points on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit and streaming purchases, plus 1X points for all other purchases. Points are worth 1.0 cents each , which means 3 cents per dollar for the bonus categories. With no annual fee, it’s a low-cost card with which you can rack up serious rewards quickly.

If you want a simple rewards program where you have broad category coverage for everyday spending, then the Autograph card may be a great fit .

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for zero-interest purchases and balance transfers

You’ll often find credit cards offering 0 percent APR for either purchases or balance transfers, but not always both. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 0 percent APR for 15 months for both purchases and balance transfers (then 19.99 percent to 29.99 percent variable), giving you even more options with the card. Plus, the no annual fee makes it a low-cost travel rewards card. You can earn a decent amount of travel rewards too, with a 5X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.25X miles for all other purchases.

Capital One Miles are currently worth 1.7 cents each, which means the current welcome offer of 20,000 miles if you spend $500 in the first three months is worth $200 of travel booked through Capital One Travel. If you need 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers, you’ll want to consider this one.

Discover it® Miles: Best for no annual fee

The Discover it Miles credit card offers a flat-rate, unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, without an annual fee. Plus, you can enjoy a 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 16.74 percent to 27.74 percent variable). With the flat-rate earnings, it acts more like a cash back card than a traditional travel rewards, since you don’t have to keep up with any bonus or rotating categories, which may appeal to people who want an uncomplicated rewards structure.

No matter what you redeem your miles for, the Discover miles are worth 1.0 cents each. While this may be appealing to some, it makes it harder to earn luxury travel perks, such as free hotel stays or upgrades on flights.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for automatic 5% cash back categories

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a general cash back card, but it earns up to 5 percent cash back on select categories, which includes airlines, hotel and cruise purchases. You automatically earn the 5 percent in your top spending category each quarter, so if travel happens to be your top category, then it rivals the earning potential of other travel rewards cards. It also offers 0 percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable) and has no annual fee.

Currently, the Citi ThankYou points vary in value, depending on how you redeem them. Basic points are worth 1.0 cents each, but if you pool your points with other eligible Citi travel cards, you may be able to boost the value to 1.6 cents each through high-value Citi transfer partners .

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for lengthy zero-interest time period

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is also a cash back credit card. As the name suggests, you can customize the category you earn the maximum 3 percent cash back in—and travel purchases are one of these categories. You earn two percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs plus one percent on all other purchases (up to $2,500 of combined 3 and 2 percent category purchases each quarter, then 1 percent). But the best part may be the 0 percent APR for both purchases and balance transfers in the first 60 days for 15 months (then 18.24 percent to 28.24 percent variable, 3 percent fee applies), making it one of the longer zero-interest options available.

The Bank of America cash back rewards are worth 1.0 cents. So your chosen 3 percent cash back category earns three cents per dollar, up to the spending cap. If you need a longer 0 percent APR promotional period and want to earn cash back for travel purchases, then this card may be the most rewarding match.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card last updated on August 14, 2023.

How to choose the best 0% APR travel credit card

Finding the right 0 percent APR travel credit card may be easier than finding your next travel destination. To make it as simple as possible, try comparing several different cards and consider what’s most meaningful to you as a cardholder.

How long do you want a break from interest?

Find out what the time period is for the 0 percent APR offer and if it applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. Is the time period long enough for you to accomplish your financial goal? For example, if you have a large purchase to make, then 12 months may be ample time to make monthly payments and pay the entire balance . Or you may need a longer period to consolidate and pay down a balance transfer from a high-interest credit card.

Are you willing to pay an annual fee?

Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others may charge several hundred dollars per year simply to carry the card. However, higher annual fees typically mean a more robust rewards program and other benefits — such as an attractive welcome offer — which can offset the cost of the annual fee if used wisely.

What’s the ongoing APR?

The ongoing APR is the interest applied to your credit card, once the promotional zero-interest rate is over. This rate is actually set when you open the account, even if it’s not in effect for several months. Keep in mind that many credit card issuers use a variable APR instead of a fixed one, which means the rate is subject to change.

What are the travel rewards worth?

You’ll want to know how much the travel rewards are worth when you redeem them. The value of the points or miles depends not only on the rewards program you’re enrolled in, but also how you redeem them . For example, Wells Fargo points are worth 1.0 cents each on average and are typically only redeemable for cash back. On the other hand, Capital One miles are worth an average of 1.7 cents each and can vary based on the travel partner you transfer them to.

How to calculate your points and miles value

You can calculate the points and miles value of a reward by dividing the cost of the travel in cash (such as the hotel room or flight) by the cost in points or miles. For instance, if you find a flight that costs $300, or 25,000 points, then the value of the points for this flight would be 1.2 cents per point ($300 ÷ 25,000 = 0.012, or 1.2 cents).

Once you’ve estimated the general value, you can compare it to the rewards points values listed with Bankrate, to see if the value is equal or better than the standard. Bear in mind the value of your points or miles depends not only on the program you’re enrolled in, but also what you’re booking.

How to make the most of your zero-interest period

If your travel rewards card does offer a zero-interest period, there are ways to maximize the benefit, including:

• Don’t miss a payment due date : Most often the zero-interest offer is canceled if you miss a payment and the APR reverts to the ongoing APR, resulting in costly interest charges. This usually applies even if you miss the payment by a day, so set a reminder to pay before the due date.
• Pay off a balance transfer before the period is over : If the zero-interest applies to a balance transfer, your best approach is to pay the entire balance before the end of the promotional period . Usually, whatever balance is remaining once the time period ends is subject to the ongoing APR interest. Set a reminder in your calendar and pay off the entire balance before the end date.
• Make and stick to a budget : It’s important to stay on top of the monthly payments for the zero-interest card and make it a part of your ongoing budget that you plan for each month. Missing a payment or paying less than the minimum amount due may forfeit the zero-interest.
• Know your credit card’s ongoing APR : The ongoing APR is the interest rate you can expect to pay once your card reverts from its promotional APR. If you think you may carry a balance on the card or will have a remainder after a balance transfer, then look for a card with as low of an ongoing APR as possible.

The bottom line

While earning travel rewards with a credit card and taking advantage of a 0 percent introductory APR may not seem likely, it’s actually quite doable with several credit card options. It’s beneficial to you to compare multiple cards, so you can see which one suits your financial needs the most. If you take advantage of the zero-interest period and maximize your potential travel rewards, you could end up with significant savings.

Learn more : Check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit for tips and tricks on how to maximize travel with a credit card.

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Best travel credit cards with 0% apr.

Travel reward credit cards and 0 percent introductory APRs on purchases and balance transfers don’t often co-exist. Having both travel rewards and 0 percent APR are incredible perks on their own, but when you combine the two, you have the makings of a credit card with potential for substantial savings.

The best travel rewards credit cards make it possible to significantly save on travel-related expenses, while 0 percent introductory APR saves you money on costly interest charges. During a recession and high inflation , both of these benefits can make a huge difference with your budget.

The 5 best travel cards with 0% introductory APR

We picked the following credit cards and found our list of top contenders, each of which offer at least 12 months 0 percent APR on purchases or balance transfers , plus earn high rates of travel rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for simple travel rewards program

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers a 0 percent introductory APR for purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.24 percent, 24.24 percent or 29.24 percent variable). Additionally, you earn 3X points on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit and streaming purchases, plus 1X points for all other purchases. Each point is worth 1 cent each , which means 3 cents per dollar for the bonus categories. With no annual fee, it’s a low-cost card with which you can rack up serious rewards quickly.

If you want a simple rewards program where you have broad category coverage for everyday spending, then the Autograph card may be a great fit .

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for zero-interest purchases and balance transfers

You’ll often find credit cards offering 0 percent APR for either purchases or balance transfers, but not always both. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 0 percent APR for 15 months for both purchases and balance transfers (then 19.24 percent to 29.24percent variable), giving you even more options with the card. Plus, the no annual fee makes it a low-cost travel rewards card. You can earn a decent amount of travel rewards too, with a 5X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.25X miles for all other purchases.

Capital One Miles are currently worth 2 cents each, which means the current welcome offer of 20,000 miles if you spend $500 in the first three months is worth $400 of travel booked through Capital One Travel. If you need 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers, you’ll want to consider this one.

Discover it® Miles: Best for no annual fee

The Discover it Miles credit card offers a flat-rate, unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, without an annual fee. Plus, you can enjoy a 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 16.24 percent to 27.24 percent variable). With the flat-rate earnings, it acts more like a cash back card than a traditional travel rewards, since you don’t have to keep up with any bonus or rotating categories, which may appeal to people who want an uncomplicated rewards structure.

No matter what you redeem your miles for, the Discover miles are worth 1 cent each. While this may be appealing to some, it makes it harder to earn luxury travel perks, such as free hotel stays or upgrades on flights.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for automatic 5% cash back categories

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a general cash back card, but it earns up to 5 percent cash back on select categories, which includes airlines, hotel and cruise purchases. You automatically earn the 5 percent in your top spending category each quarter, so if travel happens to be your top category, then it rivals the earning potential of other travel rewards cards. It also offers 0 percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 18.24 percent to 28.24 percent variable) and has no annual fee.

Currently, the Citi ThankYou points vary in value, depending on how you redeem them. Each point is worth 1 cent each, but if you pool your points with other eligible Citi cards, you may be able to boost the value to 1.9 cents each through certain high-value Citi transfer partners .

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for lengthy zero-interest time period

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is also a cash back credit card. As the name suggests, you can customize the category you earn the maximum 3 percent cash back in—and travel purchases are one of these categories. You earn two percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs plus one percent on all other purchases (up to $2,500 of combined 3 and 2 percent category purchases each quarter, then 1 percent). But the best part may be the 0 percent APR for both purchases and balance transfers in the first 60 days for 18 months (then 18.24 percent to 28.24 percent variable, 3 percent fee [min. $10] applies), making it one of the longer zero-interest options available.

The Bank of America cash back rewards are worth 1 cent. So your chosen 3 percent cash back category earns three cents per dollar, up to the spending cap. If you need a longer 0 percent APR promotional period and want to earn cash back for travel purchases, then this card may be the most rewarding match.

How to choose the best 0% APR travel credit card

Finding the right 0 percent APR travel credit card may be easier than finding your next travel destination. To make it as simple as possible, try comparing several different cards and consider what’s most meaningful to you as a cardholder.

How long do you want a break from interest?

Find out what the time period is for the 0 percent APR offer and if it applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. Is the time period long enough for you to accomplish your financial goal? For example, if you have a large purchase to make, then 12 months may be ample time to make monthly payments and pay the entire balance . Or you may need a longer period to consolidate and pay down a balance transfer from a high-interest credit card.

Are you willing to pay an annual fee?

Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others may charge several hundred dollars per year simply to carry the card. However, higher annual fees typically mean a more robust rewards program and other benefits — such as an attractive welcome offer — which can offset the cost of the annual fee if used wisely.

What’s the ongoing APR?

The ongoing APR is the interest applied to your credit card, once the promotional zero-interest rate is over. This rate is actually set when you open the account, even if it’s not in effect for several months. Keep in mind that many credit card issuers use a variable APR instead of a fixed one, which means the rate is subject to change.

What are the travel rewards worth?

You’ll want to know how much the travel rewards are worth when you redeem them. The value of the points or miles depends not only on the rewards program you’re enrolled in, but also how you redeem them . For example, Wells Fargo points are worth 1 cent each on average and are typically only redeemable for cash back. On the other hand, Capital One miles are worth an average of 2 cents each and can vary based on the travel partner you transfer them to.

How to calculate your points and miles value

You can calculate the points and miles value of a reward by dividing the cost of the travel in cash (such as the hotel room or flight) by the cost in points or miles. For instance, if you find a flight that costs $300, or 25,000 points, then the value of the points for this flight would be 1.2 cents per point ($300 ÷ 25,000 = 0.012, or 1.2 cents).

Once you’ve estimated the general value, you can compare it to the rewards points values listed with Bankrate, to see if the value is equal or better than the standard. Bear in mind the value of your points or miles depends not only on the program you’re enrolled in, but also what you’re booking.

How to make the most of your zero-interest period

If your travel rewards card does offer a zero-interest period, there are ways to maximize the benefit, including:

Don’t miss a payment due date : Most often the zero-interest offer is canceled if you miss a payment and the APR reverts to the ongoing APR, resulting in costly interest charges. This usually applies even if you miss the payment by a day, so set a reminder to pay before the due date.

Pay off a balance transfer before the period is over : If the zero-interest applies to a balance transfer, your best approach is to pay the entire balance before the end of the promotional period . Usually, whatever balance is remaining once the time period ends is subject to the ongoing APR interest. Set a reminder in your calendar and pay off the entire balance before the end date.

Make and stick to a budget : It’s important to stay on top of the monthly payments for the zero-interest card and make it a part of your ongoing budget that you plan for each month. Missing a payment or paying less than the minimum amount due may forfeit the zero-interest.

Know your credit card’s ongoing APR : The ongoing APR is the interest rate you can expect to pay once your card reverts from its promotional APR. If you think you may carry a balance on the card or will have a remainder after a balance transfer, then look for a card with as low of an ongoing APR as possible.

The bottom line

While earning travel rewards with a credit card and taking advantage of a 0 percent introductory APR may not seem likely, it’s actually quite doable with several credit card options. It’s beneficial to you to compare multiple cards, so you can see which one suits your financial needs the most. If you take advantage of the zero-interest period and maximize your potential travel rewards, you could end up with significant savings.

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13 Best 0% APR and Low Interest Credit Cards of May 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024  ||  Best balance transfer credit cards ||  Best no annual fee credit cards ||  Best cash back credit cards

A low interest credit card saves you money by reducing the cost of debt: When you're paying less in interest, you can pay back what you've borrowed more quickly. A card with a 0% intro APR period will save you the most on interest in the short term. Look for a card with an introductory interest-free period longer than a year. If you tend to carry a balance most months, a card with a low ongoing interest rate will work to your advantage in the long run.

Some of our selections for the best 0% and low interest credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best 0% APR and Low Interest Credit Cards of May 2024

BankAmericard® credit card : Best for Long 0% intro APR period

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card : Best for Long 0% intro APR period

Discover it® Cash Back : Best for Bonus category cash back

Citi Custom Cash® Card : Best for Bonus category cash back

Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for Bonus category cash back

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Ongoing cash back

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for Highest flat-rate cash back

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate cash back

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate cash back

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for Grocery and gas rewards

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Travel rewards

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card : Best for Customizable cash back

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best for Longest 0% intro APR period

Best 0% APR and Low Interest Credit Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Long 0% intro APR period

Bonus category cash back, ongoing cash back, highest flat-rate cash back, flat-rate cash back, grocery and gas rewards, travel rewards, customizable cash back, longest 0% intro apr period, full list of editorial picks: best 0% apr and low interest credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

» CREDIT CARDS WITH A 0% INTRO APR PERIOD

Wells fargo reflect® card.

Our pick for: Longest 0% intro APR period

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has one of the longest 0% intro APR periods on the market — approaching almost two years. You'll be hard-pressed to find a longer interest-free promotion, and it applies to both purchases and balance transfers. Read our review.

BankAmericard® credit card

Our pick for: Long 0% intro APR period

The BankAmericard® credit card isn't flashy, nor does it aim to be. You get one of the longest 0% introductory APR periods available anywhere, providing plenty of time to whittle down debt or finance a large purchase. And that's about it. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

A lengthy 0% introductory APR period for both purchases and balance transfers has made the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card a NerdWallet favorite. Read our review.

Chase Slate Edge℠

The $0 -annual-fee Chase Slate Edge℠ is light on flash but features an excellent 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers, plus some other potential incentives for paying on time. Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Travel rewards

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Ongoing cash back

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Our pick for: B onus category cash back

The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Our pick for: Highest flat-rate cash back

Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a generous intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive, hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our review.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back

The original 1.5% flat-rate cash-back card still holds its own in a now-crowded field. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a compelling combination of a good rewards rate, redemption flexibility, sign-up bonus and introductory 0% APR period ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is one of many 1.5% flat-rate cash-back cards on the market. It comes with a decent sign-up bonus, a generous intro APR period, and the potential to supercharge your earnings through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program. Read our review.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Our pick for: G rocery and gas rewards

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express , but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period.  Read our review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.

Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and specific major retailers. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in your first year. Read our review.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Customizable cash back

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.

» CREDIT CARDS WITH A LOW ONGOING INTEREST RATE

It's always best to pay your credit card bill in full each month; when you do that, you never get charged interest, so the APR on your credit card doesn't really matter. But life happens and sometimes it's necessary to carry debt, which can get expensive. In fact, as of late 2023, the average rate on accounts that accrued interest was a record 22.75%, according to the Federal Reserve.

Credit cards from major issuers commonly offer 0% introductory APR periods, as you can see from the list above. But their ongoing rates — the rates that apply after that introductory period runs out — tend to be high, even for cardholders with good credit.

True low-interest cards are available, but they're typically offered by regional banks and credit unions . Not everyone will be eligible for such cards, whether because of membership requirements, geographic restrictions on the product or the bank that issues it, or a credit history that's not good enough to qualify for a card's lowest rate. But if think you'll end up carrying a balance, here are some cards to consider that feature low ongoing interest rates.

Ongoing credit card interest rates are typically tied to the prime rate , which is the interest rate that banks charge their best customers. No credit card is going to have an ongoing, non-promotional APR lower than the prime rate, and even the lowest-rate cards will be at least a few points above it. For example, in early 2024, the prime rate was 8.5%. It was common for cards from major issuers to be charging 15 to 20 percentage points above prime. Low-interest cards were charging about 3 points over prime.

