Credit cards can be a great tool for financing new purchases and consolidating old debt. Some of the best credit cards offer no interest on new purchases, balance transfers or both — for up to 21 months.
This can add up to substantial savings if you're carrying a balance on a high-interest credit card, where a portion of your payment goes toward interest charges. If you have lingering debt on an existing card or plan on making a large purchase, it's financially smart to open an intro 0% APR credit card, if you use it responsibly.
Below, Select rounds up some of the best credit cards that offer no interest, so you can maximize your savings.
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Best 0% APR credit cards
- Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- American Express Cash Magnet® Card
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
- The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card
How to get the most benefit from 0% APR cards
How to compare 0% APR and low-interest cards
FAQs about 0% APR credit cards
- How do 0% APR credit cards work?
- What credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards?
- How does your credit score affect your interest rate?
- When should I avoid a 0% APR credit card?
- What's the best way to use a 0% APR credit card?
- How do I avoid interest on a credit card?
- Do 0% APR credit cards hurt your credit?
- Are there any 0% APR credit cards for 21 months?
Intro 0% APR for up to 21 months
Citi Simplicity® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for 21 months on balance transfers; 0% for 12 months on purchases
Regular APR
15.49% - 25.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Balances can be transferred within 4 months from account opening
- One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
Wells Fargo Reflect℠ Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension of up to 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro and extension periods; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate
Regular APR
13.74% to 25.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Introductory fee of 3% ($5 minimum) for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5% ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Long introductory APR period up to 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- 3% intro balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) for first 120 days
- Access to Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 cell phone protection
- Access to Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of a statement credit when shopping, dining
Cons
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
- 3% fee charged on foreign transactions
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for 21 months on balance transfers; 0% for 12 months on purchases
Regular APR
14.49% - 24.49% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Balances can be transferred within 4 months from account opening
- One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
Intro 0% APR for 20 months
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 20 billing cycles on balance transfers and purchases
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Balance transfer fee
Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
2% to 3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- 20 billing cycles of no interest on balance transfers and purchases
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection plan
Cons
- No rewards program
- 2% to 3% foreign transaction fee
- Balances must be transferred within 60 days from account opening
Intro 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Citi® Double Cash Card
Rewards
2% cash back: 1% on all eligible purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill
Welcome bonus
No current offer
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% variable on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
- One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months
Cons
- No welcome bonus, so you can’t maximize rewards during the first few months of card opening
- Minimum cash-back redemption of $25
- 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $443
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213
Intro 0% APR for 15 months
Amex EveryDay® Credit Card
Rewards
2X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1X), 1X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of card membership
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, N/A for balance transfers
Regular APR
13.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Competitive intro period on purchases
- 20% extra point bonus when you make 20 or more purchases in a billing period
Cons
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 3% on eligible streaming services, 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24 variable
Balance transfer fee
3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases
- Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums
- Competitive special financing offer on both new purchases and balance transfers
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
$200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
15.24% to 23.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous welcome bonus
- Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
- Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
Cons
- Bonus categories must be activated each quarter
- 3% fee charged on foreign transactions
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $852
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,844
Rewards totals incorporate the cash back earned from the welcome bonus
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
15.24% to 23.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons
- 3% fee charged on foreign transactions
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases within your first 6 months of card membership.
Annual fee
None
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, N/A for balance transfers
Regular APR
14.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening
Cons
- 2.7% fee on purchases outside the U.S.
- Cash back comes in the form of a statement credit (with a minimum redemption of $25)
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Rewards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for 15 months on purchases, from the date of account opening; N/A for balance transfers
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74%% variable
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 a year, then 1%)
- Unlimited 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
- Amex Offers, which provide statement credits or opportunity to earn more rewards at select merchants
Cons
- 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad
- Not great for people who don’t regularly go grocery shopping
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $547
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,935
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rewards
Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Welcome bonus
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate
Regular APR
15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Introductory fee of 3% ($5 minimum) for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5% ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees and our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- Unlimited cash rewards
- $200 cash rewards welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period for first 15 months
- Access to Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 cell phone protection
Cons
- 3% fee charged on foreign transactions
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Rewards
5% cash back on purchases in top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (then 1%); unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. The bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for first 15 months
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% variable
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent, Good
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back in eligible spend categories like restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment
- $200 cash back welcome bonus if meet spending threshold
Cons
- 5% cash back is limited to top spend category, up to the first $500 spent
- 3% foreign transaction fee when traveling outside the U.S.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Rewards
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, but you earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase if you're a Preferred Rewards member
Welcome bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
Introductory 0% APR for your first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening.
