Best 0% interest credit cards: 0% intro APR period until 2023

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A 0 percent APR credit card with an introductory offer on purchases, balance transfers or both can help you temporarily avoid interest charges and potentially save hundreds of dollars. Compare the best 0 percent intro APR credit cards available from our partners and get expert advice on how to manage debt responsibly. See how it works with our Credit Card Payoff Calculator and Credit Card Balance Transfer Calculator.

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BEST FOR CUSTOMIZABLE REWARDS

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Reward rate
5

5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.

3

5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.

-1

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

1

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

$200 bonus

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

16.74% - 26.74% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is packed full of bonus rewards categories. It will take more than a little effort to track them all, but people who don’t mind strategizing to earn high rewards for all their purchases will enjoy having this card in their collection.
Pros
  • Multiple rotating and fixed bonus categories, which can make it easier to earn rewards quickly
  • The $200 sign-up bonus (after spending $1,000 within the first 120 days of account opening) increases the card’s first-year value
Cons
  • The $2,000 combined spending cap each quarter for your chosen 5% categories limits your ability to rake in rewards
  • Having to track and enroll in rotating categories can be a hassle for some
  • New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.74% – 26.74%
  • No Annual Fee
  • Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
  • Terms and conditions apply.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Purchase intro APR
0% Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.

Balance transfer intro APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.

BEST FOR PERSONAL LOAN ALTERNATIVE

Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa®

Reward rate
2.2

Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment

Intro offer

$200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

8.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

If you value having an incentive for making your credit card payments, you will find a lot to love with this card option. You’ll earn a competitive rate of 2.2 percent cash back on your purchases each time you make a payment. The card is also fairly affordable, skipping the annual fee, foreign transaction fees and many other common maintenance fees.
Pros
  • You won’t need to use your reward earnings to offset any maintenance fees.
  • You’ll earn a bonus after you open a Rewards Checking account and make three purchases with the card in your first 60 days.
Cons
  • The high end APR range is well above average. That could prove costly if you don’t have the credit needed to qualify for the lower range and you end up carrying a balance.
  • You won’t get a break on interest if you carry a balance since there are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
  • $200 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions within 60 days.*
  • New Feature: Pay your balance in full early each month and avoid interest with EarlyPay.
  • Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
  • See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
  • No Fees – $0 annual fees, $0 activation fees, $0 maintenance fees
  • Combine the flexibility of a card with the low cost and predictability of a loan
  • Access to a virtual card, so you can start earning while you wait for your card to arrive in the mail.
  • Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Pay™
  • Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability
  • *To qualify for the $200 welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Upgrade Rewards Checking Account and make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days of your Upgrade Card account opening. The bonus credit will be posted to your Upgrade Card as a rewards credit within 1-2 billing periods following the third debit transaction on your Rewards Checking account. Your Upgrade Card must be in good standing to receive the bonus.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Purchase intro APR
N/A

Balance transfer intro APR
N/A

BEST FOR GROCERIES

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Reward rate
6

6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).

1

6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.

3

3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations

0

3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations

1

1% Cash Back on other purchases

Intro offer

$350

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

16.24%-26.24% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

With generous rewards rates in family-friendly categories including purchases at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, on-the-go families will have a hard time finding a more rewarding credit card.
Pros
  • The base reward program is uber-lucrative, making this card a good choice for people looking for long-term value.
  • You don’t have to keep track of rotating spending categories or enrollment deadlines.
Cons
  • There is no intro APR offer on balance transfers.
  • You won’t earn the extra rewards for grocery shopping at major superstores and wholesale clubs, as those don’t count as U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a fixed monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.24% to 26.24%.
  • 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.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • $95 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Purchase intro APR
0% on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR
N/A

BEST FOR ROTATING CASH BACK CATEGORIES

Discover it® Cash Back

Reward rate
5

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

1

Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Intro offer

Cashback Match™

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

13.49% - 24.49% Variable

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

The Discover it Cash Back is a popular choice for cash back rewards because of the rotating bonus categories. It’s an exciting way to earn cash back quarter by quarter and all year-round without committing to a set rewards category.
Pros
  • Discover will match the cash back you earn at the end of the first year.
  • There are a few cash back redemption options, including credit to your account and donations.
Cons
  • You must enroll to take advantage of the bonus categories each quarter.
  • There is a spending limit on your highest cash back category each quarter ($1,500 in combined purchases per quarter).
  • Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • New! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
  • New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 13.49% to 24.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR
0% for 15 months

BEST FOR UP TO 2% CASH BACK

Citi® Double Cash Card

Reward rate
2

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Intro offer

$200 Cash Back

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)

Recommended credit

Good to Excellent (670 - 850)

If you make your payments on time each month, it’ll be tough to find a better cash back card than the Citi Double Cash Card. With healthy financial habits, this card effectively becomes a 2 percent flat-rate cash back card (1 percent when you make purchases and another 1 percent when you pay your bill), a rare find in the cash back market.
Pros
  • You can convert your cash back earnings to Citi ThankYou points when paired with a card like the Citi Premier® Card, which can be redeemed for travel, gift cards and more.
  • There are no spending category restrictions or rotating categories
Cons
  • Your rewards can expire with this card if you don’t use it for a year.
  • The sign-up bonus spending requirement is higher than you’ll find on many no-annual-fee cash back cards.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.24% – 26.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Purchase intro APR
N/A

Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers

A closer look at our top 0% intro APR credit cards

Wells Fargo Reflect Card: Best for longest intro APR

  • What we love about the Wells Fargo Reflect Card: If you can meet the terms of the offer by transferring a qualified balance within 120 days and making on-time minimum monthly payments, you’ll qualify for one of the longest interest-free promotional offers on the market.
  • Who this card is good for: Anyone who wants the maximum amount of time to pay off an existing credit card balance or large purchase.
  • Alternatives: If you need a lot of time to pay off debt or a large purchase, this card is a top pick for that priority. If you don’t need the extra time and want a card with longer-term value, consider a card that offers promotional interest and base rewards such as the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Learn more: Wells Fargo Reflect benefits guide.
Read our full Wells Fargo Reflect Card review or jump back to offer details.

U.S. Credit Card Visa Platinum Card: Best for your cell phone bill

  • Why we love U.S. Credit Visa Platinum Card: Cardholders who pay their cell phone bill with this card are automatically eligible for cell phone protection, which protects against damage or theft up to $600 (with a $25 deductible).
  • Who this card is good for: Someone who wants one of the longest windows to avoid interest. 0 percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR of 16.74 percent to 26.74 percent applies.
  • Alternatives: If your goal is to obtain one of the longer intro APR periods on the market, this card is perfect. However, if you want to earn rewards and access higher long-term value, you’ll do better with a different card like the Discover it Balance Transfer card.

Learn more: U.S. Credit Card Visa Platinum benefits guide.
Read our U.S. Credit Card Visa Platinum Card review or jump back to offer details.

Discover it Cash Back: Best for flexible spenders

  • What we love about Discover it Cash Back: As a welcome offer, Discover will match the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year with the card through Discover Cashback Match.
  • Who this card is good for: People who are open to a compromise between cash back earnings and the length of the introductory APR offers.
  • Alternatives: This card is among the highest-rated cards available from Bankrate’s credit card partners. However, if you want a rewards program that doesn’t need as much attention, the Wells Fargo Active Card has one of the highest flat-rate rewards rates on the market at 2 percent cash rewards.

Learn more: Is the Discover It Cash Back card worth it?
Read our full Discover it Cash Back review or jump back to offer details.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment

  • Why we love the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: While a lot of other cards offer rewards on dining, the SavorOne also includes entertainment in its 3 percent cash rewards category.
  • Who this card is good for: Devotees of food and fun who want to capitalize on generous cash rewards and a lengthy introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
  • Alternatives: This no-annual-fee card has a lot to offer for people who want cash rewards tailored to their enjoyment of simple pleasures like meals, movies and music but has a pretty high ongoing interest rate. The Discover it Cash Back has a lower APR rate and still gives you 5 percent on popular categories with activation on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 percent).

Learn more: How to use the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card sign-up bonus.
Read our full Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details.

Americard credit card: Best for sign-up bonus with a balance transfer

  • What we love about the BankAmericard credit card: The ongoing APR on this card is lower than average and there’s also no annual fee, so this card is a competitive contender in terms of affordability.
  • Who this card is good for: Bank of America loyalists who are interested in some of the unique perks that come with Bank of America credit cards like BankAmeriDeals and Museums on Us.
  • Alternatives: If you’re interested in earning rewards, the BankAmericard’s lack of a rewards structure may make it less appealing. If you want to stick with a Bank of America card and don’t mind a slightly shorter intro APR period, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers an unlimited, flat rewards rate, an intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers (after which the card’s regular APR applies) and doubles your welcome offer for the same required spend as the BankAmericard.

Learn more: Credit Americard benefits guide.
Read our full Americard credit card review or jump back to offer details.

Citi Custom Cash Card: Best for customizable rewards

  • What we love about the Citi Custom Cash Card: The automatic bonus category adjusts to your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, not the other way around. It’s an interesting, low-maintenance approach to bonus cash back.
  • Who this card is good for: People who want to earn generous cash back rates without having to enroll in bonus categories or plan out a spending strategy in advance.
  • Alternatives: The cash back program outshines the introductory APR offers, so if you’re mainly interested in getting the longer introductory APR offer, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a better fit.

Learn more: Citi Custom Cash vs. Citi Diamond Preferred.
Read our full Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to offer details.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for instant cash back

  • What we love about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: You’ll earn a $200 sign-up bonus after spending just $500 within the first 3 months of opening your account — a good proportional relationship between the bonus and how much you have to spend to earn it.
  • This card is good for: People wanting a simple way to earn unlimited cash back while they enjoy a temporary break from interest with an introductory APR offer on purchases.
  • Alternatives: The introductory offer and the chance to temporarily avoid interest on new purchases will always make the Quicksilver a good choice. However, there are cards with longer intro APR terms and an introductory bonus offer to keep an eye out for like the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Learn more: What’s to love about the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card.
Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to offer details.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best for flat-rate cash rewards

  • What we love about the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Very few zero-interest cards earn unlimited cash rewards on purchases at this rate, making the Active Cash unique in this sense.
  • Who this card is good for: People who want a card that earns unlimited cash rewards at an outstanding rate.
  • Alternatives: This card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, which can chip away at its overall value and usefulness for frequent travelers. If you travel a lot and don’t mind a slightly lower rewards rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card will probably be better in the long term.