AFCU Platinum Visa® Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee: $0

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising ongoing APRs as low as 11.15%, which was just 2.65 percentage points above the prime rate on 8.5%.

In addition to a low potential ongoing rate, this card also earns competitive cash-back rewards on everyday spending, which puts it on par with some of the best rewards credit cards on the market. But you must be a member of Aerospace Federal Credit Union to apply for the card. Being an employee of The Aerospace Corp. is one membership path, among other specific options. Immediate family members of those who are eligible to join the credit union can also apply for the card.

Air Force Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Credit Card

Annual fee: $0.

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising an ongoing APR of 16.5%, which was 8 percentage points above the prime rate on 8.5%.

While an Air Force Federal Credit Union membership is required, you don't have to be affiliated with the military to join and get the card. In addition to military association, you can become a member by being a volunteer at a number of eligible companies, living or working in certain Mississippi counties or donating to an eligible foundation, among other requirement options.

» MORE: Best credit cards for active-duty military

Andrews Federal Simplicity Visa Credit Card

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising a 6-month introductory rate of 0% on all purchases made within the first 90 days, and then an ongoing APR of 13.24% to 18%, which would be 4.75 to 9.5 points above the prime rate of 8.5%

The introductory period isn't as long as what other cards offer, but the card's ongoing regular APR is still relatively low. Despite potentially low rates, though, you may not qualify due to eligibility requirements. Andrews Federal Credit Union serves eligible members who live in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey only.

Lake Michigan Credit Union Prime Platinum Card

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising an ongoing APR of 11.5%, which was just 3 percentage points above the prime rate of 8.5%.

s far as ongoing rewards and benefits go, the card offers none. But individuals who plan on carrying a balance from month to month will find its unusually low interest rate appealing. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need excellent credit (FICO scores of at least 720) to qualify for the card's lowest rate. And beyond that, you'll have to join Lake Michigan Credit Union to get this card, although doing so isn't that difficult.

» MORE: Review of the Lake Michigan Credit Union Prime Platinum Card

NASA Federal Platinum Advantage Rewards Credit Card

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising ongoing APRs as low as 14.65%, which was 6.15 percentage points above the prime rate of 8.5%.

The card’s rewards are a bit lackluster (1 point for each $1 spent), but its lowest possible APR may make up for it, if you can qualify for that rate. The NASA Federal Credit Union offers a number of other cards with reasonably low interest rates. But you must be a member of the NASA Federal Credit Union to qualify for these cards.

» MORE: 5 things to know about NASA credit cards

Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising ongoing APRs of 11.24% to 18.00, which was as little as 2.74 percentage points above the prime rate of 8.5%.

Beyond its low regular APR, the card doesn't come with any rewards or ongoing benefits. Navy Federal Credit Union offers additional cards that come with potentially low ongoing APRs. But as with other military-affiliated credit unions, Navy Federal Credit Union has membership requirements that can be tough to meet.

» MORE: Review of the Navy Federal Credit Union® Platinum Credit Card

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

APR: As of February 2024, this card was advertising an ongoing APRs of 17.99%, or 9.5 percentage points above the prime rate of 8.5%.

Beyond its relatively low rate, this card also offers fairly rich rewards. You have to be a member of the PenFed Credit Union to apply, but you don’t have to be affiliated with the military. You can also join simply by making a $5 deposit into a PenFed savings account.

» MORE: Review of the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Simmons Bank Visa

APR: As of February 2024, this was was advertising an ongoing APR as low as 15.5%. or 7 percentage points above the prime rate of 8.5%..

Unlike with cards from credit unions, you don’t have to be affiliated with any group or be a member to get the Simmons Bank Visa.

OTHER RESOURCES

Understanding interest rates and aprs.

The annual percentage rate, or APR, is the interest rate your credit card issuer charges on any debt you carry on your card. Some cards charge a single rate for all debt on the card; others charge different rates for different kinds of debt (purchases, cash advances, etc.). APRs are listed on your monthly credit card statement.

When you see a reference to a "0% APR credit card" or a "zero percent credit card" it doesn't mean the card will never charge any interest. Rather, it means that the card has an introductory rate of 0% for a certain period of time. That zero percent rate may apply to purchases, balance transfers or both, but it doesn't usually apply to cash advances.

Issuers commonly set their rates at a certain number of percentage points above the prime rate, which is the rate big banks charge their best customers. For example, your rate might be "prime + 12 points." If the prime rate was 5.5%, your APR would be 17.5%. With the exception of introductory periods with a 0% or super-low "teaser" rate, you're not going to find a credit card APR lower than the prime rate.

Although interest rates are expressed in annual terms, they're usually charged on a daily basis. An annual rate of 19.25%, for example, would translate to a daily rate of about 0.0535%. So for every $1,000 in debt, you'd pay about 54 cents a day in interest. That doesn't seem like much ... but over the course of a month and a year, it really adds up.

» MORE: How credit card interest is calculated

How to avoid paying credit card interest entirely

Most credit cards offer a "grace period" that allows you to avoid paying any interest at all.

If you pay your balance in full each month, then you will not owe any interest on your purchases.

If you carry debt over from month to month, then interest will start accruing on purchases as soon as they're posted to your account.

If you're what the credit card industry refers to as a "transactor" — someone who uses their card for convenience and rewards and pays the bill in full every month — then your APR is pretty much irrelevant, because you'll never pay a dime in interest.

On the other hand, if you're a "revolver" — someone who uses cards to float purchases they can't pay off all at once and carries debt from month to month — then your APR is very important, because it dictates how much you pay in interest.

» MORE: How credit card grace periods work

Whats's the difference between interest and APR?

When you're talking about credit cards, there is no difference between your interest rate and APR. They're the same thing.

That leads to another question: Why do credit card issuers refer to it as the "APR" rather than the interest rate? Mostly because federal truth-in-lending laws require it. The APR is the “real” annual cost of borrowing money, and it includes not just interest on the money you borrow, but also fees and other charges. With some financial products, such as mortgages, the APR can be significantly different from the stated interest rate. Those other charges are not included in the credit card APR calculation, in large part because issuers cannot predict who will have to pay them or how much they will pay. And as discussed above, if you pay your bill in full every month, you won't pay any interest at all, so the stated APR on your account isn't even charged to you.

» MORE: Credit card interest rate vs. APR

How do 0% APR offers work?

Say you have a card with an introductory 0% purchase APR for 15 months. A "0%" rate means no interest at all will be charged on purchases, in this case for the first 15 months you have the card. Once that introductory period runs out, interest will be charged at the ongoing APR — but only on your balance going forward. There is no "retroactive" interest. (One note of caution, though: If you have a 0% offer, make sure you pay your bill on time every month; a late payment can cancel your 0% rate and immediately move you to the ongoing rate.)

Zero-percent periods on credit cards are different from the "no interest for 12 months" offers you see in stores. Those are what's known as "deferred interest." In those offers, you don't have to pay interest during the promotional period, but interest is silently being calculated in the background. If you have any balance remaining at the end of the period, you will be charged interest on your whole purchase, going all the way back to the time of purchase. That could cost you hundreds of dollars.

» MORE: Deferred interest vs. 0% APR

Glossary of APR terms

Purchase APR. This is the rate your card charges when you pay for things with the card. Most credit cards offer a grace period: If you pay your balance in full every month, you won't have to pay interest on purchases. If you roll over debt from one month to the next, then interest will start adding up on a purchase as soon as you make it.

Balance transfer APR. This is the rate on debt that you've moved to the card from somewhere else. To attract your business, card issuers often offer a low rate, even 0%, on transferred debt.

Cash advance APR. This is the rate charged when you use your credit card to get cash from an ATM. Interest usually starts adding up on cash advances immediately. Grace periods don't apply.

Introductory APR. Sometimes called a "teaser rate" this is a low interest rate offered when you first open your account. Many credit cards offer people with good credit an introductory rate of 0% on purchases for a year or more.

Ongoing APR. This is the "regular" rate that goes into effect once any introductory APR period expires.

Variable APR. Most credit card interest rates are tied to the prime rate. When the prime rate goes up (or down), your credit card's interest rate will usually go up (or down) an equal amount. "Variable APR" just means your current rate is not permanent and could change if the prime rate does.

How credit card issuers set interest rates

Credit card issuers are required by law to clearly state the interest rate on a credit card before you apply. You can find the interest rate (or rates) charged by a card in its "terms and conditions sometimes referred to as the fine print. When looking at a card online, look for a link that says something like "See terms and fees" or "View rates and fees" or "Offer details." The rate will be prominently displayed in a large chart known as the Schumer box .

With some cards, everyone has the same APR. This is common especially with cards for people with bad credit (in which the rate is very high) or super-low-interest cards for people with good credit.

Many cards charge a range of APRs. It's common to see a card saying it charges something like "15.99% to 23.99%." When a card has a range of available APRs, the rate you get will usually depend on your creditworthiness. See below for how your credit score affects your interest rate.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher APRs. Cash-back and travel-rewards programs are expensive, and one of the ways credit card issuers pay for them is by charging higher interest rates on balances on rewards cards.

» MORE: Why are credit card interest rates so high?

How your credit score affects your interest rate

The interest rate you pay on your credit card is heavily dependent on your credit history, which is summed up in your credit scores. Interest rates are how issuers put a price on risk:

When you have a low credit score, lenders see a higher risk in lending you money. As a result, the interest rate charged by your credit card will be higher .

When you have a high credit score, the risk is lower that you wont repay borrowed money. So the interest rate on your credit card will be lower .

If a card advertises a range of APRs, a lower score will put you toward the higher end of that range (or you might not qualify for a card at all), while a high score will put you on the lower end of the range.

As a very general rule of thumb:

If you have good or excellent credit (a score of 690 or more), look for prime + less than 12 points.

For average credit (630 to 690), you'll likely see prime + 15 to 20 points.

For bad credit (below 630), expect to find APRs more in the range of prime + more than 20 points.

» MORE: What is a good APR on a credit card?

Improving your credit to qualify for a better rate

As with most financial products, the best interest rates on credit cards are available to those with the strongest credit profiles. Improving your credit is the first step toward improving your rate. Steps to take:

Know your credit score. You can get free access to your score through NerdWallet. Get your free score here .

Make 100% of your payments on time. This applies not only to credit cards, loans and other lines of credit, but also to utility bills and other accounts. Unpaid bills that that go into collections can seriously hurt your credit.

Keep your credit utilization low. Don't let your balance on any card (or all cards put together) exceed 30% of the total credit limit.

Limit your credit applications. New accounts lower the average age of your open lines of credit, which makes up part of your credit score. Multiple credit inquiries from applications can also ding your score.

Keep accounts open. Unless a card has an annual fee, keep it open and active, even if for only one bill a month. This will help both your credit utilization and the length of your credit history.

Check each of your credit reports each year for errors and discrepancies.

» MORE: How to build credit

The high cost of a higher interest rate

A higher APR costs you money in two ways:

First, obviously, it increases the amount of interest charged on your purchases.

Second, because you are paying more in interest, you have less money available to pay down the principal — the debt you actually put on the card. That means you could stay in debt (and pay interest) for a longer time.

Let's walk through an example and see how a higher APR affects you at every turn.

1. Your interest charges are higher

If you have excellent credit, you might qualify for a credit card with a super-low rate, let's say 8%. Meanwhile, a person with bad credit or no credit history at all might only qualify for a "starter" card with an APR of 26%. Let's say each person carries a $1,000 balance from one month to the next:

The 8% APR card produces an interest charge of about $6.58 in the first month.

The 26% APR card produces an interest charge of about $21.36 in the first month.

2. Your minimum payments are higher

The minimum payment on a credit card is typically made up of all the accrued interest, plus any fees, plus a percentage of the principal (the money you actually spent on the card). In this case, let's say that percentage is 1.5%.

The 8% APR card will have a minimum payment of $21.58 in that first month.

The 26% APR card has a minimum payment of about $36.36 the first month.

3. Your debt shrinks more slowly

Now say that each person has only $50 a month to put toward credit card debt. That's more than the minimum (and paying more than the minimum is always good), but it's not enough to cover their debt entirely. This is a common way people use credit cards — they're "revolvers" who pay down slowly over time.

With a $50 payment on the 8% APR card, $6.58 goes to interest and $43.42 goes to reduce the debt . The cardholder now has $956.58 in debt left to repay.

With a $50 payment on the 26% APR card, $21.36 goes to interest and only $28.64 goes to reduce the debt . The cardholder now has $971.36 in debt left to repay.

After just one month, the person with the lower APR is about $15 ahead of the person with the higher APR in the "race" to eliminate their debt.

4. You're in debt longer and pay more to get out

Say they continue like this, each paying $50 a month. For each cardholder, the interest charges will shrink each month as they pay down the principal. But the one with the lower APR will get out of debt more quickly and pay less in interest:

After a year, the person with the 8% card has reduced their debt to about $460. That means $600 worth of payments has reduced their debt by about $540. They'll be debt-free after 22 months, and they'll pay a total of about $76 in interest.

After a year, the person with the 26% card has reduced their debt to only about $613. That means $600 in payments has cut the debt by only about $387. They'll need 27 months to get debt-free, and they'll pay a total of $318 in interest.

» MORE: How to stop wasting money on credit card interest

Reducing your interest costs

As discussed, you can avoid interest entirely by paying your balance in full every month. But that's not always possible for everyone. Sometimes carrying a balance is unavoidable. Here are some options.

Pay more than the minimum due

The minimum payment shown on your billing statement is the absolute least you can pay without incurring a penalty. It won't get you very far toward paying off your debt, though, as the above example makes clear. To see real interest savings, you need to pay interest on less money , and that means attacking the principal by paying more than the minimum.

We've created a calculator to help you see how much you could save in interest by paying down your credit card balance. Enter your balance and choose an interest rate, then see your savings if you reduced the balance by 5% to 50%. See the calculator here .

Ask if you qualify for a lower rate

This may be an option if your credit score has improved considerably since you opened the account. The issuer might knock some points off your rate, or move your account to a card with a lower rate. You issuer might say no to your request, but you don't know unless you ask.

» MORE: How to get a lower APR on your credit card

Move debt to a 0% interest credit card

Transferring high-interest debt to a credit card with an introductory 0% APR period can save you hundreds of dollars in interest. You may have to pay a fee of around 3% of the amount you transferred, but you'll get breathing room to pay down your debt. Keep in mind, though, that 0% interest credit cards are generally available only to people with good or excellent credit.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best balance-transfer credit cards

How to compare 0% and low interest cards

When choosing a 0% APR credit card, let your specific needs be your guide:

If you have a big purchase coming up and will need time to pay it off, your best bet is a card with a lengthy 0% introductory APR period. Many rewards cards offer a year or more at 0%, which allow you to collect rewards on your purchase, then pay it off interest-free.

If you find you're consistently carrying a balance a from month to month, look for a card with a low ongoing interest rate. Cards with an introductory 0% period tend to charge higher rates down the road.

If you want to transfer a balance to pay it down at a lower cost, you'll want a card with a 0% intro period and a low (or no) balance transfer fee. Many of the cards on this list are good for transfers, but check out our best balance transfer credit cards for further options.

Once you've decided what type of card to look for, compare cards based on the following factors.

Introductory APR period

Dozens of cards offer newcomers a 0% APR period of a year or more when they first open the account. This includes a number of popular rewards cards, where you can get 0% interest for as long as 15 months. If you've got a big purchase coming up and will need time to pay it off, a 0% offer is perfect. In general, the longer the 0% period, the better, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

If you're late with a payment, the issuer can cancel your 0% rate, leaving you paying high interest on a big balance.

Some cards offer long 0% periods for balance transfers, but shorter ones (or no 0% period at all) for purchases. Read the fine print before applying.

The cards with the longest 0% periods — 18 months or more — generally don't offer rewards, so once the 0% interest period runs out, there's not a lot of incentive to use the card, unless the card offers a low ongoing rate.

Ongoing APR

In general, you can get a card with a 0% introductory period or you can get a card with a low ongoing APR, but there aren't a lot of cards that give you both. If you expect that you'll be carrying a balance regularly, the ongoing APR is an important consideration.

Balance transfer fee

If you'll need to transfer a balance, this fee is an important consideration. Most cards charge a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred — equal to $30 to $50 for every $1,000 worth of debt moved to the card. Depending on the APR on the card you transfer the debt to and how long it takes you to pay it off, you could save more in interest than you pay in transfer fees. A few cards charge no transfer fee . Of course, if you're only interested in purchases rather than transfers, this fee is irrelevant.

Required credit profile

You're unlikely to qualify for a 0% APR credit card unless you have good credit, generally defined as a score of 690 or better. Some cards even require excellent credit, generally defined as 720 or better.

Penalty policies

It's important to pay your bill on time every month. Paying late usually results in a stiff fee (often nearly $40), and if you're 30 days or more late, it can badly damage your credit score. Finally, a late payment can trigger a penalty APR , jacking up your interest rate as high as 30% in some cases. When you're on a 0% period or have a low ongoing rate, being bumped up to a penalty rate can be disastrous. If punctuality is an issue for you, look into a card's penalty policies (and, for your own sake, work on your punctuality).

Saving money is the primary reason to get a low-interest credit card, so you shouldn't be paying an annual fee on such a card. However, some rewards cards with 0% interest periods do charge an annual fee; whether it's worth paying depends on how much you expect to earn in rewards.

