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13 Best 0% APR Credit Cards of December 2024

Updated: Nov 18, 2024
Paul Soucy
Written by
Director
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Kenley Young
Edited by
Fact Checked
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
Paul Soucy
Written by
Director
Caitlin Mims
Reviewed by
Content Management Specialist
Kenley Young
Edited by
Fact Checked
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked
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Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

A zero-percent or 0% APR credit card saves you money by stopping the clock on interest for a year or more. Got a big expense coming up? Put it on one of these credit cards and then pay it off without finance charges. Many of the best zero-percent credit cards not only come with a long 0% APR period, but also earn rewards and offer bonuses that can translate into big discounts on big purchases.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

  • 400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)

  • 80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

  • 27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months

  • Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.

NerdWallet's Best 0% APR Credit Cards of December 2024

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Best 0% APR Credit Cards From Our Partners

Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeIntro APRRegular APRLearn more
BankAmericard® credit card ImageBankAmericard® credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Best for Long intro period + straightforward benefits

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

15.74%-25.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Chase Freedom Unlimited® ImageChase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for All-around cash back

$0

0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

19.99%-28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card ImageWells Fargo Reflect® Card
Best for Longest 0% intro period

$0

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Going out & staying in

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card ImageU.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Best for Long intro period + low intro transfer fee

$0

0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

17.99%-28.99% Variable APR

Citi Custom Cash® Card ImageCiti Custom Cash® Card
Best for Automatic 5% rewards

$0

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

18.49%-28.49% Variable APR

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express ImageBlue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best for Grocery, gas & online rewards

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

18.49%-29.49% Variable APR

Discover it® Cash Back ImageDiscover it® Cash Back
Best for Quarterly categories + matching bonus

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

18.74%-27.74% Variable APR

Chase Freedom Flex® ImageChase Freedom Flex®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Best for Quarterly categories + cash bonus

$0

0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

19.99%-28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card ImageBank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Best for Simplicity + relationship rewards

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

18.74%-28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card ImageU.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Best for Maximum customization

$0

0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers

18.74%-28.99% Variable APR

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ImageCapital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Simple cash back

$0

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies

19.74%-29.74% Variable APR

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card ImageBank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Best for Customizable cash back

$0

0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

18.74%-28.74% Variable APR

Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
save money

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Find the right credit card for you.

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Our pick for: Long intro period + straightforward benefits

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
15.74%-25.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 18 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
15.74%-25.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score

  • 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 15.74% - 25.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

The BankAmericard® credit card isn't fancy. But if you're just looking for a good, long introductory APR period, it might be perfect.

Pros
  • There's a 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 15.74%-25.74% will apply.

Cons
  • The card doesn't earn ongoing rewards, so its utility beyond the 0% period is limited. Consider upgrading your account to a Bank of America® rewards card when the time comes.

Read full review

Our pick for: All-around cash back

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Up to $300
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Up to $300
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3%
Cash back on drugstore purchases.
3%
Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
1.5%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 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 unlimited 1.5% 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!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® starts you out with an excellent 0% intro APR period (and a nice bonus offer) and delivers ongoing value with its 5-star cash back rewards.

Pros
  • You get an introductory 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.99%-28.74% Variable APR. This card earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1.5% on other purchases. New cardholders also get a solid bonus offer.

Cons
  • Depending on your spending patterns, you might earn more rewards with a card that pays higher rates in specific categories. Still, this card's combination of rewards and 0% period makes it a formidable choice.

Read full review

Our pick for: Longest 0% intro period

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 months from account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 months from account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 Annual Fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. 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.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers maximum breathing room for paying off a big purchase, with an intro APR period approaching two years.

Pros
  • Few cards offer a promotional window like this one: You'll get a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR. The card also offers cell phone protection if you use it to pay your monthly bill.

Cons
  • You won't earn ongoing rewards, aside from being able to opt into one-time offers from My Wells Fargo Deals. So the card's usefulness after the 0% promotion runs out is limited.

