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Whether you're financing a big purchase or looking to lower your monthly payments, a low interest credit card can help. We’ve compared our best options based on APR, fees, and repayment flexibility—pick one that works for your financial goals and helps you save over time.
Featured Cards from Our Partners
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers an enticing 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, with a chance to earn even more if you’re a Bank of America® Preferred Rewards member. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get rewarded for your purchases, this card is worth looking into.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee, lets you earn 1.5 points for each dollar you spend on purchases, and features a generous welcome bonus and intro APR. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to offset the cost of travel purchases from flights to hotels to rental cars.
The Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express is a great cash back rewards card for individuals and households who spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and on commuting. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card is a great card for anyone who wants cashback on dining and groceries without an annual fee. It is a versatile cashback card for anyone who spends a lot of money on dining, groceries, streaming services, or entertainment like movies and concerts.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers generous cash back rewards with no annual fee. It’s a great card if you spend a moderate amount on travel or dining and don’t want to manage rotating bonus categories. It also comes with 0% intro APR for 15 months, making this card a good choice if you want to pause interest on an existing credit card balance.
visited a credit card site this month
Credit cards are a useful payment tool, but if you carry a balance, interest fees can be costly, and you may rack up credit card debt. However, some cards offer zero interest for a limited time. These cards are called 0% annual percentage rate (APR) credit cards. No interest is charged during the introductory 0% APR period, typically 12 or 15 months. However, interest fees apply to the unpaid balance once the promotional period ends.
Some credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases, while other 0% APR cards have intro zero-interest offers that apply to balance transfers. Zero-interest credit cards can make it easier to afford a large purchase or help consolidate existing credit card debt to pay it off faster.
If you make regular payments, always pay at least the minimum amount due, and pay off your balance before the promotional period ends, 0% APR credit cards can save you money. What are the best 0 APR credit cards? This guide will help.
Our top picks for the best 0 apr credit cards include:
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on eligible purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express for a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchase and balance transfers requested within 60 days.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card for 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers and purchases.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card for 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers made within 120 days.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® for 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
0% APR cards can help fund a large purchase or make paying off credit card debt more manageable.
With a 0% APR credit card, you won't get charged interest on purchases or balance transfers for a set time, typically 12 to 15 months.
Zero-interest credit card promotional offers may apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both.
These credit cards don't offer zero interest forever – after the promotional period ends, interest fees are applied to the unpaid balance.
Card | Our Pick for … | Consider other cards if … |
Best for simplified flat-rate rewards | You could benefit from a more generous welcome offer. | |
Best for flat-rate rewards and no foreign transaction fees | You could benefit from a longer 0% APR promotional period. | |
Best for rewards on everyday purchases | You want a no-frills rewards card after paying off your balance during the zero-interest period. | |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Best for lengthy 0% APR intro period | You want a 0% APR card that earns rewards. |
Best for dining, entertainment, and grocery rewards | You want a rewards credit card that earns in other top spending categories after the promotional period. | |
Best for bonus rewards categories | You want a rewards card with more card benefits. |
Here are a few more zero-interest cards worth exploring:
Citi Double Cash® Card: This rewards credit card has no annual fee and offers an 18-month intro 0% APR on balance transfers made within four months.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This cash rewards card has a 12-month introductory 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: This no-annual-fee card has a 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers completed within four months.
We collected some experiences shared by cardholders in online communities and forums. Here's what they said about 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer cards.
Many online users discussed their success using 0% APR credit cards to pay off credit card debt. One Reddit user shared a strategy that worked for them in the r/creditcards community:
"When I was transferring debt, I would take the amount I owed and divide it by the months of the zero percent minus one month and make that payment amount [every month]. I always did one month less to make sure everything was paid by the zero percent expiration date."
Many cardholders stressed the importance of reviewing the terms of 0% APR promotional offers to avoid costly surprises.
One Reddit user cautioned the importance of making regular, on-time payments when using 0% APR cards. They shared the following in r/creditcards:
"If you don't make the minimum payments, on or before the due dates, every month, the bank will end your 0% APR promo, and you'll get slammed with the … high interest rate, or an even higher penalty interest rate, on your entire balance. And, once you lose the promo rate, there is no getting it back."
We asked financial experts to share their thoughts regarding 0% APR credit cards. Here’s what the experts say.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and personal finance writer Robin Hartill has the Citi Custom Cash Card. She recently used the card's intro 0% APR offer to make an unexpected vet visit less of a financial stress.
She explains, “I have the Citi Custom Cash card, which gives you a 15-month 0% APR on new purchases. I was really glad I had that card earlier this week when I had to take my dog to the emergency vet. I put the $2,000 bill on the card. Since I have about 10 months left on the zero-interest period, I can spread that bill out over several months without paying interest.”