Learn more: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card benefits guide.
Read our full Wells Fargo Active Cash Card review or jump back to offer details.

Citi Diamond Preferred Card: Best for excellent credit

  • What we love about the Citi Diamond Preferred Card: The 0 percent introductory APR on balance transfers completed within the first four months of account opening for 21 months (then 15.99 percent to 25.99 percent variable APR) is one of the longest currently on the market.
  • Who this card is good for: Anyone who values function over flash. This card’s main selling point is the length of the introductory offers.
  • Alternatives: This card doesn’t have a rewards program, but it can help you temporarily avoid credit card interest with the intro APR offers. However, if you want to avoid interest for both intro purchases and balance transfers for a lengthy period, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card could be worth looking into.

Learn more: Is the Citi Diamond Preferred card worth it?
Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred Card review jump back to offer details.

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: Best for cash back on everyday purchases

  • What we love about the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express: The American Express brand is often associated with luxury travel and business, but the Blue Cash Everyday is a no annual fee card that rewards family-friendly purchases.
  • Who this card is good for: Heads of households who spend a lot of money buying groceries and getting gas, but are also in the market for an introductory APR offer.
  • Alternatives: The rewards rates, the introductory APR offer and the lack of an annual fee make this card a worthy candidate to add to your financial family. However, if you want something that rewards you at a higher rate for similar types of spending, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express can really boost your rewards game.

Learn more: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express benefits guide.
Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express review or jump back to offer details.

Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best overall rewards

  • What we love about the Chase Freedom Unlimited: Benefits that come along with this card include a first-year 1.5 percent reward rate boost to all cash back and trip cancellation/interruption insurance on top of 15 months introductory APR on balance transfer and purchases (then 16.49 to 25.24 percent variable).
  • Who this card is good for: Fans of Chase cards who also potentially hold a premium Ultimate Rewards card to combine and boost rewards.
  • Alternatives: One of the Bankrate’s highest rated cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a rewards card that covers a range of cash back categories from restaurant purchases to travel to drug store purchases. However, the low rates on travel outside the Chase Unlimited Rewards portal hinder the cash back opportunities. The Citi Custom Cash Card could be better for you as it automatically rewards 5 percent to your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, 1 percent cash back thereafter).

Learn more: What’s to love about the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review or jump back to offer details.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Best for families

  • What we love about the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: The rewards program is truly best-in-class, offering an industry-leading 6 percent cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1 percent).
  • Who this card is good for: Families who need some time to pay off a large purchase but want to ultimately earn rewards with their credit card.
  • Alternatives: This card’s rewards program is top-notch so long as you pay off your purchase each billing cycle. However, this card comes with no intro balance transfer offer and an annual fee of $95. If your main focus is a balance transfer, the Discover it Balance Transfer card has an introductory period of 18 months as well as rewards.

Learn more: How to maximize the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Read our full Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review or jump back to offer details.

Citi Simplicity Card: Best for no late fees

  • What we love about the Citi Simplicity Card: The promotional APR on balance transfers (0 percent intro interest for 21 months, then 16.99 percent to 26.99 percent variable APR, if you transfer the balance within four months of account opening) is one of the longest on the market.
  • Who this card is good for: Someone who wants to transfer a balance to a card with a lengthy promotional APR that also offers a break from late fees and annual fees.
  • Alternatives: This card is worth it so long as you meet the terms. You’ll get an extra-long promotional APR on balance transfers, and the card also offers a long-ish promotional APR on purchases. Since it doesn’t have a rewards program, your best bet for long-term value is probably the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. With a cash back categories being 3 percent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1 percent), it holds good long-term value.

Learn more: Is the Citi Simplicity worth it?
Read our full Citi Simplicity Card review or jump back to offer details.

Discover it Balance Transfer: Best balance transfer card with rewards

  • What we love about the Discover it Balance Transfer: You’ll be able to reap the benefits of both a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers alongside earning a decent rewards rate, which is a bit rare for balance transfer cards.
  • Who this card is good for: Anyone scouting a card that will have long-term value, even after the intro APR offers have ended.
  • Alternatives: Discover’s Cashback Match program, which matches all of the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, makes this card worthwhile on its own. Still, the value drops after the first year. For ongoing value, a card similar to the Citi Custom Cash would be better.

Learn more: Is the Discover it Balance Transfer card worth it?
Read our full Discover it Balance Transfer review or jump back to offer details.

What is a 0% intro APR credit card?

They go by different names — 0 percent APR credit cards, zero-interest credit cards, introductory APR credit cards — but they 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.