Read full review

Our pick for: Going out & staying in

Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months; balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months; balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-8%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended credit score

8%
Cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
5%
Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
3%
Cash back on dining.
3%
Cash back on entertainment.
3%
Cash back on popular streaming services.
3%
Cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • 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
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
  • View Rates & Fees

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the rare card with bonus rewards for both homebodies and on-the-town types, giving it lasting value well beyond its 0% intro APR period.

Pros
  • This card has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74%-29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies. You'll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, on entertainment, at grocery stores and on eligible streaming services; and 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Other purchases earn 1% back. And don't forget the sign-up bonus.

Cons
  • If your spending is more concentrated in one food category over the other — dining out or cooking at home — you might do better with a card that specializes in one of those areas.

Read full review

Our pick for: Long intro period + low intro transfer fee

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99%-28.99% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99%-28.99% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
N/A
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended credit score

  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.99% - 28.99%.
  • 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.
  • View Rates & Fees

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers a nice, long break from interest charges, plus a low introductory fee for balance tansfers.

Pros
  • You get a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.99%-28.99% Variable APR. The card also offers cell phone protection if you use it to pay your wireless bill.

Cons
  • This card offers no rewards; when the 0% period runs out, consider switching your account to one of U.S. Bank's rewards credit cards.

Read full review

Our pick for: Automatic 5% rewards

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • 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 18.49% - 28.49%, 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
  • 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.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a no-hassle bonus rewards card: You automatically earn 5% cash back in the eligible category where you spend the most money.

Pros
  • This card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-28.49% Variable APR. Plus, it earns 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other purchases). There's a good bonus offer, too. (See our review for full list of eligible categories.)

Cons
  • The amount of spending eligible for 5% cash back is fairly low. You can find cards with higher spending caps — or no caps at all — on bonus rewards.

Read full review

Our pick for: Grocery, gas & online rewards

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening
APR
18.49%-29.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening
APR
18.49%-29.49% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

3%
Cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
3%
Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
3%
Cash Back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
1%
Cash Back on other purchases.

  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 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.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express combines a great 0% intro APR period with elevated rewards in common household spending categories.

Pros
  • Start with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-29.49% Variable APR. You earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending in each category). Other purchases earn 1% back. (Terms apply.) There's a nice welcome offer, too.

Cons
  • This card doesn't offer the transit or streaming benefits of its annual-fee cousin, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. And if you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on that card because you'll come out ahead with the higher rewards rate. But that other card has a shorter 0% intro APR period.

Read full review

Our pick for: Quarterly categories + matching bonus

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
18.74%-27.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
18.74%-27.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • 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.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

The Discover it® Cash Back earns solid cash-back rewards while giving you breathing room to pay down a balance without interest.

Pros
  • You get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-27.74% Variable APR. You'll earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter) and 1% back on all other spending. All the while during your first year, you're earning Discover's signature new-cardholder bonus.

Cons
  • Rewards-wise, it can be a hassle to track bonus categories and opt in to them every quarter. And you have to wait a full year to collect your bonus.

Read full review

Our pick for: Quarterly categories + cash bonus

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months
Regular APR
19.99%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
5%
Cash back on Chase travel purchased through Chase Travel®.
3%
Cash back on dining.
3%
Cash back at drugstores.
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • 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 Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 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 19.99%-28.74%.
  • 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

If you're willing to put in a little work, the Chase Freedom Flex® offers terrific rewards potential that will endure long after its (excellent) 0% APR period runs out.

Pros
  • You get an introductory 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.99%-28.74%, Variable APR. This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%; activation required); 5% on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can also earn a cash bonus.

Cons
  • With its combination of fixed and rotating bonus categories, this card isn't known for simplicity. And having to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter can be a hassle.

Read full review

Our pick for: Simplicity + relationship rewards

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.74%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.74%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

1.5%
Cash back on all purchases.

  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
  • No annual fee.
  • No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers a lengthy intro APR period, plus solid rewards that can get substantially sweeter depending on your banking relationship.

