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As with all other types of credit cards, zero-interest credit cards let you make purchases on credit, which you can then repay by making at least minimum monthly payments. When you carry forward balances from one billing cycle to the next with a regular card, the outstanding amount accrues interest. However, with a card that comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases, you get to pay no interest for a predetermined time. Once this period ends, you need to start paying interest toward any outstanding promotional balance.
More about 0-APR Credit Cards
Selecting a credit card with 0% APR on purchases requires paying attention to different aspects. In arriving at the best of the lot, we’ve taken note of factors such as annual fees, standard APRs that apply after the promo period and additional features. The information we put forth is through charts, tables, tips and expert advice.
The best 0% APR credit cards require applicants to have good to excellent credit. If you’re someone who has just gotten on the path to building your credit history, know that you have other options. While you might not get the best card in the world straight away, you can definitely work your way there by relying on our tips and selections.
MoneyGeek’s Take: Top 11 0% APR Credit Cards
Card Name | BT Offer Length | BT Offer | BT Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 21 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months then a 17.74% – 28.49% Variable APR afer that | Introductory Fee– either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater for the first four months of account opening, after that balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% after first four. | |
2. | Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | 21 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months then a 17.74% – 28.49% Variable APR afer that | $5 or 5%, whichever is greater |
3. | BankAmericard® credit card | 21 billing cycles | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | $10 or 3%, whichever is greater |
4. | 18 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | $5 or 3% of each transfer amount (whichever is greater) in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5%, whichever is greater. | |
5. | Citi® Double Cash Card | 18 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | 3% |
6. | 18 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | Intro balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5 | |
7. | Discover it® Cash Back | 15 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | Introductory Fee– 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by March 10, 2023, with 0% intro APR balance transfer offer. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer. |
8. | 15 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | $5 or 3% of each transfer amount (whichever is greater) in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5%, whichever is greater. | |
9. | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | 15 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | $5 or 5%, whichever is greater |
10. | 15 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a 19.24% – 27.99% Variable | $5 or 3% of each transfer amount (whichever is greater) in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5%, whichever is greater. | |
11. | 15 months | 0% Intro APR on balance transfers | Intro balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5 |
On This Page
- Best 0% APR Credit Cards
- Quick Tips for Comparing Zero Interest Credit Card Offers
- Quick Guide to Understanding 0% APR Credit Cards
- FAQs
Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Our experts have selected the best no-interest credit cards after accounting for all their pros and cons. For example, if a card comes with an extended promotional period, we inform you about it at the start.
Some of the best 0% APR cards come with promotional periods of 15 months or more. Several such cards let you earn rewards or cash back. The top alternatives tend to come with no annual fees as well. As long as you pay off your balance before the end of the promotional period, you pay no interest. You might consider using such a card to make an expensive purchase that you plan to pay off within a stipulated time frame.
Citi Simplicity® Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee$0
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
BankAmericard® Credit Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% intro APR for first 18 billing cycles
Balance Transfer Fee3% of the amount of each transaction.
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Citi Double Cash® Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% for 18 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Rewards RateEarn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash b...
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% for 21 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee5% for each balance transfer, minimum $5
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Discover it® Cash Back Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% intro APR for 15 months from date of first tran...
Balance Transfer Fee3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on fut...
Rewards Rate5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly...
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670–850 (Good to Excellent)
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Balance Transfer Offer0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee3% of the amount of each balance transfer (minimum...
Annual Fee$0
Recommended Credit670-850 (Good to Excellent)
The Best Credit Cards for 0% APR at a Glance
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HOW WE RANK CREDIT CARDS FOR 0% INTRO APR
Our experts analyze 57 data points they collect from issuer websites, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and details provided by our partners to make sure we give you the most accurate information possible. They subject all new and existing cards from this segment to our unique ranking methodology that takes multiple parameters into account to arrive at the best of the lot.
