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Best 0% Interest Credit Cards of March 2024 | 0% APR until 2025

Key Takeaways

Credit cards that advertise 0% introductory APR offers can help you save some cash as you pay down large purchases, consolidate debt, or both. However, you need to make sure you read all the fine print.

While some 0% APR credit cards extend their intro APR to purchases only, others only let you skip interest on balance transfers. Either way, 0% APR offers are only good for a limited time. After your introductory period is up, your interest rate will revert to your card’s purchase APR, which is almost always on the high side.

If you’re searching for the best card with a 0% intro APR on new purchases or balance transfers, you should look closely at each offer and details like their introductory period and cardholder perks. To help in your search for the best credit cards, we compared zero-interest credit cards on the market today and have highlighted the best below.

Our top picks for 0% interest credit cards

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Best for Everyday Rewards | 15 Months of 0% APR

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee, up to 3% cash back on everyday purchases, 0% APR for 15 months, and a nice welcome bonus, making this a great zero-interest card option.
Card Details

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  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
  • Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
Cons
  • Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
  • 2.7% foreign transaction fee
  • Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories
Bottom Line

For a no-annual-fee option, the reward rate on this card is pretty solid, but for heavy spenders, other cards may offer more value.

Best for Flexible Cash Back Rewards | 15 Months of 0% APR

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Up to 6.5% Reward Rate

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Up to $300 cash back
Regular APR
20.49%-29.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a great option for those looking for flexibility in their rewards. It offers a flat cash-back rate on all purchases and generous cash-back in other useful categories (including travel!), making it easy to earn rewards. Oh, and on top of that, it doesn’t charge an annual fee. Although this card earns cash back, it goes beyond that. The rewards you earn are part of the Chase Travel program, meaning they’re extra flexible to redeem. It also boasts a variety of additional perks like purchase protection and travel insurance. In the saturated world of rewards credit cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® still manages to stand out, making it one of our favorite options out there.

Best for 1.5% Flat-rate Cash Back | 15 Months of 0% APR

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and 5% back on travel booked through the Capital One Travel platform.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Sometimes the reward structure on credit cards can get confusing, but not with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card’s uncomplicated (and unlimited) 1.5% cash back on all purchases, its upgraded rewards rate on eligible Capital One Travel purchases, and its 15-month 0% APR offer make it one of our top picks.
Card Details

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  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 19.99%-29.99% variable APR
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • No foreign transaction fees
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • No cap on cash back
  • Intro APR offer
Cons
  • Lower welcome bonus than some cards
  • Lower rewards rate than some cards with specific categories
  • Requires good or excellent credit
Bottom Line

This is a solid, straightforward cash-back card for people who don’t want to pay an annual fee or activate categories, but other cards may earn more.

Best for Groceries & Gas | 12 Months of 0% APR

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Up to 6% Reward Rate

Earn 6% back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% back on other purchases.

Annual Fee
$0 the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
$250
Regular APR
19.24% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent card for grocery spending considering you earn 6% in dollar-for-dollar rewards on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back). It also boasts a 12-month intro APR offer and a generous welcome bonus.
Card Details

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  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers during the first 12 months (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable)
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is greater
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent rewards on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, transit and more
  • 0% APR on purchases for a limited time
  • Don’t need to activate categories
Cons
  • Rewards can only be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com
  • Charges foreign transaction fees
  • Has an annual fee
Bottom Line

Although this card has an annual fee, most families will be able to easily get enough value out of the everyday categories to make it worth it.

Best for a Long Intro Period | 21 Months of 0% APR

Wells Fargo Reflect Card

Wells Fargo Reflect Card
No Rewards

This card doesn’t earn any rewards.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Regular APR
18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has one of the longest 0% intro APR periods we’ve ever seen. With 0% APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, it gives you almost 2 years to pay off your large purchase or balance transfer.
Card Details

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  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99%.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • 24/7 on-demand referral dispatch network that provides emergency roadside assistance, towing, or locksmith service when you need them.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Pros
  • Lengthy 0% APR offer
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
Cons
  • Doesn’t earn rewards
  • No welcome offer
  • Requires good to excellent credit
Bottom Line

This card’s main appeal is its long 0% APR offer, but it doesn’t give much past that point.

