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Best longest intro APR card
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
Regular APR
18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.
N/A
Rewards rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
N/A
Why you’ll like this card:It gives you more time to pay off debt and minimize interest than almost any other card.
Best for rotating bonus categories
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Discover's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 months
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Intro offer
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Cashback Match
Rewards rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
1% - 5%
Why you’ll like this card:On top of its intro APR offer and cash back match at the end of the first year, it carries solid long-term value with high rewards rates and category variety.
Best for travel
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Capital One's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Intro offer
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
20,000 miles
Rewards rate
5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
1.25 Miles - 5 Miles
Why you’ll like this card:It's one of the only no-annual-fee travel cards that offers an intro APR and lets you transfer miles to airline and hotel partners.
Best for flat-rate rewards
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Intro offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
2%
Why you’ll like this card:It boasts one of the best flat rewards rates you can get on a card with an intro APR.
Best for everyday use
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Purchase intro APR
0% on purchases for 15 months
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Intro offer
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $200
Rewards rate
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
1% - 3%
Why you’ll like this card:It has great short- and long-term value since it offers both an intro APR and rewards on everyday spending.
Best for dining and entertainment
Bankrate score
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Capital One's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$200
Rewards rate
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
1% - 8%
Why you’ll like this card:Few cards offer such a high rewards rate on such a practical mix of everyday bonus categories, especially at no annual fee.
Best for simplicity
Bankrate score
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Capital One's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$200
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
1.5% - 5%
Why you’ll like this card:Its streamlined rewards and solid intro APR offer make it a good starter cash back card.
Best for families
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Purchase intro APR
0% on purchases for 12 months
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Intro offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $250
Rewards rate
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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
1% - 6%
Why you’ll like this card:It offers the best rewards rate available at U.S. supermarkets, a solid rate in other everyday categories and practical perks like streaming credits.
Best for Bank of America customers
Bankrate score
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Bank of America's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
1.5%
Why you’ll like this card:The Preferred Rewards program can make this one of the most lucrative flat-rate cash back cards available.
Best for flexible spending
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Chase's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Intro offer
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.
Up to $300 cash back
Rewards rate
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. 1.5% on all other purchases.
1.5% - 5%
Why you’ll like this card:It offers an intro APR and a higher base rewards rate than most cards with multiple categories, so it’s a great standalone option.
Best for business purchases
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Chase's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Intro offer
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
1.5%
Why you’ll like this card:You’ll earn valuable Chase points at a great flat rate and can free up cash flow with its intro APR offer (not always a given on business cards).
Best for commuters
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Citi's secure site
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Intro offer
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200
Rewards rate
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
1% - 5%
Why you’ll like this card:Its top rewards rate adapts to match your spending, giving you a shot at one of the best rates out there in several popular categories.
Best for shopping
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on Bank of America's secure site
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
Rewards Rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you’ll like this card:It’s an ultra-flexible card thanks to its intro APR and mix of cash back categories, which you can swap out once per calendar month.
Best for low interest
BankAmericard® credit card
*The information about the BankAmericard® credit card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
*
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Bankrate score
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Bank of America credit card.
N/A
Rewards rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
N/A
Why you’ll like this card:It offers a chance at one of the lowest ongoing APRs available on a balance transfer card.
Compare Bankrate's top 0% intro APR credit cards
| Card Name | Our pick for | Balance Transfer Intro Offer | Purchase Intro Offer | Ongoing APR | Bankrate score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longest intro APR card | Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR | 4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Wells Fargo's secure site | ||
| Rotating bonus categories | Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Discover's secure site | ||
| Travel | Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | 4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | ||
| Flat-rate cash rewards | Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR | 4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Wells Fargo's secure site | ||
| Everyday use | Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable | 4.6 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | ||
| Dining and entertainment | Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | 5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | ||
| Simplicity | Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | 3.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Capital One's secure site | ||
| Families | Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | ||
| Bank of America customers | Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 3.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Bank of America's secure site | ||
| Flexible spending | Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable | 4.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Chase's secure site | ||
| Business purchases | Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable | 4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Chase's secure site | ||
| Commuters | Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Citi's secure site | ||
| Best for shopping | Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. (Read card review) on Bank of America's secure site | ||
| Low interest | Regular APR: 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers |
What is a 0% intro APR credit card?