Free credit score

Most major credit card issuers and many smaller ones give cardholders free access to a credit score. When you're looking to manage debt with a low-interest card, it's smart to keep an eye on your score.

Rewards and bonus offers

As mentioned, many rewards credit cards — usually cash-back cards — offer a 0% interest period. When you're using the card to finance a big purchase, those benefits can amount to an instant discount on the purchase. For example, say you're facing a $3,000 expense, so you get a card that has 0% APR for 15 months, pays 1.5% cash back on purchases and offers a bonus of $200 if you spend $1,000 in the first three months. The $3,000 purchase earns $45 in rewards and qualifies you for the bonus, for a total of $245 cash back. The effective cost of the purchase is $2,755, and you have 15 months interest-free to eliminate the debt.

Making the most of your 0% or low interest card

If your card has a 0% intro period, strive to eliminate as much debt as possible before that introductory period ends and the interest resets to its ongoing rate. A 0% card should be a tool for getting rid of debt, not just a place to park debt and forget about it. If you find yourself moving debt from one 0% card to another but never paying it down, it's time to consider other debt solutions .

Although a card with a low ongoing rate can save you a lot of money over time, you're still paying interest. Apply those savings toward whittling down your debt faster. Saving, say, $20 a month on interest means you have $20 more you can use to reduce the balance on your credit card and move that much closer to freedom.

With any card, watch your balance. For the sake of your credit scores, it's best to keep your balance under 30% of the credit limit on the card. Under 10% is even better. When balances rise above 30% of credit limits, scoring formulas start to interpret that as a sign of financial stress.

Other cards to consider

Looking to transfer a balance to save money? Our roundup of the best balance transfer cards evaluates cards — including many of the cards on this page — with that specific goal in mind.

Do you even need a 0% or low interest card? You might not. If you pay your balance in full every month, the APR on your credit card doesn't matter, because you're never actually charged interest. In that case, consider a rewards credit card , which gives you a little something back very time you make a purchase. Rewards cards fall into two major categories: cash back credit cards and travel credit cards .

NerdWallet's Funto Omojola contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on May 5 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best 0% APR credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include annual fees, the length of a card's introductory 0% APR periods (if any) on purchases and balance transfers, ongoing APRs, balance transfer fees, bonus offers for new cardholders, rewards rates and redemption options, and other noteworthy features such as fee waivers or the ability to qualify with less than good credit. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Both a 0% credit card and a low-interest credit card save you money on interest, but they do it in different ways — short-term versus long-term.

A 0% credit card doesn’t charge any interest at all for a period of time after you open the account, then it shifts to an often-high ongoing interest rate. Zero-percent cards are good for people who want to spread out payments on a large purchase or gain breathing room to pay down debt without interest.

A low-interest credit card charges an ongoing interest rate that's lower than other cards on the market. Low-interest cards are good for people who expect to roll over a balance most months (meaning they don’t pay off their balance in full every month).

A 0% credit card works just like any other credit card except that for a certain period of time after you open your account, the bank doesn’t charge any interest on your balance. You’re still responsible for paying at least the minimum amount due each month. (And be sure you do: If you don't, the issuer might cancel your 0% period.) Once the introductory 0% period ends, your APR rises to the ongoing rate, and you will be charged interest on your balance going forward.

Among credit cards from major issuers, the longest 0% APR periods tend to be around 18 months, although in a few cases you might find 20 or 21 months, especially for balance transfers. (Depending on the card, the 0% period may apply to purchases, balance transfers or both; some cards have different 0% periods for purchases and transfers.) Cards from smaller issuers or credit unions may offer longer 0% periods. It’s most common to see periods of 12 to 15 months.

Credit card issuers use 0% introductory offers to attract new customers, so to get one, your best bet is to apply for a new card that advertises a 0% period. Generally speaking, you’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for a card with a 0% offer. That roughly translates to a credit score of 690 or better — although credit scores alone do not guarantee approval for any credit card. You’ll also need to be able to show income and meet other requirements.

Occasionally, credit card companies will make a 0% offer to existing customers to encourage them to use their cards (especially if they haven’t been doing so recently), but that’s not something you can count on happening.

If the card doesn’t charge an annual fee, there’s no harm in keeping the account open once the introductory 0% rate expires. In fact, closing the account could hurt your credit score by reducing the amount of credit you have available, which could increase your credit utilization . If the card charges a fee, however, or if you fear that the open credit line will tempt you to overspend, then closing it might be the best action.

About the author

Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Travel

The only thing better than taking a great vacation is doing so with the rewards you earned from your credit card spending.

But, points and miles for travel are only part of the benefits that you can get from using the right credit card.

Some of the top travel rewards credit cards offer 0% APR promotional financing on new purchases, balance transfers, or both.

Here are some of the best credit cards that offer great travel rewards for spending and 0% APR introductory offer:

Amex EveryDay and EveryDay Preferred Credit Cards from American Express

Both of these cards come with 0% APR introductory periods on both new purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee (terms apply).

In addition, they both offer points in the American Express Membership Rewards program for each dollar spent.

With the standard Amex EveryDay card, you earn double points at U.S. supermarkets, and one point per dollar spent elsewhere.

Membership Rewards points are worth one cent each towards travel reservations made through American Express travel, but they can be much more valuable when transferred to frequent flyer miles with 16 different airline programs.

In addition, you can receive a 20% bonus on the points earned in each statement period that you make 20 or more transactions. There is no annual fee for this card.

With the EveryDay Preferred version of this card, 3X points are earned for purchases from U.S. supermarkets, 2x points at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, and 1x elsewhere.

In addition, cardholders can earn a 50% bonus during each statement period that they complete at least 30 transactions, meaning that you can earn as much as 4.5x at supermarkets, 3x at gas stations and grocery stores, and 1.5x elsewhere. There is a $95 annual fee for this card.

Read Amex Everyday Credit Card Editor's Review

VentureOne Rewards from Capital One

offers new applicants travel rewards. Earn 1.25 miles for each dollar spent.

Each mile is worth one cent each as statement credits towards travel reservations including airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. There is no annual fee for this card and it has no foreign transaction fees.

Read VentureOne Rewards from Capital One Editor's Review

U.S. Bank FlexPerks Select+ American Express Card

If you just need to transfer an existing balance, and still want to earn rewards, this card offers nine months of 0% APR financing on balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee.

You also earn one point per dollar spent in U.S. Bank's FlexPerks rewards program.

This program allows you to redeem your miles for travel on over 150 different airlines with no blackout dates or online redemption fees, and the number of points needed for an airline ticket varies with the price of the ticket.

For example, you can redeem 20,000 FlexPoints for a ticket that costs up to $400. There is no annual fee for this card.

Discover it Miles

Discover it Miles offers 1.5 miles for each dollar spent, and miles are worth one cent each as statement credits towards travel reservations, or as cash back.

In addition, Discover will match your miles earned during your first year, doubling your rewards during that time.

Read Discover it Miles Editor's Review

How to Use 0% APR Cards for Travel

These financing offers for new purchases can allow you to carry a balance at no cost, and only pay the standard interest rate on the remaining balance once the promotional rate expires.

A common use for such 0% introductory offers is to book a trip and have time to pay off the bill slowly without interest charges.

The usual reason for this is that someone doesn't yet have the ability to pay for a trip without borrowing money.

Ideally, if you sign up for one of these credit cards for this reason, you should plan to make a strong effort to eliminate the card balance before the 0% APR period ends.

Otherwise, you may be losing a lot of money on interest payments if you continue to carry a balance when the interest rate is no longer 0%.

And when utilizing a 0% APR offer for balance transfers, you can avoid interest charges on your existing balance.

But, a 3% balance transfer fee will usually apply.

See the chart below for a little more information on how much you can save on 0% APR on balance transfers.

Generally, it is not a good idea to transfer a balance to a travel rewards credit card because you're not likely to earn rewards on the transferred balance (though there may be cards that will still offer rewards on balance transfers).

It's only worthwhile if you already have high-interest credit card debt .

Credit Cards: Different APRs on Different Balances

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8 best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards of May 2024

At TPG, we’re always looking to optimize how we use credit cards , which is why we created this list of the best 0% APR credit cards from our partners that you should carry in your wallet.

These cards offer a 0% APR for an introductory period on new purchases, making them ideal to have for large purchases or in the event of an emergency. Although we don’t recommend carrying a balance on your credit cards , it’s nice to have the guarantee of a 0% APR if you’re not able to pay off a balance in full and do need to carry it over into the next month.

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best for travel
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for transferable points
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best for financing credit card debt
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for general spending
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for gas and supermarkets
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for simplicity
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for rotating categories

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Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing 0% and low-interest credit cards, how we rate cards, everything you need to know about zero interest credit cards, how to choose the best zero interest credit card, ask our experts, pros + cons of zero interest credit cards, frequently asked questions, capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase!

• Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening
• Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
• Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express .

• This card has one of the best earning structures out there for cash-back credit cards.
• The card does come with access to Amex Offers (enrollment required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
• There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets.
• You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad.
• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns at least 1.5% back on everything. However, it becomes a standout card if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, doubling their potential value. Read our full review on the Chase Freedom Unlimited .

• At least 1.5% back on every purchase, with up to 5% or 3% back on select categories.
• Perfect for everyday, non-bonused spending.
• Incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card.
• There is a foreign transaction fee so the card shouldn't be used abroad.
• Limited card perks and benefits.
• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

There’s no annual fee, and you’ll enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening. After the introductory period, you’ll face a variable APR of 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness (balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5).

• No annual fee.
• Introductory APR offer of 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
• Up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft if you use it to pay your monthly bill, subject to a $25 deductible.
• No points or cash rewards earning potential.
• No welcome bonus.
• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid cash back structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card .

• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases.
• This card is great for beginners.
• The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after, there's a 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months or 4% at the promotional APR offered at any other time).
• If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential.
• The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You’ll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express .

For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here

• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets.
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases.
• This card gives access to Amex Offers, which earn you statement credits or extra points on purchases with a wide variety of merchants. (Enrollment required)
• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The  Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card  is a good card for those who prefer to keep their rewards simple. This card earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is easily redeemable and requires no minimum.

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Cash back doesn't expire.
• Other cards offer more potential and upside when it comes to redeeming cash back.
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex .

• The generous sign-up bonus is impressive for a no annual fee card.
• The card features several categories that earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards and rotating quarterly bonus categories and 3% back on dining and drugstores.
• Your phone is protected against theft or damage for up to $800 per claim (up to $1,000 per year) when you pay that bill with the card.
• You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5% on select purchases.
• This card charges foreign transaction fees so it's best to use it within the U.S.
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee ( see rates and fees ) and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase.

The Capital One VentureOne is a great option if you want a simple earning structure and the ability to take advantage of 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners with easy-to-use rewards. If you're against paying an annual fee, this will be a good fit for you.

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you want a better earning rate, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a higher 2-mile-per-dollar rate on everyday purchases. You'll also receive an up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. 

The Blue Cash Preferred Card is a lucrative cash-back card for several spending categories. If cash back is up your alley — and categories for select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. supermarkets, transit and U.S. gas stations align with your spending habits — then you can't go wrong with this card.

“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards, and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter , senior writer

If you want similar benefits with no annual fee (see rates and fees ), the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases — though there's a limit of $6,000 in purchases per category. After that, you'll earn 1% back. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a standout card that earns at least 1.5% back on everything. However, it becomes even more powerful if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, as you can convert your cash back into Chase points.

The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited is an ideal card for both beginner and advanced award travelers. While many cards offer 1% back on purchases outside of bonus categories, you'll earn 1.5% back on non-bonus spending with the Freedom Unlimited. 

“The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you want to earn cash back in rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in quarterly bonus categories after you activate. Like the Freedom Unlimited, it earns rewards you can transfer to Chase's partners with the right card pairing.

The Wells Fargo Reflect has no annual fee (see rates and fees ), and along with a good introductory APR offer, you’ll enjoy up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage and theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible). Monthly cellphone insurance can be pricey, and this excellent protection automatically comes with a card with no annual fee.

The Wells Fargo Reflect is perfect for those looking to refinance their debt with a solid introductory balance transfer opportunity. While light on overall benefits, the card brings you back to the basics and even comes with cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with this card.

If reducing debt is one of your priorities, a credit card like the Wells Fargo Reflect Card can help you avoid paying interest on balances you carry in the interim. For no annual fee, you can transfer your balances from your other credit cards to the Wells Fargo Reflect to save money.

If you prefer Bank of America, the BankAmericard® credit card also has no annual fee and offers access to Bank of America's suite of online banking features, free FICO score tool and credit education topics.

The information for the BankAmericard credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.  

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid cash-back structure and no annual fee (see rates and fees ). Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three.

The Capital One SavorOne is a solid card with no annual fee that’s great for those who regularly spend on dining and entertainment. It offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), and 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Capital One SavorOne offers generous bonus categories when compared to other cash-back cards with no annual fee and even some cards that do have annual fees. The real highlight is the high cash-back rate in the dining and entertainment categories, though you can also get some value with extra cash back at grocery stores.

If you want a simpler earning rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also has no annual fee (see rates and fees ). You'll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses outside of the SavorOne's bonus categories.

The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee (see rates and fees ). You’ll earn cash back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers several bonus cash-back categories and some new benefits, making this card a decent option in the crowded field of cash-back cards. It offers solid returns on popular spending categories without an annual fee.

This is a great card if you want to earn bonus cash back on groceries, gas and online shopping without an annual fee. Rewards are easily redeemed at a fixed rate, eliminating guesswork on whether you're getting good value from your earnings.

If you want more options for using your earnings, the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) has no annual fee and earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you purchase and another 1% when you pay your bill.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good card for those who prefer to keep their rewards simple. This card earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is easily redeemable and requires no minimum.

The Quicksilver is great for those who hold other Capital One cards, as you can convert the cash back you earn with the card into miles that can then be redeemed with the issuer’s ample transfer partners.

If you prefer not to juggle cards when you're out and about, the Quicksilver Cash is a great option to ensure you’re earning 1.5% cash back on all your purchases.

If you're going to go with a card that earns 1.5% cash back, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® also has no annual fee and earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases while offering additional perks and bonus cash back on easy-to-maximize spending categories.

The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards and no annual fee to worry about.

The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best cash-back credit cards around, thanks to phenomenal earning rates across several spending categories, all with no annual fee to worry about. The card becomes potentially even more valuable when you pair it with a Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning credit card, too.

“As a points and miles enthusiast, I’m happy to keep up with the rotating quarterly categories that earn 5% cash back. I get the most value from this card when I can max out the $1,500 quarterly limit at merchants like Amazon, Target and PayPal (not a current category). My top tip for this card is to make sure that you activate the categories every quarter so that you can maximize your points-earning.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a similar reward structure, but it has one notable difference: Rather than earning 5% on rotating categories, you'll get 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus spending.

Choose a card that makes sense for you

Many of the cards above offer comparable earning rates and perks, but you’ll want to make sure you choose the card that makes the most sense for your spending habits. That means comparing cards based on bonus categories, annual fees and perks (both those you can take advantage of and those you wouldn’t bother to use).

For low-interest cards in particular, find a card that will help you pay off that large purchase in your future, if that’s what you have in mind, and be sure to read up on card details before selecting one.

Related: What does 0% APR mean?

Check the fine print

If you’re looking to leverage a low-interest card, be sure to read the card’s terms and conditions and make sure you’ll be able to pay off whatever payments you’re looking to make without incurring interest.

For example, many cards offer introductory low-APR offers of 12 or 15 months, so you’ll want to be sure to make any large purchase in that initial span. You’ll also want to see what the variable APR rate of the card is and when it kicks in, and consider how that could affect your card strategy in the long term.

Take advantage of the welcome offer

Welcome offers on cards are always changing, so we didn’t mention them too much here. But many of the cards above frequently offer lucrative limited-time offers that are higher than their usual offers.

Related: The best time to apply for these cards based on welcome offers

Before you apply for a card, make sure that the offer you’re getting is a good one for the card and attainable for you and your level of monthly spending. A little extra cash, points or miles can go a long way.

APR stands for annual percentage rate , which, by itself, doesn't explain much about the term. Your APR is the interest rate you are charged on your credit card balance over the course of a year.

Credit card interest is generally calculated daily — 1/365 of the APR is multiplied by your current balance and added to it. This process, called compounding, is repeated daily for as long as you carry a balance. However, any interest charged is typically forgiven if you pay your statement balance in full by the due date every month.

Related: How to consolidate and pay off debt

What does this mean for you? No interest payment and no worries about APR. If you pay your balance in full each month, it's essentially a short-term, interest-free loan.

What are the different types of interest on credit cards?

There are multiple types of interest rates on credit cards. Interest rates can be fixed, variable or promotional.

Fixed interest rates generally remain the same month to month. This can change, however, although the issuer is required to provide the cardholder with notice. These are often higher than variable rates.

Related: Credit card APR vs. interest rate: What's the difference?  

Variable rates fluctuate based on their associated index interest rate. There can be limits on the ceiling and floor of the rates, but the cardholder does not have to receive notice before the rate is changed.

Promotional interest rates are often limited-time or limited-use offers. For instance, some cards come with a 0% introductory APR for a certain period of time before the interest rate kicks in.

What are the typical 0% APR fixed terms?

Credit cards typically have 0% APR for a promotional period. The promo can last anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending on the card's terms.

Note that the interest rate will often kick in after a specified period of time, and you'll be responsible for paying interest on any remaining balance once the promotional period is over.

