Review
Updated
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
What's better than taking that dream vacation, or finally getting that big ticket wish list item? Not having to pay for it right away; enter the 0% intro APR credit card!
These types of credit cards offer zero interest for an introductory period, meaning you don't rack up interest during a set period of time. The best no interest credit cards can give you up to 21 months with no interest on purchases and/or balance transfers, before you start accruing interest on your credit card balance.
Best 0% intro APR credit card overall:
BEST 0% INTRO APR CREDIT CARD
Chase Freedom Flex?
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = PoorChase Freedom Flex? is our all-around award winner. With a long 0% intro APR, a great sign-up bonus and more, this card provides a ton of value!
Quick Picks: Top 0% APR card offers by category
These no interest credit cards represent the best ways to leverage zero interest credit card offers:
- Making large purchases: Wells Fargo Reflect? Card (see rates and fees) - this card also hits our list for best no interest balance transfer credit cards!
- Transferring credit card balances: Discover it? Balance Transfer (see rates and fees) - get a long 0% APR introductory period (after which the go-to rate applies) and a low introductory balance transfer fee (which increases after the intro period).
- Racking up credit card rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card (see rates and fees) - it offers rewards, a sign-up bonus and competitive 0% introductory purchase & balance transfer terms -- it's also our award winner for best no annual fee credit card!
Expert Reviews of 0% APR Credit Card Offers
Our expert picks for the best no interest credit cards include 2 cards from Wells Fargo, 2 0% APR card offers from Citi, and 1 card each from Chase, Discover, and U.S. Bank. But why these? In addition to offering amazing no interest intro card offer term lengths, many of these also offer great rewards and exclusive benefits, beyond the attractive introductory offers.
Your credit card expert, Lyle Daly, has conducted credit card market research and expert reviews since 2016, and has earned well over 1 million travel points to date. So, let's take a deeper look at our top no interest APR credit cards with Lyle, who will walk you through how to best leverage your 0% intro APR card for maximum benefit:
Jump to a specific no interest credit card offer review:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card (an award winner)
- Wells Fargo Reflect? Card
- Chase Freedom Flex? (our award winner)
- Citi Custom Cash? Card
- Citi Simplicity? Card
- U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card
- Discover it? Balance Transfer
Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card Expert Review
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card not provided on the Wells Fargo site.
This Wells Fargo card does it all at a high level. Because of that, it's not just one of our favorite 0% APR credit cards. It's our award-winning pick for the best overall credit card out of the hundreds that we've analyzed.
It doesn't have the longest 0% intro APR, so if you'll need as much time as possible to pay off your balance, then you should check out some of the other options on our list. But it does have competitive intro 0% APR offers that apply to purchases and qualifying balance transfers, plus generous rewards with unlimited 2% cash back and a welcome offer.
With the high cash back rate, the welcome offer, and the 0% intro APR, this card is great for financing purchases while earning big rewards. It's also well-suited for consumers who want an easy-to-use 0% APR and rewards card. It's packed with high-value, straightforward benefits, so there's no learning curve to make the most of this card.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on:
- New purchases
- Qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening
- Go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends
- Welcome offer: Earn cash rewards after reaching a reasonable spend requirement.
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards: Earn a competitive rate across all spending categories.
- Cellphone protection: Up to $600 of cellphone protection (with a $25 deductible) when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your Wells Fargo card.
- Multiple cash back redemption options:
View more pros & cons of the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card
Wells Fargo Reflect? Card Expert Review
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Wells Fargo Reflect? Card not provided on the Wells Fargo site.
If you need as much time as possible to pay off purchases or debt, this is the card for you. It has the longest 0% intro APR we've seen on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, an incredible 21 months on each of them. That's nearly two years without paying credit card interest.
This is purely a 0% APR credit card, so other benefits are limited. Most notably, it doesn't have any sort of rewards program. That means no cash back or points, and no sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
If you think you can pay off everything in 18 months or less, there are better card options out there. But if you're dealing with a large amount of credit card debt, or you have a sizable purchase to make, this card's 0% intro APR could save you the most money.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on:
- New purchases
- Qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening
- Go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends
- Free credit score tool: Track your FICO? Score and learn what you can do to improve it.
