Best 0% Interest Credit Cards

Compare our top 0% intro APR credit cards

What is a 0% intro APR credit card?

A 0% intro APR credit card is a type of credit card that offers a promotional period of no interest on purchases and/or balance transfers. This means that you won't be charged any interest on the money you borrow during the promotional period.

The length of the promotional period varies from card to card, but it's typically 12 to 18 months. After the promotional period ends, your card will revert to its regular APR, which could be high. So, it's important to make sure you can pay off your balance in full before the promotional period ends.

0% intro APR credit cards can be a good option for people who need to borrow money for a short-term project, such as home improvement or debt consolidation. They can also be a good option for people who want to transfer a high-interest balance to a new card with a 0% intro APR.

However, it's important to remember that 0% intro APR credit cards are not a free ride. You will still be responsible for paying back the money you borrow, plus interest after the intro period ends. So, it's important to make sure you can afford the payments before you apply for a card.

What does 0% APR mean on a credit card?

0% APR means the card has an introductory offer of no interest rate (also called APR – annual percentage rate) on purchases made within that period. That means if you spend $2,000 in that period and pay it off before the period ends, you’ll still only have spent $2,000.

How does a 0% APR credit card work?

A 0% APR credit card offers you an introductory period in which you will accrue no interest on your purchases. For example, if you got a card that had a 0% APR period of 12 months and you used it to purchase a new bathroom suite, you would have the full 12 months to pay it back before the balance started to accrue interest.

In other words, you can spread the cost of your purchases over that time frame and not pay anything for doing so.

Why do credit cards offer 0% APR?

Offering a 0% APR period makes using their credit card more attractive and encourages people to spend more. While diligent borrowers will pay off (or transfer) the balance before the 0% period ends, many don’t, which leaves them paying a high percentage of interest, which ultimately makes the card issuer money.

What is the difference between 0% APR and low interest credit cards?

A 0% APR credit card will only offer you that interest rate for a limited period – typically 3 to 21 months. After that, your interest rate will increase to a much higher rate, typically 16-24% or even more.

A low interest credit card usually doesn’t have an introductory period, or if it does, it will be much longer than a 0% APR period. Most low interest rate cards offer a constant interest rate of 5-16%, making spending more affordable for good.

What can a 0% APR credit card be used for?

A 0% APR credit card can be used for a variety of purposes, but it's important to choose a card that's right for your needs. Some of the most common uses for 0% APR credit cards include:

• Debt consolidation: If you have high-interest credit card debt, you can use a 0% APR credit card to transfer your balance to a new card with a 0% APR introductory period. This can save you money on interest payments in the long run.
• Home improvement: If you're planning a home improvement project, you can use a 0% APR credit card to finance the project. This can help you spread out the cost of the project over time and avoid paying high interest rates.
• Major purchases: If you're planning to make a large purchase, such as a new car or a new appliance, you can use a 0% APR credit card to finance the purchase. This can help you save money on interest payments and get the item you want now.
• Travel: If you're planning a vacation, you can use a 0% APR credit card to pay for your flights, hotels, and other expenses. This can help you spread out the cost of your vacation over time and avoid paying high interest rates.

It's important to note that not all 0% APR credit cards are created equal. Some cards have longer introductory periods than others, and some cards have higher annual fees. It's important to compare different cards before you choose one to make sure you're getting the best deal.

What are the pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards?

Pros:

• Affordability: 0% APR credit cards can help you spread out the cost of large expenses without paying any interest for a certain period of time. This can make it more affordable to make big purchases, such as a new car or a home improvement project.
• Fewer fees: Many 0% APR credit cards have no annual fees or balance transfer fees. This can save you money in the long run.
• Flexibility: 0% APR credit cards can be used for a variety of purposes, such as debt consolidation, home improvement, or major purchases. This gives you the flexibility to use the card for whatever you need it for.