Regular APR
13.99% to 23.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Either $10 or 3%, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Good/Excellent
See our methodology, terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Unlimited cash-back
- $200 online cash rewards bonus
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Can't receive a greater cash-back rate unless you're a Preferred Rewards member
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $532
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $1,860
Rewards totals incorporate the cash-back earned from the welcome bonus and 1.5% back
How to get the most benefit from 0% APR cards
A 0% APR card is most beneficial when you understand the terms of the offer and set up a plan to pay off your debt. Here's what to keep in mind if you're considering a 0% intro APR credit card for your wallet.
Read the fine print
Make sure you familiarize yourself with any fine print associated with the 0% APR offer, such as expiration date, timeline for completing a balance transfer, any balance transfer fees and the interest rate once the intro period ends.
Create a repayment plan
You'll need to come up with a plan to pay off credit card debt. The amount you need to pay each month in order to have a zero balance at the end of the intro period depends on the length of the intro period.
For example, if you have a $4,500 balance on the Chase Freedom Flex, which offers no interest for the first 15 months on balance transfers and purchases (after, 15.24% to 23.99% variable APR), you'll need to pay $300 each month to pay off your old balance before the intro period ends.
But if you have the Citi® Double Cash Card, with 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 14.74% - 24.74% variable APR), the monthly payment decreases to $250. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
Pay off your balance in full
It's very important to pay off any transferred debt or lingering new purchase balances before the intro 0% APR period ends. If you don't, expect to be hit with the regular purchase APR. And if you have a store card, you could be hit with a bill for all the interest you accrued since the date you made your purchase or transfer (known as deferred interest). None of the cards on this list charge cardholders deferred interest.
How to compare 0% APR and low-interest cards
If you're not sure whether a 0% APR card or a low interest credit card is the right choice, ask yourself the following questions.
- Are you carrying debt from a high interest credit card? Then you should consider a balance transfer credit card with up to 20 months no interest.
- Do you plan on making a large purchase? A 0% APR card can provide you with a lengthy intro period that allows you to pay off debt for over a year with no interest.
- Do you carry a balance month to month? A low interest credit card offers a relatively consistent APR every month, compared to 0% APR cards that typically charge high interest rates after the intro period ends.
After you determined which credit card you want to apply for, compare cards by these key factors:
- Length of intro APR period: Cards can have intro periods anywhere from three months to 20 months. Many popular rewards cards offer no interest for 15 months, and non-rewards cards can have 18- and 21-month intro 0% APR periods. For new purchases or lingering debt, the longer the better, but if you're completing a balance transfer, consider the cost of any balance transfer fees before applying.
- Regular APR: Credit cards offering intro 0% APRs tend to have higher regular APRs than low interest cards. Consider the regular APR before settling on a card if you think you may carry a balance once the intro 0% APR period ends.
- Balance transfer fee: Many balance transfer cards charge a fee per transfer. This fee can be outweighed by the amount you save in interest, but make sure to do the math. If you want to avoid fees, check out the best no-fee balance transfer credit cards.
- Annual fee: Most 0% APR cards and low interest cards have no annual fee, but some may. Make sure to review the annual fees associated with the cards.
- Rewards and added perks: The best 0% APR cards also offer cash back, points and miles, in addition to added perks, such as purchase protection and exclusive entertainment access. While these are nice benefits, paying off debt should be your primary goal.
FAQs about 0% intro APR credit cards
The Select team researched the most commonly asked questions about 0% intro APR credit cards from consumers and found answers that may help you make the best card selection for your specific needs.
How do 0% APR credit cards work?
A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for a set amount of time, usually 12 to 20 months. During the intro 0% APR period, you won't be charged interest on new purchases or balance transfers. These cards can help you consolidate credit card debt with a balance transfer, pay for new purchases over time without incurring interest charges or both.
Balance transfer credit cards may set a limit on the amount of debt you can transfer, which is often less than your overall credit limit. Plus you may be charged a balance transfer fee, typically 3% per transfer.
Learn more: How 0% APR cards work and how to complete a balance transfer
What credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards?