Cards with a 0% APR offer a promotional period, usually 12 to 15 months, of 0% interest on new purchases made with your card. That means you won’t pay any interest on your purchases if you make payments on time, and can more easily pay off large purchases over time without additional financial stress.

While it should be obvious that making purchases without accruing interest is a major benefit all on its own, there are other opportunities to leverage a 0% APR card. As mentioned above, in the event of an unexpected expense, such as a health emergency or damage to your house, these cards can be a lifesaver while you catch up on your finances.

They can also be used to help finance one-time purchases, such as getting a new roof or remodeling the bathroom. Of course, we strongly recommend you pay the balance off before the promotion expires to avoid paying any interest.

Related: Should you carry a balance on zero APR cards?

You should also be careful not to use a 0% APR card as an excuse to spend beyond your means. Instead, you should treat this like one element of your emergency fund and only tap into it when necessary.

A card that offers a 0% APR for an introductory period can be a good option for saving money if you're making an expensive purchase or incur a large bill in the event of an emergency, for example. This is because you won't accrue interest if you're not able to pay off the balance in full immediately. The average credit card APR is 24.61% so having a zero or good credit card APR can potentially save you thousands of dollars

At TPG, we don't recommend carrying a balance on your credit cards, but in the case of zero interest cards, you won't have to worry about interest until the card's promotional period is over. However, it is important to note that once the 0% APR period concludes, you will have to pay interest on the remaining balance.

Related: Penalty APR: What it is and how to avoid it

Low interest credit cards are just that — cards that come with a comparatively low APR on balances carried month to month.

Meanwhile, holding a 0% APR credit card usually means you have a card that comes with a promotional period during which you won't pay any interest on your balance. Eventually, the APR will kick in, and you'll have to pay any interest that accrues on the remaining balance.

Related: How to choose a credit card with 0% APR

Many of the cards on this list that offer 0% APR introductory periods also have a lower interest rate once it kicks in. However, not every low interest card has a 0% APR introductory period, and not every 0% APR card comes with a low interest rate after the introductory period.

In short, yes. Some business credit cards have no APR because the full balance on the card is due each month. Examples of cards that utilize this interest structure are the Capital One Venture X Business (see rates and fees ) and the Capital One Spark Cash Plus (see rates and fees ).

Other business cards offer 0% APR for an introductory period before an interest rate kicks in after the promo period ends. Examples of cards that charge interest this way include the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card , Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees ).

A balance transfer credit card is any credit card that allows you to transfer balances from other accounts. This is generally done to consolidate debt and pay it off without incurring higher interest rates during a limited period of time.

Related: How to use a 0% APR credit card as an interest-free loan

Zero interest credit cards can be advantageous for those looking to transfer a balance, as some cards extend their 0% APR introductory rates to balance transfers. This can help with paying off debt sooner since you're allowed to pay off the balance on your 0% APR card without stacking up interest across the introductory period.

• 1 Annual fee If you are looking to get a card to consolidate your debt, it is likely more beneficial to get a card with no annual fee. The majority of cards on this list does not feature an annual fee so that you can spend more time and money on reaching your financial goals.
• 2 Welcome bonus The welcome bonuses offered on zero interest cards are relatively modest but have a low required spend which makes them easier to earn. Not all cards feature a welcome offer but if your card does, you will want to earn the welcome bonus as it is a considerable part of a card’s value.
• 3 Bonus categories Many of our best zero interest cards feature multiple bonus categories. Choosing a zero interest card that best aligns with your spending will help you get the most return on your spending and still allow you to consolidate your debt or finance a large purchase.

What's your favorite zero interest card — and why?

• Opening a card with introductory 0% APR can allow you to pay for large purchases over time without incurring interest.
• Many 0% and low-interest credit cards allow you to earn rewards like points, miles or cash back on your purchases.
• Some 0% APR cards also extend this introductory rate to balance transfers, allowing you to consolidate debt and pay it off with no interest for a set period of time.
• Most 0% and low-interest credit cards have a specific window of time during which you enjoy the low rate.
• If you don’t pay off your full balance by the end of the promotional period, you may be hit with massive interest charges.
• Having a 0% APR card can feel like “free” money, but if you spend beyond your means, your credit score can take a massive hit.

Some card issuers will offer you a special 0% APR on an existing credit card. This is typically only offered to cardholders with an extensive history with the issuer and who are in good (or great) financial standing. 

If you've been regularly paying off your debt and aren’t carrying a card balance, it’s possible that your issuer will extend your promotional low-APR period. This is usually only done if you regularly pay off your balance anyway, though, so you’ll have to demonstrate financial responsibility to earn this.

The best credit cards with zero interest typically offer valuable reward rates along with their low APR. They also come with perks, in some cases, that can further save you money for travel and in your daily spending.

Zero-percent APR is a promotional tool used by credit card companies to entice customers to apply. Promos for 0% APR typically last 12 or 15 months, after which the card usually reverts to a standard APR. Card companies also make money when you swipe your card, so 0% APR purchases are still profitable for them. 

At TPG, we always recommend paying off your monthly card balance in full whenever possible. Delaying payment isn’t ideal, even with a zero-interest card, as it can lead to poor spending habits and damage your financial health in the long run.

A primary consideration with a 0% APR credit card should be ensuring you spend within your means, even if you don't have to pay interest on your purchases for the card's promotional period.

It's advisable to utilize a zero interest card as a tool to give yourself some extra time to pay off a large purchase. If you lack financial discipline, a 0% APR card could be challenging to manage.

Related: Pros and cons of zero percent APR credit cards

Your credit score won't be affected by simply holding a 0% APR card, but the way you manage the balance on your card in addition to your ability to make timely payments can determine if your credit is affected. Your score could take some dings by carrying a balance month to month, even during the zero interest introductory term. However, a more prominent issue could arise if you continue to carry a large balance after the intro period concludes .

If you can't immediately pay your balance off month to month on a 0% APR card, working to lower it with each statement can help mitigate the effect on your credit. You can also request a lower interest rate from your issuer but there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

This decision depends on what you're looking to get from a card, as these two types of cards serve different purposes.

If you're expecting to carry a balance or make a large purchase that you'll need time to pay off, a low interest card could be a solid option so you limit the amount of interest you accrue.

Meanwhile, a cash back card is a rewards card that puts a certain percentage of money back in your pocket — usually for purchases in categories like grocery stores, gas stations and dining out, for example.

Ultimately, there isn't a right or a wrong answer here. It comes down to what you need a credit card to do for you.

APR is short for annual percentage rate, which is defined as the interest rate you're charged on your credit card balance over the course of a year. APY, or annual percentage yield, is money you earn in a savings account or on an investment over the course of a year.

While many zero interest cards (including a majority of those on this list) do not charge an annual fee , some of them do. The Blue Cash Preferred Card, for instance, is a zero interest credit card that comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then costs $95 a year thereafter.

You can technically close a credit card whenever you decide you're ready to do so. However, it's important to weigh how closing a credit card will affect your credit score, as it could adjust both your credit utilization and your credit history length.

You should also be certain that your final payment on that card has been processed before you cancel it.

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
• Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
• Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Discover it® Cash Back
• Chase Slate Edge℠
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Credit Cards with 0% Interest in May 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Citi Premier® Card, Citi Prestige® Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to Credit Cards With 0% Interest

A credit card that offers 0% interest for a period of time can help you save money when you need to carry a balance on your purchases. Business Insider reviewed dozens of the best credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers to come up with the 10 best-in-class products. 

Compare the Top Credit Cards With 0% Interest

Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Solid flat cash-back rate
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can combine cash-back rewards with Ultimate Rewards points if you have an eligible card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some other cards offer a higher rate of cash back on certain types of purchases

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for credit card beginners and experts alike. With no annual fee and a high earnings rate, it's worth considering as an everyday card — and it's even better when you pair it with an annual-fee Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days, then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days

18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Extra-long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cell phone protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No rewards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fees

If you're looking for the best Wells Fargo credit card for balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a great choice. And it offers an extra-long interest-free period on new purchases, too.

• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.

• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months

19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Earn $200 cash back (fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points)

Excellent, Good, Fair

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Flexibility to customize rewards by earning 5% cash back on up to $500 per billing cycle in your top spending category (from a list)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome offer for a no-annual-fee card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No rotating bonus categories to sign up for or track
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only earns 1% back outside of $500 in top spending category each billing cycle
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fee of 3%

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a solid welcome bonus and 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top spending category every billing cycle. There's no annual fee and you won't need to keep track of rotating bonus categories, but keep in mind it only earns 1% back outside of your highest spend category each month.

Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Earn $200 cash bonus

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous bonus cash-back categories
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great welcome bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards portal can restrict outside earning potential
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Varying percentages and rotating calendar categories require extra attention
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. 3% foreign transaction fees

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great pick if you want one of the best no-annual-fee cards with big earning potential and impressive benefits. It's an even better choice if you already collect Ultimate Rewards points with other Chase cards, because you can combine your points and potentially get even more value.

Limited time offer: Earn 10% cash back per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 1% to 3% cash back on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening

19.24% - 29.99% Variable

Earn a $200 statement credit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good bonus cash-back rate at U.S supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If you spend more than $6,000 at U.S supermarkets in a year, you should use another card to earn bonus rewards once you hit that cap.

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee. It's an especially valuable choice for purchases at US supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail purchases, thanks to its bonus earning categories.

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• Terms Apply.

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other cards earn more cash back

If you want to earn cash back with minimal effort and no annual fee, the Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card is a good option. Some cards offer a higher rate of cash back, but there are tradeoffs, such as foregoing a welcome bonus offer or keeping track of bonus categories that earn more rewards.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Earn $200 cash back

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, and grocery store purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other cards earn more cash back in certain bonus categories
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not the highest sign-up bonus among cash-back cards

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a good welcome bonus and excellent return rates that can earn you cash back on common expenses like dining, groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), streaming, and entertainment — plus there's no annual fee to worry about.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

17.24% - 28.24% Variable

Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. From April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card

The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening, then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Potential for automatic consideration for credit limit increases and purchase APR reductions
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Card doesn’t earn rewards beyond the welcome bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other cards have longer intro APR offers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Consideration for purchase APR reduction and credit line increase requires meeting a minimum spending requirement and on-time payments

If you're looking for a card with a long introductory APR offer to pay off your balance, this card could fit the bill. However, that's the main draw, since you won't earn any rewards or a welcome bonus.

Best Credit Cards With 0% Interest in May 2024

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best 0% intro APR Chase card
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Extended 0% intro APR period 
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best cash rewards card
• Citi Custom Cash℠ Card : Best intro APR card if your spending changes month to month
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best maximum potential cash back
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for bonus cash back at U.S. supermarkets
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for bonus cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for high cash back on dining
• Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash-back categories
• Chase Slate Edge℠: Best for building or repairing credit

0% Introductory APR Credit Card Reviews

0% intro APR credit cards for large purchases offer long periods with no interest so you can pay off your outstanding balance without paying anything extra. The best cards for 0% introductory APR may also offer the same benefit for balance transfers, or earn generous rewards on select bonus categories such as supermarkets, travel, dining, and more. 

The cards in this guide were hand-selected by Business Insider's team of credit card experts as the top 0% intro APR credit cards of 2024. 

Best 0% Intro APR Chase Card: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, followed by a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR

Annual Fee: $0

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® starts new customers off with additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). 

They can also earn 5% back on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ Portal, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

Considering the card's intro APR offer, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a standout choice for consumers who want to earn rewards on a big purchase and pay down their balance over time without paying any interest. 

Chase Freedom Unlimited Review

Extended 0% Intro APR Offer: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Introductory APR offer:  0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days, followed by a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR

Annual fee:  $0

If you're looking for an ultra-long period of no interest, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card fits the bill. It's got an outstanding intro APR offer. 

The downside is that the card doesn't earn rewards for spending, so if that's important to you, you might be better off with a card that offers a slightly shorter zero-interest period that does earn rewards. Beyond the intro APR offer, the card comes with a modest array of benefits, including cell phone protection and roadside dispatch. 

Wells Fargo Reflect Credit Card Review

Best Cash Rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR.

Annual fee :  $0

If you're looking for a card with a solid welcome bonus offer and strong Wells Fargo Rewards earning on all purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice. New cardholders earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The card's intro APR offer is generous, and you'll have access to a number of good benefits, including cellphone protection. Just be aware this card charges foreign transaction fees, so it's not a good pick for international travel.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review

Best Intro APR Card if Your Spending Changes Each Month: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, followed by a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR

Annual fee: $0

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is a great choice if your spending habits tend to change from month to month. It offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. In addition, cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in the eligible category they spend the most in each billing cycle (then 1%), and 1% on all other purchases.

The qualifying categories include everyday expenses that should appeal to most folks: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.

Although it's marketed as a cash-back card, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card actually earns Citi ThankYou points, which are worth 1 cent apiece for cash back, travel booked through Citi, gift cards, merchandise, and more. And again, if you have a Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants), you can pool your rewards and transfer points to Citi's airline and hotel partners.

Citi Custom Cash Card Review

Best for Maximum Cash Back: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, followed by a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a bonus of $200 cash bonus (received as 20,000 bonus points) after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

It also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating bonus categories like Amazon and streaming services when you activate each quarter (then 1%) and on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Portal. It also offers 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases. 

This card is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid interest payments for a limited time while earning rewards on their purchases. If you pair the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited with an annual-fee Chase card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, your rewards become more flexible, since you can transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners in addition to redeeming for cash back.

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Review

Best for Bonus Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a 19.24% - 29.99% Variable APR

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a welcome bonus of $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership.

You can also earn 3% back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%), 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent in purchases and at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%), 3% back on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%), and 1% back on everything else (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout). 

Blue Cash Everyday Amex Card Review

Bonus Cash Back on Rental Cars and Hotels Booked Through Capital One: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), followed by a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees )

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases, and that's on top of the welcome offer: one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.

Since this card also comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR, it's an excellent option for debt consolidation or avoiding interest on large purchases. 

The Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card also offers cardholders up to six months of Uber One monthly membership (through November 14, 2024). 

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review

High Cash Back on Dining: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

If your goal is earning cash back while saving on interest on purchases, check out the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card has a good welcome offer: $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.

You can earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through November 14, 2024, and 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. You can also earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% back on dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), entertainment, and streaming services, and 1% back on everything else you buy.

Capital One SavorOne Card Review

Best for Rotating Cash Back Categories: Discover it® Cash Back

Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Consider the Discover it® Cash Back if you want to earn rewards and save money on interest without an annual fee. Once you enroll, this card lets you earn 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly bonus categories that change every three months (then 1%) plus 1% back on all other purchases (from April 1 to June 30, 2024, you can earn 5% cash back at gas stations & electric vehicle charging stations, home improvement stores, and public transit on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).

Discover Cashback Match will match all the cash back you earned in your first year of card membership, which works as a delayed welcome bonus of sorts. And that's not to mention the lucrative intro APR offer this card extends.

Discover it Cash Back Card Review

Best for Building or Repairing Credit: Chase Slate Edge℠

Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR

The Chase Slate Edge℠ comes with no welcome bonus offer, and it doesn't earn rewards. It's geared toward those who are taking steps to improve their financial situation, and offers features that can help you increase your credit score and reduce the amount of interest you pay.

One benefit designed to help you build your credit is an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit if you've paid on time and spent at least $500 in your first six months of opening the Chase Slate Edge℠. A higher limit could have a positive effect on your credit utilization ratio and potentially improve your credit score .

In addition, on each account anniversary, you'll be considered for a 2% APR reduction, as long as you've paid your card on time and spent at least $1,000 on purchases in the previous anniversary year. The reduction is capped, though — it will only be reduced until your APR reaches the Prime Rate plus 9.74% (Prime Rate is 8.50% as of 7/27/2023). 

Chase Slate Edge Card Review

Zero Interest Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

Credit cards with 0% introductory interest periods allow you to carry a balance for a specified period of time without paying interest, as long as you make at least the minimum payment each month. These cards come with a 0% intro APR on purchases, balance transfers, or both. As long as you pay off the entire balance before the introductory period ends, you won't pay interest on your balance.

Yes, you need to pay off your 0% interest credit card eventually, because the intro offer won't last forever. During the introductory period, you typically need to make the minimum payment on the card (if not more) in order to avoid losing your intro 0% APR. You should have a plan to pay off your entire balance before the intro period ends to avoid paying interest on your remaining balance.

You can get a 0% interest credit card by applying online. You can also check with your bank in person to see if it offers any 0% intro APR cards that appeal to you. Keep in mind most cards with intro APR offers require you to have at least a good credit score , which means a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Using a zero interest credit card won't hurt your credit. In fact, if the intro APR offer allows you pay down your debt before the intro period ends, it could actually help your credit score by reducing your amount owed. Make sure to only spend what you can afford to pay off to avoid incurring more debt and high interest fees.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Credit Cards with 0% Interest

Business Insider chose the best credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers by looking through all the credit cards that offered zero-interest periods. We then evaluated the terms and length of each introductory offer, with longer introductory periods ranking highly. We also considered rewards, like cash back or travel points, card benefits, and factors like annual fees and foreign transaction fees.  

Here's our methodology for rating credit cards .

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.

• Main content

• Best Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer
• No Annual Fee

On this page

• Our top picks
• Zero interest credit card details
• What are zero interest credit cards?
• Pros and cons
• How to choose an 0 APR credit card
• Make the most of your 0 APR card
• Our methodology
• Frequently asked questions

Best 0% APR Credit Cards of May 2024

May 2, 2024

How we Choose

Zero-interest credit cards (or 0% intro APR credit cards) let cardholders make payments with no interest charges on purchases, balance transfers or both for a set period of time. Your entire payment (except for any fees) is applied to your balance. After the introductory period expires, you begin paying a predetermined interest rate.