Whether they are called 0 percent APR credit cards, zero-interest credit cards or introductory APR credit cards, these cards all have the same purpose: a 0 percent intro APR is a temporary break from interest charges as you steadily pay off large credit card purchases or balance transfers.
0% APR credit card pros and cons
A 0 percent APR credit card is a great way to save money on interest, whether on new purchases or your existing credit card debt. But it’s best to understand these cards’ benefits and drawbacks before applying.
Pros
Save on interest: You could save hundreds of dollars on interest charges with considerable time to pay off a large debt.
Lower monthly payments: Having several months (or even longer) to pay off a balance during the introductory period could result in lower monthly payments.
Potentially improve your credit score: Responsibly managing debt and paying off your credit card can help your credit score and show lenders that you’re a low-risk borrower.
Cons
Missing payments might cancel your offer: If you miss a payment during the intro APR offer period, it might negatively impact your credit score and the issuer could switch you to the standard APR.
Balance transfer fees: Most credit card issuers charge a 3 percent to 5 percent balance transfer fee, an important factor when paying down debt.
Intro APR offers don’t last forever: If you still have a balance on your card when the intro offer ends, the ongoing APR will then take effect.
Want to learn more:Read our full guide on the pros and cons of 0 percent APR credit cards.
How much could you save with a zero-interest card?
Although we probably won’t see further rate hikes soon, knowing your card’s APR is crucial since rates have remained at sky-high since August 2023. The current average interest rate is around 20 percent, and this high rate could easily accumulate hundreds of dollars in interest payments before you settle your balance, especially if you charge most of your purchases to the card.
Current credit card interest rates
While the changes seem small on the surface, they can add up. Even a small change can make a difference in how long it takes to pay off your credit card balance.
With an intro APR offer, you can pay down your debt through lower payments without racking up additional interest. While the offer won’t last forever, it’ll give you a window that makes paying off your debt easier. With Bankrate’s credit card payoff calculator, the table below shows that an 18-month 0 percent APR offer could save you around $400 in interest on a $3,000 credit card balance.
| APR | With 3% balance transfer fee | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total amount paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% for 18 months | $3,000 | $194 | $497 | $3,497 |
| 0% intro on balance transfers for 18 months | $3,090 | $167 | $0 | $3,090 |
What people say about 0% intro APR credit cards
Advice from other people who’ve used the cards you’re interested in is a great way to shop around for your next credit card. We explored what people had to say about the best zero-interest cards to give you more perspectives on your options.
Bankrate’s advice on 0% APR credit cards
A zero-interest card can be a great tool for anyone looking for a break from interest or a way to lower their debt. That said, you’ll get more out of your card if you have a clear purpose for it. Consider the following when choosing a 0 percent intro APR offer card.
How to choose a 0% APR card
When choosing the right zero-interest card for your financial needs, you might evaluate factors like the length of the intro period, additional fees and rates and the card's long-term value.
Determine if the intro period is long enough
Make sure you can pay off the balance before the intro period ends. If you need more than a year, choose a credit card with a lengthy APR intro offer.
Check the card’s fees
Understand all the fees associated with the card before you apply so you’re not surprised by any charges. Many cards with zero-interest offers don’t charge annual fees, but watch for a balance transfer fee, foreign transaction fee and penalty APR. The cost of a 3 percent versus 5 percent balance transfer fee could be a deal-breaker depending on your balance.
Decide the card's value after the intro APR period
Some cards offer a lengthy APR period but no other benefits or rewards, while other cards earn rewards but offer shorter intro APR periods. Determine if you want long-term value or prefer to focus only on managing debt.
How to make the most of a 0% APR offer
Zero-interest cards can be effective for managing debt and avoiding added charges. Here’s how to maximize a 0 percent APR offer and get ahead of your finances.
-
Understand the offer entirely
Here are some instances that could cause your zero-interest card to charge interest:
- Missing a payment could void the offer entirely
- Transferring a balance after the promotional window
- The intro period only applied to certain transactions
Avoid these mistakes by setting up automatic payments, transferring your balance immediately after approval, and reading the terms and conditions of the offer carefully before you open a card.
-
Apply at the right time.
Be strategic when you apply. For example, if you have home renovations coming up, apply just before you start spending so you get the most time possible to save on potential interest.
