Save money on interest with a no APR credit card. Enjoy intro 0% APR offer for 21 months with Wells Fargo Reflect Card or U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card.
Credit cards can be a convenient financial tool, particularly when they offer promotional 0% APR (annual percentage rate) periods. This allows consumers to make purchases or transfer balances without accruing interest for a limited time. Typically lasting around 15 months, these promotional offers can be extended by certain cards, making them especially appealing for individuals who need additional time to manage their debt. During this interest-free period, any payments made directly decrease the principal balance, enabling cardholders to prioritize debt repayment without the added burden of interest charges. This can be an effective strategy for avoiding mounting interest while keeping finances in check, provided that borrowers remain disciplined in managing their spending.
Stop accruing interest and tackle your credit card debt now with a no APR credit card. Benzinga compiled some of the best 0% APR credit cards available in the market today.
Quick Look at the Best No APR Credit Cards:
Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Find a listing of the best intro 0% APR credit cards for this month. Compare options based on various factors to find the right fit for your finances.
1. Best for 21-Month Introductory APR: Wells Fargo Reflect Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 21-month introductory period with 0% APR on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers. To be eligible for the balance transfer promo, a request must be made within 120 days from account opening. You’ll pay 5% transaction fee (with a minimum of $5) to transfer the balance from your existing card to this card. But that 5% is likely far less than you’re paying each month on your current card. The credit card also comes with nice perks, like cell phone protection against damage or theft of up to $600, roadside assistance, zero liability protection and no annual fee. No rewards are the largest setback to this credit card.
Why We Picked It: Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers one of the longest introductory APR period available to help you pay down your credit card debt for longer. This can be incredibly beneficial if you have a large balance that you’re looking to pay down over several months or even years.
2. Best for Dining Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a 15-month no APR period on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer when done within the first 60 days of having the card will apply. While you pay down your existing credit card balance, this no-annual fee card lets you earn 3% cash back on all restaurant and drugstore purchases, as well as 5% on Chase Travel. Everything else earns you 1.5% cash back. If you dine out frequently, Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card to help earn cash back to further pay down debt.
Why We Picked It: Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a great option for those looking for a credit card with no annual fee, a 0% intro APR offer and a solid rewards program. Whether you’re looking to make a big purchase, transfer a balance, or simply earn rewards on your everyday expenses, this credit card has something for everyone.
3. Best for Cash Rewards: Discover it Cash Back Credit Card
Discover it Cash Back Credit Card puts no limits on how much cash back you must accumulate to redeem it for cash. That means that you can use the cash back to pay down your credit card debt during the 15-month 0% APR introductory period to make the most of that time. The rotating 5% reward categories can help increase your rewards but you’ll need to monitor those categories and activate them. This Discover card has a cashback matching offer for the first year. This means Discover will match all the cash back you earn through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, doubling the amount of cash back rewards you receive. Plus, your cash back never expires and redemption can be made at any point no matter how much you’ve earned.
Why We Picked It: With its generous rewards program, Cashback Match feature, and no annual fee, this Discover card is a great option for anyone looking for a no APR credit card.
4. Best for Choosing Cash-Back Bonus Category: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Enjoy a 0% intro APR for your first 15 billing cycles when you sign up for a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card. That’s shorter than some other cards but the bonus of reward points could help make up the difference. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Reward customer, you’ll earn an additional 25% to 75% in rewards. And no matter who you are, you’ll get to choose your bonus category each month for rewards, helping you maximize your rewards based on your spending. Groceries and wholesale clubs always earn you 2% cash back. All other purchases earn you 1% cash back. New cardholders can enjoy $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Why We Picked It: With a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, you get to maximize your rewards points while enjoying their intro APR offer. Choose your 3% bonus cash-back rewards category and change it monthly.
5. Best for Balance Transfers: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers 21 months interest-free on credit card balance transfers and new balances. That can help you pay down debt. Plus, the balance transfer fee is only 3%. This Visa card also comes with cell phone protection up to $600 for theft or damage to the phone. It has no annual fee, and you can choose a payment date based on when you get paid.
Why We Picked It: The competitive transfer fee mixed with the 21-month 0% intro APR could help you pay down credit card debt faster. Plus, you have the flexibility to select a payment due date that aligns with your schedule.
