The Best 0% Intro APR Credit Cards of November 2023

The average credit card interest rate is around 15% according to the Federal Reserve. If you’re not paying your credit card balance in full each month, interest costs can creep up quickly and make a major dent in your budget.

One way to save, especially if you’re trying to pay down high-interest credit card debt or make a large purchase, is to use a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) credit card. These cards provide you with a 0% intro APR for a set period of time. Often this low intro APR can last for 12 months, but some credit card offers might include an intro period of up to 18 months. And as long as you pay off your balance before the end of that period, you can avoid paying interest charges altogether.

If you’re looking for the best 0% intro APR credit cards, consider the fantastic options below.

The best 0% intro APR credit cards

• Best for longest intro APR period: Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card
• Best for rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited^®
• Best for flat-rate cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card
• Best for business: Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card
• Best for balance transfers: BankAmericard^® credit card
• Best for elevated cash back: Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
• Best for travel: Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for simple cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for gas and groceries: Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express
• Best for custom cash back: Citi Custom Cash^® Card
• Best for rewards on rotating categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Best for cell phone protection: U.S. Bank Visa^® Platinum Card
• Best for long intro APR period on balance transfers: Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card
• Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for no late fees: Citi Simplicity^® Card

Compare the best 0% intro APR credit cards

There are plenty of great low interest credit cards out there. Here is a look at some of the best options available today from a variety of credit card issuers:

Card name	Intro balance transfer APR details	Intro purchase APR details	Welcome bonus	Annual fee
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card	0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable)	0% intro APR on purchases for 21 months from account opening (then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable)	N/A	$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, and then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable	0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, and then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable	Unlimited matched cash back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned (there is no limit to how much you can earn; every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match)	$0
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card	0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable)	0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from account opening (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable)	$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	$0
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card	N/A	0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable	Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening	$0
BankAmericard® credit card	0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 16.24% - 26.24% Variable)	0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 16.24% - 26.24% Variable)	N/A	$0
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card	0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)	0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)	Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening	$0
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card	0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)	0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)	Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases	$0
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable); 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR)	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable)	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	$0
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable)	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable)	Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months	$0 (Terms apply)
Citi Custom Cash® Card	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable))	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable))	Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back	$0
Chase Freedom Flex℠	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 20.49%-29.24% Variable)	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 20.49%-29.24% Variable)	Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening	$0
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card	0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers (then 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable))	0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases (then 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable))	N/A	$0
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card	0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable))	0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable))	N/A	$0
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable)); 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR)	0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable))	Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening	$0
Citi Simplicity® Card	0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable))	0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable))	N/A	$0

Wells Fargo Reflect^® Card: Best for longest intro APR period

Pros	Cons
Long intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Cell phone protection $0 annual fee	No rewards rate No welcome bonus 3% foreign transaction fees

The Wells Fargo Reflect is great for people who want a particularly long time to pay off qualifying balance transfers or eligible purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 21 months from account opening (then 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable)

Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card has some of the longest intro APR offers available.

If you’ve always wanted that fancy new couch but would need more than a year to pay for it, then the Reflect’s long intro APR offer makes it an excellent option.

You can also take advantage of this card’s cell phone protection perk, which can help repair or replace your phone if it’s damaged. You don’t see that benefit on many credit cards.

What we don’t like: The Wells Fargo Reflect doesn’t provide any rewards for purchases and there’s typically no welcome bonus for new cardholders. You also have to pay 3% in foreign transaction fees.

Other benefits include:

• Roadside dispatch
• My Wells Fargo Deals

Read our full Wells Fargo Reflect Card review for more details.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®: Best for rewards

Pros	Cons
Earns cash back in the form of valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points Has a welcome bonus $0 annual fee Has decent intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers	Has foreign transaction fees

The Chase Freedom Unlimited provides valuable rewards and useful intro APR offers for both balance transfers and purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months (then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable)

Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited has a $0 annual fee and you can earn valuable Chase points at a rate of 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also take advantage of this welcome bonus: Unlimited matched cash back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned (there is no limit to how much you can earn; every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match).

What we don’t like: It’s not the best card to take on your international travels since you have to pay foreign transaction fees.

Other benefits include:

• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review for more details.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card: Best for flat-rate cash rewards

Pros	Cons
Simple rewards rate Has a welcome bonus $0 annual fee Has decent intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers	3% foreign transaction fees No bonus categories

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card provides worthwhile intro APR offers on qualifying balance transfers and purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from account opening (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable)

Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Active Cash has a $0 annual fee and you can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.