Personal finance writer Ashley Maready had a positive experience using the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card. She explains, “Dental care is one of those expenses that most people contend with, and it sure isn't cheap. I used the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card to give myself more time to pay off a large bill from the dentist without interest.”
Maready continues, “This Chase card has a 15-month intro, 0% APR period, and no annual fee. Plus, it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can redeem for cash back, gift cards, or travel bookings through Chase."
A 0% APR credit card offers zero interest for a limited time. Interest-free periods vary by credit card, but it's common to see promotional periods of 12 to 15 months. During the promotional period, no interest is charged to your account.
After the promotional period ends, the card's regular APR kicks in — so you'll pay fees if you have a remaining balance. It's important to note that introductory zero-interest offers don't apply to all transactions. Some of the best zero-interest credit cards offer zero-interest financing on new purchases, which could be helpful if you need to make a larger purchase and want more time to pay it off.
However, some cards have intro 0% APR offers for qualifying balance transfers. These cards, also called balance transfer credit cards, help you consolidate existing credit card debt so you can pay it quickly without paying additional interest charges.
Some credit cards offer zero-interest offers on purchases and balance transfers. Review the details of each 0% APR card offer to pick the ideal card for your needs. Make sure you pay off your balance before the introductory 0% APR period ends.
Here are a few benefits of using 0% APR credit cards.
You Can Save Money on Interest
Credit card interest rates are high. Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows that the average interest rate across all credit cards that charge interest is 22.80%.
Carrying a balance on a credit card can quickly become expensive. However, you can avoid interest fees by using a 0% APR credit card. Just make sure you pay off your balance before the zero-interest promotional period ends.
You Can Get More Time to Pay for a Costly Purchase
Getting a credit card with a lengthy 0% APR promotional offer can be a great strategy if you need to make a large purchase and don't have enough savings to pay in full.
You can charge the purchase to a 0% APR credit card and make regular payments to pay off the balance before interest kicks in.
Need a new laptop or appliance, or have an expensive car repair bill to pay? A 0% APR credit card gives you more time to pay off your purchase.
You Can Pay Down Credit Card Debt Faster
If you have a high balance on another credit card, continued interest fees can make it impossible to pay off your debt quickly.
But if you get a credit card with an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, you can transfer your outstanding credit card balance to your new card and avoid further interest fees. A balance transfer card can lower your monthly payments and allow you to eliminate your debt faster.
You Can Earn Rewards
While not all zero-interest credit cards earn rewards, many do. Getting a 0% APR credit card that earns rewards can be beneficial, especially if you plan to make new purchases with your card throughout the zero-interest promotional period or after.
Earning points, miles, or cash back can be valuable. Just make sure you only spend on purchases that you can afford to pay off.
You Can Earn a Welcome Bonus
If you're planning to get a 0% APR credit card to finance a larger purchase, consider a card with a welcome bonus offer. You can earn bonus rewards if you qualify for a welcome bonus offer and meet the minimum spending requirements within the offer timeline.
But make sure you only spend what you can afford to pay off during the 0% APR promotional period. Don't attempt to earn a welcome bonus if you're already struggling financially.
There are some disadvantages to be aware of when using zero-interest credit cards:
Balance Transfer Fees May Apply
Most credit card issuers charge balance transfer fees, generally percentage-based (usually 3% or 5%) and applied to the total transferred amount. Research the costs you'll pay to transfer an existing credit card balance so you know what to expect.
You May Need to Transfer the Balance Within a Certain Time
If you use a 0% APR balance transfer credit card, there may be restrictions on when balance transfers must be completed to qualify for the zero-interest offer.
Some credit cards have introductory 0% APR offers that only apply to balance transfers completed within a specific timeframe — such as within 60 to 120 days of account opening. If you transfer a balance too late, the card's standard balance transfer APR applies.
You Won't Benefit from 0% Interest Forever
Unfortunately, 0% APR credit cards don't offer zero interest forever. They are limited promotions typically available for a set time. The promotional period varies, but it's common for them to last 12 to 15 months. Interest charges will apply if you carry a balance after the promotional period.
The Credit Card Issuer Can Cancel the Promotional Rate
The 0% APR can be canceled before the promotional period ends. This may happen if you make a late payment. Many 0% APR credit cards have terms and conditions stating that a penalty APR will apply if you make a late payment.
The penalty APR may apply indefinitely. Review the 0% APR offer terms to understand what to expect. The best strategy is to pay the minimum amount due and always pay your bills on time to avoid losing a zero-interest promotional rate.
Your Credit Limit May Limit You
If you plan to make a big purchase or transfer a sizable credit card balance to a 0% APR credit card, your credit limit could deter your plans.
Issuers consider factors such as credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio when deciding to approve you for a credit card and what credit limit to extend.