- APR: 3%
- Annual Fee: 5%
- Cash Back Rate: 5%
- Miles Rate per $: 5%
- Points Rate per $: 5%
- Balance Transfer Offer: 25%
- Balance Transfer Duration: 25%
- Balance Transfer Fee: 5%
- Balance Transfer APR: 5%
Quick Tips for Comparing Zero Interest Credit Card Offers
You need to consider different factors before applying for a 0% interest credit card.
- Applicable categories: Determine if you need a 0% APR card for purchases, balance transfers or both. Depending on the card you get, the APR offer might apply to just one of the two.
- Introductory offer period: Introductory APR offer periods with consumer credit cards typically vary from 12 to 20 months. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has a unique offer with a 0% intro APR for 18 months, which you may extend by up to 3 months by making on-time minimum payments.
- APR after the intro period: No matter whether you get a 0% APR card for purchases or balance transfers, you need to start paying interest toward any outstanding amount that remains at the end of the promotional period. This aspect requires your particular attention if you plan to carry forward balances from one month to the next in the future.
>>MORE: APR vs. APY
- Balance transfer fee: If you plan to use a card’s 0% APR offer on balance transfers, find out how much you’ll need to pay as balance transfer fees in advance. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card, you need to pay either $5 or 3% of the transferred amount (whichever is greater) on transfers you carry out within 60 days of account opening. Then, it changes to $5 or 5% of the transferred amount.
- Annual fees: None of the 0% interest credit cards we’ve selected come with annual fees.
- Rewards/cash back rate: While some 0% APR cards let you earn cash back, others offer reward points that you may redeem in different ways. In both cases, you may find alternatives that offer higher earn rates on category-based spending. For instance, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 in purchases per year; 2% cash back on gas purchases at U.S. gas stations, and at select department stores in the U.S.; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Added perks: Since the 0% APR cards that MoneyGeek has selected come with no annual fees, they generally don’t offer premium benefits. However, some include valuable benefits, like no foreign transaction fees, fraud protection, basic insurance coverage and travel assistance services.
Other Cards to Consider
MoneyGeek’s Quick Guide to Understanding 0% APR Credit Cards
A 0% APR credit card is one that charges no interest on purchases, balance transfers or both for a predetermined time frame. More often than not, you need good to excellent credit to qualify. Low-interest credit cards, unlike 0% APR cards, come with low APRs that stay in place for as long as your account remains active. Some cards from both categories come with no preset spending limits. This means that your credit line fluctuates based on your purchase, payment and credit histories.
What’s the Difference Between a 0% Credit Card and a Low-Interest Card?
When you get a credit card with a 0% APR offer, you get to pay no interest for a given number of months, typically ranging from 12 to 20. Once the introductory period ends, any outstanding balance starts accruing interest. Depending on the card you get, the 0% APR offer might apply either on new purchases or balance transfers or even on both. You’ll find out the APR that will apply after the intro period once you get approved for your card, and it essentially depends on your creditworthiness.
The low APR of a low-interest credit card stays in effect as long as your account remains active. However, credit card interest rates are typically variable, which means it is subject to change based on federal prime interest rates. Even if your card’s low APR changes because of fluctuations in prime rates, you can still expect it to be toward the lower end of the spectrum.
With low-interest credit cards, the APR that applies to purchases might not be the same as the APR that applies to balance transfers. In addition, the APR on cash advances is typically high no matter which card you get.
MONEYGEEK QUICK TIP
If you take advantage of a 0% balance transfer offer, you must still pay off all of your purchases each month to avoid interest on those transactions. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com
How Do 0% APR Credit Cards Work?
0% APR cards work in the same basic manner as regular credit cards do, wherein you are required to make at least minimum monthly payments toward the amount you borrow. In addition, they charge no interest for a stipulated time frame. However, there’s more:
- Eligibility: Qualifying for the best 0% APR credit cards requires that you have good or excellent credit. If you don’t, you might consider applying after you’ve taken steps to build your credit.