Best for Dining & Entertainment | 15 Months of 0% APR

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Up to 3% Reward Rate

Earn 3% cash back on dining purchases, entertainment, and popular streaming services. Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores, and earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For the avid foodie or entertainment connoisseur, we love the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers up to 8% cash back on eligible purchases, a nice welcome bonus, and 15 months of 0% interest (then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR), all for no annual fee, which is quite honestly a spectacular set of benefits, in our opinion.
Card Details

More Card Info

  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR).
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fees
Pros
  • No rotating categories that you need to sign up for
  • No spending cap
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • High APR
  • Good or excellent credit recommended
  • Low sign-up bonus
Bottom Line

The cash-back categories and welcome bonus are pretty solid, especially for a card without an annual fee.

Best for Businesses | 12 Months of 0% APR

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

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1.5% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases made for your business.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$750
Regular APR
18.49% to 24.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
We love that this card allows businesses to earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, so they don’t have to keep track of spending categories, while also offering a nice welcome bonus and 0% APR for the first 12 months. As an additional perk, businesses can take advantage of all this card offers for no annual fee. It’s certainly not the highest-earning card out there, but its lack of an annual fee and unlimited cash-back rewards make it a solid option. It also comes with travel insurance benefits and purchase protection, and you can add employee cards at no additional cost.

Best for 2% Flat-Rate Cash Back | 15 Months of 0% APR

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
2% Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$200
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers high, unlimited, flat-rate cash-back rewards on all purchases, meaning there are no confusing categories to keep track of. It also comes with a slew of other benefits and a 15-month 0% intro APR offer to sweeten the deal.
Card Details

More Card Info

  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%.
  • No categories to track, activate, or remember
  • Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Pros
  • Unlimited 2% back on all purchases
  • Intro APR offer
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • No bonus categories
  • Smaller welcome offer than some cards
  • Charges 3% in foreign transaction fees
Bottom Line

The lack of an annual fee coupled with high flat-rate rewards makes this card a valuable asset to any wallet.

Best for Travel Rewards | 15 Months of 0% APR

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
20,000 miles
Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Rarely do we see a travel rewards credit card with a 0% APR offer and no annual fee, but the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card delivers on all of these. It boasts a 15-month 0% APR offer (then 19.99%-29.99% variable APR), unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases, upgraded rewards earning on eligible travel, and a generous welcome bonus, making it a spectacular option all around.
Card Details

More Card Info

  • INTRO APR OFFER: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR.
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR offer
  • Low spending requirement for welcome offer
Cons
  • High APR
  • Good or excellent credit recommended
  • Few travel perks
Bottom Line

If you don’t travel a lot, this may be a good option, but unless you’re 100% set on getting a travel card without an annual fee, you’ll likely find more value elsewhere.

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Best 0% APR credit cards of 2024: Editorial reviews

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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Best for Everyday Rewards
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers cardholders a lot of benefits. Cardholders can earn up to 3% cash back on everyday categories until they reach the spending cap for those categories, and then the rewards rate drops to 1% for all eligible purchases. On top of that, Amex allows new cardholders to earn a nice welcome offer and an intro APR offer, all for no annual fee. It may not be the highest-earning card out there but it has some pretty nice perks overall.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Best for Flexible Cash Back Rewards
If you’re in the market for a credit card that’s well-rounded enough to use for almost all of your purchases, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® might be exactly what you need. It offers a valuable combination of high cash-back rates in various categories, a long 0% APR offer, and a super generous sign-up bonus, all for no annual fee. Additionally, the rewards you earn are through Chase Travel℠, meaning they’re extremely flexible to redeem.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Best for Flat-rate Cash Back - 1.5%
If you’re searching for a card to pay off a large purchase that still offers generous cash-back, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option. With an uncomplicated rewards structure, a long APR offer, and no annual fee, this card is a good one to keep in your wallet even after its 0% offer is over.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Best for Groceries & Gas
Not many high-rewards cards also have an intro APR offer, so we love the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. With high earning potential in everyday categories and a year’s worth of no-interest charges on purchases and balance transfers, this card is well worth its low annual fee. Its most shining feature (in our opinion) is that you can earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), which is the highest earning rate for that category that we’ve ever seen.