The best zero-interest credit cards tout long promotional APR periods, usually between 14 to 21 months, and can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest. But before you sign up for one, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Keep reading to learn more and to find the top offers from our partners.

Best 0% APR Credit Cards of 2024

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card – 21 months 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers from account opening More information Close Regular APR is 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card  – 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 120 days from account opening More information Close Regular APR is 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express  — 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Discover it® Cash Back  – 15-month 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – 15-month 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)  ( See Rates and Fees )
• Citi Custom Cash® Card  – 15-month 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express  – 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.24% - 29.99% Variable
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®  –  15 month 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers   More information Close Regular APR is 20.49% - 29.24% Variable
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card  – 15-billing cycle 0% intro APR on balance transfers in the first 60 days and purchases More information Close Regular APR is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card  – 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)  ( See Rates and Fees )
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card  – 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases More information Close Regular APR is 18.49% - 24.49% Variable
• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card  – 15-billing-cycle 0% intro APR for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days and purchases More information Close Regular APR is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Additional Card Offers:

• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card – 12-month 0% intro APR for purchases and 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers completed within the first four months More information Close Regular APR is 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)
• My GM Rewards® Mastercard® – 9-month 0% intro APR on purchases More information Close 20.24% to 29.99% variable purchase APR based on creditworthiness. Rates as of 8/1/2023
• BankAmericard® credit card – 21-billing-cycle 0% intro APR for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days and purchases More information Close Regular APR is 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
• U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card – 15-billing-cycle 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers More information Close Regular APR is 19.49% to 29.49% variable
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers More information Close 20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Intro bonus

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

For those looking to minimize interest rates on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, the Well Fargo Reflect’s intro APR period gives you maximum flexibility since it’s one of the lengthiest offers on the market. With this card, you won’t have to worry about incurring interest on qualifying balance transfers or purchases for 21 months (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable ongoing APR thereafter), making paying off debt or large expenses less daunting.

• Compared to other balance transfer cards, the ongoing APR starts out lower than the average credit card interest rate.
• Cardholders have access to My Wells Fargo Deals, cellphone protection and Visa travel benefits.
• There is no welcome offer, rewards program or any notable benefits, making this card less valuable — especially after the intro APR period ends.
• The balance transfer fee is a bit steep, considering there are balance transfer cards that have a lesser fee or none at all.

Bottom Line

If you need an extended amount of time to pay off debt and aren’t concerned with rewards or special features, this card might be a good fit for your needs.

• Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
• $0 Annual Fee.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.

Rates & Fees

Wells fargo active cash® card.

Wells Fargo keeps it simple with an unlimited two percent cash rewards on purchases. This card is ideal for anyone who has no desire to keep up with bonus categories or a tiered-earnings structure. In addition to a flat-rate cash rewards offering, cardholders can take advantage of a welcome bonus and introductory APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers.

• This card charges no annual fee.
• Rewards never expire as long as your account remains in good standing.
• Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the intro APR rate and pay a lower intro fee of 3% or pay up to 5% after ($5 minimum).
• The 2% cash rewards rate on purchases is decent, but you may be missing out on bonus category earnings in top spend categories that other cards offer.

For the clumsy and accident prone, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card’s cellphone protection benefit could come in handy. Additionally, the card touts an impressively long 0% introductory APR period of 15 months (from account opening) on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR).

• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

Since it offers cash back in practical everyday categories like U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, this card will earn its keep long after your intro APR period ends. It also carries a low balance transfer fee and flexible financing options even after your intro APR period ends.

• It’s one of the only cash back cards that offers year-round rewards on select U.S. online retail purchases — a terrific supplement to its other everyday categories.
• You can still enjoy payment flexibility after the card’s intro APR period thanks to the Plan It® feature, which lets you pay off qualifying purchases at a fixed monthly plan fee.
• The card’s U.S. supermarket category doesn’t cover wholesale clubs like Costco or superstores like Walmart, so it may not be very rewarding if you frequent those stores.
• You can get a much longer intro APR period or a lower ongoing APR with a dedicated balance transfer or low interest card (though you’ll probably sacrifice long-term value).

If you can pay off your balance within 15 months, this card should be a great fit thanks to its low cost and practical bonus categories, which give it terrific long-term value.

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• Terms Apply.

Discover it® Cash Back

Rewards-savvy cardholders can squeeze serious value out of this card thanks to its generous cash back rate in a variety of rotating categories. Discover’s cash back calendar offers a great mix of eligible categories, usually covering everyday staples like groceries and gas, as well as extras at places like Walmart.com and Target.

• Rotating categories allow for flexible reward structure
• The card’s ongoing APR is very reasonable, especially if you have excellent credit and can qualify for the low-end rate
• It can be a headache to enroll in new categories and track spending to ensure you’re maximizing cash back each quarter
• Some commonly recurring bonus categories, like select streaming services, are unlikely to net you much cash back

If you get a kick out of strategizing about when and where you buy to maximize rewards, this card’s unique cash back program could be right up your alley.

• Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Few no annual fee cards offer such a generous cash back rate on both dining and grocery store purchases, making the SavorOne a terrific fit for restaurant lovers and home cooks alike. On top of that, the card charges no foreign transaction fee, so you can indulge abroad without worrying about fees canceling out your rewards.

• The sign-up bonus spending requirement should be easy to reach, especially considering the card’s practical bonus categories
• The card’s entertainment category is very broad, earning rewards everywhere from movie theaters to amusement parks and bowling alleys
• Stores like Walmart and Target don’t count as grocery stores, so you won’t earn bonus rewards when shopping at these big-box or superstores.
• Amazon.com redemption options are limited. For example, you can’t redeem rewards for digital products like Kindle eBooks and digital downloads.

If you’re a foodie, this will be one of the most rewarding and versatile cash back cards you can get without forking over an annual fee.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Not only can you take advantage of an intro APR offer to finance large purchases, but you’ll also have a chance to earn cash back on those big-ticket items. Eligible rewards categories like home improvement stores and select travel make the card an ideal choice for big expenses like a home renovation or family vacation, while categories like groceries and dining will give the card terrific value long after its intro APR period ends.

• Comes with an intro APR offer on both balance transfers and new purchases, which is uncommon among cash back cards
• Automatically rewards your top spending category each billing cycle, with no need to track or enroll in bonus categories
• The card’s balance transfer fee is high (5% or $5, whichever is greater) compared to many balance transfer cards
• The top eligible spending category is subject to a cap each billing cycle, which limits potential cash back earnings.

Used wisely, the Citi Custom Cash Card should offer terrific value and flexibility in both the short and long term thanks to its varied bonus categories and no-hassle rewards structure.

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

It earns one of the highest cash back rates for grocery purchases available. And even though it charges an annual fee, it’s easy to offset that cost with modest spending in the bonus categories. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a go-to card for busy households and families.

• U.S. streaming is one of the bonus categories, which presents a rare opportunity to earn cash back on modern household expenses.
• It has a solid intro APR offer that gives it great upfront value to new cardholders.
• While it has a good APR offer, other cash back credit cards have longer offers.
• The U.S. supermarket category excludes Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs (like Costco).

The Blue Cash Preferred card has a decent intro APR offer that gives it great first-year value. And its value extends beyond the intro offer with super-competitive, high cash back rates in common household categories.

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
• Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
• 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
• 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Freedom Unlimited blends tiered and flat-rate cash back to give cardholders a chance at solid rewards earnings. It leans on dining, travel and drugstore spending the most, but anyone can earn a fair amount of cash back with its slightly boosted flat rate.

• Its intro APR offers curb interest for a little longer than a year, giving you plenty of time to accrue cash back while you chip away at a balance or pay off new purchases.
• Its welcome offer for the first year can boost your cash back even more, giving this card great upfront value.
• Could charge an indefinite penalty APR if you fail to make a minimum payment by your due date or a payment is returned.
• Charges late payment and returned payment fees of up to $40, as well as foreign transaction fees.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited could be great for earning cash back in a handful of boosted categories, and for scooping up bonus cash back for purchases not included in any rewards category. But its ongoing APR is relatively high, making it a less-than-ideal card if you carry a balance beyond your intro APR period.

• Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

In addition to its long introductory APR offer on balance transfers and purchases, this card offers a significant unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can boost their cash back rewards even more too. The $0 annual fee, no expiration date on the cash rewards and the chance to earn an intro bonus all bring further value to the cardholder.

• Cash rewards never expire as long as your account remains open.
• If your spending tends to be focused in certain categories, you may be better off with a card that offers a high rewards rate on bonus categories.
• If you carry a balance, the higher APR could prove to be expensive after the intro period ends.

This flat rate card with its unlimited 1.5% cash back can deliver big value, especially for existing Bank of America account holders who are able to take advantage of the extra 25% to 75% boost on cash back rewards.

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

It’s ideal for low-maintenance cardholders. Not only can you finance new purchases or pay down debt with the card’s intro APR, but you’ll also earn unlimited cash back at the same flat rate no matter where, when or what you buy. No need to worry about tracking spending, juggling card categories or having an annual fee cut into your savings.

• A flat rate rewards card is ideal for someone who prefers an easy-to-use program with no spending limits to track or bonus categories to keep up with
• The intro APR offer gives the card good short-term value for both purchases and balance transfers
• The flat-rate you earn on purchases is low compared to other available options
• Once the promotional APR period is over, the APR is on the higher end, which makes the card more expensive for those who carry a balance each month

If you want a no-hassle way to finance new purchases while earning unlimited cash back on everything you buy, the Quicksilver card could be a great fit.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

This business card earns cash back at a generous flat rate while offering an intro APR on new purchases. Plus, this card has one of the best welcome offers available, with a potential value of $750 after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening the account. It’s a great combination of savings and cash back for business owners who need a new credit card and make numerous purchases outside of typical rewards categories.

Read the full review

• Intro APR on new purchases with a low ongoing APR
• This card’s substantial welcome bonus can net you a healthy sum of cash back
• This card lacks an intro APR for balance transfers
• Flat-rate rewards are only good for business owners who make purchases outside of common rewards categories

This will be a great card for new business owners who need a line of credit to get their business started.

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

You’ll enjoy payment flexibility with this card’s intro APR offers, as well as rewards flexibility with its varied, practical and customizable cash back categories. You can pick the eligible bonus category that suits you best each month while earning consistent rewards on some of your everyday purchases, making it a smart choice if you want to cover a lot of territory with a single card.

• You can switch up your 3% cash back category once per month to squeeze maximum value out of the card
• As a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can boost your rewards rate by as much as 75% based on your bank balance
• There is a spending cap that can limit your earning potential
• Groceries make up a big chunk of most people’s budget, and this card’s cash back rate at grocery stores is low compared to some competing cards

This card gives you more control over where and when you earn rewards while still covering some everyday essentials, making it a solid all-purpose cash back card.

• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.

All information about the My GM Rewards Mastercard, the Chase Freedom Flex, and the BankAmericard credit card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The best 0% intro APR credit cards compared

Editor’s picks: zero-interest credit card details, best for long intro apr: wells fargo reflect® card.

• Best features : It offers one of the longest introductory APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers on the market.
• Biggest drawbacks : You must transfer a balance within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the introductory APR. The card also has a balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).
• Alternative : The Citi Double Cash® Card has better long-term value than most credit cards that come with long intro APRs, offering a flat-rate cash back on purchases. It doesn’t have an intro APR offer on purchases, but it does offer a long intro APR offer on balance transfers if you’re looking to pay off credit card debt.
• Bottom line : If you suspect you’ll need an extra-long window to pay off a large purchase or a qualifying balance transfer, this card should be top of mind.

Related : Wells Fargo Reflect benefits

Read our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for versatility and long-term value: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

• Best features : The Active Cash packs in a lot more value than most flat-rate cash rewards cards. On top of earning unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible everyday spending, members also enjoy an intro APR offer, generous welcome bonus, and a variety of redemption options.
• Biggest drawbacks : Depending on spending habits, some may be better served by a card that allows you to maximize earnings in specific categories. It’s also important to note that the intro APR on qualifying balance transfers must be made within the first 120 days as a cardholder to receive the special intro rate.
• Alternative : To get even more value out of the Active Cash Card, consider pairing it with a credit card that offers high rewards in bonus categories that fit your everyday spending. One example is to use the  Citi Custom Cash®  Card to earn high cash back on your biggest eligible spend area, like gas, and then use the Active Cash Card for all of your other purchases.
• Bottom line : The flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases alone makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a worthy addition to any wallet.

Read our  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review  or jump back to this card’s  offer details .

Best for good credit: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

• Best features : Families on a budget can get a lot of value out of this card. On top of a long intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, the card also earns bonus rewards on typical household purchases, including at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read about how finance expert Ana Staples uses the Blue Cash Everyday card .
• Biggest drawbacks : The 3% rewards are capped at $6,000 in purchases per year in each category, then drops to 1%.
• Alternative : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card also has an intro APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers but offers 3% cash back in more bonus categories, including dining.
• Bottom line : On top of the intro APR offer, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers an impressive cash back rewards program for no annual fee.

Related : Blue Cash Everyday Card from Amex rewards and benefits guide

Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rotating category rewards: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features : One of the best rewards credit cards on the market, this card’s rotating categories lets users earn high rewards in a variety of seasonal areas. It also comes with an intro APR offer on new purchases and balance transfers and a unique sign-up bonus that matches all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year.
• Biggest drawbacks : Rotating categories that you have to enroll in can be a hassle for some people. Some may also prefer to earn rewards in their favorite categories year-round instead of quarterly.
• Alternative : Depending on your spending habits, you may get more value from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express . Though it has an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), instead of quarterly bonus categories, you have the chance to earn an impressive amount of cash back all year in popular household categories, including U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations and transit.
• Bottom line : The Discover it® Cash Back is a solid pick for someone looking for a credit card with well-rounded benefits, a potentially low go-to APR and a competitive cash back rewards program.

Related : Discover it® Cash Back rewards and benefits guide

Read our full Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for unlimited + everyday rewards in popular categories: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : This card offers better short and long-term value than most intro APR credit cards. On top of the rewards you earn in popular household and entertainment categories, there’s also a sign-up bonus with a low spend requirement.
• Biggest drawbacks : If you don’t qualify for the low end of the regular variable APR rate, you could get hit with high interest rates on any balances carried over from month to month once the intro APR offer ends.
• Alternative : If you spend more on groceries than you do dining, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express . Although it has an annual fee after the second year, it offers an impressive amount of cash back at U.S. supermarkets, plus a statement credit welcome offer and a slew of other perks worth considering.
• Bottom line : This versatile card is a great option for modest spenders looking to earn rewards in popular food and entertainment categories.

Read our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Introductory APR on purchases + cash back: Citi Custom Cash® Card

• Best features : This flexible, low-maintenance card doesn’t just have a nice intro APR. It also comes with a sign-up bonus and a chance to earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category. That’s one of the highest rates you can earn in areas like gas, groceries or dining.
• Biggest drawbacks : You’ll pay a steep fee for balance transfers. Plus, there’s a cap on your cash back, which eats into the card’s value.
• Alternative : For a lot of people, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ will come out on top, thanks to a similar intro APR offer, high rewards in multiple bonus categories and a slightly smaller spending requirement to earn the sign-up bonus. To learn more, check out the battle of the 5% back cards .
• Bottom line : The intro APR offer and chance to customize your cash back rewards make the Citi card a great option.

Related : Is the Citi Custom Cash Card worth it?

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for everyday household spending: Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express

• Best features : The high earning rates on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and select U.S. streaming subscriptions round it out as a go-to cash back machine for the modern household. Plus, its intro APR offer means you can cut down on interest costs for a considerable time.
• Biggest drawbacks : Its annual fee after the first year is $95 and its U.S. supermarkets category has a $6,000 yearly spending cap, then the rate drops to 1%.
• Alternative : If you don’t want to worry about an annual fee, consider this card’s little sibling, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express .
• Bottom line : If you’re the head of a large household, you will probably find plenty of value in the Blue Cash Preferred.

Read our Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

 Best for tiered cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Best features: Tiered cash back rates in common spending categories give cardholders ample opportunities to earn cash back while benefiting from generous intro APR periods for both purchases and balance transfers. You can manage debt and plan a pay-off strategy while you focus on maximizing rewards for routine spending.
• Biggest drawbacks: Its ongoing APR is relatively high, so you’ll want your payments to keep pace with your spending once your intro period ends.
• Alternative(s): You may be able to earn a comparable amount of cash back with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card if your top spending category is dining and you shop regularly at grocery stores. Grocery budgets are arguably larger than gas and drugstore budgets, so you could potentially earn more cash back with the Customized Cash Rewards card if you have a focused spending strategy.
• Bottom line: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card has generous cash back rates and modest intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. However, be wary of its ongoing APR, which could be slightly higher than other cards’ on this page.

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best unlimited cash back for Preferred Rewards members: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features : This flat-rate card offers both versatility and value. You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases and have one of the longer intro APR offers for balance transfers and purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Carry a balance beyond the introductory period and you could wind up paying quite a bit in interest, especially if you fall under the higher APR range. Some may be better served by a card that offers a high rewards rate on bonus categories aligned with their spending habits.
• Alternative: Unless you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll get better value out of a card that offers a flat rate of 2% cash back on all purchases. Or, depending on your spending habits, a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited may be more to your liking thanks to multiple categories that earn bonus rewards, followed by 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• Bottom line : This unlimited flat-rate card has broad appeal, but anything less than 2% cash back on eligible purchases might be a disappointment to rewards seekers looking to capitalize on credit card perks.