- Not all transactions are covered: The interest-free period may only apply to purchases or balance transfers depending on your 0% promo offer. Make sure you understand the details of your offer before charging anything to your card. Cash advances start accruing interest from the day of the transaction, and these never come with interest-free days.
- Limits might apply: This might be the case with 0% balance transfer APR offers. For example, you might not be able to transfer more than a fixed percentage of your new card’s available credit limit.
- Outstanding balances will accrue interest: Once the promo period ends, any outstanding balance will start accruing interest. You get to know the APR that will apply well in advance.
- Your card provider might cancel the offer: It’s important that you keep making at least your minimum monthly payments on time. If you don't, your card provider might cancel the intro APR offer before it expires. A late or returned payment might also result in a penalty APR that is notably higher than your regular APR.
How to Take Advantage of Zero-Interest Credit Cards
A 0% APR card can help you avoid or minimize how much you pay in interest charges. If you have no outstanding balance at the end of the promo period, you pay no interest at all. Once the promo period ends, any outstanding balance starts accruing interest at the card’s regular APR. That is why you should try to pay off as much of the balance as possible before the intro 0% APR offer ends.
Consider the example below to see how much a balance transfer can save.
how much a balance transfer can save
How Much You Will Pay With Your Current Credit Card | How Much You Will Pay When You Transfer Your Balance |
|---|---|
Current outstanding balance: $10,000 | Balance transfer amount: $10,000 Total savings: $1,851.16 |
Are 0% APR Credit Cards Worth It?
A 0% APR credit card can be worth it if you have a clear goal in mind. When appropriately used for a predetermined time, this type of card can provide the help you need to make a large purchase or to avoid paying interest on existing credit card debt. However, you need to determine if the benefits outweigh the possible drawbacks at the very onset.
Benefits & Risks
- The large purchase factor. If you plan to make a large purchase on credit and know that you will be able to repay the amount within a given time frame, a card with a 0% APR offer on purchases might work well for you. As long as you repay the amount during the promotional period, you’ll pay no interest.
- Balance transfers. If you have high-interest credit card debt, you may consider transferring it to a card that has a 0% APR offer on balance transfers. This way, you get a predetermined period to repay the amount without it accruing any interest. Since all your repayments go toward the principal and not interest, you get the opportunity to repay your debt faster.
- The 0% APR is not permanent. Depending on the card you get, the 0% APR offer might last for 12 to 20 months. Then, the regular APR kicks in and applies to any outstanding balance. The regular APR depends on your creditworthiness and does not have to be low. This requires being careful about carrying forward balances when the promo period ends.
- Balance transfer fees. It is common for cards with 0% APR offers on balance transfers to charge balance transfer fees. This is usually 3% or 5% of the transferred amount (minimum fees of $5 to $10 may apply).
- Penalty APR may apply. You might have to say goodbye to the 0% APR if you make a late or returned payment. In such a scenario, a high penalty APR might apply.
Expert Advice For Finding the Right Card
We’ve asked academic and financial experts a few questions, the answers to which can help you determine if you should consider getting a card that comes with a time-bound 0% APR offer.
- Could making a large purchase on a 0% APR card affect one’s credit score?
- Could you benefit from a 0% APR offer on balance transfers even if you don’t plan to pay off the entire balance during the promo period?
- Might it be worth transferring high-interest credit card debt to a 0% balance transfer APR card and then transferring the outstanding balance at the end of the promo period to another 0% balance transfer APR card?
