Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

7 Best 0% APR credit cards

Our top picks have intro periods of a year or more.

Avatar
Avatar

By

Kevin Joey Chen

&

Kliment Dukovski

Updated

Fact checked
The best 0% APR credit cards offer a long intro APR period supplemented with additional perks or features that can extend the card’s value even further. Finder’s credit card experts spend nearly 200 hours each week evaluating 0% APR credit cards to choose the best among them. We’ve listed the top 0% intro APR credit cards across several categories based on factors including: intro period length, balance transfer fees, rewards options, and similar features that can extend the value of an intro APR card past its promotional period.

What are the best 0% intro APR credit cards?

Best everyday cashback card with long intro APR on purchases

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees
Read review
With a higher-than-average rewards rate on groceries, gas and online retail, this is a card worth adding to your wallet for the rewards alone. However, it also comes with one of the longest interest-free periods on purchases available, letting you make purchases and pay them off interest-free over 15 months. On the other hand, the higher earning Blue Cash Preferred only offers a 12-month intro period.

Partner terms and conditions
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Best value for boosting points with transfers

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.7
★★★★★

Finder score

Read review
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is no longer just your average 1.5% cashback card, as it also earns big rewards on several categories, including 5% back on travel booked through Chase and 3% back on drugstores and dining. Pair it with a Chase Sapphire card and even your base 1.5% cash back becomes either 1.87% or 2.25% for travel redemption. The intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months is the cherry on top.

Partner terms and conditions
The information about Chase Freedom Unlimited® has been collected independently by Finder and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Best 5% cashback credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠

4.7
★★★★★

Finder score

Read review
Competitor cards offer 5% back on rotating categories only. The Freedom Flex, however, lets you earn back on rotating categories as well as a high cashback rate on the same categories recently added to the Chase Freedom Unlimited: 5% back on travel booked through Chase and 3% back on dining and drugstores. If offers the same 15 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers as the Chase Freedom Unlimited, meaning you can choose the one that best suits your spending preferences — or both if you want to build the Chase Trifecta.

Partner terms and conditions
The information about Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Finder and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Best for 0% intro APR for balance transfers

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

Read review
If you want to squeeze the most out of your 0% intro balance transfer APR period, try the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. It traditionally holds the title of longest intro period for balance transfers. 21 months is one of the longest on the market and while the intro APR on purchases isn't nearly as impressive, it's still a helpful tool to have in your financial arsenal. Citi's status as a trusted credit card provider also helps keep this card in the limelight.

Best for 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card

4.8
★★★★★

Finder score

Terms apply, see rates & fees
The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers the longest 0% intro period length for both purchases and balance transfers, besting even the Citi Diamond Preferred. If you meet the card's APR extension requirements, you're looking at an unbeatable of 0% APR of 18 billing cycles on purchases and 0% APR of 18 billing cycles on balance transfer. The card's cell phone protection and road side assistance simply affirm this card's value.

Best for 0% intro APR on balance transfers

Wells Fargo Reflect Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers the longest 0% intro period length for both purchases and balance transfers, besting even the Citi Diamond Preferred. If you meet the card's APR extension requirements, you're looking at an unbeatable of 0% APR of 18 months on purchases and 0% APR of 18 months on balance transfer. The card's cell phone protection and road side assistance simply affirm this card's value.

Best cashback 0% APR card for purchases and balance transfers

Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Credit Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Credit Card is an unlimited cashback card that offers a long 0% intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. This makes the card an excellent value long after you've exhausted the intro APR offer.

Best for travel

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

3.5
★★★★★

Finder score

Go to site
Terms apply, see rates & fees
Read review
If you're looking save on interest on purchases or balance transfers and then turn that card into ongoing travel value, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a strong choice. Most higher performing travel cards lack an intro APR, so this serves as one of the best choices available for now.

Methodology

A card’s intro period length is the most important factor when comparing 0% APR cards. Beyond that, a card’s additional functions as a financial tool was our primary concern. We elevated cards that could also double up as another type of card, such as a cash back rewards card or travel card, on our rankings. Those that stood out in these sub-categories were highlighted for our list.

Back to top

Compare 0% intro APR credit cards

Between purchase and balance transfer intro offers, there are dozens of 0% intro APR credit cards to choose from. If none of our top picks suit your needs, compare even more intro APR credit cards for more options.
See all cards

How to choose a 0% APR credit card

The first order of business when choosing a 0% APR credit card is determining whether you need an intro APR on balance transfers, purchases or both. From there, you’ll want to consider a few financial factors to pick out the best card for you.