- Cellphone protection, special deals, and additional perks:
View more pros & cons of the Wells Fargo Reflect? Card
Chase Freedom Flex? Expert Review
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Chase Freedom Flex? not provided on the Chase site.
Cash back and a 0% intro APR are one of the best combinations you can get from a credit card. Those are two areas where this Chase credit card excels, as it's made for earning cash back bonuses and paying off purchases interest-free.
With most rewards cards, especially those with no annual fee like this one, you're lucky to get one 5% back category. With this Chase card, you can earn 5% back across three separate spending categories, and earn 3% back in two more. You're probably going to have plenty of bonus opportunities, to say the least.
With its cash back program, this card is great for maximizing your savings on costly expenses. After all your purchases, you can redeem the cash back you earn as a statement credit to reduce your card's balance. For the remaining balance, you can pay it off over time. All you need to do is pay it off in full before the intro period ends to avoid interest charges completely.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on:
- New purchases
- Balance transfers
- Go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends
- Welcome offer: Earn cash rewards with this easy-to-earn sign-up bonus.
- Complimentary protections: Including purchase protection, extended warranty protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and cellphone protection.
- Convenient reward redemptions: Multiple ways to redeem cash back with no minimum required.
- Top-tier cash back program:
View more pros & cons of the Chase Freedom Flex?
Citi Custom Cash? Card Expert Review
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 419 reviews give it 4.60/5 stars as of 9/19/23.
With 0% intro APR cards, the intro rate applies to any type of purchase you make. That's also the case with this Citi card, but it's unique in that it earns 5% back in your top eligible spend category (from a list of 10) every billing cycle, up to a spending cap of $500.
For that reason, this card is a good fit for consumers with high spending in a single category, and who are looking to stretch some purchases out over the intro APR period. If that's the case, you can take full advantage of both this card's top benefits: The long 0% intro APR and the excellent cash back rate.
To give you a few examples, it would be a fantastic choice for financing home improvement projects. That's because home improvement stores are one of the eligible 5% back categories. It would also work well for paying off concert and other event tickets over time, as live entertainment is another of the 5% back categories. The bottom line is that if any of its categories matches where you plan to spend money, this 0% APR card from Citi could be a winner.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on:
- New purchases
- Balance transfers
- Go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends
- Welcome offer: Competitive rewards sign-up bonus.
- Citi Entertainment: Get access to music, sports, culinary experiences, and more.
- Free credit score tool: View your FICO? Score, updated monthly, and review the factors impacting it.
- Bonus cash back where you spend the most: 5% back in your top eligible spend category up to $500 spent each billing cycle.
View more pros & cons of the Citi Custom Cash? Card
Citi Simplicity? Card Expert Review
Our rating: 4.75/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 7,247 reviews give it 4.60/5 stars as of 9/19/23.
There are plenty of credit card horror stories. This Citi card is the solution for consumers who have had a bad experience with credit cards. It's one of the best options for refinancing debt, and it does away with several of the most frustrating credit card fees.
The balance transfer offer is as long as we've seen, with a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers for 21 months. Another special thing about this card is that it doesn't charge late fees, an annual fee, or a penalty APR.
It's always best to avoid late fees and penalty APRs in the first place, by paying your credit card bill on time. But at least with this card, you know you won't have to deal with them, no matter what. If you're been burned by missed payments in the past, racking up lots of fees and a high balance, you can transfer your balance over to this card and avoid interest while paying it down.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers: Save on credit card debt by paying it off interest-free. The go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases: You can also pay down purchases interest-free. Once again, the go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends.
- Flexible payment date: Select the payment due date that works best for you.
- Free credit score tool: Monitor your FICO? Score and learn about what factors are affecting it.
- Save on credit card fees:
View more pros & cons of the Citi Simplicity? Card
U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card Expert Review
Our rating: 4.50/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 9,170 reviews give it 4.40/5 stars as of 9/19/23.
For payment flexibility, this U.S. Bank card is as good as we've seen. The 0% intro APR lasts for 21 billing cycles and applies to purchases and balance transfers. Not only will you have plenty of time to pay off your card's balance, you'll also be able to do it on your schedule, as U.S. Bank lets you pick the due date that works best for you.
While there are lots of cards with 0% intro APR offers, this one also gives you another financing option -- a U.S. Bank ExtendPay? Plan. It allows you to divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest for your chosen repayment period. There is a small, fixed monthly fee, but we love that the card lets you set up your own repayment plan.