Read our full Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The Quicksilver Cash Rewards has more than just a long intro APR to help you make interest-free payments on purchases and balance transfers ( See Rates and Fees ). Like the best Capital One credit cards , you also get a sign-up bonus, a chance to earn rewards on all of your purchases, and a number of travel and consumer benefits.
• Biggest drawbacks : Despite its versatility, this card doesn’t earn the highest rewards or offer up the longest intro APR offer. If you need as much time as possible to pay off purchases or credit card debt or you want to earn a higher flat rate for all your purchases, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• Alternative : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a lot in common with the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card, but goes a bit further with 2% cash rewards on your purchases.
• Bottom line : The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a good fit for someone looking for a card that can do more than provide an intro APR offer.

Related : Is the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card worth it?

Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Ink Business Unlimited: Best for business owners

• Best features : This card’s flat cash back rate and welcome offer are two of the best reasons to choose this as your intro APR card.
• Biggest drawbacks : Although it has a generous rewards program, welcome offer and an intro APR on new purchases, there’s no intro APR for balance transfers.
• Alternatives : If you like this card’s flat rate, you might want to consider a consumer card like the Wells Fargo Active cash card, which has a more generous flat cash rewards rate. However, if it’s a longer intro APR and lower ongoing APR you’re looking for, then the BankAmericard® credit card offers one of the longest intro APR you’ll find on both purchases and balance transfers
• Bottom line : Business owners shouldn’t limit their credit options to business cards, but the Ink Business Unlimited is a great all-around pick for a generous mix of cash back, a welcome offer and an intro APR period.

Related : Main differences between business cards and personal cards

Read our Ink Business Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flexible cash back categories: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features : On top of the intro APR offer, this card offers a lot more flexibility than most rewards cards. You can choose one bonus category from a long list of popular, everyday options and even change it once a month if you think you’ll spend more in another area. You can also earn a nice flat rate on your grocery purchases, including wholesale clubs, which typically only earns 1% on traditional rewards cards.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $2,500 quarterly spending cap for the 2% and 3% combined categories (then 1%) may not be enough for big spenders, especially Bank of America Preferred Rewards members .
• Alternative : If your spending aligns with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , it will give you more food-and-entertainment categories to earn 3% cash back in.
• Bottom line : This card has great short- and long-term value for people on a budget, but big spenders could earn more rewards with other options like a flat-rate card.

Related : Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards benefits guide

Read our full Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for balance transfer: Citi® Diamond Preferred®

• Best features : If paying off debt is your top priority and you have good or excellent credit, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card could be a lifesaver. The card comes with an extremely long 21-month introductory APR offer on balance transfers completed within the first 4 months, after which your APR is a relatively low 18.24% – 28.99% variable. Want to learn more? See how expert, Emily Sherman, uses the Citi Diamond Preferred card .
• Biggest drawbacks : The lack of a base rewards program limits this card’s long-term value. Plus, the balance transfer fee (5% of your balance or $5, whichever is higher) will cost consumers more than the standard 3% fee found with other cards.
• Alternative : If you think you can pay off your balance transfer faster than 21 months, the versatile Citi Double Cash® Card may be a better choice. Its intro APR offer isn’t as long, but it has better value thanks to a rewards program that earns up to 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay).
• Bottom line : The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is best for someone focused on paying off debt and who isn’t looking for a rewards credit card that offers points or miles.

Related : Is the Citi Diamond Preferred Card worth it? Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for GM dealerships: My GM Rewards® Mastercard®

• Best features : The 7X points on eligible GM products and services is impressive, but even the 4X flat rate on general purchases is a phenomenal rate that gives you plenty of chances to rack up points on everything you buy.
• Biggest drawbacks : Your points are only valuable if you redeem them for eligible GM purchases. Using your rewards on gift cards drops the value of your points from 1 cent to just 0.25 cents.
• Alternatives : A card like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card sacrifices some of the high earning potential but makes up for it with versatility. Cardholders earn 3X points in an impressive number of everyday categories and you can redeem points for cash back, travel and more at a value of 1 cent apiece.
• Bottom line : This could be the card for you if you’re a GM loyalist looking to earn and redeem rewards at the dealership.

Read our My GM Rewards® Mastercard® review .

Best for low ongoing APR: BankAmericard® credit card

• Best features : With this card, you’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of the intro APR on both balance transfers and purchases before it reverts to the regular variable APR. The low regular APR and lack of an annual fee make this card more valuable than the average intro APR card.
• Biggest drawbacks : This card doesn’t earn rewards and lacks the features and benefits that would help to make it useful once you’ve finished using it for balance transfers.
• Alternative : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with an intro APR offer but also earns rewards, including 3% cash back on grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services (1% on other purchases).
• Bottom line : This is a solid pick for someone with a lot of debt or who plans to make a large purchase and wants to pay it off over an extended period without any interest charges.

Related : Is the BankAmericard credit card worth it?

Read our full BankAmericard credit card review .

Best for customizing rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

• Best features : You get more freedom than most rewards credit cards to choose how you earn high rewards in multiple bonus categories. This card can be a great option for people who want an intro APR offer and love earning as much cash back as possible in a variety of everyday categories.
• Biggest drawbacks : It can be a hassle remembering to choose and enroll in bonus categories each quarter. To earn the most value out of your purchases, you may need to juggle multiple credit cards to help offset the card’s spending cap.
• Alternative : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card makes life a whole lot easier for rewards seekers. It lets you earn 2% cash rewards on your purchases without having to track your spending or enroll in bonus categories.
• Bottom line : There are a lot of opportunities to earn high rewards with the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, but it takes some work to get the most value out of this card.

Read our U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card .

Best for Intro APR with rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Best features : There’s so much more to the Freedom Unlimited besides the intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers. Cardholders can also earn a sign-up bonus and enjoy a rewards program that earns bonus rewards for travel booked through Chase Travel, as well as dining and drugstore purchases. And if you pair the Freedom Unlimited with other Chase cards , you could increase the redemption value of the points you earn.
• Biggest drawbacks : Anyone looking to travel or shop internationally will be disappointed by the 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Alternative : If you spend more on food and entertainment, you might get more value out of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card . It also has an intro APR offer but with more categories that earn 3% cash back, including at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and with select streaming services.
• Bottom line : The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a versatile credit card that will add a lot of value to your wallet long after the intro APR offer, especially if you travel often.

Related : What credit score is needed for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card?

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review

What is a zero-interest credit card?

When a bank issues a credit card, they charge the cardholder interest for borrowing money. However, to entice new customers, certain credit cards will offer promotional periods where the interest rate will remain at a fixed 0% for a defined period of time. This period with 0% interest (or whatever the promotional APR is) is referred to as the introductory APR period. After the promotional period has expired, the cardholder will be charged a different APR, which is considered the ongoing APR.

Because the cardholder does not incur any interest charges during the 0% APR promotional period, it offers a unique advantage to save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in interest fees. Cardholders may use a zero-percent intro APR card as a strategy for making a large purchase where they have several months to make interest-free payments or for transferring high-interest credit card debt so they can concentrate the entire monthly payment towards the balance.

While 0% interest credit cards usually require the cardholder to have a good or excellent credit score , they can help you avoid additional costly interest charges.

How do 0% intro APR credit cards work?

A card with a zero percent introductory APR allows you to either make purchases, complete a balance transfer or both without paying interest for a specified period. This period, typically anywhere from 12 to 21 months, is ideal for paying down debts without the burden of added interest charges. It could also help decrease the time it takes to pay off your credit card debt.

Once the 0% introductory period is over, ongoing APR charges go into effect. This change means a new interest rate will apply to any purchases or balance transfers made after this time. It also means the ongoing APR will apply to any remaining balance not paid off during the promotional period.

For more information, read our complete guide on how 0% APR credit cards work .

How much can you save with a 0% intro APR credit card?

A 0% intro APR credit card can save you hundreds of dollars and even more. But it depends on a number of factors, including how much you owe, your current APR, and how long it takes you to pay off your balance.

For an accurate picture, a credit card payoff calculator can show you how long it will take you to pay off your debt and how much interest you’ll pay each month. This can give you an idea of how much you can save with a 0% intro APR credit card.

For example, what if you could pay off a balance in full using a credit card with a 21-month APR offer? Here’s how much total interest you could potentially save with 21 months of interest-free payments compared to a credit card with average interest and one with high interest.

As you can see, a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that if you do a balance transfer, most issuers charge a fee that will be added to total balance, which will cut into your total savings.

Pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards

• Savings : You’ll save on interest if you pay your balance transfer or purchases down during the promotional APR period.
• Affordability : Zero percent introductory APR cards rarely charge an annual fee.
• Building credit : Paying off debt via a balance transfer on a 0% introductory APR credit card can improve your credit score in the long term by decreasing your credit utilization rate .
• Extra time:  One of the most essential benefits of a zero interest card is the extra time it buys you to pay off or down existing balances without costly interest charges for a defined period of time.
• Post-offer interest : You could face a high interest rate once the promotional APR expires.
• Balance transfer fees : You’ll likely pay a fee for balance transfers.
• Short-term credit hits : Balance transfers or large purchases on a 0% intro APR card can ding your credit score in the short term by increasing your single-card credit utilization rate and generating a hard inquiry.
• Potential to lose intro offer: Cardholders may not realize that one missed payment may forfeit any zero percent introductory period the card offers, which makes keeping up with due dates even more important.

The different types of credit card APR

APR is short for annual percentage rate and is the rate you’ll pay in interest if you carry a balance on your credit card. If you want to know more about how credit card APRs work , one key thing to note is not all APRs are the same.

You’ll see various APR terminology throughout your card’s terms and conditions. The APR or interest rate may be different depending on how it is implemented with the card. For example, the regular, ongoing APR you qualify for is different from a penalty or cash advance APR.

Regular or ongoing APR

Regular or ongoing APR is the standard interest rate issued to you for purchases with the credit card, when you carry a balance. The regular APR is often a variable rate, often determined by the federal prime rate and your credit score. The regular APR is the interest rate charged for purchases if there is no promotional APR offer.

Purchase APR

The purchase APR is the interest rate applied to purchases only. You’ll often find credit cards with promotional purchase APR periods, often for zero percent interest on purchases for a specified period of time. When the promotional period has expired, the rate will revert to the regular purchase APR for your card.

Balance transfer APR

A balance transfer APR is the interest rate applied when you transfer an existing balance from one credit card to another. Credit cards can offer a promotional balance transfer APR, typically zero percent interest for a balance transfer during a specified period. A card may offer either a zero percent purchase APR or zero percent balance transfer APR, but not both. Some cards do have intro APR offers on both, but the length of the offer may differ depending on where it applies.

Cash advance APR

A cash advance APR is the interest rate applied when you use a credit card for a cash advance . It’s important to note the interest on a cash advance begins immediately accruing the day you receive the cash advance, and not at the end of a grace period the way a purchase APR does.

Penalty APR

Cardholders could activate a penalty APR when doing something to violate the credit card’s terms and conditions, such as making a late payment or having a returned payment for insufficient funds. The penalty APR will last for several months (according to your card terms) and is a higher-than-normal APR — in some cases double the regular APR.

How to choose an introductory APR credit card

Are you planning a large purchase or paying down pre-existing debt.

Choosing the right card zero interest card may come down to one goal: paying down a pre-existing balance or financing a large purchase. While a zero interest card can save you money on interest payments for a defined period of time, especially for a large purchase, a balance transfer card may be better suited for those who need to focus on paying down an existing balance. If you’re concerned you’ll need to carry a balance for longer than the promotional APR period, then a low-interest credit card option may be better.

What’s your payoff timeline?

Before selecting a card, understanding your payoff timeline could impact your decision. Not all introductory APR offers are created equal. Some have longer promotional periods than others, which may affect your payoff timeline if you hope to pay as little interest as possible. Keep in mind there are some introductory APR offers that only apply to purchases and may not include balance transfers. Once you have your payoff goal in mind, you can choose the card best suited for your timeline.

Do you plan to use the card for the long haul?

Long-term financial plans should factor into your card selection. Ongoing features, like the annual fee, interest rates after the promotional APR period ends and rewards programs are key elements that could help decide what card you choose. For example, you should consider the ongoing APR to avoid hefty interest charges if you end up carrying a balance. If you do decide you no longer need your zero-interest card, carefully consider the impact before closing it. It’s possible closing a card can negatively affect your credit score by raising your credit utilization and impacting the length of your credit history.

Who should get a 0% intro APR credit card?

• The plan-ahead spender . Whether you want to finance home improvements or a dream vacation, a card with a lengthy 0% intro APR period can give you time to pay off your big purchase (typically 12 to 18 months) without incurring interest charges.
• The balance reducer . If you carry high-interest credit card debt, you can transfer it to a credit card offering a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. This gives you a window to make progress on reducing the debt itself, but be mindful of potential balance transfer fees.
• The emergency spender . From car and home repairs to medical bills and lost wages – unplanned expenses and financial emergencies happen. If you don’t have enough money set aside in an emergency fund, a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer may be the last-resort option that can help get you through difficult times.
• The credit novice . For people just getting started on their credit journey, a 0% intro offer may provide a more manageable way for easing into the new financial responsibility of credit card usage. Taking advantage of the 0% APR intro period not only gives you time to pay down your balance while you learn how to budget monthly payments, but many of these cards also offer a $0 annual fee for greater affordability.

Who should skip a 0% intro APR credit card?

• The rewards seeker . While some 0% intro APR credit cards do offer rewards, you can usually find more lucrative programs attached to traditional or premium rewards credit cards.
• The payment procrastinator . The 0% interest only lasts for the duration of the introductory period, and once it ends, the card will revert to its regular APR, which may not be low (based on your creditworthiness). If you tend to carry a balance month to month, a low interest credit card could be a better option.
• The heavy-debt consolidator . There are limits to how much debt you can transfer over to a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. And if you can’t pay off that debt before the introductory period ends, your balance could get hit with high interest charges. If you’re carrying a heavy debt on multiple credit cards, a personal loan may be a better debt consolidation method for you.
• The fee averse . While you can use a 0% APR intro offer as a smart financial tool, other fees attached to the card can quickly add up. It’s not uncommon for 0% APR cards to include balance transfer fees, ranging from 3% to 5% for each transfer, plus late payment charges or potential over-the-limit fees . Foreign transaction fees are another possibility, where issuers charge a percentage of your purchase each time you shop with a foreign currency.

For more help finding a card that suits your needs, check out our guide on how to choose a 0% intro APR credit card .

How to make the most of your 0% intro APR offer

Plan large purchases around your intro period.

If you know you have an upcoming purchase to make, but may not have enough funds set aside, then taking advantage of an introductory APR period can bridge the gap between your spending and savings. You can finance your purchase with a zero interest card and make payments each month — ideally before the introductory period ends — allowing you the option to make smaller, more manageable payments over time.

Simply take the total purchase amount and divide it by the number of months left in your introductory period so you’ll know the minimum amount you must pay on the card each month to avoid interest charges and maximize your intro offer.

Avoid adding to transferred balances

Transferring an existing credit card balance to another card with an intro APR offer on balance transfers is a popular strategy for managing debt and accelerating debt pay off. If paying off debt is your primary goal, it’s best to avoid adding any additional debt (such as new purchases) to your transferred balance. If you avoid adding to your transferred debt, you allow for the possibility of paying off your debt sooner. You can also take advantage of the introductory offer’s lack of interest charges — and put all your payments towards a balance and not the costly interest.

Nail down a payoff strategy early

Building a plan to pay off your balance , even before you transfer any balances or make a purchase, can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re using your zero percent intro APR card for a balance transfer, don’t forget to include the balance transfer fee in your final balance. These fees, commonly 3 or 5 percent of the transferred balance, can add significantly to your payoff total. If you’re using an intro offer on a rewards card that carries an annual fee, be sure to account for that cost as you plan. Once you’re aware of your total balance, you can calculate a monthly payment that allows you to avoid interest or payoff within your ideal time frame.

Pay off your balance within the intro period if possible

The most effective way to use an intro APR period is to pay off your balance before the introductory period ends, which means you end up avoiding the interest charges. However, if this goal doesn’t fit within your budget based on the length of the intro period, or life gets in the way and you can’t pay the balance off as planned, the next best approach is to pay down as much as possible. If you choose a credit card with a lower ongoing APR once the intro period ends, then it could make things more manageable for when the interest charges do start.

What happens when an intro APR offer ends?

A 0% interest intro offer is great, but it’s also temporary. So, what happens when that offer expires? Ultimately, your card’s regular interest rate will kick in. Your card’s normal APR will apply to all new purchases and balance transfers that you make, and any balance that you are still carrying on your card. It’s imperative as you choose a zero interest card that you pick one with an ongoing interest rate you can manage if needed.

For example, say you transfer $3,000 to your new card and it has a 0% intro offer that lasts 12 months, and the regular APR is 20% after. If you only paid off $2,000 of your balance transfer before your 0% intro offer ends, your card’s standard APR, the 20%, will now apply to the $1,000 leftover.

Alternatives to 0 percent APR cards

If you’re worried that you won’t qualify for a 0 percent intro APR card or you want to avoid opening another credit card, you have a few options.