For its welcome bonus, you can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

What we don’t like: There aren’t any bonus categories with the Active Cash rewards rate, meaning you can’t earn elevated rewards on certain purchases. You also have to pay 3% in foreign transaction fees for purchases made abroad or from international companies.

Other benefits include:

• Cell phone protection
• 24/7 Visa Signature Concierge service
• Access to the Visa Signature Hotel Collection

Read our full Wells Fargo Active Cash review for more details.

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card: Best for business

Pros	Cons
Has bonus categories that align with common business expenses $0 annual fee Has a welcome bonus Earns cash back in the form of valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points	No intro APR offer on balance transfers Has foreign transaction fees

The Ink Business Cash provides an intro APR offer on purchases, which could help with large business expenses.

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 24.49% Variable)

Why we like it: The Ink Business Cash has a $0 annual fee and you can earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

We also think the rewards rate is extremely useful for many different types of small business owners.

Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

What we don’t like: There’s no intro APR offer on balance transfers and you have to pay foreign transaction fees on any purchases made abroad or with foreign companies.

Other benefits include:

• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Roadside dispatch

Read our full Chase Ink Cash Business Credit Card review for more details.

BankAmericard^® credit card: Best for balance transfers

Pros	Cons
Long intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers $0 annual fee No penalty APR on late payments	No rewards rate No welcome bonus 3% foreign transaction fees

The BankAmericard provides excellent intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 16.24% - 26.24% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles (then 16.24% - 26.24% Variable)

Why we like it: The BankAmericard has a $0 annual fee and provides some of the longest intro APR offers for qualifying balance transfers and purchases. There’s also no penalty APR for late payments.

What we don’t like: The BankAmericard doesn’t typically have a welcome bonus or offer any rewards. You also have to pay 3% in foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Read our full BankAmericard credit card review for more details.

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for elevated cash back

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Long intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Has a welcome bonus Simple rewards rate	No bonus categories 3% foreign transaction fees

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards has two excellent intro APR offers for qualifying balance transfers and purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)

Why we like it: The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards has a $0 annual fee and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. And if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% to 75% more cash back on your purchases.

For its welcome bonus, you can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

What we don’t like: There aren’t any bonus categories to earn higher rewards rates on certain purchases. You also need at least a three-month combined average daily balance of $20,000 in eligible Bank of America deposit accounts and/or Merrill investment accounts to become a Preferred Rewards member and take advantage of bonus cashback rates.

Read our full Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards review for more details.

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for travel

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Long intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Has a welcome bonus Simple rewards rate No foreign transaction fees	No bonus categories

The Bank of America Travel Rewards has two useful intro APR offers on qualifying balance transfers and purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any qualifying balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)

Why we like it: The Bank of America Travel Rewards has a $0 annual fee and offers 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. These points are flexible and can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, restaurant purchases, and more.

You can also earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

What we don’t like: There aren’t any bonus categories to help earn higher rewards rates on specific purchases. You can take advantage of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program for a 25% to 75% boost to your rewards, but it requires a sizable chunk of money (at least $20,000) to get started.

Read our full Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card review for more details.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple cash back

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Simple rewards rate Has a welcome bonus No foreign transaction fees	Limited bonus categories

The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards makes for an excellent everyday cashback rewards card.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable)); 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable))

Why we like it: The Quicksilver Cash Rewards has a $0 annual fee, earns cash back, and has intro APR offers on balance transfers and purchases. The cashback rate is 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).

You can also earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

What we don’t like: The bonus categories are limited, meaning there aren’t many purchases that provide bonus cash back above the base earning rate.

Other benefits include:¹

• Capital One Travel
• Extended warranty
• Travel accident insurance
• Concierge service
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review for more details.

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express: Best for gas and groceries

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee (Terms apply) Has a welcome bonus Has elevated rewards rates on everyday categories Decent intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers	No travel rewards Rewards cap on bonus categories 2.7% foreign transaction fees

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday is an excellent choice for its intro APR offers on balance transfers and purchases, as well as for earning cash back (in the form of statement credits) on everyday expenses.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.99% Variable)

Why we like it: The Amex Blue Cash Everyday has a $0 annual fee and offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

With its welcome bonus, you can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.

The Amex Blue Cash Everyday also provides a $7 statement credit each month (up to $84 annually) after spending $12.99 or more per month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle. Enrollment required.

What we don’t like: Cash back is fine for some people, but you might prefer travel rewards, which this card doesn’t earn. There’s also a cap on how much cash back you can earn on the bonus categories and you have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Other benefits include:

• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Purchase protection
• Global assist hotline
• Up to $180 (up to $15 per month) in annual Home Chef statement credits
• Complimentary ShopRunner membership
• Enrollment required for select benefits

Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express review for more details.