  • Look at your interest-saving needs. You have two primary choices for a 0% APR card — a balance transfer offer or an intro APR on purchases, and some credit cards feature both offers. Which you need will ultimately determine what cards are available for you to choose.
  • Consider the length of the intro period you’ll need. Whether it’s for purchases or balance transfers, you’ll find intro lengths ranging from six months to 20 months. Cards are locked into their advertised intro periods, so the length you need is an important part of picking the best option for you.
  • Review the card’s revert APR. If you plan on carrying a balance, pay attention to the card’s revert APR after the intro period is over. This is also important to consider if you can’t pay off your balance transfer before the intro period ends, as your remaining debt will build interest based on this revert rate.
  • Think about your long-term plans for the card. If you want to use your card well past the intro APR period, look for a card with rewards or benefits that can bring you value after the intro period ends.

Pros and cons of a 0% APR credit card

Pros

  • Save on interest. Both types of 0% APR credit cards let you save on interest you would otherwise accrue if you paid your balance off over time.
  • Long intro periods. The average intro APR is 12 months and they can go up to 20 months max as of April 2021.
  • Possible rewards. Some 0% intro APR credit cards offer rewards, which can extend the value you’ll find with these cards.

Cons

  • Good credit required. Most 0% APR credit cards require at least a good credit score for qualification.
  • Limited by credit limit. The maximum debt you can transfer is limited by your card’s credit limit.
  • Revert APR risky. Remember that an unpaid balance will start accruing interest at the end of your intro period. If you weren’t able to pay down enough of your balance, you could end up in a poor financial situation as the interest on your original balance climbs.

When is a 0% APR credit card worth it?

A 0% APR credit card is worth it whenever you want to pay off existing debt interest free or make large purchases and pay it off over time with no interest. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on whether you should pick one up.

You should get a 0% APR credit card if you…

  • Have existing debt that can fit on a balance transfer card.
  • Want to make several large purchases but can’t immediately pay for it in full and don’t wish to accrue interest.
  • Are confident you can pay off your card before the end of the intro period.

You shouldn’t get a 0% APR credit card if you…

  • Have poor credit and can’t qualify for a card with good terms.
  • Have debt too large to fit onto a balance transfer card.
  • Can’t pay off your balance before the end of the intro period.

Here’s how to choose between a balance transfer or purchase intro APR card

You have three options when it comes to choosing an intro APR card: a balance transfer APR, a purchase APR, or both. Assess your financial circumstances to choose the best one for your needs.

  • Balance transfer card. You have existing debt you want to save interest on and you’re not especially concerned about using your credit card after paying it off.
  • Purchase APR card. You need to make a few large purchases and carry them as a balance, and you can also pay off your purchase within the allotted time frame to avoid interest.
  • Intro APR on both. It’s difficult to take advantage of both intro APR periods since you should avoid making new purchases on a balance transfer card. However, you can take advantage of both offers on such a card if you can pay off your balance transfer within a reasonable time frame. You can use any time left over on the card’s intro period take take advantage of interest-free purchases for the remainder of the time frame. And you’re welcome to use any one of the offers on the card.

You asked, we listened: Top 0% APR credit card questions

  • Do I still need to make payments during my 0% intro APR period? Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about a 0% intro APR period is that you don’t have to make payments. You’ll need to make at least the minimum payment each month to avoid late fees and potentially losing your promotional interest rate.
  • If I make a purchase during the 0% intro balance transfer period, what interest am I charged? You’ll be charged the card’s standard interest rate on purchases made on a balance transfer card. It’s best to pay off any transferred debts before you start spending on your balance transfer card to keep yourself from accidentally incurring interest on your card.
  • Does getting a 0% APR credit card hurt my credit score? Getting a new credit card in general — not necessarily a 0% APR card — could lower your credit score by a few points. That’s because your provider will perform a hard pull on your credit report.
  • Why is it important to check the balance transfer fee before making a transfer? This fee can add a significant cost you might not expect. The provider usually charges 3% to 5% of the transfer amount. So, if you’re transferring $5,000, you could pay a fee of $150 to $250.
  • Are 0% APR credit cards always available? No. Providers occasionally add, remove or change 0% APR offers as they see fit. For example, many providers dropped 0% APR balance transfer offers from their cards during 2020.

How we rate our cards

★★★★★ — Excellent

★★★★★ — Good

★★★★★ — Average

★★★★★ — Subpar

★★★★★ — Poor

Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar cards on the market.

We rank card types — travel, cash back, business — on a set of factors that are most relevant to that type of card. We create these rankings to help you narrow down a credit card that best suits your spending and budget.

Learn the details of our methodology and scoring.

More guides on Finder

Ask a Question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site