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A credit card offering 0% introductory APR can help you save money when you need to carry a balance. Insider reviewed dozens of the best credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers to come up with 12 best-in-class products.
The Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card - Product Name Only : Longest 0% intro APR offerCiti Simplicity® Card - Product Name Only : Long 0% intro APR offer and no late feesWells Fargo Active Cash® Card - Product Name Only : Our favorite cash rewards cardCiti® Double Cash Card - Product Name Only : High cash-back rate and long intro APR on balance transfersChase Freedom Unlimited® - Product Name Only : Best Chase intro APR cardCiti Custom Cash℠ Card - Product Name Only : Best intro APR card if your spending changes month to monthChase Freedom Flex℠ - Product Name Only : Intro APR and maximum cash back, if you work for itBlue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express - Product Name Only : Intro APR and bonus cash back at U.S. supermarketsCapital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only : Intro APR and bonus cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One TravelCapital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only : High cash back on diningDiscover it® Cash Back - Product Name Only : Rotating cash-back categoriesChase Slate Edge℠ - Product Name Only : For starting out or building credit
We considered factors like annual fees, intro periods, and rewards to help find the right card for you.
The Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Methodology
Insider chose the best intro 0% APR credit cards by looking at all the credit cards currently available with intro APRs on purchases, balance transfers, or both.
We then narrowed down the list by looking at 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 Insider's methodology for rating credit cards and our editorial standards.
The Best Intro 0% APR Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions
Should you use an introductory 0% APR credit card offer?
Before you take advantage of an introductory 0% APR credit card offer, it's important to consider the following:
- Know your offer. Make sure to read the fine print and understand exactly how long your offer lasts. Also, make sure you understand your new interest rate once the 0% intro APR comes to a screeching halt.
- Take debt repayment seriously. Pay off all your debt (or as much debt as you can) before your 0% intro offer runs out. Once it ends, your card's APR will revert to the standard variable rate, which is much higher.
- Stop using credit cards. While it can make sense to use a 0% intro APR credit for a large expense if you get zero interest on purchases for a limited time, it's best to avoid using cards for regular purchases unless you have the cash to pay your credit card balance off in full each month. If you let 0% intro APR go to your head, you could wind up with a ton of new debt you didn't plan for.
Why are credit card interest rates so high?
Just a few short years ago, there was a time when having excellent credit meant your credit card interest rate was low. Some people even selected cards based not only on miles, rewards, and cash back, but also on the very interest rate a card charged annually.
My, how things have changed. Good credit still rocks, of course, but today, interest rates on credit cards are some of the highest they've been in the past quarter-century. The interest rate on your credit card varies by the card issuer, and the better your credit score, the lower the interest rate you're likely to receive. Well, within those historically high rates, of course.
In 2009, Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, which in essence restricted card issuers from changing the terms, including the interest rate, on your card after you opened it. Hard to believe that was once allowed.
Now that it's harder for card issuers to raise rates in response to economic downturns, they've raised the rates on new accounts across the board.
What are credit card APRs right now?
In this time of historically high credit card rates, the very best credit card interest rates are still offered to those with top credit scores, usually considered 700 or above. What's more, rewards credit cards may have some of the higher APRs available, since card issuers are aware that consumers with good credit are typically using these cards for rewards and paying them off monthly.
While rates may vary according to the type of card you get, the average credit card interest rate clocks in at just over 20%.
The problem is that when you apply for a card, you can only see the card's range of interest. You won't know the exact interest rate you're likely to receive until you're approved and actually receive your card.
You can take an educated guess that if your credit score is 700 and above, you'll probably get the lowest of the range for that card. If your scores fall in the mid to high 600s, you'll likely hit the card's mid-range interest rate, and if your scores are lower than the mid-600s, you can count on being offered the highest end of that card's interest rate range.
What is a good interest rate on a credit card?
The average credit card interest rate is about 20%, so anything below that number would be considered a relatively good APR. Of course, no APR is better than a low APR, so if you're able to take advantage of an intro APR offer that waives interest on balance transfers and/or purchases, you'll come out even further ahead.
Why is my APR so high?
If you feel your credit card's APR rate is high, you're not alone. Because credit card debt isn't secured in any way (unlike mortgages, which are secured by property), credit card issuers impose high-interest rates if you default on your payments.
While credit card APRs are high in general, the specific APR you're assigned on your credit card falls within a range. The higher your credit score, the lower your APR will generally be. That's because a high credit score generally indicates that you've successfully paid off your credit card debts promptly.
How can I lower my APR?
Beyond applying for a credit card with an introductory APR offer, you can contact your credit card issuer and request a decrease in your APR. There's no guarantee the issuer will decide to lower your APR, but if you have a good payment history and you indicate that you may move your business elsewhere if you can't get a lower APR, you could have a solid case for getting the rate reduced.
