An intro 0% APR credit card is one that offers a promotional period when interest isn’t charged on purchases or even balance transfers. Once the interest-free introductory period ends, the regular interest rate is applied to new purchases and any remaining balance. This type of card can be a great way to finance a big expense, and you'll find all the best 0% intro APR credit cards here.
Best 0% APR credit cards
- Unlimited cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Long 0% intro APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- 0% intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers: BankAmericard® credit 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
Great for: Unlimited cash back
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.
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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
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A standout cash back card with one of the highest unlimited rewards rates we've come across. The inclusion of a hefty sign-up bonus and versatile 0% intro APR offer are the cherries on top. Read Full Review
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- Unlimited 2% cash rewards
- Long 0% intro APR offer
- Generous cash rewards sign-up bonus
- No annual fee
- No bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fees
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- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 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 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% 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
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.
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A clear leader with a 0% intro APR offer that is among the longest we've come across. The card also includes an innovative intro APR extension with on-time payments. Read Full Review
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- Long 0% Intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- Balance transfer fee
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- 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension of up to 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro and extension periods. 15.24% to 27.24% variable APR thereafter; 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
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- An easy way to earn cash back while you shop, dine or enjoy an experience simply by using your Wells Fargo credit card. Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Great for: 0% intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
Apply Now for BankAmericard® credit card
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for BankAmericard® credit card
On Bank of America's Secure Website.
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Few cards in this category can compete with this offers long 0% intro APR offer, plus it includes a sign-up bonus, which is rare among competing cards. Read Full Review
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- Sign-up bonus
- No annual fee
- FICO® Score for free
- No penalty APR
- Great 0% intro APR offer
- No rewards
- Balance transfer fee
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- $100 statement credit online bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- 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.
Great for: No Penalty APR or late payment fee
Apply Now for Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 4.50/5
Apply Now for Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 12 months
Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months
Regular APR
16.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
Rewards
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
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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. Read Full Review
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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 16.99% - 26.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock and $0 liability on unauthorized charges
Great for: Balance transfers and cash back
Apply Now for Discover it® Balance Transfer
On Discover's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for Discover it® Balance Transfer
On Discover's Secure Website.
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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, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- NEW! Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- No annual fee.
- Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
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.
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.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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase's Secure Website.
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Deserves to be top of wallet for many cardholders due to some of the highest cash back rates for essentials, a big sign-up bonus, and no annual fee. Read Full Review
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- Competitive cash back bonus
- Lucrative cash back program
- Travel rewards
- Great intro APR
- No annual fee
- 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 16.49% - 25.24%.
- 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.
Great for: Purchases and balance transfers
Apply Now for U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 4.50/5
Apply Now for U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website.
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With a 20 billing cycle intro APR offer for both balance transfers and purchases, this is one of the best low interest credit cards we've come across. Read Full Review
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- Long 0% intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- Free credit score monitoring
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fee
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- Limited Time Offer!
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.74% - 26.74%.
- 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
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Great for: Bonus cash back
Apply Now for Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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.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. 5.00/5
Apply Now for Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
On Citi's Secure Website.
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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
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- Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 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 16.24% - 26.24%, 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.
How does a 0% APR credit card 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 incurring interest charges.
As an example, imagine you get a 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 also pay at least $100 per month towards that purchase, then you'll pay it off interest free.
There are situations where you can be charged interest by your credit card company:
- 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.
What happens when the 0% APR ends?
At the end of its intro 0% APR period, the credit card company will change the card's standard APR. The card issuer can then start charging you interest on your remaining balance and any new purchases you make. That's why it's highly recommended that you pay off your entire balance before the end of the intro 0% APR offer.
If you have any costly purchases coming up that you can't pay for in full, a credit card with 0% intro APR could be the solution. You can stretch your payments out over the card's introductory period, and you'll avoid paying interest as long as you pay off your balance before it ends. But you do need to understand how intro 0% interest credit cards work first to avoid making any costly mistakes.
What is a 0% APR credit card?
A 0% APR credit card has an introductory APR period of zero interest on purchases. During the card's introductory period, you can carry a balance on your purchases from month to month without incurring any interest charges.