Wells Fargo Reflect Card

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Best for a Long 0% APR period
The Wells Fargo Reflect card has one of the longest intro APR offers out there, with 21 months of zero interest on purchases and balance transfers. It also offers up to $600 of cell phone protection per incident, as long as you pay for the cell phone with this card. Outside of that, it doesn’t have much to offer, but if you are looking solely to pay off a large purchase with a long intro APR period, it’s a fantastic option.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Best for Dining & Entertainment
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is hard to beat if you spend a lot of money on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and even grocery stores, with a higher-than-average rewards earning rate in those categories. We also love that this card has a long APR offer, no annual fee, and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

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Best for Businesses
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is an excellent credit card option for business owners and entrepreneurs whose purchases don’t fit into the traditional bonus categories of other business cards. Instead, this card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases through Chase Travel℠. On top of that, cardholders don’t have to pay any interest on balance transfers or purchases for the first year.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

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Best for Flat-rate Cash Back - 2%
We love the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for its unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, along with its generous intro APR offer. If you’re looking to finance a large purchase and then have a card that benefits you afterward, this card can provide. It also has some cool perks like cell phone protection and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus, which only sweetens the deal.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

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Best for Travel Rewards
For a travel rewards card with no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card doesn’t skimp on benefits. It has an easy-to-use rewards program, a long 0% APR offer, and an incredibly generous welcome bonus, making it an excellent choice for a zero-interest card. It may not be quite as rewards-heavy as the similar Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card but that card doesn’t have a 0% APR offer and it charges an annual fee.

What does 0% APR mean?

When a credit card says it has a “0% APR offer” or an “introductory APR offer,” that means that new cardholders don’t have to pay interest on certain transactions for a set period. Some credit cards offer 0% APR on purchases only, some offer 0% APR on balance transfers, and many cards offer both.

Any balance that is carried over past the end of the 0% introductory period is subject to the regular APR and begins accruing interest. Thankfully, many of these cards have long intro APR offers, giving cardholders an adequate amount of time to pay off most or all of their balance.

Note, however, that just because a card has a 0% APR offer, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay anything. You’re still required to make monthly minimum payments towards your balance. If you don’t, the card issuer could cancel your 0% offer, making your credit card interest reset to the ongoing APR.

Types of APR: terms and definitions

There are many types of APRs, such as:

Pros and cons of 0 percent APR credit cards

Benefits of zero interest credit cards
  • 0% APR cards can give you extra time to pay off a large purchase or debt before accruing interest.
  • You can save money by not needing to immediately pay interest charges on your balance.
  • May help you pay down your debt faster by not adding interest, so every penny you pay goes toward lowering your balance.
  • Lower monthly payments than you’d be required to pay on a high-interest card.
Drawbacks of zero interest credit cards
  • 0 percent APR offers do end eventually, and the regular APR afterward is often pretty high.
  • Balance transfer fees are still required on most cards, so you’ll have to pay an upfront charge to transfer your debt from one card to another.
  • If you don’t make payments on time, you could lose the intro offer and may even get hit with a high penalty APR.
  • You could use them as an excuse to pay less each month, leaving you with a debt even after the intro period is over.

How does a 0% intro APR credit card work?

Let’s look at the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which has a rate of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. This means that for the first 15 months after you open the card account, no interest will be charged on purchases or balance transfers. After the intro APR period is over, you’ll be charged the regular/ongoing APR on any balance you maintain month-to-month.

Keep in mind, though, that you are still required to pay the minimum amount on your balance each month, even during the intro APR period. Otherwise, the credit card issuer may cancel the 0% offer early and immediately make you subject to the ongoing APR.

See our comparison of Capital One SavorOne vs Quicksilver.

How does credit card interest work?

If you pay your credit card bill during your card’s grace period (the time between the end of your billing cycle and your credit card’s due date), you won’t have to pay any interest charges.