Citi Custom Cash^® Card: Best for custom cash back

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Customizable earning potential Has a welcome bonus Decent intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers	3% foreign transaction fees Spending cap on bonus categories

The Citi Custom Cash allows you to customize how you earn rewards.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable))

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable))

Why we like it: It has a $0 annual fee and offers 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent, then 1% cash back), plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. this bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 thankyou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

What we don’t like: There’s a spending cap on how much you can earn on the bonus categories each billing cycle. You also have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Other benefits include:

• Citi Entertainment

Read our full Citi Custom Cash Card review for more details.

Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for rewards on rotating categories

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Elevated rewards rates on everyday categories Has a welcome bonus Has decent intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers	3% foreign transaction fees Rotating bonus categories might not always align with your everyday spending

The Chase Freedom Flex is a rewards card with two helpful intro APR offers.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 20.49%-29.24% Variable)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 20.49%-29.24% Variable)

Why we like it: It has a $0 annual fee and provides maximum rewards when used for purchases in its rotating categories.

The rewards rate is 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also earn this welcome bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

What we don’t like: The top rewards rate might not always align with your everyday purchases because the categories rotate each quarter. And you have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Other benefits include:

• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Read our full Chase Freedom Flex review for more details.

U.S. Bank Visa^® Platinum Card: Best for cell phone protection

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Long intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers Cell phone protection	No rewards rate No welcome bonus Has foreign transaction fees

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum makes sense if you want an above-average length of time to pay off balance transfers and eligible purchases. This card’s intro APR offers are among some of the longest available.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on balance transfers (then 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable))

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases (then 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable))

Why we like it: The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum has a $0 annual fee and provides up to $600 in cell phone protection if you have an eligible phone that’s stolen or damaged. You have to use the card to pay your phone bill each month, but if you ever damage or lose your phone, then this benefit could help repair or replace it.

What we don’t like: You don’t earn any rewards on eligible purchases and you typically can’t earn a welcome bonus as a new cardholder. You also have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Read our full U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card review for more details.

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card: Best for long intro APR period on balance transfers

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Long intro APR offer on balance transfers	Average intro APR on purchases No rewards rate No welcome bonus 3% foreign transaction fees

The Citi Diamond Preferred isn’t a rewards credit card, but it has one of the longest intro APR offers available for balance transfers.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable))

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable))

Why we like it: The Citi Diamond Preferred has a $0 annual fee and one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers. This makes it one of the best balance transfer cards available.

What we don’t like: You can’t earn any rewards on eligible purchases and there’s typically no welcome bonus. Compared to the intro APR offer on balance transfers, the intro APR offer period on purchases is a bit underwhelming. You also have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Other benefits include:

• Citi Entertainment

Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred review for more details.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Has a welcome bonus Has elevated rewards rates on everyday categories No foreign transaction fees	Minimal travel benefits Mastercard credit cards aren’t accepted at some retailers, such as Costco

The Capital One SavorOne provides above-average intro APR offers on balance transfers and purchases.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable)); 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months (or at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time; No fee for amounts transferred at the Transfer APR)

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 19.99% - 29.99% (variable))

Why we like it: The Capital One SavorOne has a $0 annual fee and offers 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), popular streaming services, and entertainment; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024); and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

What we don’t like: In general, there’s a lot to like about this card. But it’s not the best travel credit card because of minimal travel benefits. And Mastercard credit cards aren’t always accepted at every major retailer, including Costco.

Other benefits include:¹

• Capital One Travel
• Extended warranty
• Travel accident insurance
• Concierge service
• 24-hour travel assistance services

Read our full Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards review for more details.

Citi Simplicity^® Card: Best for no late fees

Pros	Cons
$0 annual fee Long intro APR offer on balance transfers No late fees	Average intro APR offer on purchases No rewards rate No welcome bonus 3% foreign transaction fees

The Citi Simplicity is similar to the Citi Diamond Preferred but has no late fees.

Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers (then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable))

Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable))

Why we like it: The Citi Simplicity has a long intro APR on balance transfers, a $0 annual fee, and no late fees.

What we don’t like: You can’t earn rewards on eligible purchases and there’s typically no welcome bonus. The intro APR offer on purchases also has a much shorter period compared to the intro APR offer on balance transfers. And you have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Read our full Citi Simplicity Card review for more details.