-
Calculate your monthly payments
Zero-interest cards work well as an intentional debt management tool. But you'll need to make sure you can pay off the total balance before the intro period ends. Calculate your monthly payments to reach a balance of zero in that timeframe, pay more than the minimum if you can and avoid adding to your debt.
Use Bankrate’s minimum payment calculator to help you figure out your costs.
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Don’t close the card after the intro APR period ends
Closing the card immediately after paying off the balance could hurt your credit score by reducing the average age of your credit accounts. Together, these factors account for 45 percent of your credit score.
How a Bankrate editor used his 0% APR card offer
Using an intro APR card can make it easier to cover large purchases, but you should do your best not to charge more than you’re sure you can pay off.
The Citi Custom Cash card and its intro APR on purchases helped Bankrate editor Brendan Dyer take his time paying off unexpected expenses and more confidently fold loan payments into his monthly budget.
“Shortly after I bought a car, I applied for the Citi Custom Cash card because it had an introductory APR offer I wanted to take advantage of alongside my new car loan. I used the card to buy groceries and, occasionally, gas. I never had a loan before, so making car payments was new to me. I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, or at least get far enough ahead on the loan that I could trim the overall interest I would pay on it.
The Citi Custom Cash card and its introductory APR offer let me carry a balance for all my regular purchases for a little more than one year while I focused on paying off my car. I knew I would eventually pay off my card balance before the offer period ended, but the intro APR gave me a safety net while I managed a new monthly car payment. It also helped me avoid a lot of interest on my car loan because I didn’t need to pay my card off right away and could keep paying down the principal on my loan.”
— Brendan Dyer, Editor, Bankrate
Our data: Bankrate’s most popular 0% intro APR credit cards
We dug into our proprietary data to identify Bankrate’s most popular0 percent intro APR credit card offers in 2023.
An average of 18 percent of Bankrate users clicked on these three credit cards:
- BankAmericard Credit Card
- Citi Diamond Preferred Card
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
These cards feature some of the longest intro APR offers available, but they may be tough to qualify for without an excellent credit score. Plus, there may not be as much long-term value once the introductory period ends. In fact, our data suggests that it may be much easier to get a rewards card with a shorter intro APR offer than cards that carry best-in-class intro APR offers.
For example, in 2023, 10 percent more Bankrate users were approved for a popular cash back card with a 15-month intro APR offer than for any of the cards mentioned above. On the plus side, many cards make up for their shorter intro APR periods with rewards. Consider this as you shop for a 0 percent intro APR card: You may have to give up a few months of 0 percent intro APR if you want a card that earns rewards, but the card will have more long-term value.
How we assess the best zero-interest credit cards
100+
card ratings
400+
APRs tracked
3000
data points analyzed
40+
perks evaluated
When evaluating the best zero-interest cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders.
A “zero-interest” designation can apply to several different types of card, each best suited to a different type of cardholder. Some users may need to finance purchases or carry a balance long term, others may need as much time as possible to chip away at debt and still others would love an intro APR but mostly want to maximize a card’s long-term value via rewards.
Here’s a quick look at our card rating methodologies vary based on card type, with most “zero-interest” cards landing in a primary scoring category of Balance Transfer, Low-Interest or Rewards.
For balance transfer and low-interest cards, our scoring breaks down as follows:
5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
Rates and fees80%
Perks10%
Customer experience10%
For rewards cards, the breakdown looks quite different:
5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
Value65%
Flexibility15%
Perks15%
Customer experience5%
We analyzed over 100 of the most popular zero-interest cards and scored each based on its introductory APR, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here are some of the key factors that we considered:
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Frequently asked questions about 0% APR credit cards
Ask the experts: What are the best ways to avoid paying interest on a credit card?
Whenever possible, pay off your credit cards every month. If you have a balance with a high interest rate, look for balance transfer opportunities and try to pay off the balance within the promotional rate time frame. If you have bad credit and are struggling to pay down your balance, look into a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. Some creditors offer as low as 0 percent through a debt management plan, and multiple monthly payments can be consolidated into one. On average, a debt management plan lasts four years, but there is no prepayment penalty if you are able to pay it off sooner. Keep in mind that a debt management plan will close the accounts you’re consolidating, so this isn’t something you want to do as a first option.
Courtney MihocikArrow RightSenior Editor, Credit Cards
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