However, credit card interest works as a daily rate that is calculated based on the balance you carry beyond each billing cycle. This daily rate is calculated by dividing your annual percentage rate (APR) by the number of days in the year (365), then multiplying your average daily balance by the daily rate. Once the daily interest charge is determined, this amount is added to your credit card bill each billing cycle. [Try our handy credit card interest calculator!]

Can you avoid paying credit card interest?

You can avoid paying interest on your credit card purchases if you pay your balance in full every month. If you’re able to keep up on your credit cards in this way, you won’t have to worry about your APR, since there won’t be a balance to charge interest on.

Sometimes it’s not possible to pay off your credit card every month, and as soon as you carry a balance from one month to the next, interest will start to accrue. In this case, a 0% APR card can be tremendously helpful, giving you extra time to pay off those purchases before having to pay interest on them.

How much can you save with a 0% APR credit card?

How much you’ll save with a low-interest credit card depends on several important factors:

While plenty of variables can impact your savings, consider this example:

You have a $2,000 balance on a credit card and are paying $100 per month to pay off that debt. If you had a card with 18% APR, you’d be able to pay off that balance in 24 months but would accrue almost $400 worth of interest in the process, meaning you’d pay almost $2,400 in total.

Alternatively, if you had a card with a long intro APR offer, you wouldn’t accrue any interest for a limited time (meaning all of your monthly payments go toward your original balance) and could pay off your balance in 20 months.

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Who should apply for a 0% APR credit card?

There are myriad reasons to pick up a credit card with 0% APR, and more than one can apply to your situation.

Here are the main reasons you may want to consider a zero-interest card:

1

You want to consolidate other debts

If you have high-interest debts to consolidate from other cards, a 0% APR credit card can help. Just remember that balance transfer fees apply and that you need to have a plan to pay down all or most of your balance before your introductory period ends.

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2

You have a large purchase coming up

Maybe you need to buy new appliances or furniture and you want to spread out the payments over more than a year. In that case, a credit card with 0% APR on purchases can work as a short-term loan with no interest charges required.

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3

You may need to carry a balance in the near future

Maybe money is tight, and you’re worried you may need to carry debt for the short term. In that case, a 0% APR credit card could help you save on interest for a limited time.

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4

You want a low-interest credit card just in case

Perhaps you are looking at low-interest-rate credit cards to have just in case. While introductory APR offers won’t last forever, cards with 0% APR can give you some time to pay down debt without having to worry about interest and fees.

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How to choose a 0% APR credit card

When deciding on a zero APR credit card, consider the following:

Intro APR offer

Think about how long it will realistically take for you to pay off your debt before an APR sets in. After the intro offer is over, the regular ongoing APR can get expensive, so we recommend that you avoid carrying a balance from one month to the next, if possible.

Card fees

Are you willing to pay an annual fee to maintain your card? How about balance transfer fees? If you are looking to pay off all of your debt quickly, consider looking at the best balance transfer credit cards to incur the fewest fees possible in the process.

Card benefits

Do you want a card that offers rewards like cash-back or travel points? Think about what features will allow you to make the most of a credit card, even after the APR offer is over.

Who qualifies for a 0% APR credit card?

Typically, only those with good or excellent credit (approximately 670+ FICO score or 661+ VantageScore) can qualify for a card with a 0% APR offer. Lenders want to be sure that cardholders are reliable, making their minimum payments on time, and that they are unlikely to default on their balance.

However, having a great credit score does not guarantee approval, since lenders also consider factors like income.

How does your credit score affect interest rates?

Your creditworthiness is a key factor lenders use to determine a card’s interest rate. This takes things like your payment history, credit utilization, and more into consideration to show lenders whether they can trust you.

Generally speaking, the higher your credit score is, the better (lower) your interest rate will be. The opposite is also usually true, where the lower your credit score is, the worse (higher) your interest rate will be.

Most credit cards have a variable interest rate (e.g. 19.24-29.99%). If you qualify for the card and have an excellent credit score, you’ll likely see your interest rate towards the low end of the range (down to 19.24% in this example). If you qualify and have a lower credit score, you’ll likely be on the higher end of the APR range (up to 29.99% in this example).

