The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is our pick for the best no-interest credit card, thanks to its long 0% intro APR period, generous sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards program. In fact, you could net thousands in interest savings and cash back over your first two years with this card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then a 19.74% - 28.49% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,355
Thanks to its long intro period and high ongoing rewards rate, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers more potential savings than any other 0% APR credit card. You can even earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. You’ll have over a year to pay off your purchase or balance transfer interest-free, and you can apply any cash back rewards you earn toward your balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,360
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you almost two years to pay off your purchase or balance transfer with no interest, potentially saving you hundreds in interest payments. And while it doesn’t come with a rewards program or sign-up bonus, you will get up to $600 of cellphone protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on Purchases, then a 18.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,360
With the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, you’ll get 21 billing cycles to pay off your purchase or balance transfer without any interest. There’s no sign-up bonus or rewards program, but the card does come with cellphone protection and the ability to choose your own due date.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,343
You can save hundreds on interest payments by paying off your debt during the the BankAmericard® credit card‘s long intro APR period. And though this card doesn’t offer a rewards program or a sign-up bonus, you won’t have to worry about paying a penalty APR if you miss a payment.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. Then, a 19.74% – 28.49% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,341
The Chase Slate Edge℠ gives you a year and a half to pay off a large purchase or balance transfer without interest. Plus, you’ll have a chance to lower your ongoing APR by 2% each year if you pay on time and spend at least $1,000 on your card. Just know that missing a payment could trigger a penalty APR and late payment fees.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,180
Living up to its name, the Citi Simplicity® Card is a no-frills credit card that gives you 21 months to pay off your balance transfer. And although the purchase intro period is shorter, our calculations show that you can still count on some serious savings there as well. On top of that, you’ll never have to worry about paying late fees or a penalty APR.
Why it’s in my wallet: I needed to transfer a high-interest balance from another credit card, as my monthly payments weren’t making a big enough dent in the principal balance. I wasn’t worried about rewards — I just wanted the longest window possible to pay off my debt. The Citi Simplicity® Card gave me almost two years to pay off my balance interest-free. Plus, it has a lower balance transfer fee than a lot of other balance transfer credit cards.
– Will Collicott, credit cards writer at LendingTree
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then a 19.74% - 28.49% variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,286
You could save over $1,000 in interest with the Chase Freedom Flex℠‘s intro APR period — but the card’s value doesn’t end there. It’s also one of the best rewards credit cards, thanks to its valuable sign-up bonus and generous cash back program. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening, then a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,107
With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you’ll get 12 months to pay off a large purchase interest-free. That alone could save you over $1,100, but there’s even more value in the card’s unlimited cash back program and sign-up bonus. In addition to 2% cash back on every purchase, you’ll earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. This combination of features lands the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card on our list of the best cash back credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,170
The Discover it® Miles gives you 15 months to pay off a purchase, and you’ll earn rewards at a high flat rate that you can redeem for cash back or travel statement credits. It also features a fantastic sign-up bonus, which matches all the rewards earned at the end of the first year for new cardholders. All this can add up to some serious savings in your first two years, especially if you’re looking to finance an upcoming vacation.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,334
Ideal for foodies who love to save, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a long intro APR and one of the highest cash back rates on dining and entertainment. Plus, there’s a valuable sign-up bonus: $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Combine all that with a $0 annual fee, and you’ve got one of the best dining credit cards out there.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% on purchases for 12 months, then a 18.24%-29.24% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,296
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express gives you a year to pay off your purchase or balance transfer, along with rewards that can add up to huge savings over two years — even with the card’s annual fee. You’ll earn up to 6% cash back* in popular spending categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Plus, you’ll earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then a 12.50% - 17.99% variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $1,207
If you’re a ESL Federal Credit Union member, you can net some serious savings with the ESL Visa® Credit Card. The 12.50% - 17.99% variable APR is the lowest we could find among cards with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Additionally, there’s no annual or balance transfer fees. You’ll also get some basic travel benefits, including lost luggage assistance, emergency ticket replacement and car rental protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases, then a 17.99% to 26.99% Variable APR applies.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,498
Our pick for the best 0% APR business credit card is the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. It comes with a solid intro period and huge rewards, which you can use to help pay off a large business purchase. In addition to earning unlimited cash back on every purchase, you’ll have a chance to earn a hefty sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, followed by a 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR.
Estimated savings over two years: $2,116
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great option for students looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 15 months interest free — one of the longest intro periods among student credit cards — as well as the opportunity to earn points on every purchase. You can also earn 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. Plus, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for a semester abroad.