The length of the intro period varies by card. Sometimes a 0% intro APR credit card offer has a 0% APR of six months or less, but there are also intro 0% APR credit cards offering 18 months or longer without interest.
Assuming you can pay off your full balance within the intro period, you won't pay any interest. This can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to what standard credit card interest rates would cost you.
Learn more: What Is APR and What Does It Mean for Your Credit Cards?
How does credit card interest 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 pre-determined 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 make a late payment, some credit cards may start charging a higher penalty APR.
Not all transactions incur interest. Credit cards typically have an interest-free 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
What are the longest intro 0% APR credit cards?
The longest intro 0% APR credit cards we've come across are the following:
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: 0% intro APR on purchases (and balance transfers) for 20 billing cycles
- Citi Simplicity® Card: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and 12 months on purchases.
How to maximize your 0% APR credit card
The best way to use 0% intro APR credit cards is to leverage the interest-free period to finance a major purchase and pay it off in full before the introductory period ends. As long as you pay off the balance by the end of the intro period, and make sure to pay your minimum monthly payment on time, you'll avoid interest altogether. Keep in mind that you might not get a credit limit high enough to cover your entire purchase.
Opt for a card with a lengthy intro period to lessen your monthly payments, and make sure it doesn't charge an annual fee. Any annual fee will eat into what you're saving on interest. If you're able to get a card that also offers cash rewards or a welcome bonus, even better. The best credit card offers help you minimize fees and avoid credit card debt while maximizing rewards.
How to compare 0% APR credit cards
The best 0% intro APR credit card is the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card. It has the longest introductory period we've come across for both purchases and balance transfers, so if you need as much time as possible to pay off purchases, it's the card to choose. It also has a $0 annual fee. The Citi Simplicity® Card and BankAmericard® credit card are other good choices.
There are quite a few impressive 0% intro APR credit cards with no annual fee available. That's why it's important to compare credit card offers to make sure you're getting the best deal out there. Knowing your credit score can help you determine which offers you qualify for.
Here are the best 0% APR credit cards with long intro periods and how they compare:
As of Aug. 02, 2022
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| U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | Citi Simplicity® Card |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
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.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. |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50 stars
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.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. |
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Apply Now for U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citi's Secure Website. |
| Rates & Fees | |
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Credit Rating Requirement: |
Credit Rating Requirement: |
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Welcome Offer: N/A |
Welcome Offer: N/A |
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Rewards Program: N/A |
Rewards Program: N/A |
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Purchases: 0%, 20 billing cycles Balance Transfers: 0%, 20 billing cycles |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 12 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 21 months |
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Regular APR: 16.74% - 26.74% (Variable) |
Regular APR: 16.99% - 26.99% (Variable) |
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Annual Fee: $0 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
On U.S. Bank's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citi's Secure Website. |
Show More
Show Less
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Alternatives to consider
Depending on your financial needs, 0% intro APR credit cards may not be the right choice. Here are the top alternatives to credit cards with a 0% intro APR.
Balance transfer credit card: If you have credit card debt to refinance, then a balance transfer card is the way to go. A balance transfer is when you move existing credit card balances onto a new card. The top balance transfer 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
Low interest credit card: 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 credit cards with lower interest rates than many personal loans.
Compare our picks: Check out The Ascent's best low interest credit cards
Personal loan: 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 loan: You can get a debt consolidation loan for any type of debt. It's more versatile than a balance transfer card, which you can typically only use 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
| Card | Rating | Great For |
|---|---|---|
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Unlimited cash back |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Long 0% intro APR |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: 0% intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: No Penalty APR or late payment fee |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Balance transfers and cash back |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Cash back versatility with a big bonus |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Purchases and balance transfers |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
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Great For: Bonus cash back |
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. The length of the 0% APR period depends on the credit card.
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Once the 0% APR offer ends, the card's standard APR 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.
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You can avoid paying credit card interest on 0% APR credit cards by paying off your entire balance before the introductory period ends.
About the Author
Elizabeth is a personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, debt repayment, and small business. Her work has appeared on The Motley Fool, MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, and Business Insider. She’s an avid credit card points collector and perpetual traveler currently living in Costa Rica.
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JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, 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. Citigroup 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. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Elizabeth Aldrich has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, PayPal Holdings, Target, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Visa and Mastercard.
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