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Best 0% APR and Low-Interest Credit Cards in August 2026 (21 Months and Under)
Jarrod West
Jarrod West
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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 8 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
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The best way to avoid paying interest on a credit card is to never carry over a balance on that card in the first place.
However, in real life, things happen — an unexpected home or car repair, a large medical bill, or even a last-minute trip to attend a funeral can result in you spending more than you had planned.
Regardless of the reason, carrying large balances on your credit card can cost you dearly when interest is added to the debt, and you find yourself unable to pay it off in a timely manner.
The good news is that there are several credit cards with zero-interest offers that can help you get the cost of that debt under control while you focus on paying it off. It’s even possible to earn rewards on purchases you make with 0% APR cards.
Let’s look at how 0% APR cards work, how you may earn rewards while saving on interest charges, and some of the best introductory 0% APR credit cards.
Quick Overview of the Best 0% APR Credit Cards
A 0% APR introductory period means no interest is charged on purchases, balance transfers, or both for a set window after account opening. Cards featured on this page offer introductory periods ranging from 12 to 21 months.
For the longest 0% APR period, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 16.99% to 27.99%, all with a $0 annual fee. Among cards with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card also offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% and adds cell phone protection as a benefit.
For earning travel rewards during the introductory period, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%, all with a $0 annual fee. Redemption terms and value for any rewards earned can vary by issuer, so it’s worth reviewing them before applying (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).
Once the introductory period ends, the card’s standard variable APR applies to any remaining balance. Good to excellent credit is typically required to qualify for these cards.
The Best 0% APR Credit Cards Right Now
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card: Best for maximizing the length of your interest-free window on both new spending and existing balances thanks to its APR offer and no annual fee
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for large purchases that need extra time to pay off with its APR offer, with no annual fee.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for earning transferable travel rewards while paying down a balance, with no annual fee
SPECIAL OFFERAs High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressYou may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.49%-28.49% variable APR (rates & fees)
$200Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardEarn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.
20,000 pointsWells Fargo Autograph℠ CardEarn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The U.S. Bank Shield card is a worthwhile option for those who are looking for a card that offers a long 0% intro APR offer with a handful of benefits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 16.99% to 27.99%
4% back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center
Earn a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases
Cons
Doesn’t earn rewards on purchases other than travel purchases made through the U.S. Bank Travel Center
4% back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center
Earn a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases
Cell phone protection
No annual fee
U.S. Bank ExtendPay plan
Financial Snapshot
Foreign Transaction Fees:
The U.S. Bank Shield card currently has one of the longest available introductory APRs on purchases. With the 21-month introductory APR, if you have a large purchase to finance, this card may be a good choice.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.
The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a long intro APR period without an annual fee.
No offer available
$0
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% Variable APR thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a great option for those looking for a long intro APR window on purchases and qualifying balance transfers without an annual fee.
Pros & Cons
Pros
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24%
Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% Variable APR thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction after conversion into U.S. dollars.
The Wells Fargo Reflect card offers an industry-leading 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24%, while many other 0% APR credit cards offer 12- to 15-month windows.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
$200
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Cardholders can receive their cash-back at a rate of 1 cent per point via a statement credit to offset purchases made or receive a direct deposit straight to their bank account.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
As High As $200
$0
19.49%-28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.
Pros & Cons
Pros
3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
Cons
Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
No Annual Fee.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Depending on the nature of the large purchase, you could fare well using the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card because it earns 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers (up to $6,000 in purchases each year).
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.
Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
If you’re looking to the rake in the cash-back rewards, then the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option. Not only do you get to choose the 3% category for the card, but you can also boost the cash-back you earn by being a member of the BofA Rewards program.
Pros & Cons
Pros
3% cash-back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings (your category can be changed each month)
2% cash-back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
1% cash-back on all other purchases
Cons
3% and 2% cash-back categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then you’ll earn 1%
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you’re a BofA Rewards member, you can earn 10%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.3%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% to 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers in the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 5%.
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.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
In addition to its solid 15-month APR offer, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is excellent for those looking to rack up cash-back.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards bonus
$0
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter
Cons
No bonus categories for those who want to optimize certain purchases
Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% 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.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
If you like earning cash rewards on all of your purchases, prefer not to fuss with trying to remember bonus categories, and still want a great 15-month APR offer, then consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
20,000 points
$0
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x points on 6 different bonus categories. Choose from multiple options when you’re ready to redeem your rewards, and take advantage of great perks including cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and no foreign transaction fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
3x points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The Wells Fargo Autograph card is fantastic for those who want both a 12-month introductory APR offer and a card with tons of opportunities to earn points.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
20,000 Points
$320
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
The Citi Strata card offers a fresh way to earn Citi ThankYou Points with a $0 annual fee, allowing you to maximize your spend at gas stations, supermarkets, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
3x points at supermarkets, select transit, gas and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salon or pet supply stores)
2x points at restaurants
Cons
Doesn’t offer the best transfer ratio to Citi’s airline and hotel partners
Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
No Annual Fee
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
The Citi Strata card is a great option for those who want multiple ways to earn points on everyday purchases like gas and groceries, with an excellent APR offer.