With such a long 0% intro APR, it's no surprise that this card doesn't earn rewards. But the balance transfer offer, and a helpful free credit score tool, make it ideal for improving your credit score by paying down debt and monitoring your credit.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 21 months on:
- New purchases
- Balance transfers
- Go-to variable APR applies after the intro period ends
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay? Plan: Pay off eligible purchases over time with equal monthly payments.
- Free credit score tool: Conveniently view your credit score through your online account or in the mobile app.
- Cellphone protection, identity theft protection, and other valuable features:
View more pros & cons of the U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card
Discover it? Balance Transfer Expert Review
Our rating: 4.25/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Discover it? Balance Transfer not provided on the Discover site.
Many balance transfer cards are light on rewards, or don't offer them at all. That's not the case with this Discover card, which has one of the longest balance transfer offers as well as one of the best rewards programs.
It has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, so it gives you plenty of time to pay off debt. This card also earns up to 5% back and has Discover's special welcome offer, where it automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
Another great thing about Discover cards is the customer service. It consistently ranks near the top of the J.D. Power studies. If you're not sure how to transfer a balance, Discover makes it easy, and you can contact customer support at any time for assistance.
It normally makes sense to keep credit card spending to a minimum as you get out of debt. But if you want a balance transfer card you can use to earn cash back while paying off credit card debt, this Discover card is a top option.
Leveraging the full card benefits:
- 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers: Also offers a low intro balance transfer fee. Once the intro period ends, the go-to variable APR applies.
- 0% intro APR for six months on purchases: The go-to variable APR will also apply to purchases after the intro period.
- Excellent welcome offer: An unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of cash back earned the first year.
- Robust rewards program:
- 5% back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500 on purchases, when you activate
- 1% back on other purchases
- Useful extras: Including a free FICO? Score tool and online privacy protection.
Reveal Reviews [ + ]
Jump to 0% APR sections
How to choose a 0% APR card
Most 0% intro APR cards we've reviewed can be sorted by these three features:
- Type of intro offer: The best cards we've seen offer 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers, but some may offer better terms for one over the other.
Compare 0% APR cards for large purchases or balance transfers? - Length of the intro period: How long you can go without incurring interest will depend on the length of the introductory period. Most cards offer at least six months, but some extend it more than three times that long.
Compare no interest card terms? - Purchase rewards: Many of the best no interest credit cards have lucrative sign-up bonuses or offer purchase rewards, most commonly cash back.
Compare 0% APR cards with rewards?
How to compare the best zero interest credit cards
- Calculate how long it will take you to pay off your purchases or balance transfers use our calculator to make this easier.
- See which cards offer a long-enough 0% intro APR offer so that you can pay off your balance in full during the intro period.
- If multiple cards fit the bill, use sign-up bonuses and rewards as the tiebreaker.
| Card | Rating | Great For |
|---|---|---|
 2023 Award Winner
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Unlimited cash back |
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Long 0% intro APR |
|
|
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: No Penalty APR or late payment fee |
|
|
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Balance transfers and cash back |
|
|
2023 Award Winner
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Cash back versatility with a big bonus |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Purchases and balance transfers |
|
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Bonus cash back |
Best 0% APR Credit Cards
- Unlimited cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card
- Long 0% intro APR: Wells Fargo Reflect? Card
- No Penalty APR or late payment fee: Citi Simplicity? Card
- Balance transfers and cash back: Discover it? Balance Transfer
- Cash back versatility with a big bonus: Chase Freedom Flex?
- Purchases and balance transfers: U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card
- Bonus cash back: Citi Custom Cash? Card
2023 Award Winner
Great for: Unlimited cash back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR
Rewards
2% cash rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months
$200 cash rewards offer
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A standout cash back card that has no annual fee and comes with a competitive cash rewards welcome offer and 0% intro APR offer. Read Full Review
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- Unlimited 2% cash rewards
- Long 0% intro APR offer
- Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Cellphone protections
- Card perks
- Free FICO? Score updates
- No bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fees
- Balance transfer fee
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- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Great for: Long 0% intro APR
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchases: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening
Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
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A clear leader with a 0% intro APR offer that is among the longest we've come across. Read Full Review
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- Long 0% intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- Cellphone protection
- Free FICO? Score
- Balance transfer fee
- Foreign transaction fee
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- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- 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.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Citi Simplicity? Card
Great for: No Penalty APR or late payment fee
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening.