How to choose the best 0% introductory APR credit card

When choosing the best 0% intro APR credit card, it’s important to look at your situation and goals. For example, will you be using the card for a big purchase? Or are you planning to use it to help pay down your credit card debt?

If you’re looking to finance a large purchase, opt for a credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to transfer an existing balance from another card, a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers will help you tackle your principal faster. Some cards offer both perks, though introductory periods can vary.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind as you consider 0% intro APR credit cards:

• Length of the introductory period: Discover how long the introductory period is. Some credit cards, like the Citi Simplicity card, come with a introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months (then 19.24% - 29.99% (Variable)). The longer your introductory period, the more likely you are to avoid interest payments. Any amount not paid off at the end of your intro period will be subject to your card's regular variable APR.
  
• Balance transfer fee: Pay attention to the balance transfer fee, as it’s common to see a fee of 3% or 5% of the amount of each transfer. Run the numbers to determine if your interest savings will offset any balance transfer fee, and keep in mind that some cards will also waive this fee if you complete your balance transfer within a set period.
  
• Welcome offer: While a welcome offer isn’t everything, it is definitely worth considering as you shop around for a credit card. For instance, you might opt for a card like the American Express Blue Cash Everyday®, which has this welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
  
• Monthly payments: Always be sure to make your monthly payments on or before the due date. If you make a late payment, you'll not only be hit with unnecessary late fees, but you could lose the benefit of your intro APR. You might even be charged a penalty APR that is higher than normal. So at least be sure to always make your minimum payment.
• Other rewards and perks: In some cases, it might make sense to get a card that you’ll keep using after the introductory period ends. Take a detailed look at each cards rewards program. Consider if a cash back card or a travel rewards card fits your lifestyle better. Check to see if the card has any additional benefits like no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty protection, or statement credits for certain types of spending or with certain retail partners.

Think about your goals, compare a few cards, and narrow down your options before you apply for a new card. Figure out how much you need to pay each month so that your entire balance is down to zero before the end of your introductory period when the variable rate of interest kicks in.

How do 0% APR offers work?

In general, a 0% APR offer means you won’t have to pay any interest on qualifying balance transfers, purchases, or both for a set period of time.

So with certain credit cards that have 0% APR intro balance transfer offers, you could transfer a balance from another credit product and not worry about accruing interest on that balance for the time frame of the offer. Many balance transfer credit cards provide 0% intro APR offers that last between 12 to 18 months.

After the intro APR period ends, the interest rate typically reverts back to a variable rate. So it’s important to pay off a balance before the intro APR offer ends or you could end up with loads of interest charges moving forward.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t always make sense to take advantage of balance transfers on 0% APR credit cards. You’re basically guaranteed to pay a balance transfer fee for any balance transfer, so you have to calculate whether the money you might save on interest is more than the amount you could pay in fees.

How to avoid credit card interest after your 0% APR period

The simplest way to avoid credit card interest after your 0% APR period ends is to:

1. Pay off your balance before your 0% APR period ends
2. Don’t carry a balance moving forward

The point of a 0% APR period is to give you time to pay down a balance without having to worry about interest charges. And moving forward, you typically don’t want to carry a balance on your credit card at all.

Your credit card interest rate typically jumps dramatically after an intro APR offer ends, so it’s best to pay off the balance during the offer’s time period. If you plan to continue using your credit card for everyday purchases, be sure to pay off the balance each month so that there’s no chance of being charged interest.

But if your 0% APR card isn’t tied to a rewards program, it’s likely better to use a cashback credit card or travel credit card for everyday spending. That way you’ll earn rewards for the purchases you already make.

Why we chose these cards (methodology)

We chose these zero-interest credit cards for their relatively long introductory rates, along with some of their other perks. This list contains a mix of cards that offer rotating, tiered, and flat cashback programs, as well as cards that don’t offer rewards, but do offer longer 0% introductory APR periods. We created this list for consumers with different needs and preferences in order to help them find a card to achieve their long-term financial goals.

FAQs

The bottom line on the best 0% intro APR credit cards

What is the best 0% intro APR credit card for you? In the end, it’s all about what is most compatible with your goals and priorities. A good credit card can complement your budget, provide you with cash back or travel rewards, help you manage your money, and maybe even provide a welcome bonus. Thankfully, a lot of credit card companies offer these cards, so you have a number of offers to pick from. 

If you are a small business owner, you might also want to check out the best 0% intro APR business credit cards.

To get the most out of a new credit card with an interest-free period though, it’s important to pay your bill on time, focusing on responsible use to build your credit score, pay down your debt or purchases, and make the most of your spending.