Pros
  • This card offers a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74%-28.74% will apply. You'll also earn 1.5% back on all purchases, which you can boost as high as 2.625% if you're a member of the issuer's Preferred Rewards program. There's a good sign-up bonus, too.

Cons
  • The simplicity of a flat-rate cash-back card comes with trade-offs. You don't have to keep track of bonus categories, but you'll also miss out on the elevated rewards rates that a bonus-category card can offer.

Read full review

Our pick for: Maximum customization

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.74%-28.99% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.74%-28.99% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash Back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
5%
Cash Back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2%
Cash Back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
1%
Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.

  • $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 28.99%.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms and conditions apply.
  • View Rates & Fees

With a good 0% intro APR period, a solid bonus offer, a wide selection of 5% cash back categories and a relatively high spending cap for bonus rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card might be the ideal card for a big purchase.

Pros
  • You get a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-28.99% Variable APR. This card earns 5% cash back in two categories you choose from among a dozen options (see our review for the full list), on up to $2,000 per quarter in combined spending (then 1%); unlimited 2% cash back in an "everyday" category of your choice; and 1% elsewhere.

Cons
  • Rotating category cards involve work, and this one adds an extra layer of effort because you have to pick your categories each quarter. Forget to do so, and you'll earn only 1%. Further, the 5% categories tend to be more specialized than on comparable cards, so you might have trouble maxing out bonus rewards.

Read full review

Our pick for: Simple cash back

Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months; balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Purchase intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months; balance transfer fee applies
Regular APR
19.74%-29.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

5%
Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
1.5%
Cash back on every purchase, every day.

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • 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
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • View Rates & Fees

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card might be the best-known name in the 1.5% cash back game, but it also starts you off with a terrific 0% intro APR period.

Pros
  • You get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74%-29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies. Every purchase earns 1.5% cash back, with no limit to what you can earn, and new cardholders get a good bonus offer.

Cons
  • Depending on how you spend money, you might earn more rewards with a card that pays higher rates in specific categories. Still, simplicity is central to this card's appeal.

Read full review

Our pick for: Customizable cash back

Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.74%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score
Apply Now
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cycles
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
Regular APR
18.74%-28.74% Variable APR
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended credit score

3%
Cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
2%
Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
1%
Cash back on all other purchases.

  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card combines a strong intro APR offer, a good sign-up bonus and a rewards structure that lets you choose which purchases earn the highest cash-back rate.

Pros
  • You get a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74%-28.74% will apply. You'll earn 3% cash back in a category you choose and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 per quarter in combined spending in those categories. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. (See our review for the full list of 3% options; you can change your choice once a month.)

Cons
  • The rewards structure is somewhat complicated. Because the amount of spending eligible for the 3% and 2% rewards is capped, you might earn more rewards with a simple flat-rate card that pays an unlimited 1.5% or 2% on everything.

Read full review

HOW NERDWALLET RATES 0% APR CREDIT CARDS

BACK TO TOP

NerdWallet assigns star ratings to credit cards based on how much value they provide to a typical consumer. Our scale goes from 1.0 at the bottom to 5.0 at the top and is incremented in tenths of a star — such as 2.5, 3.7 or 5.0.

Credit card ratings are determined by proprietary formulas developed by NerdWallet’s credit card experts. When it comes to the best 0% APR credit cards, there are generally two kinds of products:

  • “Pure” 0% cards that offer an extra-long introductory APR period. These cards usually don’t offer rewards; their primary value proposition is that they save you money on interest and fees.

  • Rewards cards that offer a shorter, but still substantial, intro APR period. The primary appeal of these cards lies in their rewards, bonuses and perks. The 0% offer is an added enticement.

Each credit card on this page is rated under the formula that best matches the card’s core value proposition.

A five-star card isn’t a “perfect” credit card; there’s no such thing as an objectively perfect card because every consumer has different needs. Rather, a 5.0 rating indicates a best-in-class card that will deliver the most value to the most people. Depending on your specific circumstances, a card with a 4.0 rating or even a 3.5 rating might actually be the perfect card for you.