Interest is essentially the cost of borrowing money; it doesn’t take effect if you keep your balance paid off in full every month, but a balance that remains unpaid past the grace period of a billing cycle will accrue interest in accordance with your annual percentage rate (APR). Even worse, a penalty APR could apply if you have a late payment more than 60 days overdue. Your APR for purchases may differ from your APR for balance transfers, but the lower the APR, the better. Most ongoing APRs (the interest rate you’ll accrue after an introductory APR period is over) are variable, meaning that the interest rate can change based on the market rate. Entities like the Federal Reserve make decisions that affect a bank’s likelihood of raising or lowering credit card interest rates.

The good news is that you could use a 0 percent intro APR credit card to temporarily receive no-interest to avoid the cost of interest charges during the introductory period before the regular, or ongoing rate takes effect. A 0 percent intro offer may apply to new purchases, balance transfers or both.

Want to learn more? Read our full guide on how credit card interest works.

How do 0% intro APR offers work?

When you open an account with a credit card issuer, they may offer you a 0 percent introductory (APR) period or no-interest financing on purchases made during that time frame. Credit card companies will often offer this type of interest-free promotion for anywhere from 12 to up to 21 months.

While there are usually no upfront fees or penalties associated with this type of promotion, be aware that it won’t last forever. When your 0 percent intro APR offer ends, any balance that remains will start accruing interest at its regular rate — which can be anywhere between 12 percent and 25 percent or more annually — plus any other applicable fees or charges (such as late payments).

If you’re planning for a home renovation, medical expense or another large purchase that’ll require some time to pay off, a card with a 0 percent introductory offer can reduce some of the financial strain. The current average interest rate on a credit card is around 17 percent. A card with a 0 percent introductory APR period helps reduce your immediate financial burden and gives you time to pay for your purchases without any interest.

Consider the following example:

Pros and cons of 0% intro APR credit cards

  • The gift of time: A primary goal of 0 percent APR credit cards is to give you time to pay off a large debt. The best intro offers are 18 months or longer.
  • Saving on interest: You could potentially save hundreds of dollars on interest charges via an introductory 0 percent APR on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Lower monthly payments: Having several months (or even longer) to pay off a balance during the introductory period could result in lower monthly payments.
  • Potential long-term credit score improvements: Responsibly managing debt can help your credit score in the long run and show lenders that you’re a low-risk borrower.
  • Missing payments could forfeit your introductory APR period: If you miss a payment on your new 0 percent APR credit card, the issuer could consider it a violation of the introductory offer terms and start charging the standard APR immediately.
  • Credit score impact: You have to apply for a new credit card, which means a hard credit inquiry on your credit reports and a dip in your credit score. Luckily, hard credit inquiries fall off your report after a year.
  • Balance transfer fees: Most credit card issuers charge a balance transfer fee, usually 3 percent or 5 percent of the amount transferred.
  • Intro APR offers don’t last forever: Remember that intro APR offers end and when they end depends on the length of the offer detailed by your card issuer.

Whether you use it for purchases or balance transfers, even the best 0 percent intro APR credit card isn’t a quick fix. You’ll still need to hold up your end of the bargain by making regular monthly payments and erasing the debt before the intro offer expires, to reap the full benefits.

Want to learn more? Read our full guide on pros and cons of zero percent APR credit cards.

Who should get a 0% intro APR credit card?

Generally, if you’re avoiding credit card interest, applying for one of the best 0 percent intro APR cards makes sense. Consider one of these cards if you find yourself in the following situations.

Maybe you need to replace your broken washing machine and dryer or an old personal computer that’s undergone one too many software updates. It could be an upcoming medical procedure not fully covered by health insurance. In all scenarios, you’ll buy yourself some time to pay off those purchases and save on interest charges during the introductory period with a 0 percent intro APR card.

See related: How to use 0% APR credit cards for home renovations.

Do you want to transfer a balance from a high-interest credit account? Alternately, you might be looking for a break from high APR on a credit card balance or loan. In either case, a balance transfer credit card with a zero interest introductory offer can save you money. Just be sure to account for any applicable balance transfer fees.

If you want the benefits of a credit card, but you’re still learning how to best leverage one, a 0 percent APR card provides a buffer as you get up to speed. Within the introductory APR period, you’ll have some leeway, and you may be able to skip interest charges altogether should you overspend in a given billing cycle. (Note: If you tend to carry a balance, consider a low-interest credit card.)

Still unsure if a zero-interest credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.

How to choose the best 0% intro APR credit card

Consider the following when choosing a 0 percent intro APR offer card.

What’s your goal?

Are you looking to make a large purchase and want to use your 0 percent APR card to pay for it interest-free over time? Then consider a card with a long introductory APR period. If you’re looking to pay down existing credit card debt and complete a balance transfer, then you might consider a card with no balance transfer fee. Whatever your goals are, keep them top of mind when deciding between 0 percent APR cards.

How much time will you need?

A 0 percent APR card offers a temporary interest-free option for credit cards. Knowing what you can afford to pay back before the 0 percent APR period ends is important because not all intro offers provide the same length of time. The best 0 percent APR cards typically offer cardholders between 15 and 21 months. Plus, it’s important to make sure your balance is as close to zero as possible when the intro period ends, as any existing balance at the end of your 0 percent intro period will be subject to interest charges, even if you made the purchases before the intro period ended.

Are you looking for long-term value?