To bring you the list of the top 0% APR credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best no-interest credit cards. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to finance with a 0% offer and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Rewards Rate | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Winner
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 19.74% - 28.49% Variable | Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card*
|
21-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening | 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR | None | |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card*
|
21-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on Purchases | 18.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | Non-rewards card | |
BankAmericard® credit card*
|
18-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases | 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR | N/A | |
Chase Slate Edge℠*
|
18-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. | 19.74% – 28.49% Variable | N/A | |
Citi Simplicity® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best for balance transfers
|
0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases | 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) | N/A |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
|
Best for rotating bonus categories
|
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months | 19.74% - 28.49% variable | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
Best for simple rewards
|
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening | 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | |
Discover it® Miles
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best for travel
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases. |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best for dining
|
0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express*
|
Best for groceries and gas
|
0% on purchases for 12 months | 18.24%-29.24% Variable | Earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. | |
ESL Visa® Credit Card*
Learn More
on ESL Federal Credit Union's secure site |
4.0
Best for low ongoing APR
|
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases | 12.50% - 17.99% variable APR | N/A |
Learn More
on ESL Federal Credit Union's secure site |
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best for business
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months | 17.74% - 23.74% Variable | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
Review Coming Soon
|
4.9
Best for students
|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. | Review Coming Soon |
When searching for the best no-interest credit card, you’ll want to keep your eye on these features:
Length of introductory period for purchases
The length of the intro period for purchases is the most important feature to consider. You’ll generally want to find the longest period possible, or at least a period that lets you pay off your purchase in time. Try dividing the cost of your intended purchase by the number of months in the intro period — that’ll give you an idea of how large your monthly payment will be and whether you can pay off your balance by the end of the 0% APR period.
Sign-up bonus and rewards
Many 0% APR cards come with a sign-up bonus and/or rewards program, offering even more value. While redemption options vary by card, you can usually redeem rewards for a statement credit toward your balance. This can help you pay off your purchase or balance transfer before the intro period ends.
Balance transfer APR
If you’re paying interest on an existing credit card balance, you may be more interested in cards with a 0% APR on balance transfers. These cards allow you to transfer over your balance and pay no interest during the introductory period. Like the intro APR on purchases, you’ll want the balance transfer period to be as long as possible. But don’t overlook the balance transfer fee — and try to find a card with no balance transfer fee, if possible.
Regular APR
There are many different kinds of credit card APRs, but you should pay close attention to the regular APR. This is the APR you’ll pay after any introductory 0% period is over. If you have a balance left at the end of the intro period, the regular APR will determine how much interest you have to pay each month.
Annual fee
Most of the credit cards on this list have no annual fee. But if you’re looking at a credit card with an annual fee, consider how much it’ll cut into your overall savings.
Purchase protection
Depending on what you’re buying, you may want to make sure that the credit card you’re using offers some sort of purchase protection. Our list of the best extended warranty credit cards can be a good reference to see what protections are offered.
Instant credit card numbers
If you have an emergency — or another type of purchase that you need to make without waiting seven to 10 days for your card to arrive — you may want to get one that offers instant credit card numbers. Some issuers offer instant credit card numbers on all of their cards (if you’re eligible), while others only offer them on certain cards.
A credit card’s APR (annual percentage rate) is the annual interest rate you’ll pay if you carry a balance. When you see “0% APR”, it means the card offers an introductory APR of 0% for a set period of time — usually six to 21 months. Depending on the card, the intro rate can apply to purchases, balance transfers or both.
A 0% APR credit card works like any other card, the only difference being that you aren’t charged interest on your balance during the intro period. However, you’ll still need to pay your bill on time every month — otherwise, you might have to fork over a late payment fee or, even worse, lose your 0% intro rate. Once the intro period ends, your rate jumps to the regular ongoing APR. This rate applies to new purchases, as well as any remaining balance on the card
Now is the best time to apply for a 0% APR credit card
In September, the Federal Reserve lowered the prime rate for the first time since early 2022. While this brings some slight relief — and hope for more impactful cuts in the near future — the average credit card interest rate is still the highest it’s been in decades. LendingTree’s chief credit analyst, Matt Schulz, notes that “despite [the] decrease, no one should expect card APRs to fall off a cliff overnight. In fact, it would be wise for consumers to expect credit card interest rates to remain high for the foreseeable future, even if they’re no longer at record levels.”
So if you need to use a credit card to pay for a large purchase or cover emergency expenses, a 0% APR card may be your best option. In fact, a no-frills card with a long 0% intro period — like the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card — could save you over $1,000 in interest payments alone.
If you pay off your balance within the introductory period, you could save well over $1,000 in interest payments with one of our no-interest credit card recommendations. But you could easily double those savings by choosing a 0% APR card with a valuable sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards program. The cards with the best sign-up bonuses and rewards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, might have shorter no-interest periods, but the cash back rewards make them much more valuable.