Lower intro balance transfer fee
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With a long 0% intro APR offer, no late fees, no annual fee, and no penalty rate, this card is an unmatched pick.
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- Great intro APR
- No annual fee
- No late fees
- No penalty APR
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
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- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee... Ever
- 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 that the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater, for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Stay protected with Citi? Quick Lock.
Great for: Balance transfers and cash back
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 6 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months
Regular APR
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Rewards 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
1% - 5% Cashback
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Cashback Match
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Get the best of both balance transfer and cash back worlds with this card. Not only do you get a great intro APR on balance transfers, but you also get a rich cash back program. Read Full Review
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- Great intro APR offer
- Sign-up bonus offer
- Robust cash back program
- No annual fee
- FICO? Score for free
- No fixed bonus categories
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- 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, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- No annual fee.
- Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
2023 Award Winner
Great for: Cash back versatility with a big bonus
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex?
On Chase's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex?
On Chase's Secure Website.
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months
Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months
Regular APR
20.49%-29.24% Variable
Rewards 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards?, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
1% - 5% cash back
Annual Fee N/A
$0
Welcome Offer Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
$200 bonus
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Checks all the boxes for a cash back credit card, with high cash back rates across several categories, a 0% intro APR, and a big sign-up bonus. Read Full Review
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- Big sign-up bonus
- Lucrative cash back program
- Long 0% intro APR
- No annual fee
- Purchase and travel protections
- Foreign transaction fee
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- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex? card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card
Great for: Purchases and balance transfers
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases billing cycles, and after that 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Purchases: 0%, 18 billing cycles on purchases
Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
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With a generous intro APR offer for both balance transfers and purchases, this is one of the best low interest credit cards we've come across.
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- Long 0% intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- Cellphone protection
- Free credit score monitoring
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
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- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 29.74%.
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your U.S.Bank Visa? Platinum Credit Card. Certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
- Choose a payment due date that fits your schedule
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
Great for: Bonus cash back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00 stars
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor
Credit Score
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Rewards 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), 1% cash back on other purchases
1% - 5% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou? Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
20,000 ThankYou? Points
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A leading cash-back card that includes a big sign-up bonus, great rewards program, and long 0% intro APR offers, all with no annual fee. Read Full Review
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- Cash back rewards
- Sign-up bonus
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR offer
- Bonus cash back limits
- Foreign transaction fee
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- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou??Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash? Card account per person.
Best 0% interest credit cards for purchases
If you're looking to finance a future purchase, you'll want a card with a great zero interest card offer on new purchases. The Wells Fargo Reflect? Card is built for this job, offering a long intro period that eclipses our other top picks.
The main thing to consider here is how long you need to pay off your purchase. If you need as long as you can get, then you may have to sacrifice rewards for a longer introductory period. However, if you can pay off your purchase in 15 months or less, there are a lot of rewards cards worth considering.
Sometimes, you know going into it that you'll need as long as possible to pay off a particularly large purchase (such as a car repair or medical bill). These cards are all built for long-term financing, offering at least 18 months of 0% APR on new purchases.
Compare the best no interest credit cards on purchases
| Card | 0% Intro APR Offer | Regular APR | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect? Card | 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening | 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR | N/A |
| U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card | 0%, 18 billing cycles on purchases | 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable) | N/A |
As you can see, while these cards all have fantastic intro APR offers -- that's about all you get. These cards don't come with purchase rewards or other perks that will make you want to keep them for the long haul.
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Best 0% APR cards for balance transfers
Our top pick here is the Citi Simplicity? Card (see rates and fees) thanks to its long zero interest 21 months introductory period and a low introductory balance transfer fee. If you want to compare your other options, those are the two main features to consider.
Balance transfers are used to move debt from one credit card to another card. When you transfer a balance to a card with a 0% intro APR offer for balance transfers, that balance won't accrue interest until the end of the intro period. Once that ends, the balance will start accruing interest at the go-to APR.
Learn more: Balance transfer guide
Many folks will have been dealing with their debt for a while before they transfer it, so it's likely you'll be looking to get as much time as possible to pay it off. The cards below have the longest no-interest introductory periods of our top picks.