While it’s important to find a card with an affordable introductory rate and no annual fee, it’s also important to look at how much value you can get out of your cash back, points or miles once your 0 percent introductory period has ended. If your goal is just to pay down your debt without earning rewards, then choosing any zero-interest credit card will do just fine; however, if you want both a 0 percent introductory rate and rewards that are worth collecting over time, then it pays to do some research before applying for any new cards.

How to make the most of a 0 percent intro APR offer

  • Calculate your total payment amount. If you’re using a zero percent APR card to make a balance transfer, you’ll most likely have an added balance transfer fee to factor into the total you’ll need to pay back. Make sure you are fully aware of the total amount you’ll need to pay before your zero percent APR period ends. This way, you can make a clear plan for paying the balance in full before interest charges kick in.
  • Nail down your monthly payment. To ensure the total balance is paid before the intro period ends, calculate what you will have to pay each month to reach a balance of zero in that timeframe. You can use online tools like a payoff calculator to help you nail down a number, and if you’re able, you should pay over the minimum amount required to help you pay off the debt more quickly.
  • Avoid adding extras to your debt total. Zero percent interest credit cards work well as an intentional debt management tool. If you can, avoid using your zero percent APR card for anything outside of the designated costs you’re trying to cover. For example, if you’re using the card to finance a large purchase, try keeping that card’s usage to only covering that purchase and immediately start strategizing on how to pay it off before the intro APR period ends. If you’re using a zero percent APR card for a balance transfer, make paying down that total balance a priority before adding more charges.

What happens when the 0% intro APR ends?

Though 0 percent intro APR offers are a great perk, there is a time limit on this benefit. When you are approved for a credit card, both your credit limit and ongoing interest rate (your interest rate after your intro period ends) are set by the issuer. The ongoing interest rate is often variable, meaning it can change or be different for different people depending on a number of factors. The issuer considers your credit score, payment history, number of open credit accounts and other information about your personal credit use — so the higher your credit score and the lower your credit usage, the lower your interest rate.

When your 0 percent intro APR offer ends, the card’s regular, ongoing interest rate will apply to any future balance you carry month to month. For example, if your intro APR period is over and you still have a balance of $200 on your card, your next credit card statement will show that you owe $200 plus any additional charges from the interest you’ve accrued.

You can find your credit card’s ongoing APR in the fine print so you know how much interest is charged after the intro period ends.

What determines the APR on a credit card?

A number of factors play a part in credit card APR, including government regulators and banks’ lending standards. Due to recent interest hikes by the Federal Reserve, you’ll begin to see a general increase in rates across most cards. That being said, it’s not impossible to get a low APR on your card. Try to focus on one factor that you can directly influence: your credit score.

Generally, having a higher credit score means you can qualify for lower APR not only on credit cards but also on personal loans, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of credit. Make sure to monitor your credit score closely and look out for pre-approvals for zero-interest cards.

In the news: As the Fed sends interest rates to new heights, there’s still ways you can manage

At the end of July 2022, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three quarters of a point for the second meeting in a row, taking us back to interest rate highs we haven’t seen since the 1980s. As interest rates continue to rise, the possibility of catching a break with a 0 percent APR card may start to become more appealing. There are several steps you can take right now to navigate the Fed’s latest hikes, and applying for a 0 percent APR card could bring some welcome relief and facilitate you paying down balances a bit quicker and easier.

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.

How we chose our best 0% intro APR credit cards

Credit cards uses a 5-star scoring system to evaluate the credit cards available from our partners. In selecting the cards featured on this page, we further refine the criteria to focus on qualities that define the best credit cards with 0 percent APR intro offers.

What is the length of the introductory offer?

For zero-interest cards, the longer the period without APR, the better. A longer intro period means more time for you to pay for a big purchase or pay off a transferred balance, whichever the case may be, without facing high APR charges. The best 0 percent intro APR offers generally last between 12 to 21 months.

What is the regular variable APR?

A card's regular APR, sometimes called standard "go-to" APR, refers to the interest rate on a credit card’s outstanding balance after the introductory zero-interest period ends. While you shouldn’t carry a balance on your card, choosing a card with a reasonable go-to APR can help ease the burden if you find yourself in a situation where you have to.

What is the long-term value?

Should you keep this card after it's served its initial purpose? That’s a key question we ask when evaluating credit cards with 0 percent APR intro offers. Several cards on this list have rewards programs and other features that can make them worth keeping even after you’ve paid for a big purchase or paid off transferred debt.

Frequently asked questions about 0% APR credit cards

A balance transfer is the process of moving high-interest debt from one or more credit accounts to a different account (often a balance transfer credit card) with low or zero-percent interest. A zero-percent APR card is one of the tools you can use to facilitate a balance transfer.

It’s very unlikely that the issuer of your current credit card would agree to cut your APR to 0 percent. On the other hand, many cardholders are able to get a lower rate (even if it’s not zero) by contacting their issuers. It’s an easier case to make if you’re a longtime customer with a record of making on-time payments.

No, the two are substantially different. With deferred interest, interest starts to accumulate when you open the account but is forgiven once you pay off the charges in the specified time period. If you don’t pay them off before the deadline, however, the interest that’s been building up is added to your balance. A 0 percent intro APR credit card won’t charge interest retroactively this way, although the card’s standard APR will apply on any balance carried over after the introductory offer expires.