Consider a debt consolidation loan

With a debt consolidation loan , you could combine debt from several sources into a single loan. The goal of consolidating is to end up with one affordable monthly payment. Debt consolidation loans are ideal if you need a longer payoff time or a lower interest rate. You’ll get a three-to-five-year payoff period with a debt consolidation loan while most 0% interest cards have intro offers that expire after 12 months on the low end or up to 21 months on the high end.

Ask for a lower interest rate

One way to save on interest is by asking your credit card issuer for a lower interest rate . Your issuer isn’t guaranteed to grant your request; however, your odds of landing a lower rate increase if you have a good payment history and you’ve been a loyal customer. If you get better offers from competing cards and you share that information with your issuer, you might get a lower rate to retain your status as a customer.

Look into credit card hardship programs

If you’re struggling to pay your credit card bill each month, you can ask your credit card issuer if it provides a hardship program . These programs vary, and not every provider will offer them to every cardholder. They’re also temporary, lasting at most 12 months. Your credit card issuer might freeze your account for the duration of the program to keep you from adding to your balances.

How we picked the best 0% intro APR credit cards

Research methodology : We analyzed over 1,000 zero-interest intro APR credit cards to identify some of the best offers on the market. The major factors we considered were:

• 0% intro APR period for purchases : Does the card allow you to skip interest charges on purchases for a set period of time? If so, how long does the offer last?
• 0% intro APR period for balance transfers : Does the card allow you to skip interest charges on a balance transfer for a set period of time? If so, how long does the offer last?
• Regular APRs : After the introductory period expires, are the purchase APRs or balance transfer APRs reasonable, relative to the current industry average?
• Balance transfer fee : Do you have to pay a fee to transfer a balance onto the new card to take advantage of the zero-interest offer? If so, is the fee reasonable relative to the industry standard?
• Overall card value : Does the card offer benefits once the introductory 0% APR offer ends? For no-frills cards, we considered whether continued use would cost cardholders an annual fee.

Other criteria used include other rates and fees, rewards rates, extra benefits and features, customer service, credit needed, ease of application and security features.

Additional information on 0% APR credit cards

For more information on all things 0% APR cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Average credit cards interest rates
• What is an intro APR and how does it work?
• What is a good APR for a credit card?

Frequently asked questions about zero interest credit cards

What credit score do you need for a 0% intro apr card + –.

Generally, 0% intro APR offers require a credit score in the good (670 to 739) or excellent (740 to 850) range. Some intro APR cards accept lesser credit and even no credit history, but their offers are typically not as rich.

Is a 0% interest card good for credit score? + –

A 0% intro APR card is an excellent way to budget for larger purchases or make a balance transfer without hefty interest charges, making it easier to lower debt – which may improve a cardholder’s credit score. However, like other credit cards, making late payments or carrying a high balance can impact a cardholder’s credit score in a negative way.

Can I request 0% interest on my card? + –

You might be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your card issuer, but you most likely won’t get an issuer to lower your rate to 0%. Issuers typically reserve 0% intro offers for new customers, and these offers are only temporary.

If you do decide to negotiate a lower rate, your odds of success will be higher if you have a history of good credit habits. The issuer, however, is under no obligation to lower your rate.

Is deferred interest the same as zero interest? + –

No, deferred interest refers to making interest payments at a later date. The interest accrues after the purchase and until a specific date. The cardholder can avoid paying accrued interest by paying the balance in full before the date the interest comes due. Zero interest means a cardholder doesn’t pay any interest during the zero percent intro period. Once the zero percent intro period is over, the interest rate reverts to the regular APR.

Should I keep using my 0% APR card after the intro offer ends? + –

It depends on the card and your spending habits. If the card charges an annual fee, consider closing the account so you aren’t required to pay each year. If you’re worried about overspending, consider closing the account so that you don’t run up new charges.

But if the card offers a rewards program that matches your spending habits and has a low ongoing APR, you may consider keeping it open. Closing an account could hurt your credit score by changing your credit utilization ratio and reducing your credit age, so be sure to put some thought into the final decision.

What’s the difference between interest and APR? + –

When it comes to credit cards, interest and APR are basically the same. Interest is the cost of borrowing money, and the annual percentage rate, or APR, is the annual interest rate often associated with a credit card.

How do issuers decide interest rates? + –

Issuers base interest rates on a few factors. One of the first large influences is an individual’s creditworthiness, which is a combination of credit history, income and total debt owed. But on a broader scale, the economy influences interest rates, too. Financial institutions tie interest rates to the prime rate, which in turn, is tied to the Federal Reserve’s target interest rate.

How does your credit score affect your interest rate? + –

Financial institutions use your credit score when evaluating your creditworthiness and determining how risky you are as a borrower. People with higher credit scores often receive the most favorable interest rates (which are lower). However, those with lower credit scores often have higher interest rates.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Robert Thorpe

Robert Thorpe is an editor for CreditCards.com

About the Reviewer

Sally Herigstad

Sally Herigstad is a certified public accountant, author and speaker who writes about personal finance for CreditCards.com. She also writes regularly for MSN Money, Interest.com, Bankrate and RedPlum.com, and has been a guest on Martha Stewart radio and other programs.

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Best 0% APR Credit Cards of May 2024

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Best 0% Introductory APR Credit Cards of May 2024

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best feature: Lengthy low introductory APR.
• Discover it® Miles : Best feature: Earn miles on every purchase.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best feature: Flexible cash back rewards.
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best feature: Cash back on everyday purchases.
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best feature: Cash back on everyday purchases.

Some credit cards offer an introductory period – often 12 to 18 months – with 0% interest on purchases and, potentially, balance transfers. These cards can help you pay off large purchases or consolidate high-interest debt, but keep in mind they'll charge the regular annual percentage rate after the intro period ends. Terms apply.

U.S. News' Best 0% APR Credit Cards

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• Best 0% APR Credit Cards

U.S. News Survey

U.S. News Survey: Almost Half of Parents Are Very Worried Inflation Will Impact Back-to-School Shopping This Year

Additional Survey Insights

Most respondents expect the quality of the deals to impact where they do their back-to-school shopping a moderate (40.1%) or substantial amount (31.6%).

Almost a third (31.9%) of respondents plan to buy second hand products this year., physical stores are the shopping location of choice for a large number of respondents, with 41.8% planning to just shop in person and 37.7% planning to online and in-person an equal amount., inflation is causing people to cut back, with almost two-thirds (66.1%) of respondents planning to reduce back-to-school spending as a result of it..

U.S. News Survey Methodology

• U.S. News ran a nationwide survey of 1,210 respondents between July 13 and July 15, 2022, through PureSpectrum. Only parents of students in grades K-12 answered questions.
• The survey drew a sample from the American population aged 18 to 64 and was configured to be representative of this sample.
• The survey asked 10 questions related to back-to-school spending and inflation.

Survey Results

How Do 0% APR Credit Cards Work?

A credit card with a 0% introductory APR can give you an opportunity to make purchases and balance transfers without paying any interest for a set period of time. The amount of time varies by issuer, but it generally ranges from 12 to 21 months.

You're still required to make monthly payments, but if you opt to carry a balance into the next month, you won't be charged interest during the introductory period. But note that once the intro period ends, your remaining balance will be subject to interest at your new APR until you pay it off.

The good news is that the interest isn't retroactive. So, if you have a $1,000 balance on your card and the intro period ends, you start paying interest from that point. You're not liable for deferred interest, as is often the case on no-interest purchases advertised by big retailers. But the bad news is that credit cards use compound interest on balances, which means your balance can increase rapidly if you continue to revolve it.

Here’s an example: Let's say you have a 19% APR on a $1,000 balance. If you make monthly payments of $50, it will take you around two years to pay off your $1,000 balance. You'll end up paying $1,209 in total, which includes $209 in interest. So what was originally a 0% APR has cost you $209 because you revolved a balance after the 0% intro rate ended.

Bottom line: A 0% APR credit card can be a wonderful way to save money, but only if you aren’t carrying a balance when the intro rate ends.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Zero Interest Credit Cards?

• Interest-free period: For a set time, you get a 0% introductory APR. During that period, you don't have to pay interest on purchases.
• Good for large purchases: You can carry a balance over a year or longer without being charged interest. This is ideal for purchases such as appliances, furniture and electronics.
• Ideal for paying off debt: If you have high-interest credit card debt, transferring the balance to a 0% interest credit card can save you interest expense while paying down debt.
• Earn rewards on purchases: Many 0% APR credit cards also offer rewards. So, you can earn rewards on purchases and avoid paying interest if you carry a balance.
• Time limit on the 0% APR: You do get to enjoy an interest-free credit card for the duration of the introductory period, which ranges from 12 to 21 months.
• Interest rate goes up: It's important to know when the introductory rate ends and when your interest rate goes up. Ideally, you don't want to have an outstanding balance when this happens.
• Balance transfer fees: If you're using a 0% card for a balance transfer, you may have to pay a 3% to 5% fee.
• Late payments : With many of the 0% APR credit cards, you'll lose the introductory rate if you make late payments. Then you'd have to pay off the remaining balance at a higher interest rate. In some cases, you might even be hit with a penalty APR, which is often around 29.99%.

How Can 0% APR Credit Cards Help You Save?

On a 0% APR credit card, your balance doesn't accrue any interest during the introductory period as long as you make at least the minimum payment each month. This can offer significant savings if you're paying off a balance over time. It’s like getting an interest-free loan.

Here are just a few ways a 0% APR credit card can save you money:

• When you have medical expenses, you can plan to use a 0% APR card and pay the debt off during the intro period. Medical credit cards are another option, but they typically have deferred interest.
• If you have multiple debts, you can get a 0% APR balance transfer credit card and pay no interest on the debt while you pay it off (or at least reduce it) during the intro period.
• When you have a big expense coming up, such as a new roof or car repairs, using a 0% card gives you an interest-free loan, as long as you can pay off your balance before the intro period ends.

Of course, the key is paying off the debt before the introductory period ends. Do the math and determine how much your monthly payment needs to be to pay it off within that time frame.

Example: You have $2,000 in medical expenses that you put on your 0% APR credit card. Your card has an 18-month 0% introductory APR. The calculation: $2,000 / 18 = $111.11 per month.

Note: It’s a little different if you make a $2,000 balance transfer to your card at a 0% transfer APR, because there could be a 3% to 5% transfer fee. In the above example, with a 3% fee, you’d include $60 ($2,000 x .03) in the amount to pay back: $2,060 / 18 = $114.44 per month.

How Can You Choose the Best No-Interest Credit Card?

Now that you know how you can benefit from 0% credit cards, you can choose which card is the best fit for you. It may seem like a daunting task, but all you need to do is focus on these factors:

• Length of offer. Zero interest introductory offers on purchases and balance transfers usually range from 12 to 21 months. There are some cards that only offer a 0% rate on purchases or on balance transfers. But some cards will offer a 0% intro rate on both, though the two intro periods can have different lengths.
• Balance transfer fee. Now and then, an issuer waives this fee. Usually, it's between 3% and 5% of the total amount transferred. The fee is then added to the total amount you have to pay back.
• Annual fee. Some 0% APR cards don't charge annual fees . But credit cards with great rewards often charge this fee. It varies by issuer, and some will waive the fee for the first year. When you're choosing a card based on rewards, be sure you consider the cost of the annual fee.
• Credit score. The best credit card offers go to those who have good to excellent credit , so get your score as high as possible before you apply for a 0% APR credit card. And the higher your score, the lower the APR you’ll be granted after the intro period.

How Can You Make the Most of 0% APR Card Offers?

An interest-free credit card can be an exciting tool to have at your disposal, even though the perk is temporary. But it's important to use 0% APR cards strategically and responsibly, remembering that the free ride doesn't last forever and you still have to make payments during the promotional period.

• Make at least minimum payments. If your payment is late or is less than the minimum, you could lose your 0% rate and be charged interest at the regular APR. You may also have to pay a late fee, and your balance could start accruing interest at a penalty APR if you're late by 60 days or more. Late payments can also decrease your credit score.
• Understand how payments apply. When you pay more than the minimum required, that money goes toward whatever balance has the highest interest rate first. If you take out a cash advance on your 0% APR card, any amount you pay over the minimum due will typically apply to your cash advance balance first. Since cash advances come with high APRs, fees and no grace period, it's best to avoid cash advances altogether.
• Factor in other costs. Some 0% APR cards have an annual fee or a balance transfer fee, which is usually around 3% to 5% of the amount you're transferring.
• Plan ahead. If you know you have a large purchase coming up, start shopping for 0% APR cards about three weeks before you need to make the purchase. Approval can take a few business days and getting the card in the mail can take about a week and a half, depending on the issuer.
• Know when your offer expires. Your goal is to pay off your balance before your introductory period expires, so make sure you know exactly when that is. Verify the date with your credit card company so you know when you need to pay your balance in full and can get the most value out of your interest-free offer.

How Does a 0% Credit Card Compare With a Low-Interest Card?

A low-interest credit card is not the same as a 0% credit card. With a 0% intro offer, you get that rate for a specified amount of time, usually 12 to 21 months. A 0% card is useful when you have a large expense and you'd like to have a year or more to pay it off. This is a less expensive approach compared with a personal loan or a credit card that charges interest on balances.

With a low-interest credit card, your low APR isn't a promotional rate that will expire after a certain number of months. This is your rate, unless you miss a payment or your issuer decides to raise it for another reason.

A low-interest credit card is often an excellent choice for emergencies. There might be times when you face a crisis and need to use a credit card to float a balance for a month or two. It's never ideal to carry a balance, but if you find yourself in a financial crisis, it's good to have a low-interest credit card to help you get through it.

Other Alternatives to Zero Interest Credit Cards

If you can't get approved for – or decide not to get – a 0% interest credit card, here are a few other options:

• Personal loan : If you need a few years to pay for a big item, getting a loan could be much less expensive than using a credit card. A 0% rate lasts for a short time and then your balance must be paid off at the regular APR. Since credit cards usually have higher interest rates than loans, you'd pay less interest with a loan.
• Low interest card: There are credit cards that have low ongoing interest rates. With these cards, you don't have to worry about going from 0% interest to a much higher rate after the introductory period ends.
• Peer-to-peer lending : As opposed to borrowing from traditional sources, such as banks, this type of lending is funded by individual and corporate investors. With a good credit score, you can get competitive interest rates.
• Debt consolidation loan : If you have debt on multiple cards, but your score isn't high enough to qualify for a balance transfer card, debt consolidation might be the answer. You can combine your debts into one fixed-rate loan. Most likely, his will cost less than paying interest on several high-APR credit cards.

Best 0% APR Credit Cards Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. For our Best 0% APR Credit Cards list, we considered overall issuer satisfaction rating, annual fee, APR, balance transfer offer length and introductory APR length for purchases. Satisfaction data is based on an annual nationwide U.S. News consumer survey.

To be eligible for the Best 0% APR Credit Cards list, a card must have a 0% APR offer of 14 months or more for purchases and balance transfers. Be sure to look at balance transfer fees as you compare 0% APR cards, and make a plan to pay down your balance before the introductory period ends.

Zero Interest Credit Card FAQs

Is 0% apr good.

A 0% APR card may help you pay off a big expense or consolidate debt. The 0% APR applies during the card’s introductory period, often between 12 and 21 months.

What Does 0% APR Mean?

With a 0% APR credit card, you’ll pay no interest on purchases and, potentially, balance transfers for an introductory period. Keep in mind that you'll still need to make at least minimum payments on your balance to avoid accruing interest.

How Long Does the 0% APR Period Last?

The introductory period for cards that offer a 0% APR often lasts 12 to 21 months. When the introductory period ends, you'll pay the regular APR. It’s a good idea to try to pay off your balance before that happens.

What's the Longest 0% APR Offer You Can Get?

At the moment, the longest 0% introductory purchase APR on a credit card is 21 months. That also happens to be the longest 0% interest period for balance transfers, too. You might find a credit card that has a promotional rate for both purchases and balance transfers, but often, the length of time differs.

Who Qualifies for 0% Interest Credit Card Offers?

Every credit card issuer has its own guidelines for how to define creditworthiness. An issuer will look at your credit card application, credit report and credit score. When you research credit cards online, you'll often see guidance on the required credit score range.

How Do You Use a 0% Interest Credit Card for Rewards?

With some 0% APR credit cards, you can earn cash back, points or miles on your interest-free purchases. And some of these cards also offer sign-up bonuses if you spend a specified amount within a certain time period.

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

Compare Credit Cards

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Credit Cards

Best 0% intro APR credit cards of May 2024

Jason Steele

Robin Saks Frankel

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 3:54 a.m. UTC May 2, 2024

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A credit card with a 0% APR offer can be a smart way to pay off a big purchase over time or help you shed existing debt more quickly. Some of the best credit cards in this category feature interest-free financing periods of 15 months or longer, while keeping annual fees and balance transfer fees at a minimum. We analyzed a broad swath credit cards with low introductory periods cards to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections for the best 0% APR offers of 2024

Best 0% APR credit cards

• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best for earning cash-back rewards on all purchases.
• Discover it® Cash Back : Best for first-year welcome bonus.
• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card : Best for earning bonus cash rewards.
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card : Best introductory window for balance transfers.
• Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students : Best for students.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for earning travel rewards.
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card  *: Best 0% APR credit card.
• BankAmericard® credit card  *: Best for simplicity.
• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card  *: Best for earning flexible travel rewards points.

All information about Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 45+ cards analyzed.
• 5 data points considered.
• 5-step fact-checking process.

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Lengthy intro APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
• Flexibility to choose your preferred cash-back category.
• Solid welcome bonus after meeting spend requirements.
• Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap.
• Few benefits.
• There’s a foreign transaction fee.