Longest 0% Intro APR Credit Card Offer
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 5% (minimum $5)
Annual fee:
The
Citi Diamond Preferred Credit Card Review
Long 0% Intro APR Offer and No Late Fees
Citi Simplicity® Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee (minimum $5) applies for the first four months, then 5% balance transfer fee (minimum $5)
Annual fee:
If you want to consolidate high-interest credit card debt without having to worry about extra fees or penalty rates, the
The card doesn't add late fees or charge a penalty rate, and there's no annual fee either. You won't earn rewards for your spending, but if debt consolidation is a priority, this card is a good choice.
Our Favorite Cash Rewards Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening (after that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5)
Annual fee:
If you're looking for a card with a solid welcome bonus offer and strong cash back rewards earning on all purchases, the
The card's intro APR offer is generous, and you'll have access to a number of good benefits, including cell phone protection. Just be aware this card charges foreign transaction fees, so it's not a good pick for travels overseas.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card Review
High Cash-Back Rate and Long Intro APR on Balance Transfers
Citi® Double Cash Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 5% (minimum $5)
Annual fee:
The
The
Best Chase Intro APR Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited® - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer (minimum $5), on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: 5% of the amount of each transfer (minimum $5).
Annual fee:
The
They can also earn 5% back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When you consider the card's intro APR offer, it's easy to see why it's best for consumers who want to earn rewards on a big purchase and pay down their balance without any interest over time.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Review
Best Intro APR Card if Your Spending Changes Month to Month
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 5% (minimum $5)
Annual fee:
The
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
Intro APR and Maximum Cash Back, if You Work for It
Chase Freedom Flex℠ - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer (minimum $5), on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: 5% of the amount of each transfer (minimum $5).
Annual fee:
The
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. From January 1 to March 31, 2023, the Chase Freedom 5x categories are grocery stores (excluding Walmart), Target, and fitness/gym club memberships.
This card is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid interest payments for a limited time while earning rewards on their purchases. Keep in mind that with the
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card Review
Intro APR and Bonus Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Annual fee:
The
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).
Blue Cash Everyday Amex Card Review
Intro APR and Bonus Cash Back on Hotels Booked Through Capital One Travel
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 3% for balance transfers that post to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time). None for transferred balances at the purchase APR after the first 15 months that your account has been open.
Annual fee:
The
Since this card also comes with a
The
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Review
High Cash Back on Dining
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 3% for balance transfers that post to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time). None for transferred balances at the purchase APR after the first 15 months that your account has been open.
Annual fee:
If your goal is earning cash back while saving on interest on purchases, check out the
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, entertainment, and streaming services, and 1% back on everything else you buy. There's no annual fee, and you'll qualify for a
Capital One SavorOne Card Review
Rotating Cash-Back Categories
Discover it® Cash Back - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 3% intro fee; then up to 5% on future balance transfers (see terms)
Annual fee:
Also, consider the
You'll also have all your rewards matched after 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
For Starting Out or Building Credit
Chase Slate Edge℠ - Product Name Only
Introductory APR offer:
Balance transfer fee: 3% (or $5, whichever is greater) for balance transfers made in the first 60 days of account opening; after that, the fee goes up to 5%
Annual fee:
The
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
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%
When to Use a Balance Transfer to Pay Down Debt
It seems counterintuitive, but another credit card could be just what you need to pay off your credit card debt for good. Some credit cards with introductory 0% intro APR periods allow you to transfer a balance from another credit card. Cards in this category might let you pay 0% interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both for a specified period of time which can range from nine to 21 months.
Some of the best balance transfer credit cards require a balance transfer fee upfront — but the interest savings can easily outweigh the fee by hundreds or thousands of dollars. Especially if your financial situation has been impacted by unemployment or other pandemic factors, a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer can give you some breathing room to get back on your feet.
Before you consider taking advantage of a 0% intro APR offer, be sure you have the means and a plan to pay off the balance before the introductory period expires — otherwise, you could be on the hook for high-interest charges. Also, keep in mind you're still responsible for making at least the minimum payment on your card each month, even with a 0% intro APR offer.
The Best Credit Cards With 0% APR Offers
Here's a roundup of cards with relatively low interest rates, including their introductory APR offer and their interest rate ranges for comparison.
| Card | APR |
For comparison's sake, here are some credit cards, including some of the best rewards credit cards, without intro APR offers and with APRs that start much higher than those on the cards above:
No intro APR offer; then a | |
No intro APR offer; then a variable APR of | |
No intro APR offer; then a |
Credit card issuers are allowed to charge whatever interest rate they want; they only have to disclose the rate in the card's terms and conditions. You should always make sure you know the interest rate range of the card you apply for, and when you receive the card, check the rate you were approved for.