Bryan BouboulisFinance Internship Coordinator, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University
Dr. Robert ChattAssistant Professor of Finance at Westfield State University
Tom Arnold, Ph.D.Professor of Finance at Robins School of Business, University of Richmond
David A. Frantsvog, DBAAssistant Professor at Minot State University
Nadia C. VanderhallFinancial Planner and Educator at The Brands + Bands Strategy Group
Vivek Singh Ph.D.Richard E. Czarnecki Endowed Collegiate Professor II, Professor, Finance at the University of Michigan, Dearborn
Timothy IselerFounder of Iseler Financial, LLC
Ali Nejadmalayeri, Ph.D., CFA®Chair of Banking and Financial Services and Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Wyoming
Chuck LopezLecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Agnes DeFrancoProfessor and Conrad N. Hilton Distinguished Chair of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
Steven J. Lee, Ph.D., D.C.J.Lecturer at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Dr. Ajay PatelThomas S. Goho Chair in Finance, Area Chair and Professor at Wake Forest University
Sahar Milani, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Economics at St. Lawrence University
Ramiro J. Atristain-CarrionExecutive In Residence and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Dominican University
Dr. Christopher CalvinAssistant Professor, Department of Accounting at the University of Dayton
Deanne Butchey, Ph.D.Teaching Professor, Department of Finance at the College of Business, Florida International University
Yuliya Strizhakova, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Marketing at the Rutgers University–Camden School of Business
Ross LoehrCertified Financial Planner® at Raisonné & HammerPrice Corporation
Todd MillerFinancial Coach at Tightwad Todd
Kevin HaWriter/Blogger at FinancialPanther.com
Larry DuffanyPrincipal Owner, Larry the Money Medic
Ethan Pew, Ph.D.Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing and MS Marketing Program Director at The University of Texas at Austin
Prakash Dheeriya, Ph.D.Professor of Finance at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Author of "Finance for Kidz" series
Bobbi OlsonFinancial Coach & Host of the "CentsAble Chat" Podcast
Sherrill Shaffer, Ph.D.Guthrie Distinguished Professor of Banking and Financial Services Emeritus at the University of Wyoming
Radhika DuggalCMO, Super.com and Professor at NYU Stern School of Business
Alex Doyle, CFP®Wealth Manager and Certified Financial Planner™ at Woodson Wealth Management
Nirit RubensteinCEO & Co-founder of Dovly
John LongoProfessor of Finance at Rutgers Business School
Anurag WakhluAdjunct Finance Professor at Bentley University
Julia MenezTravel Hacking Coach and Founder of Geobreeze
John GarnerFounder & CEO at Odynn
Tenpao LeeProfessor Emeritus of Economics at Niagara University
Brian J. Adams, Ph.D.Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs and Professor of Finance at the University of Portland's Pamplin School of Business
Steven Carnovale, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at Florida Atlantic University
Priya RaghubirProfessor of Marketing at New York University Stern School of Business
Lambrianos Nikiforidis, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Marketing at SUNY Oneonta
S. Abraham RavidSy Syms Professor of Finance, Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University
May Jiang, CPA, CFP®Founder of Beyond Profit and Wealth Consulting
Paul (Ted) Klontz, PhDAssociate Professor of Practice of Financial Psychology and Behavioral Finance at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business and Co-Founder and Director of the Financial Psychology Institute®
Robert H. Scott III, Ph.DProfessor in the Department of Economics, Finance and Real Estate at Monmouth University
Dr. Corey ColeAssistant Professor of Finance at Eastern New Mexico University
George Langelett, Ph.D.Professor at Ness School of Management and Economics, South Dakota State University
Tom HallAssociate Professor & Associate Director of the Center for Public History at Christopher Newport University
Dr. Chandan Kumar JhaAssistant Professor of Finance, Madden School of Business, Le Moyne College
Richard M. ProctorAssociate Professor of Finance at University of Siena
Mauricio RodriguezProfessor at the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University
Dr. Steven KozlowskiAssistant Professor in the Finance Department at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business
Mahmoud HaddadProfessor of Finance at The University of Tennessee at Martin
Robert WarrenInstructor at The University of North Dakota
Mitchell FranklinAssociate Professor of Accounting at the Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College
Lawrence ChuiAssociate Professor of Accounting at the University of St. Thomas, Opus College of Business
Amanda S. KingProfessor of Economics at Georgia Southern University
Masud ChandProfessor at Wichita State University
Alex YoungAssistant Professor of Accounting, Taxation and Legal Studies in Business at Hofstra University
Dr. Mary SasmazAssistant Professor at Baldwin Wallace University
Frank G. CabanoAssistant Professor, Marketing and Management at The University of Texas at El Paso
Kathryn MorrisonInstructor at the School of Health & Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University
John LopezSenior Professor of Practice at C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston
Chris TammAssociate Professor of Finance, Director - Institute for Financial Planning & Analysis at Illinois State University
Danny ChungProgram Manager at California State University, San Bernardino
Malcolm Robinson, Ph.D.Professor of Economics at Thomas More University
Haibo (Stephen) YaoAssistant Professor of Insurance & Risk Management at the University of Central Arkansas
FAQs About 0% APR Credit Cards
In this section, we provide answers to other commonly asked questions about 0% APR credit cards.