How to make the most of your 0% APR offer

Plan ahead. Credit cards can take a few business days to be approved for and even longer to receive in the mail, so if you know you’ll have a large purchase coming up, plan ahead. Don’t expect to apply for a card and be able to use it on the same day.

Make a payment plan. Figure out how much you’ll need to pay each month to eradicate as much of your debt as possible by the end of the introductory period, then stick to it. Consider setting up an automatic payment plan so you don’t risk missing payments and losing your 0% offer. You can always pay more than you planned but try to avoid paying less.

Read the fine print. Know all of the dates and fees associated with your new card. Two important things to note are the day the intro APR offer expires, any balance transfer fees the card may have, and the ongoing APR after the intro offer is over.

Low-interest vs. zero-interest credit cards

Zero-interest cards are a great option if you need to make a large purchase or balance transfer that you’d like to have some time to pay off. The promotional rate expires after a set amount of time, though, and then the regular APR sets in. Typically, the ongoing interest rate on cards with a 0% introductory offer is on the higher end, so carrying a balance after the intro period is over isn’t recommended.

On the other hand, low-interest cards don’t usually have an intro offer associated with them. Instead, their ongoing APR is lower overall. It’s never ideal to carry a balance on a card but these cards can be good to keep around if there’s a chance you’ll need to float a balance for a couple of months in the future.

How we chose the best 0 APR credit cards

We looked at more than 100 zero-interest credit cards from every major issuer to find the best cards with 0% APR available today.

Factors we compared include each card’s intro APR, balance transfer APR, and ongoing APR. We also looked at the regular purchase APR that applies after the intro period, and we compared introductory offers based on their length.

Other card issuer factors we looked at include rewards rates, bonus offers, and complimentary credit card perks like free FICO scores, cell phone insurance, and roadside assistance.

Other credit card options

Many people religiously pay off their credit cards in full each month, so they don’t need to ever pay an APR since they aren’t carrying a balance. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider a rewards card like a travel card or a cash-back card, which lets you earn cash, points, miles, and more on eligible purchases you make.

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0% interest credit cards FAQ

Is it possible to get a 0 interest credit card?

A 0% APR credit card offers an introductory zero-interest period on purchases, balance transfers, or both. Your new purchases or balance transfers (depending on your card’s offer) won’t incur interest charges during this fixed period of time. Once the introductory period is over, you’ll begin accruing interest on your remaining balance.

What credit card has the longest 0% interest rate?

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card has one of the longest intro APR periods, with 21 months of 0% interest.

Our top picks for 0% interest credit cards

Are all credit cards interest free if you pay on time?

If you can pay off your credit card’s balance in full each month, you won’t have to pay any interest.

Do you get charged interest if you pay the minimum?

Yes, if you only make the minimum payment required, you’ll still be charged interest. Although minimum payments help keep your account in good standing, it still leaves you with a balance that accrues interest. However, if you have a card with a 0 APR offer, you won’t be charged any interest on your balance for the limited promotional period.

What is a good interest rate for a credit card?

A good interest rate for a credit card is considered anything below average. The average interest rate on credit cards in America is around 20%. To get an APR lower than this, you will need excellent credit. People with excellent credit can expect to find good APR rates at 14% or less on a credit card. You may also find low APR offers from local banks.

How do I qualify for a good credit card APR?

The best credit rates and terms go to those who have proven their creditworthiness. Ultimately, your approval odds for the best credit card offers go up when you have a FICO score of 720 or higher.

For students or those with bad credit or no credit, a student credit card or secured card might be the best option since they will find it difficult to qualify for a 0% APR credit card. Once they’ve built their credit score up, it will find it easier to qualify for better cards like those offering 0% interest.

Should I close my card when the introductory APR period is over?

You don’t have to close your credit card after your intro period ends. Keeping it open could give you a boost in terms of creditworthiness. If your card doesn’t charge an annual fee, you should put it away for safekeeping. That way, it can help increase the average length of your credit history, and thus your credit score.

Are there any business credit cards with 0% APR?

Yes! The Ink Business Unlimited® Card has 0% APR for 12 months! You can find out more in our guide to the best business credit cards.

Holly D. Johnson
Holly D. Johnson Finance Expert

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

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