Closing the card immediately after you’ve paid off the debt could undo some of the good work you’ve done with the zero-interest offer by reducing your available credit, lowering the average age of your credit accounts and affecting your credit mix. Together, these three factors account for 55 percent of your overall credit score. The easiest strategy is to keep the zero-interest card open and use it occasionally to keep the account active while continuing to pay off the balance on time.

All of the longest intro APR offers on the market currently hover at around 21 months. The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers up to 21 months — 18 months, plus up to three months with on-time payments during the intro and extension periods — of a 0 percent intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening (then 15.24 to 27.24 percent variable APR). The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers 21 months of a 0 percent intro APR on balance transfers made within the first four months of account opening (then 15.99 to 25.99 percent variable APR). The Citi Simplicity Card also has a lengthy promotional APR of 0 percent intro APR for 21 months, then 16.99 to 26.99 percent variable APR on balance transfers made within four months of account opening.

Business cards are a good fit for:

  • Small-business owners — Naturally, small-business owners can take leverage a business card’s unique advantages, including additional employee cards, expense tracking and business-oriented bonus categories not found on personal cards. If you have a startup, a low-interest business card can also help you take on its costs and build your business’ credit score.
  • Side hustlers — Even if you have a small online store, dog walking or ridesharing side business, you can use a business card to earn rewards, access expense management tools and keep your business spending separate from your personal spending.
  • Business travelers — Many of the top-tier business cards hone in on travel perks and rewards, and frequent travelers can put these cards’ features to good use. These can include airport lounge access, expedited security screening service discounts and annual travel credits.

Student cards

A young adult can get a head-start on life’s financial journey with a student credit card, which is typically more desirable than other credit-building cards. The best credit cards for students are typically unsecured (no security deposit required) and offer better rewards rates, lower fees and features tailored to students’ financial needs, including:

  • Relaxed credit requirements — You might not need a good or excellent credit score (or even a credit history at all) to qualify for a student card. In fact, some cards for international students don’t even require a Social Security number.
  • Student-oriented benefits — Some student cards offer perks that are especially useful if you’re in college, like statement credits for Amazon Prime Student, streaming services or other common subscriptions.
  • More lenient fees — For students who don’t have a high income or much credit experience, a card with minimal fees can provide some peace of mind. Annual fees, foreign transaction fees and penalty APRs are less common among student cards, and some issuers even waive your first late payment fee.

Student cards are a good fit for:

  • Students — Unlike secured cards and other credit-building options for people with limited credit, student credit cards are only available to students. Student cards’ lenient rates and fees, $0 deposit requirement, student-oriented perks and rewards make them perhaps the best cards available if you want to build credit history.

Secured cards

A secured credit card is the most accessible credit card option available if you have a “bad” to “fair” credit score (typically a FICO score of 669 or lower, or a VantageScore of 660 or lower). If you don’t have a credit history, limited credit, or a bad credit score, then a secured card will probably provide you with the best rates and features.

In exchange for a refundable security deposit (typically starting at $200, which you’ll get back after you upgrade or close your card account), issuers provide you a matching credit limit that allows you to work on building credit. Since you can essentially set your own credit limit based on your security deposit, putting down a large deposit on a secured card can make it much easier to keep your credit utilization ratio — a key credit scoring factor — in check.

There are a few credit cards designed for limited credit that don’t require a security deposit, but non-students may find that secured cards generally offer stronger perks. In fact, several issuers provide secured cards with rewards rates identical to their full-fledged counterparts, such as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card or Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

Secured cards are a good fit for:

  • Credit-builders with bad credit or no credit history — If you have money for a security deposit, a secured card could be the most cost-effective, rewarding and expedient card option to build or repair your credit.

Unsecured cards for fair credit or bad credit

If you don’t have the flexibility to tie up a large security deposit for several months, unsecured credit cards for bad credit are another means of building credit. The quality of these cards will be a bit higher if you can comfortably apply for a credit card with fair credit, but it’s important to carefully read each card’s terms and conditions.

That’s because unsecured credit-building cards tend to charge much higher’ rates and fees , with some of these cards’ terms being borderline predatory. Decent unsecured cards designed for subprime credit do exist, but a secured card may be a more cost-effective option in the long-run if you’re building credit.

Unsecured cards for bad or fair credit are a good fit for:

  • Credit-builders avoiding a security deposit — Unsecured cards available with limited credit are a bit harder to find, and the rates and fees may be steeper than rival secured cards’ terms, but they’re an option if you don’t have the liquidity for a security deposit.
  • Credit-builders with fair credit — Since you’ll be seen as a lower risk than someone with bad credit, having fair credit can get you access to unsecured credit-building cards that are a bit more rewarding than secured alternatives.