Because the credit cards on this page are a mix of pure 0% cards and rewards cards, you may find yourself comparing two cards that were rated using different formulas. Even so, each is a strong choice for someone looking to finance a big purchase without interest. For many people, the cash back or points they earn with a rewards card with a 15-month intro period are worth far more than a few extra months at 0%.

NerdWallet’s formula for rating “pure” 0% cards puts the greatest weight on how much money you could save by using that card, compared with using a typical credit card with a high ongoing interest rate. Key factors in that calculation include:

  • The length of the 0% introductory APR period.

  • Whether the intro 0% APR applies to purchases, balance transfers or both.

  • Fees, including annual fees and balance transfer fees.

Our formula also considers whether the card provides significant value after the 0% period ends, such as with an ongoing perk like cell phone insurance. Many pure 0% cards don’t provide much of an incentive to keep using them.

To be considered for our roundup of the best 0% APR credit cards, a rewards card generally needs to offer a 0% period longer than a year and charge no annual fee.

Beyond that, NerdWallet’s ratings formulas for rewards cards focus not on savings, but on earnings — how much money you can make by using the card as your primary payment method. Key factors in that calculation include:

  • Rewards rates.

  • Bonus categories. (We use federal consumer spending data to assess the relative value of different categories.)

  • The complexity of the rewards structure, or how much “work” is required to understand it and ensure you’re getting proper value.

  • Sign-up bonuses, and how difficult they are to earn.

Our formulas can also take into account such factors as the issuer’s customer service record and how hard it is to qualify for the card. NerdWallet’s credit card experts can also make adjustments to ratings based on the presence of a unique feature — or the absence of a feature that should be standard for cards in its class.

  • How ratings are set
  • What the stars mean
  • Pure 0% credit cards
  • Rewards credit cards
  • Other factors
  • Credit card ratings are determined by proprietary formulas developed by NerdWallet’s credit card experts. When it comes to the best 0% APR credit cards, there are generally two kinds of products:

    • “Pure” 0% cards that offer an extra-long introductory APR period. These cards usually don’t offer rewards; their primary value proposition is that they save you money on interest and fees.

    • Rewards cards that offer a shorter, but still substantial, intro APR period. The primary appeal of these cards lies in their rewards, bonuses and perks. The 0% offer is an added enticement.

    Each credit card on this page is rated under the formula that best matches the card’s core value proposition.

    A five-star card isn’t a “perfect” credit card; there’s no such thing as an objectively perfect card because every consumer has different needs. Rather, a 5.0 rating indicates a best-in-class card that will deliver the most value to the most people. Depending on your specific circumstances, a card with a 4.0 rating or even a 3.5 rating might actually be the perfect card for you.

    Because the credit cards on this page are a mix of pure 0% cards and rewards cards, you may find yourself comparing two cards that were rated using different formulas. Even so, each is a strong choice for someone looking to finance a big purchase without interest. For many people, the cash back or points they earn with a rewards card with a 15-month intro period are worth far more than a few extra months at 0%.

    NerdWallet’s formula for rating “pure” 0% cards puts the greatest weight on how much money you could save by using that card, compared with using a typical credit card with a high ongoing interest rate. Key factors in that calculation include:

    • The length of the 0% introductory APR period.

    • Whether the intro 0% APR applies to purchases, balance transfers or both.

    • Fees, including annual fees and balance transfer fees.

    Our formula also considers whether the card provides significant value after the 0% period ends, such as with an ongoing perk like cell phone insurance. Many pure 0% cards don’t provide much of an incentive to keep using them.

    To be considered for our roundup of the best 0% APR credit cards, a rewards card generally needs to offer a 0% period longer than a year and charge no annual fee.

    Beyond that, NerdWallet’s ratings formulas for rewards cards focus not on savings, but on earnings — how much money you can make by using the card as your primary payment method. Key factors in that calculation include:

    • Rewards rates.

    • Bonus categories. (We use federal consumer spending data to assess the relative value of different categories.)

    • The complexity of the rewards structure, or how much “work” is required to understand it and ensure you’re getting proper value.