Let’s say you make a $6,000 purchase and can afford a $300 monthly payment. You could save over $1,000 with each of these cards:
0% APR credit card | Introductory APR | Savings* |
---|---|---|
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, then 17.74% - 23.74% Variable | $2,498 |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 19.74% - 28.49% Variable | $2,355 |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates & fees) | 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | $2,334* |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 0% on purchases for 12 months, then 18.24%-29.24% Variable | $2,296 |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 19.74% - 28.49% variable | $2,286 |
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR | $2,175 |
Discover it® Miles | 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | $2,170 |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students | 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR | $2,116 |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR | $1,360 |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on Purchases, then 18.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | $1,360 |
BankAmericard® credit card | 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR | $1,343 |
Chase Slate Edge℠ | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. Then 19.74% – 28.49% Variable | $1,341 |
ESL Visa® Credit Card | 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then 12.50% - 17.99% variable APR | $1,207 |
Citi Simplicity® Card | 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable). | $1,180 |
You’ll typically need good-to-excellent credit to qualify for a 0% APR credit card. So if your credit score is on the lower end, consider applying for one of the best cards for fair credit or the best credit cards for bad credit. Unfortunately, if your credit score is too low, you may not qualify for a 0% APR offer.
You’ll generally want to find a card with a longer intro period to make your payments more manageable. However, the intro period isn’t everything — there is a tradeoff when it comes to other card benefits. A card’s rewards, including the sign-up bonus, can add substantially to your overall savings. You may get a better overall value by choosing a rewards card with a shorter APR term than a longer one with no rewards.
Many credit cards with 0% APR also offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of dollars, which you can use to help pay off your purchase. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® lets you earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
While some cards offer a flat rewards rate on all purchases, others offer bonus rewards in certain spending categories, like restaurants, gas and groceries. Match up the type of purchase(s) you’ll be financing with cards that offer bonus rewards on those purchases to help you earn extra rewards. You should also consider bonus categories that match your regular spending categories if you plan to keep the card after the intro offer expires.
A 0% intro APR offer can be a financial lifeline during emergencies and save you hundreds in interest payments on a large purchase or balance transfer. But if you aren’t careful, you could still end up with credit card debt. The bottom line? You should only get a 0% APR card if you have a payment plan in place and are disciplined enough to follow it. You’ll also want to weigh the following pros and cons before making your decision:
Alternative | What it is | Consider it if... |
---|---|---|
Personal loans | A lump sum of money that you repay in monthly installments over a set period of time | Your credit score is too low to qualify for a 0% APR card, or if you can’t afford to pay off your balance in full before the introductory period ends |
Balance transfer credit card | A credit card that doesn't charge interest for a specified period of time on debt transferred from another card | You have high-interest debt on another card that you can pay off in full during the introductory period |
Low-interest credit card | A credit card that has a relatively low APR | You need to carry a balance month to month and won’t be able to pay off a 0% APR card before the introductory period ends |
The longest 0% APR period is 21 months, but there are only a few cards currently boasting this offer. Our pick for the best is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which gives you a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases. After, a 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies.
It’s not likely that your current issuer will give you 0% APR, but you may be able to get a lower APR. A LendingTree survey found that 76% of people who ask their issuer to lower their APR get their request granted.
Most credit cards offer a grace period — the time between receiving your credit card statement and your payment due date. If you regularly pay off your balance in full before the due date, you’ll avoid paying interest altogether. Even if you’re unable to pay off your balance every month, it’s important to make your payments on time. You’ll avoid paying a higher interest rate (called a penalty APR) that some cards charge when you miss a payment.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, BankAmericard® credit card, Chase Slate Edge℠, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, ESL Visa® Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Citi Simplicity® Card and Prime Visa has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
Will Collicott is a web content coordinator and writer at LendingTree, where he writes and updates credit card reviews, guides and comparisons.
Before joining LendingTree, Will worked as an editor at The History Press. He knows personal finance topics can be overwhelming, and even just choosing the right credit card can be a challenge. That’s why Will is dedicated to researching and reporting accurate and accessible content to help guide readers.
When not writing for LendingTree, Will is usually traveling, playing disc golf or picking on his guitar.
“I’m currently using the Citi Simplicity® Card to pay off a high-interest balance I transferred from an older card. I love this card because it has a reasonable balance transfer fee and gives you almost two years to pay off your balance. My everyday cards are the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Amazon Prime Visa, which I use to earn cash back on every single purchase I make. Between these two cards, I usually earn over $700 each year!”
Read More