Although these offers mean you won't accrue interest for up to 21 months, you don't have the whole intro period to transfer your balance. Instead, each card has its own time limit on when you need to transfer your balance for it to be eligible for the 0% intro rate. Any balance transferred after this time limit won't qualify for the zero interest offer.
Balance transfer fees for 0% intro APR cards
Balance transfers can be excellent ways to reduce your interest fees, but they're generally not free. Nearly all credit cards charge a balance transfer fee. That said, some of our top picks have lower fees than their competitors. Others offer lower fees as part of the welcome offer for new cardholders.
The balance transfer fee is charged by the card you move the balance to, not the one you move the balance from, so you only need to pay it once per transfer.
Keep in mind that the balance transfer fee counts against your balance transfer limit. In other words, it reduces the total amount you can transfer to that card, so be sure to include it in your calculations.
Compare the best 0% APR balance transfer credit cards
| Card | Balance Transfer Intro APR Offer | Regular APR | Balance Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect? Card | 0% intro APR, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers | 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR | 5%; min: $5 |
| Citi Simplicity? Card | Intro APR of 0%, 21 months | 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable) | 3% ($5 min) for first 4 months, then 5% ($5 min.) |
| Discover it? Balance Transfer | Intro APR of 0%, 18 months | 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)* |
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Best 0% APR credit cards with rewards
A good pick for most folks will be the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card, which pairs a high flat rewards rate with a competitive introductory term. Many rewards credit cards also offer intro APR deals, so you can earn rewards and still save money on interest fees. Remember that you only earn rewards on new purchases. You won't earn cash back rewards on any transferred balances.
Compare our other top cards with both rewards and intro APR offers below.
Some zero-interest cards are one-trick ponies that are only really good for saving on interest fees. However, many cards offer not only solid 0% intro APR offers, but also come with great purchase rewards, too. Even better, you can earn rewards on your new purchases while still enjoying the 0% interest rate during your introductory period.
See more: Best rewards credit cards
Compare the best 0% APR cards with rewards
| Card | Intro APR Purchase Offer | Regular APR | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card | 0% intro APR, 15 months from account opening | 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR | 2% cash rewards |
| Chase Freedom Flex? | 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months | 20.49%-29.24% Variable | 1% - 5% cash back |
| Citi Custom Cash? Card | Intro APR of 0%, 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 1% - 5% cash back |
| Discover it? Balance Transfer | Intro APR of 0%, 6 months | 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | 1% - 5% Cashback |
Are 0% APR credit cards worth it?
Ideally, we'd all pay our credit card balances in full each month. But sometimes you just need a little more time. You can get that time -- without the high interest fees with a top 0% APR credit card. But make note, once the intro period ends, you'll start accruing interest at the go-to rate.
Credit cards with a 0% intro APR are useful if you want to avoid interest charges, either on purchases or balance transfers. Make sure to consider how long of a 0% APR period you need. Cards with the longest 0% introductory periods often offer just that -- long 0% APR periods -- but nothing else.
If your specific needs are met with a somewhat shorter introductory APR period, you may be able to find a card that meets that need and provides rewards or cash back, for instance.
How do credit cards with 0% APR work?
On intro 0% APR credit cards, the intro APR on purchases is set to 0% for a limited period of time. That means you don't need to pay off your full credit card balance every month to avoid interest during the intro period, as you would with other credit cards.
As an example, imagine you get the best 0% APR credit card with an intro 0% APR on purchases for 15 months. You use it to buy a new computer for $1,500. All you need to do is make the minimum payment every month. If you make payments of at least $100 per month toward that purchase, then you'll pay it off interest free.
There are situations where you can be charged interest by your credit card company, even with a 0% credit card APR:
- You don't make your minimum monthly payment. You're still required to make minimum payments on time. If you don't, the card issuer could cancel the intro 0% APR offer.
- You use your credit card for other types of transactions. Most cards' 0% intro APR offers don't apply to cash advances.
TIP
Opt for 0% APR credit cards with a lengthy intro period
Lessen your monthly payments with a lengthy intro period, like a 21 month no interest credit card. Make sure it doesn't charge an annual fee as that will eat into what you're saving on interest. Make it even better with the best credit card offers that have cash rewards or a welcome bonus.