How to choose a credit card

Choosing the best credit card all comes down to which card is going to provide you with the most value. That answer will change based on your financial situation, spending habits and more. Think about these questions when a credit card offer catches your eye:

The better your credit score, the more likely you’ll qualify for a credit card with excellent perks and terms. You can review your credit report by requesting a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com and there are a variety of ways to check your credit scores for free. If your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, work on improving your credit.
If you’re in the habit of paying your balances in full, you’re positioned to take advantage of a rewards credit card. These cards tend to carry higher APRs but generally offer a return on spending, plus certain ancillary benefits and protections.

It’s best practice to pay your balance in full each month so you avoid paying interest. However, if you do expect to carry purchases from time to time, you’ll likely want to opt for a low interest credit card. Low interest credit cards tout APRs that are lower than the current industry average. As of Aug. 3, 2022, Bankrate estimates the average credit card interest rate to be 17.42 percent (variable).

If so, you’ll probably want to consider a 0 percent introductory APR credit card, which lets you avoid interest on purchases or balance transfers (or both) for a certain period of time (usually 12 to 21 months).

However, cards designed around the intro APR usually don’t earn rewards and lack long-term value. If you don’t need 18 months or more to pay off upcoming purchases or a transferred balance, you might want to look into a no annual fee rewards card. Several of these options carry a 0 percent intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for up to 15 months and earn their keep the card long after your debt is settled.

If your spending is concentrated in a certain area, look for a card that offers solid rewards in that category. For instance, if you spend a lot on groceries, look for a credit card that offers bonus points or cash back at grocery stores. Alternatively, if you travel frequently, consider a card that offers miles. If you don’t spend a lot in one particular category, consider a flat-rate cash back credit card.

Many credit card offers involve a sign-up bonus for new cardholders, sometimes called a welcome offer. The typical sign-up bonus is an offer of cash back, rewards points or travel miles that you earn by spending a certain amount of money within the specified timeframe after opening the account, usually three months. If you can hit a card’s required spend without taking on debt, you should consider a card with a welcome offer.

How to apply for a credit card and get approved

  1. Know your score. Before you start filling out applications, or even shopping around, you should find out your current credit score. Knowing your credit score will give you a better idea of:
    • The cards you’re most likely to qualify for. On Bankrate.com, each card offered by our partners has a Recommended Credit Score that you can use as a guideline.
    • The APR you might be offered. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get a lower APR. You can check your credit score through any of the major credit bureaus, the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) or possibly through your bank. Based on the FICO scoring model a good-to-excellent credit score will fall in the range of 670 to 850. If you find that your credit score isn’t where you’d like it to be, you can increase your credit score to improve your chances for qualification.
  2. Look for personalized or prequalified offers. With a prequalified credit card offer, you can get an idea of your chances for approval without submitting an application that will trigger a hard credit inquiry. Hard credit inquiries temporarily decrease your credit score and stay on your report for two years. Prequalification processes usually involve a soft credit check, so they could help you avoid minor, short-term dings to your credit score as you shop for the right card. One way to find and compare offers is by using tools like CardMatch™. The CardMatch feature is designed to show you personalized offers from our partners that match up with your credit profile. Based on your information, you may receive special offers and prequalified matches. Be aware that a prequalified match is still not a guarantee of approval.
  3. What to do if your application is denied. There are a variety of reasons an issuer may choose to reject an application, such as a low credit score or high debt-to-income ratio. Plus, a rejection is possible if you’ve applied for multiple cards in a short period — it’s likely interpreted as credit-risky behavior. Once you’ve received a denial explanation from the issuer, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation.
    • You can address any concerns on your credit report by contacting the issuer’s reconsideration line and pleading your case. While there’s no guarantee it will work, it’s worth a shot if you believe you’re a desirable applicant.
    • If you’ve been denied before, consider improving your score before applying again.

How to make the most of your credit card

Your credit card can be a major help or a hindrance to your financial health, depending on how you use it. Getting the most out of your card will require a bit of strategy and planning. To make the most of your credit card, follow a few guidelines:

  • Pay your bills on time: Generally speaking, the credit card payments you make are reported to the three credit bureaus. While late payments negatively impact your credit score, consistent on-time payments improve it. Making your credit card payments on time each month is one way to ensure you’re improving your credit score over time.
  • Pay your balance in full: Avoid charging more on your credit card than you can pay back at the end of your billing cycle. This will help you avoid interest charges. Paying your balance in full also helps keep your credit utilization ratio low, which is another credit score booster. If you’ve planned on using a credit card to make a large purchase and carry a balance over time, it’s best to do so on a 0 percent intro APR card.
  • Use your card’s perks: Do you know all the perks and benefits available to you through your credit card? Sign-up bonuses, cash back rewards, and airline miles are just a few of the perks that come with certain cards. It’s important to be well-versed in the specific benefits of your credit card, so you’re able to take advantage of them.
  • Know your credit card’s drawbacks: Understanding your credit card’s potential drawbacks can go a long way toward helping you avoid them. Be sure you’re aware of things like your card’s interest rates and fees upfront so you can plan on how you’ll deal with them if you need to.
  • Leverage your rewards: Make sure to study your rewards program’s terms so you can prioritize stores that fit your bonus categories and choose the most valuable redemption options for your needs. Learning your card’s merchant category codes (MCCs) and transfer partners (if you have a travel card) can also help rake in extra rewards value in situations you might not expect.