6. Best for Those with Fair Credit: Citi Double Cash Card
If you have a fair credit score, you can still find some credit cards with 0% APR. But your options will be more limited. That’s why the Citi Double Cash Card is nice because you can qualify even with fair credit. Getting the card to pay down some credit card debt can help you increase your credit score with time. The card comes with a 0% intro APR for 18 months. And balance transfers are available with a transaction fee of only 3%. The card comes with no annual fee and a generous rewards program. You can earn an unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay, on every purchase, with no limit and category restrictions.
Why We Picked It: Citi Double Cash Card’s 18-month intro period offer with a 3% competitive balance transfer fee makes it a great option for a no APR credit card. With its excellent rewards program and wide acceptance, it is definitely worth considering for those looking to build credit while earning rewards.
7. Best for No Foreign Transaction Fee: Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card
The lack of a foreign transaction fee mixed with a no annual fee and a flat rate of 1% cash back on everything makes this a good credit card that is low-maintenance and simple to understand. You’ll also get a 0% introductory APR for 15 months. However, the balance transfer fee is 4%, which is higher than most. That will only be highly influential if you plan to move a large balance.
Why We Picked It: Fifth Third offers a decent introductory APR offer combined with strong ongoing credit card rewards to provide decent perks overall.
8. Best for Rewards on Everyday Purchases: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
You won’t get high reward categories with this credit card, but you do get solid cash back on everyday purchases. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is best for those who spend their money on supermarkets, gas stations and retail. The 3% cash back rewards max out at $6,000 per year in purchases, and then it goes down to 1%. This offers strong rewards for those who want to earn points to pay down their credit card balance. The card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. New cardholders can earn $200 back in the form of statement credits after spending $2,000 within the first six months of account opening. Plus, they have a Buy Now, Pay Later Plan It wherein you can split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee.
Why We Picked It: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a solid choice for individuals looking to earn rewards on their everyday purchases. With its no APR credit card offer, cash back rewards program and no annual fee, this card offers a great value proposition for those in search of a new credit card.
9. Best for Travelers: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
While your primary financial focus right now might be paying down your credit card debt, you can plan for the future by accumulating travel rewards in the meantime. You won’t have an annual fee but can earn large rewards to use toward booking hotels and rental cars when you use the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. Their low intro APR offers allows you to enjoy 0% interest charges on purchases for 15 months.
Why We Picked It: With this Capital One credit card, you can earn high travel rewards while paying down your credit card balance with 0% APR. With no annual fee and a range of travel benefits, this credit card is a smart choice for frequent travelers or those looking to save money on credit card interest charges.
10. Best for Entertainment Rewards: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Enjoy a nice introductory offer of 0% APR for 15 months with a 3% intro balance transfer fee. It also offers an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. You can earn more with purchases made on Capital One Entertainment (8% cash back) and Capital One Travel (5%.)
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, allowing cardholders to maximize their cash back without incurring extra costs. You’ll also get access to exclusive perks and benefits offered by other Capital One cards such as Capital One Dining, Capital One Shopping extended warranty protection, $0 Fraud Liability, and more.
Why We Picked It: Enjoy a low introductory rate and 15 months of 0% APR with generous cash back rewards for $0 annual fee.
What Is a 0% Intro APR Credit Card?
A 0% APR credit card is a credit card that offers a promotional period during which you won’t be charged any interest on your balance. This means that for a certain period of time, typically between 6 to 21 months, any balance you carry on the card won’t accrue interest. This can be a great way to save money on interest charges and pay off your balance faster.
How Do 0% APR Credit Cards Work?
Consumers often use no APR credit cards to consolidate credit card debt. Another beneficial way to use these cards is to finance a large purchase during the introductory period.
There are two common types of 0% intro APR offer. It is important to be clear what type you’re getting when applying for a no APR credit card.
- 0% introductory purchase APR: This offer allows you to make purchases without accruing interest for a certain period of time, typically 12 months. After the intro period ends, any remaining balance will be subject to the regular purchase APR.
- 0% introductory balance transfer APR: This offer allows you to transfer a balance from another credit card with no interest for a specific period of time, but rules and restrictions apply. It is important to understand the terms and risks associated with balance transfers before proceeding.