Most 0% APR credit cards are reserved for consumers with good (670-739) or excellent (740 and greater) credit. If your credit score is fair (580 to 669) or poor (below 580) you may have trouble qualifying for a 0% APR card.
How does your credit score affect your interest rate?
In general, the lower your credit score, the higher your interest rate will be. It's important to have a good credit score for a variety of reasons: It affects your ability to get certain types of loans and/or credit cards, the size of those loans and the interest rate on your card and/or loan.
A 0% APR credit card can help you avoid interest charges for a certain period. Using the extra cash you save not paying interest can help you pay down your debt faster, lower your credit utilization and increase your credit score.
When should I avoid a 0% APR credit card?
A no-interest credit card is a great tool for financing new purchases, but you need to be careful how you use one. If you have a history of overspending, you may be tempted to spend more on a 0% APR card since you have upwards of a year to pay off your entire balance without interest, compared to a regular card that requires you to pay your balance in full each billing cycle to avoid interest charges.
What's the best way to use a 0% APR credit card?
Credit cards that offer no interest on purchases and/or balance transfers are a great asset for consumers looking to save on interest charges when they carry a balance month-to-month. The best way to use a 0% APR card depends on your individual situation, but typically falls into one of three ways:
- If you plan on making large purchases, such as a new iPhone or workout equipment, and need more time to pay them off, a 0% APR card can help you pay over time with no interest charges.
- If you have debt on a high-interest card, completing a balance transfer to a card with no interest for up to 20 months can help you pay it off faster and cheaper.
- If you fall into both categories, a card with no interest on new purchases and balance transfers can help you pay off large expenses and old debt at the same time.
Keep in mind that you'll need to make minimum payments on your balance and pay it off in full before the intro period ends to avoid interest.
How do I avoid interest on a credit card?
The simplest way to avoid interest charges on a credit card is to pay your balance in full by the due date. However, there's an exception with 0% APR cards. During the length of the intro period, you are only required to make the minimum payments on your balance, and you won't be charged interest on new purchases and/or balance transfers. Once the intro period ends, any lingering balances or new purchases and transfers will incur the regular APR.
Do 0% APR credit cards hurt your credit?
When you apply for a credit card (including a 0% APR card), you'll have a hard credit pull on your credit report, which typically comes with a dip of a few points in your credit score. However this dip is temporary and you're credit score should rise in a few months.
However, if you use a large amount of your credit line on your card for either purchases or a balance transfer, your credit utilization ratio could rise and cause a more significant drop in your credit score. Experts generally recommend to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30% of your total credit line. For example, if you had a $10,000 credit limit you'd want to keep your monthly spending under $3,000 to keep your credit utilization low.
Are there any 0% APR credit cards for 21 months?
There are a few credit cards that offer 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for up to 21 months.
The Citi Simplicity Card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening (after, 15.49% to 25.49% variable APR; balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening).
The Wells Fargo Reflect offers 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. You can receive an intro APR extension of up to three months with on-time minimum payments during the intro and extension periods. After the introductory period, the interest rate will increase to 13.74% - 25.74% variable APR thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (variable APR is 14.49% - 24.49% after; balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening).
Bottom line
0% intro APR cards are powerful tools if you need flexibility financing purchases. However, needlessly holding onto debt is never a good idea, so be sure to have a plan in place to pay off any debt you have.
And if you're considering a 0% intro APR card, be sure to also consider one that earns cash-back or travel rewards so you can get something back on your purchases.
Our methodology
To determine which credit cards offer the best value, Select analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.
Select teamed up with location intelligence firm Esri. The company's data development team provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive consumer spending data based on the 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can read more about their methodology here.
Esri's data team created a sample annual budget of approximately $22,126 in retail spending. The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). General purchases include items such as housekeeping supplies, clothing, personal care products, prescription drugs and vitamins, and other vehicle expenses.
Select used this budget to estimate how much the average consumer would save over the course of a year, two years and five years, assuming they would attempt to maximize their rewards potential by earning all welcome bonuses offered and using the card for all applicable purchases. All rewards total estimations are net of the annual fee.
While the five-year estimates we've included are derived from a budget similar to the average American's spending, you may earn a higher or lower return depending on your shopping habits.
Information about the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card, Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, American Express Cash Magnet® Card, Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuers of the cards prior to publication.
For rates and fees of the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.