Hot Tip:
Interested in 0% balance transfer cards in addition to 0% APR cards? Here are examples of cards that earn rewards and offer 0% APR for balance transfers.
The Best 0% APR Business Cards
Making a large business purchase and having a 0% APR business credit card to pay back the amount over time can help manage business cash flow.
Not all 0% APR offers work the same way, as some apply only to new purchases, others apply to balance transfers, and some to both. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right card for your situation.
0% APR on purchases: New purchases made during the introductory period aren’t charged interest, which is useful for financing a large expense over time.
0% APR on balance transfers: Moving an existing balance from a higher-interest card lets you pay it down interest-free, though most issuers charge a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred.
If you’re planning a large purchase, prioritize a card with a long 0% APR period on new purchases. If you’re paying down existing debt, look for a card with 0% APR on balance transfers and confirm the transfer fee and deadline before moving funds. Several cards on this page, including the Wells Fargo Reflect card and Freedom Unlimited card, apply 0% APR to both purchases and balance transfers.
How Does a 0% APR Credit Card Work?
0% APR Explained
A 0% APR credit card is a standard credit card that includes an introductory period, typically 12 to 21 months, during which no interest is charged on purchases, balance transfers, or both. Once that period ends, the card’s regular variable APR applies to any remaining balance.
Why People Use 0% APR Cards
A 0% APR card can help in several common financial situations.
An emergency expense comes up. Spreading a large medical bill, car repair, or emergency home repair over several months without interest can soften the financial impact.
You’re carrying high-interest credit card debt. Transferring a balance to a 0% APR card lets you pay it down without added interest, as long as you can pay it off before the introductory period ends.
You’re facing a large purchase. Financing large purchases like new appliances, furniture, or other big-ticket items interest-free gives you breathing room to pay over time.
A large tuition payment is due. Using a 0% APR card instead of a lump-sum payment or loan lets you spread the cost out over the introductory period.
How Much Can You Save?
Here’s a quick example showing how much interest a 0% APR card can save you on a large purchase.
Purchase amount: $1,500 (for instance, a new washer and dryer)
Standard credit card APR: 16%
Repayment period: 18 months
At a 16% APR, paying off this purchase over 18 months costs $197.12 in interest. Financing the same purchase on a 0% APR card with an 18-month introductory period eliminates that $197.12 entirely, as long as the balance is paid off before the introductory period ends.
How To Choose the Best 0% APR Credit Card
Before jumping in and selecting a 0% APR credit card, you should ask yourself a few questions:
What is your primary reason for getting the 0% APR card? For instance, will you use the card for a large purchase?
How many months do you need to pay off the balance completely? Common 0% APR periods include 9, 12, and 18 months.
Are there fees associated with the transactions you plan on making?
Will you make additional purchases on the card while paying down a transferred balance or a large purchase?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you select the right 0% APR credit card to fit your situation.
Credit Score Needed for a 0% APR Credit Card
Most 0% APR credit cards are marketed toward applicants with good to excellent credit, though exact requirements vary by issuer.
Good (670 to 739): This can qualify for many 0% APR cards, though approval odds and terms vary by issuer (Source: Experian).
Very Good (740 to 799): This score improves approval odds and access to cards with longer intro periods.
Excellent (800 to 850): This rating offers the strongest approval odds across nearly every card on this list.
Generally speaking, if your credit score is 670 or higher, you should have relatively strong odds of being approved for any card discussed on this page.
Things To Know Before Applying for a 0% APR Credit Card
A 0% APR card can save you real money, but only if you use it the right way.
Pay off your balance before the introductory period ends. Any amount left over starts accruing interest at the card’s standard variable APR, which can range from roughly 17% to 28% depending on the card.
Make every payment on time. A late payment can trigger a penalty APR and, on some cards, end the 0% period early.
Watch for balance transfer fees. Transferring a balance typically costs 3% to 5% of the amount moved, even during the 0% introductory window.
Used carefully, a 0% APR card can save you hundreds of dollars in interest, but a missed payment or an unpaid balance at the deadline can erase that benefit entirely.
Our Method for Selecting Cards
Every card featured on this page goes through the same review process: We evaluate the length of the 0% introductory period, annual fees, welcome offers, ongoing rewards value, and cardholder benefits before ranking them.
We prioritize offers that are currently available and verify APR and fee details directly with issuers. Cards that no longer offer competitive introductory periods or that carry hidden costs are removed from consideration. For a full breakdown of our scoring criteria, see our credit card rating methodology.
Final Thoughts
A 0% APR credit card can be a useful tool for financing a large purchase or paying down existing debt without accruing interest, provided the balance is paid off before the introductory period ends.
The best fit depends on how long you need to repay the balance, whether you want to earn rewards along the way, and whether purchases, balance transfers, or both matter most to your situation. Compare a few options against your repayment timeline before applying.