Cons:

• High interest rates: After the introductory period ends, the interest rate on your 0% APR credit card will typically increase. This means that you'll start accruing interest on your balance, so it's important to pay off your balance in full before the introductory period ends.
• Inducement to overspend: 0% APR credit cards can make it tempting to overspend. This is because you're not paying any interest on your purchases, so it can feel like you're getting something for free. However, if you overspend, you'll end up owing more money in the long run.
• Regretful purchases: If you use a 0% APR credit card to make a purchase that you later regret, you'll be stuck with the bill. This is because you won't be able to avoid paying interest on the purchase after the introductory period ends.

How do I do a balance transfer to a 0% APR credit card?

You need to make sure that the card you’re looking at includes balance transfers in their 0% APR offer, otherwise you’ll find yourself paying a huge amount in interest on debt you could have paid off elsewhere. If they do offer a 0% APR period on balance transfers, then you’ll be able to request a balance transfer on your card’s online account management site. (You’ll have logged in there to activate your card.)

What is the best 0% intro APR credit card?

Some of the best 0% intro APR credit cards include:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited: This card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. It also has a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Citi Custom Cash Card: This card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. It also has a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
• Chase Freedom Flex: This card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. It also has a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Citi Rewards Card: This card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. It also has a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Of course, what card is best for you and your circumstances may differ from these. Make sure you use our comparison tables to find the best 0% APR credit card for you.

Is a 0% APR credit card good for your overall credit?

Your credit history won’t “know” that the card you got a card with a good 0% APR offer, so from that point of view, it won’t make any difference. Any new credit card account will bring your credit score down temporarily simply because that’s the effect hard credit searches have.

Paying your card on time will help bring it back up, but making a new large purchase may bring up your credit utilization percentage, which is best kept below 35% if you want to maintain your high credit score.

How do I qualify for a 0% APR credit card?

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of qualifying for a 0% APR credit card:

• Have a good credit score. Most 0% APR credit cards require a good credit score, typically in the 670-750 range. You can check your credit score for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Have a history of responsible credit use. Lenders want to see that you've been able to manage your credit responsibly in the past. This means making your payments on time and in full.
• Apply for a card that's right for you. Not all 0% APR credit cards are created equal. Some have longer introductory APR periods than others, and some have higher annual fees. It's important to compare different cards before you apply to make sure you're getting the best deal.

How to apply for a 0% APR credit card

To apply for a 0% APR credit card, you need to first compare cards to find the one that’s right for you. This will depend on your credit score and what you need to use the card for. The longer the 0% interest period the better, but if you have a score at the lower end of what a lender accepts, you’re likely going to receive a shorter 0% APR period.

Most credit cards now offer preapproval via a soft search of your credit history (which means it won’t hurt your credit score) and will tell you what terms you’re likely to get if you apply to them. Take advantage of this if it’s available so you know whether or not the card would be suitable for you.

Once you’ve chosen the right card, all you need to do is apply. This usually only takes a few minutes and you typically get an instant decision, with the card in your hands within 10 days of approval.

Closing thoughts

0% APR credit cards can be a great way to save money on interest payments, but it's important to do your research and understand the terms and conditions before you apply.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering a 0% APR credit card:

• The length of the introductory APR period: This is the period of time during which you won't be charged any interest on your purchases or balance transfers. The longer the introductory APR period, the more time you'll have to pay off your balance without accruing interest.
• The balance transfer fee: Some 0% APR credit cards charge a fee for balance transfers. This fee can be as high as 3% of the transferred balance, so it's important to factor this into your decision.
• The annual fee: Some 0% APR credit cards have an annual fee. If you're not sure if you'll use the card for more than the introductory period, it's a good idea to choose a card with no annual fee.
• The credit score requirement: Most 0% APR credit cards require a good credit score, typically in the 670-750 range. If your credit score is lower, you may still be able to qualify for a 0% APR credit card, but you may have to pay a higher interest rate after the introductory period ends.

Once you've considered these factors, you can start comparing 0% APR credit cards to find the right one for you. There are a number of websites that allow you to compare different cards side-by-side, so you can easily see which one offers the best terms and conditions for your needs.

When you're ready to apply for a 0% APR credit card, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign on the dotted line. This will help you understand your obligations and avoid any surprises down the road.