    • Sign-up bonuses, and how difficult they are to earn.

    Our formulas can also take into account such factors as the issuer’s customer service record and how hard it is to qualify for the card. NerdWallet’s credit card experts can also make adjustments to ratings based on the presence of a unique feature — or the absence of a feature that should be standard for cards in its class.

    ASK OUR CREDIT CARD EXPERTS

    BACK TO TOP

    Craig Joseph avatarCraig Joseph

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I seek out a 0% APR card that offers rewards and a sign-up bonus any time I have a big expense coming up. The 0% APR period allows me to make structured payments over time and preserve cash on hand, while the rewards and sign-up bonus help offset the overall cost. I used the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card to finance a home remodel . I would have paid in cash, but the 0% APR period allowed me to put that cash in a high-yield savings account and earn interest over the promotional period.

    Craig Joseph avatar

    Craig Joseph

    Lead writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I’ve used 0% APR offers for large planned expenses to avoid tapping into my emergency fund and reap savings in the process. For instance, I previously used the 0% APR from a new credit card to cover a large vet bill. I earned rewards on the amount spent and I was also on my way to meeting the requirements for the $200 sign-up bonus. The interest-free window gave me enough time to pay down the bill, and my emergency fund was kept intact in case I needed it.

    Melissa Lambarena avatar

    Melissa Lambarena

    Senior writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I want that interest-free period to be as long as possible. My husband and I used the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to pay for new windows that cost more than $20,000. At the time, the Freedom Unlimited card had a 15-month 0% APR period, which gave us plenty of time to pay off that sizable balance. If you're really serious about avoiding interest, note the date the 0% APR period ends — ask the issuer if you're not sure — and calculate how much you'll need to pay each month in order to pay off the balance before the promotional APR expires.

    Jae Bratton avatar

    Jae Bratton

    Lead writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I moved into an older house that needed several updates: a new water heater, new curtains, new paint, new plumbing, updated electricity. I used a 0% card — the Citi Custom Cash® Card — to cover all these purchases and was able to pay off the balance within a year without interest. If I were paying cash, I might've spaced out those purchases more, but I wanted to get the work done before I moved in. (Living in a home while it's being painted seems … stressful.) The card helped me get the job done, and I earned a sign-up bonus and rewards in the process.

    Claire Tsosie avatar

    Claire Tsosie

    Editor, travel rewards

  • Craig Joseph avatarCraig Joseph
  • Melissa Lambarena avatarMelissa Lambarena
  • Jae Bratton avatarJae Bratton
  • Claire Tsosie avatarClaire Tsosie
  • HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I seek out a 0% APR card that offers rewards and a sign-up bonus any time I have a big expense coming up. The 0% APR period allows me to make structured payments over time and preserve cash on hand, while the rewards and sign-up bonus help offset the overall cost. I used the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card to finance a home remodel . I would have paid in cash, but the 0% APR period allowed me to put that cash in a high-yield savings account and earn interest over the promotional period.

    Craig Joseph avatar

    Craig Joseph

    Lead writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I’ve used 0% APR offers for large planned expenses to avoid tapping into my emergency fund and reap savings in the process. For instance, I previously used the 0% APR from a new credit card to cover a large vet bill. I earned rewards on the amount spent and I was also on my way to meeting the requirements for the $200 sign-up bonus. The interest-free window gave me enough time to pay down the bill, and my emergency fund was kept intact in case I needed it.

    Melissa Lambarena avatar

    Melissa Lambarena

    Senior writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I want that interest-free period to be as long as possible. My husband and I used the Chase Freedom Unlimited® to pay for new windows that cost more than $20,000. At the time, the Freedom Unlimited card had a 15-month 0% APR period, which gave us plenty of time to pay off that sizable balance. If you're really serious about avoiding interest, note the date the 0% APR period ends — ask the issuer if you're not sure — and calculate how much you'll need to pay each month in order to pay off the balance before the promotional APR expires.

    Jae Bratton avatar

    Jae Bratton

    Lead writer

    HOW DO YOU USE 0% APR CREDIT CARDS?