Getting approved for a 0% APR credit with a meager credit limit can hinder your ability to make a large purchase immediately or transfer existing debt if the balance is too high. You won't be able to charge or transfer more than your available credit limit.
Some of the best zero interest credit cards have limited-time 0% APR offers that apply to new purchases. If approved for this type of zero-interest card, you won't be charged interest on card purchases through the promotional period. These cards can make financing a large purchase, like a laptop or new refrigerator, more affordable.
Some credit cards have zero-interest offers for balance transfers. These cards are also called balance transfer credit cards. Interest charges won't apply to transferred balances during the promotional period.
This makes for an easy way to consolidate existing credit card debt and save on interest charges. You may find it more manageable to tackle your debt faster while interest is paused. Once the promotional period ends, interest charges apply to the remaining balance.
Some credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. Review the terms of the introductory zero-interest offer so you know what to expect.
Here are a few situations where you may consider a 0% APR card.
If you plan to make a large purchase soon and need time to pay it off, consider a 0% APR credit card. This can give you more time to pay your balance without worrying about costly interest charges.
Consider a 0% APR credit card if you're overwhelmed by existing credit card debt. While you'll pay a fee to transfer the balance, you can avoid further interest charges if you pay it off before the introductory period ends.
However, only consider a 0% APR credit card as a way to pay off existing credit card debt if you can afford to pay off the entire balance before the zero-interest promotional period ends. Otherwise, you may end up with more debt.
Expert tip: "Having 0% interest allows you to pay off more of your debt balance each month, save money, and potentially reduce your monthly credit card payments. Just know that the card can become a problem if you don't pay off your debt before the promotional period ends." — Financial expert Sarah Brady
Here's how to decide if a 0% APR credit card is worthwhile.
Calculate the total purchase cost.
Verify the 0% APR offer terms and promotional timeline.
Divide the total purchase price by the number of months the zero-interest promotional rate is valid to calculate your monthly payment amount.
If you can afford to pay the purchase off before the promotional period ends, a 0% APR credit card is worthwhile.
Example: Let's imagine you need a $2,400 laptop. If you get a 0% APR credit card with a 15-month zero-interest offer on purchases, you'd need to pay $200 each month to pay the purchase off before the promotional rate ends. If you can afford to do this, you'll benefit from getting a 0% APR card.
Write down the total balance amount you plan to transfer.
Verify the balance transfer fee for your desired 0% card.
Multiply the balance by the balance transfer fee to determine what you’ll be charged.
Add the fee to the existing balance to calculate your new balance.
If you can afford to pay the new card balance before the promotional period ends, a 0% APR credit card is worthwhile.
Example: Let's imagine you have a $6,750 credit card balance you hope to transfer and expect to pay a 4% balance transfer fee. $6,750 x 4% = $270. After applying this fee, your new card balance will be $7,020. In this example, $260 can be a small price for a long time to eliminate your debt without incurring additional interest charges.
Here are some features to look for in a 0% APR credit card.
Avoiding yearly card fees can help you save more money. Many of the best zero-interest credit cards have no annual fees.
Related: Check out our top picks for the best credit cards with no annual fee.
Zero-interest APR credit cards offer 0% interest during an introductory period, often 12 to 15 months. You can benefit from choosing a zero-interest card with a lengthy promotional period, so you have more time to pay your card balance without being charged interest.
Review the terms of a zero-interest offer. With this information, you can devise a plan to pay off your balance before interest kicks in. You'll be charged interest if you have an unpaid balance after the promotional period ends.
Some 0% APR credit cards have a welcome offer for eligible new cardholders. You could earn bonus c points or cash back if you meet the minimum spending requirements within the required timeframe. This can be an excellent opportunity to boost your rewards if you want the card to make a big purchase.
But if you're applying for a 0% APR credit card and plan to initiate a balance transfer to have more time to pay off existing credit card debt, don't let a welcome offer tempt you to spend beyond your means. Be careful with how you use your card to avoid further debt.
Some 0% APR credit cards earn rewards. If you’re considering applying for a zero-interest card to benefit from 0% APR on purchases, consider a card that earns rewards. This way, you can earn cash back, points, or miles from any new purchases you charge. But make sure you don’t spend beyond your means.
Related: Check out our top picks for the best rewards credit cards.
While many zero-interest credit cards exist, not every card will be a good fit. Here are some tips for choosing your ideal 0% ARR credit card.
Ensure the promotional offer meets your needs before applying. Some 0% APR offers apply to new purchases, while others only apply to balance transfers. Choose a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer that fits your situation.
Comparing zero-interest promotional periods can help you choose the right card. Verify the length of the 0% APR offer period so you know how long you have to pay your balance without worrying about interest.
If you need more time to pay off a new purchase or transferred credit card debt, choose a card with a lengthy promotional offer. The longer the zero-interest promotional offer, the more time you’ll have to pay off your balance.