Avoiding credit card pitfalls

There are plenty of advantages to using a credit card. You can improve your credit score with proper use over time, earn lucrative rewards and protect yourself from fraud. There are also important drawbacks to be aware of when obtaining a credit card. Some potential pitfalls to avoid include:

  • Damaging your credit: Your credit card issuer reports your payments activity and credit card balances to the three credit bureaus each month. While keeping your credit utilization low and making on-time payments consistently can help improve your credit score over time, doing the opposite will certainly harm your credit score.
  • Incurring debt: If you spend more on your credit card than you can afford to pay before the end of each billing cycle, you will incur debt. Interest rates on credit cards can be expensive, and if you consistently carry large balances on your credit card interest payments can pile on fast. If you do happen to accrue credit card debt there are strategies you can use to get your debt under control.
  • Introductory bonuses: Some credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses to new cardmembers in the form of points, miles or cash back when the new member meets a certain spending requirement in a specific period. While designed to encourage spending, it’s important to be wary that it may not be as valuable and could leave you with more debt.
  • Fees: Even the best credit cards often come with a variety of fees such as balance transfer fees, annual fees, late fees and more. You can avoid many of these fees with responsible and strategic credit card use. For example there are many cards that allow cardholders to skip annual fees.

How we chose our top American Express credit cards

Credit cards currently has expert reviews for more than 200 credit cards, which are rated using a 5-star scoring system. The most important factors we use to determine which cards appear on this page include:

APRs

Affordable interest rates are essential to great credit card offers. If you ever need to carry over part of your balance from one month to another, which we advise against if at all possible, a lower APR should reduce the amount of interest you're charged.

Rewards programs

Top programs for earning cash back, points or miles offer generous rewards rates and flexible redemption options. Some reward programs also include discounts and online shopping portals.

Introductory 0% APR offers

A zero-percent APR offer — essentially a temporary reprieve from interest — could make it much less expensive to pay off a big purchase or a balance transfer. The best offers last anywhere from 12 months to 21 months before the regular APR applies.

Fees

A low ownership cost is another key element of the best credit cards. The total burden of fees should be low. If a card does charge an annual fee, it should also offer rewards and benefits that can help offset that cost.

User-focused value

Benefits geared toward providing cardholders ongoing value like annual credits, auto-pay options, credit-building tools, fraud protection, insurance and more help make a credit card worth keeping in your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although no single card is best for everyone, there is certainly a card out there that best fits your needs. However, picking a card from the crowd can be a challenge. To make your decision a little easier, Bankrate curates a list of the top credit cards based on a range of cardholders’ biggest priorities — crowning the cream of the crop each year with a Bankrate Award.

Several of the 2022 Bankrate Awards winners are featured on our list of the best credit cards

  • Capital One Venture X: Best for jet-setters
  • Capital One SavorOne: Best for families
  • Discover it Student Cash Back: Best for students
  • BankAmericard: Best for debt consolidators + Best for large purchases
  • Blue Cash Preferred from American Express: Best for streaming services

Quality credit cards aren’t exclusive to people with excellent credit scores. Many credit cards for good credit are realistically within reach for someone with a 670 FICO Score, and the field isn’t limited to no-frills cards. Depending on your credit score, annual income and other factors, you could qualify for a cash back, travel or rewards credit card that offers solid value and benefits, plus the opportunity to build your credit and graduate to a higher-tier card.

Although Experian estimates that the average American has four cards, the number of credit cards you should have depends entirely on your unique situation. For example, you’ll probably want to carry multiple cards if you’re looking to maximize rewards on a broader range of expenses or wield perks specific to your favorite stores, airlines or hotels. However, you may want to stick to one card if you prioritize building credit or a streamlined rewards experience.

Having several cards is fine as long as they deliver benefits that you take full advantage of (miles, cash back, perks and so on). Just beware of burdening yourself with annual fees and temporarily bruising your credit score from multiple card applications in a short period.

A credit card application could have a negative (but temporary and relatively small) effect on your credit score. Getting approved for a credit card or other type of credit account requires some scrutiny of your track record as a borrower. The process can involve two types of credit checks:

  • A “hard” inquiry is when the lender pulls your credit report to make a decision about whether to lend to you.
  • A “soft” inquiry is when the lender checks your credit as part of a preliminary screening. Pre-qualified credit card offers involve soft credit inquiries, so keep an eye out for cards that offer pre-qualification.

A hard inquiry can subtract a few points from your credit score temporarily, while a soft inquiry usually has no effect. You’ll want to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report, so be as selective as possible about which credit cards you apply for and try to get preapproved first.

Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to be the primary cardholder of a credit card. However, there are considerably more strict requirements to hold a credit card at 18. You must be able to prove that you can independently pay your credit card bill or you can elect to have a cosigner, who is financially responsible for your bills if you cannot pay. There is also the option to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card. With this option, you can have access to a credit line before the age of 18, though age restrictions will depend on the issuer.

Your potential credit card issuer will let you know what information they’ll require for your credit card application. A few things you definitely need to include are listed below:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Social Security number

You should also be ready to provide additional information such as:

  • Annual income
  • Monthly rent or mortgage payments
  • Current bank accounts

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