    I moved into an older house that needed several updates: a new water heater, new curtains, new paint, new plumbing, updated electricity. I used a 0% card — the Citi Custom Cash® Card — to cover all these purchases and was able to pay off the balance within a year without interest. If I were paying cash, I might've spaced out those purchases more, but I wanted to get the work done before I moved in. (Living in a home while it's being painted seems … stressful.) The card helped me get the job done, and I earned a sign-up bonus and rewards in the process.

    Claire Tsosie avatar

    Claire Tsosie

    Editor, travel rewards

    ASK REDDIT: WHAT’S THE BEST 0% APR CARD?

    BACK TO TOP

    Reddit users who frequent the site's personal finance forums, particularly r/CreditCards, know that requests for credit card recommendations come up on a daily if not hourly basis. These requests are so common that r/CreditCards asks users to fill out a detailed template with enough information to help other redditors make an appropriate recommendation.

    Posters on r/CreditCards commonly ask "What's the best 0% card?" But those requests don't generate the volume of responses you typically see for questions related to rewards credit cards. That's because if all someone is looking for is a 0% intro APR period, there's not a lot to debate. The only real differentiators are the length of the zero-percent introductory period and, if the purpose is to pay down existing high-interest debt, the balance transfer fee. Beyond that, 0% cards pretty much all work the same.

    Searching r/CreditCards for "best 0% APR card" turns up dozens of discussions that come at the question from different angles, whether it's the best option for large purchases, for transferring, for business and so on. In that transfer discussion, one user boils down the options in 0% APR cards the same way NerdWallet usually does:

    "Assuming you have good credit, you have two broad options:
    1. A 12-15 month 0% APR card that’ll have decent rewards & be useful after you’re finished paying down the BT balance.
    2. An 18-21 month 0% APR card that’ll have basically no rewards and be pretty useless once you’re done, apart from potentially product changing it."
    Reddit user Tight_Couture344

    Perhaps the liveliest discussion among the threads that Reddit's algorithm identified as most relevant for "best 0% APR card" isn't about specific card recommendations at all. It's a post in which a redditor emphasizes that nearly every card can be a 0% APR card ... if you pay your statement balance in full every month. When you do that, you typically have a grace period in effect that prevents interest from ever accruing. That, in turn, means the ongoing APR on your card is irrelevant because your rate is always effectively 0% on purchases.

    The trick, of course, is making sure that you do, in fact, pay the balance in full each month. Not everyone is able to do so. But for those who can but sometimes choose not to in the interest of preserving cash for a "rainy day," carrying debt month to month is literally throwing money away. Several users offer helpful ways to frame the issue:

    • "Treat a credit card bill like any utility bill. You wouldn't pay off 1% of your electricity bill every month, so don't do it with a credit card,"said a user who goes by Ranzar.

    • "Cards are negative APR if you pay your balances in full and are smart with earning rewards," said user noemata1. This is referring to the fact that when you earn rewards on a purchase and pay no interest, your net out-of-pocket cost is less than the amount of the purchase. Compare this with what happens when interest accrues and makes out-of-pocket cost more than the purchase amount.

    • "I remember being amazed when I first figured out that credit cards offered FREE 30-60 day loans (depending on when you make the purchase relative to your billing cycle)," added user avg_swe.

    MOST POPULAR 0% APR CREDIT CARDS

    BACK TO TOP

    NerdWallet’s credit card experts have reviewed hundreds of credit cards. These are the most visited review pages for 0% APR credit cards.

    “Pure” 0% APR cards: These credit cards have a longer introductory APR period for purchases, but they generally don’t offer rewards.

    Rewards cards: These credit cards have an introductory APR period longer than a year but shorter than what you’d find on “pure” 0% cards. However, they offer rewards that give them long-term value after the intro period runs out.