If you want to add a balance transfer card to your wallet, research balance transfer fees. These fees vary by card. Choosing a 0% APR credit card with a lower balance transfer fee can save you money.
Expert tip: “Balance transfer fees can run as high as 5% of the amount you’re transferring, but there are a lot of good cards out there that only charge 3%.” — Certified Financial Planner and personal finance writer Hartill
Some 0% APR credit cards earn rewards. If you want to earn credit card rewards, compare the rewards programs for each card you're considering. Doing this lets you find a card that aligns with your rewards goals.
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most from 0% APR credit cards.
Some 0% APR credit cards have introductory offers that apply to purchases and balance transfers. But some 0% APR credit cards have offers that only apply to purchases or balance transfers — not both.
Verify what transactions qualify for zero interest to choose the right card. Choosing the wrong card can be an expensive mistake due to unintended interest charges.
Review the terms of a 0% introductory offer so you can make an informed choice about whether a card will help you reach your goals. The terms and conditions of the promotional offer will serve as a guide. It'll be easier to plan to eliminate your balance before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.
Expert tip: “By reading the fine print of these offers, you will uncover useful information about when the promotional period ends and other important information, including the APR after the promotional period ends, the balance transfer fees, and any types of penalties if you make a late payment.” — Tanya Taylor, certified public accountant (CPA) and Founder of Grow Your Wealth
Remember, you won't benefit from zero interest forever. After your card’s 0% APR promotional period ends, your issuer will charge interest on the remaining balance. It's essential to pay off your account balance before interest kicks in.
For best success, financial expert Brady suggests coming up with a strategy for how you will pay off your debt within the zero-interest promotional period. Brady stresses the importance of having a plan.
Expert intel: “Don't just leave it to chance, actually look at your budget and make sure you have the means to pay off the debt during the allotted time frame.” — Financial expert Brady
If you pay your credit card bill late, a late fee will be charged. Plus, you’ll likely no longer qualify for the zero-interest promotional rate.
Many 0% APR cards have terms that state if you make a late payment, the penalty APR will apply. The penalty APR will likely apply going forward, which could get expensive and result in your credit card debt accumulating.
To avoid interest charges and late fees, schedule your payments to be paid on or by the due date every month. Always pay at least the minimum amount due. However, paying more than the minimum payment amount due is preferable if you want to eliminate your account balance sooner.
Avoid using a 0% APR credit for everyday purchases. If you do this, you may rack up a balance you can't afford to pay off before the zero-interest period ends and could find yourself with costly credit card debt.
Only charge what you can realistically pay off before interest kicks in. If you struggle with spending, avoid making additional purchases with your card.
Zero-interest APR credit cards aren't the only option to avoid high-interest debt. Here are some alternatives to explore:
If you think you won’t qualify for one of the best 0 apr credit cards, explore low-interest credit cards. These cards are a rarity. However, some credit unions have credit cards with lower APRs.
Review all fees, including APRs and annual fees, to determine if a particular low-interest credit card is right for you.
Personal loans give you a lump sum for a large purchase. They often have lower interest rates than credit cards. Explore personal loan options if you think you won't qualify for a 0% APR credit card. But make sure you can shoulder the monthly payments and that this solution will help you save money on interest.
If you’re considering a 0% APR credit card to finance a costly new purchase, decide whether to delay the purchase until you have enough money saved to cover the cost.
If it’s not an urgent purchase, you can stash away cash regularly until you have enough to pay in full. Consider keeping your savings fund in an interest-earning online bank account so you earn money while you save.
We evaluated numerous favors while comparing 0% APR credit cards. These factors include promotional 0% APR time lengths and whether the promotional offers apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both. We also compared added expenses like annual fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees.
We also analyzed card features like benefits, sign-up bonuses, rewards opportunities, and welcome bonuses. Finally, we considered security, user experience, and customer service for each bank’s credit cards. We used these findings to compile our list of the best zero interest credit cards.
Some credit cards offer zero interest for a limited time. Look for credit cards with intro 0% APR promotional offers. But remember that you won’t benefit from zero interest forever — once the promotional period ends, the card’s regular APR kicks in.
Many 0% APR credit cards exist, but the best card for you will meet your needs. Some of the best 0% APR credit cards include the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Always review 0% APR promotional offer terms to decide whether you can benefit from a particular card.
Many 0% APR credit cards offer zero interest on purchases or balance transfers for 12 to 15 months. But some have lengthier promotional periods. An example is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which has an intro 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months.
Robin Hartill: Certified Financial Planner and personal finance writer
Ashley Maready: Personal finance writer
Sarah Brady: Financial expert
Tanya Taylor: CPA and Founder of Grow Your Wealth
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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Writer bio: Natasha Etzel is a financial writer specializing in credit cards and credit card rewards. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including NerdWallet, USA Today, and Newsweek. Follow her on LinkedIn.