What are the best 0% interest credit cards?
The best 0% interest credit cards are ones that offer extended promotional periods and give you the ability to earn rewards or cash back. The top cards from this category come with no annual fees as well.
Are 0% interest credit cards good?
Zero-interest credit cards are good for avoiding paying interest during a predetermined period. The 0% APR might apply to new purchases, balance transfers or both. These cards are good, provided you do not keep any outstanding balance when the promo period ends.
How to get 0% interest on an existing credit card?
Some card issuers provide 0% balance transfer offers to existing customers through targeted mailings or online offers. Contact your card's customer service to see if you are eligible. If you have good standing with your card provider and excellent credit, you may also consider negotiating for a lower rate.
Does a 0% interest credit card affect your credit score?
A 0% interest credit card has the potential to affect your credit score just like any other credit card. For instance, if you end up using much of the credit that’s made available to you, it may have an adverse effect on your credit utilization ratio, which, in turn, might affect your credit score.
What is the minimum payment on a 0% interest credit card?
Credit card providers calculate minimum payments on 0% APR cards in the same way that they do for regular cards. In most cases, you need to pay the higher of either a flat fee or a fixed percentage of the total outstanding balance.
Does 0% APR mean no interest on a credit card?
While APRs and interest rates are not the same when it comes to mortgages and auto loans, the credit card interest is closely related to APR. So, yes, 0% APR means no interest on a credit card — although only for a predetermined period.
Should I transfer my credit card balance to 0% interest?
You may use a balance transfer card to pay off existing high-interest credit card debt. Doing so is ideal when you’re sure about paying off the entire amount before the end of the promo period because a card’s regular APR kicks in then. You might also have to pay balance transfer fees, which could be up to 5% of the transferred amount.
How do I transfer credit card debt to a 0% interest card?
Start by selecting a card that comes with a 0% APR offer on balance transfers. If you have the option of providing details of the card from which you wish to transfer a balance during the application process, do so. Alternatively, speak with a customer service representative of your card provider. Once initiated, a balance transfer usually goes through in five to seven days, although it might take up to 21 days with some card providers.
Why do credit cards offer 0% APR?
The main aim of credit card companies that run 0% APR offers is to attract new customers. Besides, while you pay no interest for a given time, they still make money because of you. For instance, every time you make a purchase, the merchant in question needs to pay an interchange fee. If you plan to get a 0% APR card for a balance transfer, you might need to pay a balance transfer fee. In addition, the regular APR comes into play as soon as the promotional period ends.
How can I extend a 0% APR credit card?
Most banks will not extend the duration of your 0% APR offer. If you need more time to pay off your balance, your best option is to apply for a balance transfer card to receive a new 0% APR offer. Pick a new bank when applying because some banks will not allow you to do a balance transfer between two cards at the same bank.
Now that you know how 0% APR cards work on new purchases and balance transfers, determine if getting one might work well for you. If you think it might, make sure you compare your alternatives across aspects such as promotional periods, fees and rewards.
Further Reading
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About Rajiv Baniwal
Rajiv Baniwal is a journalist who has been covering financial topics for over 15 years. Meticulous in his research, he provides accurate and up-to-date information. His expertise includes mortgages, loans, credit cards, insurance and international money transfers.
sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Credit card agreement database." Accessed October 11, 2022.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