    METHODOLOGY

    BACK TO TOP

    NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best 0% APR credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include annual fees, the length of a card's introductory 0% APR periods (if any) on purchases and balance transfers, ongoing APRs, balance transfer fees, bonus offers for new cardholders, rewards rates and redemption options, and other noteworthy features such as fee waivers or the ability to qualify with less than good credit. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    BACK TO TOP

    Both a 0% credit card and a low-interest credit card save you money on interest, but they do it in different ways — short-term versus long-term.

    • A 0% credit card doesn’t charge any interest at all for a period of time after you open the account, then it shifts to an often-high ongoing interest rate. Zero-percent cards are good for people who want to spread out payments on a large purchase or gain breathing room to pay down debt without interest.

    • A low-interest credit card charges an ongoing interest rate that's lower than other cards on the market. Low-interest cards are good for people who expect to roll over a balance most months (meaning they don’t pay off their balance in full every month).

    How much your card payments will be with a 0% APR depends entirely on which bank issued your card, how much you put on the card and how much you are able to pay. Every issuer has its own formula for calculating your minimum payment. It's usually made up of the interest and fees that have added up over the past month, plus a small amount of the actual debt, say 1% or 2%. There may also be a minimum dollar amount for each payment, such as $40 (except in cases where the total statement balance is less than that). When you have a 0% APR in effect, no interest is adding up, so your entire payment can go toward paying down your debt.

    A 0% credit card works just like any other credit card except that for a certain period of time after you open your account, the bank doesn’t charge any interest on your balance. You’re still responsible for paying at least the minimum amount due each month. (And be sure you do: If you don't, the issuer might cancel your 0% period.) Once the introductory 0% period ends, your APR rises to the ongoing rate, and you will be charged interest on your balance going forward.

    Among credit cards from major issuers, the longest 0% APR periods tend to be around 18 months, although in a few cases you might find 20 or 21 months, especially for balance transfers. (Depending on the card, the 0% period may apply to purchases, balance transfers or both; some cards have different 0% periods for purchases and transfers.) Cards from smaller issuers or credit unions may offer longer 0% periods. It’s most common to see periods of 12 to 15 months.

    Credit card issuers use 0% introductory offers to attract new customers, so to get one, your best bet is to apply for a new card that advertises a 0% period. Generally speaking, you’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for a card with a 0% offer. That roughly translates to a credit score of 690 or better — although credit scores alone do not guarantee approval for any credit card. You’ll also need to be able to show income and meet other requirements.

    If the card doesn’t charge an annual fee, there’s no harm in keeping the account open once the introductory 0% rate expires. In fact, closing the account could hurt your credit score by reducing the amount of credit you have available, which could increase your credit utilization. If the card charges a fee, however, or if you fear that the open credit line will tempt you to overspend, then closing it might be the best action.

    A credit card with a 0% interest rate doesn't affect your score any more or less than a card with a regular interest rate. Your credit score takes into account how long the card has been open, how much debt you currently have on the card, the utilization ratio on the card (the current debt as a percentage of the total credit limit) and your payment history. The interest rate doesn't factor into scoring. That said, there are a couple of things to be aware of:

    • Credit card issuers offer 0% promotions to entice you to use the card more. Overspending affects how much debt you carry on the card, and that can affect your credit scores indirectly.

    • Charge cards (as opposed to credit cards) do not let you carry debt from month to month. The full balance is due each month. Therefore, these cards charge no interest, so they could be thought of as "no interest" cards. Many charge cards don't have a preset spending limit. Without a specified credit limit, scoring formulas can't calculate utilization for the card, so these cards can have a smaller impact on your score than a regular credit card.

    Credit card issuers will sometimes offer you a promotional 0% APR on a card you already have — usually as an incentive to get you to use your card when you haven't been doing so. You can't really count on these offers, though. You could try calling your credit card company and asking for a 0% offer; it doesn't hurt to try. But this isn't likely to work if you've been using the card regularly.

    About the author

    Portrait of author

    Paul Soucy

    Paul has been the lead editor for NerdWallet's credit cards team since 2015 and for the travel rewards team since 2023. Previously, he worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register, then built a freelance writing and editing business focused on personal finance topics. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA. Read full profile
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