Card details

• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best for earning cash-back rewards on all purchases

Wells fargo active cash® card.

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

• 15 months of introductory APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
• Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• No purchase protection policies, other than cell phone protection.
• No travel redemption options.
• Other cards earn more cash back in specific categories.
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Best for first-year welcome bonus

Discover it® cash back.

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.

• Low intro APR offer on both new purchases and balance transfers.
• Generous rewards in quarterly rotating categories.
• Automatic cash-back match at the end of your first cardmember year.
• No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits.
• Highest rewards are capped at $1,500 per quarter.
• There’s a balance transfer fee.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Best for earning bonus cash rewards

Best introductory window for balance transfers, citi® diamond preferred® card.

• New applicants receive four months to complete qualifying balance transfers and get intro APR financing.
• 21 months of intro APR financing from the date of the first transfers.
• Only 12 months of intro APR financing on new purchases.
• No rewards.
• No meaningful card benefits outside of the intro APR.
• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• No Annual Fee – our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.

Best for students

Bank of america® unlimited cash rewards credit card for students.

• Lengthy APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• No travel insurance protections.
• No shopping protections.
• Charges foreign transaction fees, making it a poor choice for students to use abroad.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

Best for earning travel rewards

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.

Best 0% APR credit card

Wells fargo reflect® card.

The information for the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

• Get 21 months of intro APR financing on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
• Benefits include cell phone protection, access to roadside dispatch and My Wells Fargo Deals.
• You miss out on the full 21 months of intro APR financing if you make a late payment.
• Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening.
• No cash back or other rewards offered.
• Annual fee: $0.
• Rewards: None.
• Welcome bonus: None.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and on balance transfers made within the first 120 days, afterwards a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 5% with a $5 minimum.
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: The card also offers up to $600 in cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible, up to two paid claims per 12-month period). While the card doesn’t offer rewards on every purchase, you can get cash back with select merchants with My Wells Fargo Deals.

Best for simplicity

Bankamericard® credit card.

The information for the BankAmericard® credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

• Introductory low APR period for both purchases and balance transfers.
• Long low introductory APR period.
• No rewards offered.
• Few benefits available.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, and then a variable APR of 16.24% to 26.24%. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transaction made within 60 days of account opening applies. After that, the fee will be 4% of each transaction.
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
• Other perks and benefits: No penalty APR, credit education, $0 liability guarantee, Balance Connect for overdraft protection of associated Bank of America Accounts and convenience features.

Best for earning flexible travel rewards points

Amex everyday® credit card.

The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 in qualifying purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

• Earn 20% more points when you make 20 purchases a month. Terms apply
• Decent welcome bonus.
• Poor rewards rates compared to other cards.
• Few travel perks.
• Spending cap for elevated rewards.
• Rewards: 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1 point), 2 points per $1 on American Express Travel and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Plus, use the card 20 or more times in a billing period and earn 20% extra points.
• Welcome bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a regular APR of 18.24% to 29.24% variable.
• Perks and benefits: Earn 20% bonus points when you use your card 20 times in a month and transfer points to partners.

Compare the best 0% APR credit cards

• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR applies thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3%. After that a fee of up to 5%, with a minimum of $5 applies.
• Rewards: 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• Welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill (up to two claims per 12-month period and subject to a $25 deductible).
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Then, a variable rate of 17.24% to 28.24% applies. There’s a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).
• Rewards: 5% cash back on purchases at different places each quarter up to $1,500 spent each quarter when activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
• Foreign transaction fee: None.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: Turn your account on/off with Discover’s Freeze it ® feature , receive Social Security number alerts.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and for balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then a 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR applies. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.
• Rewards: 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• Welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers you the ability to choose which category of purchases you want to earn an elevated cash-back rate on.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from the date of the first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.99%. Balance transfers must be completed in the first four months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: This is also a simple card with few fees and benefits, but it gives you four months from account opening to make qualifying intro APR balance transfers.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then a standard APR of 18.24% to 28.24% variable applies. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.
• Rewards: 1.5% cash back on purchases.
• Welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: This is one of just a few student cards that offer a lengthy intro APR offer.
• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, followed by a 18.24% to 28.24% variable APR. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.
• Rewards: 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• Welcome bonus: 25,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: Receive 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, while earning 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: You receive 21 months of intro APR financing on new purchases and balance transfers when you make your payments on time, but this card doesn’t offer rewards.
• Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers an intro APR offer, and it’s a very simple card that has few fees, but few benefits as well.
• Welcome bonus: 10,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
• Other benefits and drawbacks: Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline miles or hotel points. You also receive car rental loss and damage insurance ¹ with the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. when you reserve and pay for your car at the rental car counter and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW).

Methodology

Our credit card team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.

Should you get a 0% APR credit card?

If you have substantial credit card debt, then opening a new credit card with a 0% APR promotional financing offer on balance transfers can be a good idea. By transferring your existing balance to the new account, you will avoid interest charges during the introductory financing period. This will allow you to pay off your debt sooner, since your payments will be going entirely toward the principal of the debt instead of some toward the accruing interest. 

Ideally, you should use these offers to accelerate the repayment of your debts, not to postpone it. The best strategy is to divide the amount of your balance transferred by the number of months remaining in your introductory financing period, and make that amount of payment each month, ideally using your card’s autopay feature. So long as you don’t incur any new balances, you’ll be debt free before interest begins to accrue. 

Know that many balance transfer cards charge a balance transfer fee ranging from 3% to 5%. However, even after paying that fee, you can likely save money by doing a balance transfer compared to what’d you’d pay by carrying a balance on a card charging you interest.

Cards that offer 0% APR introductory financing on new purchases can be valuable for consumers who anticipate having to make large purchases that they can’t immediately pay off. You should still be strategic — budget for the monthly payment that will allow you to pay the balance off in full before the promotional period comes to an end.

Guide to 0% APR credit cards

There are many credit cards with 0% APR introductory financing, which is sometimes referred to as promotional financing. These products can offer interest-free financing on new purchases, balance transfers or both. By law, these offers must last for at least six months, but the most competitive cards include at least 15 months of 0% APR financing. 

There are many types of credit cards that can offer 0% APR financing, including no-frills cards, student cards , cash-back cards and travel rewards cards . Thankfully, most 0% APR credit cards have no annual fee. However, nearly all cards will charge a balance transfer fee on the amount you’re transferring. And if you plan on using your card outside of the United States, then you should look for a card that doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When you have an outstanding balance on a credit card, you can transfer that balance to a card from a different issuer. The credit card issuer that you are transferring the balance to will essentially make a payment to the account that you are transferring the balance from. Most card issuers will add a balance transfer fee of 3% or more to the new balance.  

Be aware that issuers do not allow you to transfer a balance from one of their cards to another. You can only transfer a balance to a card from a different bank than the one you’re currently carrying the debt on.

Ideally, you will want to pay off your balance before the promotional financing period ends and interest begins to accrue on your new balance. To do this, divide the new balance by the number of months remaining on your promotional financing offer. Pay that amount each month, preferably using autopay to ensure you never miss a payment.

By law, the card issuer must credit the account with the highest interest rate first. So, any payment you make above the minimum will go toward any balance on the card that’s not in a 0% APR period. For example, if your card only has interest-free financing on balance transfers, your payment will first be credited towards the purchase balance, not the balance transferred. 

¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Editor’s Note:   This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Do 0% credit card deals really mean free money?
• How to make the most of a 0% APR during the holiday shopping season

*The information for the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, BankAmericard® credit card and Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Jason Steele is a freelance writer specializing in credit cards and award travel. Since 2008, Jason's work has appeared in over 100 outlets and he's been widely quoted in the mainstream media. Jason also produces CardCon, which is The Conference for Credit Card Media.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Find the best credit card for you

5 best credit cards that offer pre-approval or pre-qualification in 2024, pre-approval doesn't guarantee approval, but it can help you avoid an unnecessary hard pull on your credit..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

When you apply for a credit card, the issuer performs what is known as a hard pull or hard inquiry , which shows up on your credit report. Hard pulls temporarily lower your credit score, which isn't the end of the world, but it's better to avoid racking up unnecessary hard inquiries since they can remain on your credit report for up to two years. One way to do this is by going through a card issuer's pre-approval or pre-qualification process before applying.

Getting a pre-approved offer for a credit card doesn't guarantee you'll be approved, but it can give you a better idea of your approval odds with no hard inquiry. There is no impact to your credit score until you formally apply.

Not every card issuer offers pre-approvals. Below, CNBC Select details the top credit cards that generally offer pre-approval or pre-qualification and how they work. (See our methodology for more information on how we made this list.)

Best credit cards for pre-approval

• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
• Best for balance transfers: Citi Double Cash® Card
• Best for travel rewards: American Express® Gold Card
• Best for cash-back:   Discover it® Cash Back
• Best for premium perks: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees )

Best for no annual fee

Wells fargo active cash® card.

Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

3% intro for 120 days from account opening then BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

• Unlimited cash rewards
• $200 cash rewards welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• Introductory APR period for first 15 months
• Access to Visa Signature® Concierge
• Get up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) is a jack of all trades, with an easy-to-earn welcome bonus , generous intro-APR offer and a lucrative flat-rate rewards structure — all for no annual fee .

Standout benefits: This card earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase. This simple cash-reward rate takes the headaches out of maximizing the return you get on your credit card spending.

Wells Fargo pre-approval process: Fill out this Wells Fargo pre-qualification form with your name, address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). If you have a Wells Fargo online account, you can log in to expedite the process.

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for balance transfers

Citi double cash® card.

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases

19.24% - 29.24% variable

For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies

Fair/Good/Excellent

Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.

• 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
• Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
• One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months
• 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year:  $443
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213

Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is ideal for those seeking a strong introductory APR offer for balance transfers and still want to earn valuable rewards.

Standout benefits: Eligible balance transfers qualify for an intro 0% APR for the first 18 months, then a variable 19.24% to 29.24% APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer completed in the first four months ($5 minimum). The standard balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies thereafter.

Citi pre-approval process: See what Citi credit card offers you're pre-qualified for with this form . Enter your name, email, address and the last four digits of your SSN.

Best for travel rewards

American express® gold card.

4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Not applicable

See Pay Over Time APR

Read our American Express® Gold Card review .

• Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
• Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
• Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
• Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• No introductory APR period
• $250 annual fee
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is great for earning travel rewards thanks to its generous bonuses on common spending categories like dining and groceries.

Standout benefits: Cardholders get up to $120 in annual dining credit (up to $10 per month at Grubhub , Goldbelly, The Cheesecake Factory and other participating restaurants; enrollment is required) and up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) to put toward rides in the U.S. and dining via Uber Eats (you must add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method in the Uber app to enroll).

American Express pre-approval process: See what American Express card offers you may be eligible for by filling out this form with your name, address, last four digits of your SSN and your annual income. If you already have an Amex account, you may need to open the form in incognito mode or clear your browser's cache to access the page.

Best for cash-back

Discover it® cash back.

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.

Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.

0% for 15 months on purchases

17.24% to 28.24% Variable

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Good / Excellent

* See rates and fees , terms apply.

Read our Discover it® Cash Back review.

• Cash-back program
• Generous welcome bonus
• Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
• Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%

Who's this for? The Discover it® Cash Back is a relatively easy-to-get cash-back card with no annual fee and useful rotating bonus categories .

Standout benefits: This card has a unique welcome offer that can supercharge your cash-back earnings. Discover will match the cash back new cardholders earn in the first year. So, purchases that qualify for 5% cash back would effectively earn 10% back in your first year. Plus, the card has no foreign transaction fees.

Discover pre-approval process: Fill out this Discover credit card pre-approval form with your name, address, date of birth, housing payment, student status and gross income to see what offers you're eligible for. If you don't qualify for an unsecured card, you may want to consider a secured credit card such as the Discover it® Secured Card which doesn't require a credit score.

Best for premium perks

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

19.99% - 29.99% variable APR

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Foreign transaction fees

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.

• Large welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fees
• Up to $100 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• High annual fee
• No introductory 0% APR period

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is geared towards those seeking luxury benefits like airport lounge access, annual travel credits, various travel and shopping protections and more.

Standout benefits: Every year, Capital One Venture X Card members receive up to $300 in travel credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000-anniversary bonus miles (worth $100 in travel). Those two benefits alone can offset the card's $395 annual fee (see rates and fees ).

Capital One pre-approval process: You can see what Capital One cards you're pre-approved for by filling out this form . You'll need to enter your name, address, email address, phone number, employment status, education, income, housing payment, date of birth, SSN and what type of bank accounts you have.

More on our top credit cards that offer pre-approval or pre-qualification

The  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card  is a no annual fee card that can help you earn cash rewards, while enjoying various money-saving benefits.

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases

Earn $200 in cash rewards after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Notable perks

Cardholders can take advantage of cell phone insurance when they pay their monthly bill with the card. This insurance covers damage, theft and loss of a cell phone and has a $25 deductible. You can be reimbursed for up to two claims per 12 months and up to $600 per claim.

Cardholders can also save on interest with the card's intro-APR offer. Purchases and eligible balance transfers qualify for an intro 0% APR for 15 months. then a variable 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% applies. To qualify for the intro APR, balance transfers must be completed within 120 days of opening the account. There is an intro balance transfer fee , and for the first 120 days you'll pay 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After the intro period, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a cash-back credit card , but it earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou® points , which which can be redeemed in lots of ways, including the option to transfer them to travel partners.

• 5% total cash back on Citi travel bookings (through Dec. 31, 2024)
• 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% back when you buy and 1% back as you pay

Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

The ThankYou® points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards and travel at a rate of one cent per point. Cardholders also have access to a small number of Citi's travel partners, including Wyndham, Choice and JetBlue. If you have a Citi card that enables full transfers, such as the Citi Premier® Card , you can combine the points you earn with your Double Cash and then transfer those points to all of Citi's partner hotel and airline loyalty programs.

There are also several special cardmember programs, including Citi Entertainment℠, which gives cardholders first access to purchase tickets for thousands of concerts and events. The card also provides access to Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, a service that will help you if you're a victim of identity theft.

The American Express® Gold Card is a travel rewards card with a long list of benefits that can easily make the annual fee worth paying (see rates and fees ). Plus, the Amex Membership Rewards points you earn with this card are some of the most valuable travel points out there since they can be transferred to a variety of airline or hotel partners.

• 4X points at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com
• 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

$250 (see rates and fees )

Cardholders receive up to $120 in dining credit per year ($10 per month) at participating partners and up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 per month) after you add your Amex Gold Card as a payment method in the Uber app. The card also offers no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees ), baggage insurance, rental car coverage (secondary), extended warranty, purchase protection and trip delay insurance .

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

The Discover it® Cash Back is a no-annual-fee cash-back rewards card that allows you to earn a generous 5% back on rotating spending categories.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter (when you activate), then 1% cash back. Check out Discover's 5% cash-back calendar .
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Discover will match the cash back you earn at the end of the first year.

New card members receive an intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers, then a variable 17.24% to 28.24% applies. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer applies to eligible transfers. The standard transfer fee on future balance transfers is up to 5% of the amount of each transfer. (See rates and fees )

The card charges $0 in  foreign transaction fees , which can save you money when traveling abroad.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) is a premium credit card with a straightforward rewards structure, a long list of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.

• 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel portal
• 5X miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on Capital One Entertainment purchases (through Dec. 31, 2025)
• 2X miles on all other purchases

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

In addition to the annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, the Capital One Venture X Card comes with airport lounge access for the primary cardholder and authorized users. One great feature of this card is that you can add up to four authorized users for free and each cardholder gets access to Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and Capital One Lounges .

Other benefits include:

• Hertz Presidents Circle status (enrollment required)
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® application fee credit (worth up to $100)
• Cell phone protection
• Visa Infinite Concierge
• Rental car collision damage waiver (primary)
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Trip delay reimbursement
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Extended warranty protection
• Return protection
• Purchase security

What's the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification?

The terms pre-approval and pre-qualification both refer to the card issuers' pre-screening process that can help you determine whether you'll qualify for a credit card without a hard pull on your credit reports. Prequalified offers are typically initiated by consumers who want to check their approval odds, while preapproved offers are generally unsolicited offers from card issuers.

Does pre-approval or pre-qualification result in a hard credit pull?

Most credit card pre-approvals do not result in a hard pull of your credit. Some issuers require a Social Security Number (SSN) or the last four digits of your SSN to process a pre-approval, but this is generally done to verify your identity and shouldn't result in a credit check unless otherwise stated.

Does pre-approval guarantee approval?

If you qualify for a pre-approved credit card or receive a pre-screened offer in the mail, that does not guarantee you'll be approved. Your credit score, income and history with the card issuers are all taken into account, but won't be fully reviewed unless you submit a traditional card application.

Bottom line

Getting a pre-approved, pre-qualified or pre-screened credit card offer doesn't guarantee you'll get approved for the card if you apply. However, seeing whether you're pre-approved for a card offer is easy and typically doesn't require a hard credit pull. So it doesn't hurt to explore what offers you may qualify for.

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Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best business credit cards for LLCs.

Our methodology

To determine which business cards offer the best value and pre-approval, CNBC Select analyzed the most popular credit cards available to U.S. consumers that also had a publicly available pre-approval or pre-qualification process at the time of writing. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, employee card fee, rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is to redeem points.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click  here .

For rates and fees of the   Discover it® Cash Back, click here .

For rates and fees of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, click here .

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