During the promotional period, you’ll still need to make minimum monthly payments on your balance to avoid late fees and penalties. It’s important to note that once the promotional period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card’s regular APR. This rate can vary depending on the card issuer and your creditworthiness.
Pros and Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards
Credit cards with 0% introductory offers can offer incredible savings. But if you rack up a large balance during the period, you could end up paying far more for your credit card purchases because interest will kick in once the offer ends. Here’s a look at the pros and cons these cards offer.
Pros of 0% APR Credit Cards
- Interest savings: During the introductory period, you can save a great deal of money on interest. This can help you pay off your debt or finance a large purchase wisely.
- Reduce monthly payments: You’re currently responsible for making minimum payments on your credit card balance. You can reduce those monthly payments and chip away at them faster by getting a 0% interest APR period.
- Pay off debt faster: Because you won’t be accruing additional interest, you can often pay down debt faster so long as you aren’t adding to your balance each month.
- Gain additional credit card perks: Signing up for a new credit card enables you to select a card based on your spending habits to maximize credit card rewards. You can also get purchase protection and extended warranty with the right card.
- Reduce credit utilization to improve your credit score: As you pay down your credit card balance, you’ll improve your credit utilization, which will help raise your credit score. The lower you can get your balance during the 0% introductory period, the better your credit score will be.
Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards
- Late payments can end your 0% APR: If you fail to make minimum payments on your credit card, you’ll lose your introductory offer and be subject to a new interest rate.
- Opening a new line of credit can harm your credit score temporarily: When you get a new credit card, the company will complete a hard credit inquiry. That can lower your credit score for a little while. So don’t do it close to when you need a loan for anything.
- Balance transfer fees reduce the total value of the transaction: While getting 0% APR for a few months is attractive, it will come with a fee. A balance transfer fee applies with all cards and is based on a percentage of how much you transfer over. The larger your balance, the more this will cost you. But often it’s less than one month’s interest on your existing cards, making it worth it.
- Creates a false sense of security: Some consumers transfer their credit card balances or finance a purchase using a new card without a plan to pay down the debt. They don’t pay attention to the fact that their intro period will end to ensure they’ve paid off their balance by then. This creates a false sense of security and allows them to continue spending.
How Much Could You Save With a 0% Intro APR Offer?
How much you’ll save with a no APR credit card offer will vary based on how much debt you transfer to the card or what you plan to finance with the card. Your current interest rates will also impact how much you save.
If you have $10,000 in credit card balances and the average 24.66% APR, you could save approximately $204.68 per month in interest. If you make payments on the balance to avoid future interest, it could save you thousands of dollars over your current credit card.
How to Compare 0% APR Credit Cards
Keep these things in mind when comparing and choosing 0% APR credit cards.
- Look for the longest intro APR period: Some cards may offer 0% APR for 12 months, while others may offer 0% APR for 18 months. Consider how long you think it will take you to pay off your balance, and choose a card with an interest-free period that meets your needs.
- Check for balance transfer fees: When transferring a balance to a new no APR credit card, make sure to check for balance transfer fees as they can negate the savings from the no APR offer. Look for a card with no balance transfer fees to maximize savings.
- Look for rewards or cash back offers: It is important to choose a card where the benefits outweigh any potential interest charges if the balance is not paid off in full each month.
- Consider annual fees: When choosing a no APR credit card, consider any potential annual fees that could impact your savings. Look for a card with no annual fee or benefits that outweigh the fee.
- Read the fine print: Pay attention to any terms and conditions, such as when the introductory 0% APR period ends, and what the regular APR will be after the promotional period. Understanding the terms of the card will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises down the road.
Pay Down Debt or Get Interest-free Financing
Applying for a no APR credit card can help you pay down your debt or seek interest-free financing for an upcoming purchase. When used wisely, these cards offer a strategic financial vehicle for paying down debt or spreading out payments for an item over the next several months. Just be sure to pay off the credit card before the intro period ends to get the most from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A
When you move your credit card balances to one card with 0% APR, your credit utilization will likely be too high, which could harm your credit. But sometimes there’s a strategic advantage to the balance transfer to pay down debt, which will improve your credit in the long run.
A
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card and U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card have the longest 0% interest rate, both with a no APR offer for 21 months from the date of account opening.
A
Most 0% APR credit cards require a good credit score of at least 670 though some cards will accept individuals with fair credit of 580 or above.