Alternatives to no interest credit cards
Depending on your financial needs, interest free credit cards with 0% intro APR may not be the right choice. Here are the top alternatives to credit cards with a 0% intro APR.
Balance transfer credit cards
If you have credit card debt to refinance, then a zero interest credit card balance transfer is the way to go. A balance transfer is when you move existing credit card balances onto a new card. The top 0 balance transfer credit cards have 0% intro APR periods on any balances you transfer over. In most cases, you'll have to pay a balance transfer fee. Head to our balance transfer calculator to find out whether the interest you'd save with a balance transfer credit card is worth its balance transfer fee.
Compare our picks: Check out The Ascent's best balance transfer credit cards
Credit cards with low interest
If you expect it to take you more than a couple years to pay off your balance, and if you have excellent credit, you might be better off with a low interest credit card. These credit cards have a low ongoing APR on all purchases, so they're good to keep on hand in case you ever need to carry a balance. Sometimes these cards will also let you earn cash rewards. Some credit unions even offer low interest credit cards with rates lower than many personal loans.
Compare our picks: Check out The Ascent's best low interest credit cards
Personal loans
With a personal loan, you'll have a fixed payment amount and loan term, which gives you more structure than a credit card. Personal loans are also better for when you will take two years or longer to pay off a purchase because they have lower interest rates than credit cards. But if you are confident you can pay off a purchase within the intro period of an intro 0% credit card, then the card would save you money. The better your credit score, the better your chances are of securing a personal loan with a low interest rate.
Compare our picks: Check out The Ascent's best personal loans
Debt consolidation loans
You can get a debt consolidation loan for any type of debt. It can be more versatile than a balance transfer card, because some balance transfer cards (but not all) can only be used for credit card debt. Debt consolidation loans are also a good choice when you need more time to pay off your debt than the intro period a balance transfer card gives you.
Compare our picks: Check out The Ascent's best debt consolidation loans
How do credit card interest rates work?
Credit card interest is the fee you pay when you borrow money using your credit card. Every billing cycle, the card issuer will apply the credit card APR to any transactions eligible for interest charges.
APR stands for annual percentage rate, and on credit cards, it serves as the interest rate. Most credit cards have a variable APR. With a variable APR, your interest rate can change over time. Most credit cards have a predetermined APR range, and your actual APR is determined in part by your credit score.
Many credit cards also charge a different variable APR for each type of transaction (purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances). If you get behind on your payments, some credit cards may start charging a higher penalty APR.
Not all transactions incur interest. Credit cards, including interest free credit cards, typically have a grace period between the date your statement is sent to you and its due date. If you pay off the full statement balance, you won't be charged interest on your purchases. And of course, you also won't be charged the interest rate if your card has a 0% intro APR offer in effect.
Learn more: How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate
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FAQs
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A 0% APR credit card doesn't charge interest on purchases for an introductory period. If you carry a balance from purchases during that time, you won't incur any interest charges. You are required to make minimum payments because if you don't, the card issuer may cancel the zero-interest offer.
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Once the 0% APR offer ends, the credit card APR standard will apply to the current balance and new charges. This means you'll start paying the regular interest rate on any remaining balance you couldn't pay off before the end of the intro period. That's why it's highly recommended you pay off your entire balance before the end of the intro 0% APR offer.
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The length of the intro period varies by card. Some credit cards offer a 0% intro APR for six months or less, but there are also intro 0% APR credit cards offering 18 months or longer without interest.
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You can avoid paying credit card interest on the best 0% APR credit cards by paying off your entire balance before the introductory period ends. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to what standard credit card interest rates would cost you.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Brittney started her writing career in the world of science, putting her physics degree to good use. Her journey into finance started with building her personal credit, but soon grew into a borderline obsession with credit cards and travel rewards. For the last 7 years, she has enjoyed the ability to share her expertise with readers, as well as the opportunity to interview companies and individuals making an impact on our financial lives. She wholly believe most problems can be solved with the right research -- and a good spreadsheet -- and she specializes in translating complex financial topics into actionable advice to help educate and empower readers.
Fact Checked
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman has worked with The Motley Fool since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As The Ascent's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.
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Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Bank of America is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, PayPal, Target, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services and U.S. Bancorp and recommends the following options: short December 2023 $67.50 puts on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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