12 Best 0% APR Credit Cards of January 2025
Discover APRs are accurate as of December 12, 2024. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
A credit card can be useful for financing purchases and consolidating debt if it offers a no-interest period. Some of the best credit cards can provide substantial savings with intro APRs on purchases, balance transfers or both — for up to 21 months. This makes intro 0% APR credit cards a potentially valuable tool for tackling credit card debt.
Below, CNBC Select rounds up some of the best credit cards that offer no interest. See our methodology below.
Best for low balance-transfer fee
The Citi Simplicity® Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.
- One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee… Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.49% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening
- 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).
- Stay protected with Citi® Quick Lock
Balance transfer fee
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).
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for? The Citi Simplicity® Card is a great option for consolidating existing credit card debt from other cards.
Intro APR offer: You’ll earn a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (variable APR will be 18.49% – 29.24% afterward). There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Best for purchases and balance transfers
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
On Wells Fargo’s secure site
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Rewards
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Welcome bonus
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
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Regular APR
17.24%, 23.74% or 28.99% variable APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Pros
- Best-in-class intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
- High balance transfer fee
Who’s this card for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is ideal if you’re looking to pay off large purchases over time or consolidate existing debt.
Intro APR offer: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (17.24%, 23.74% or 28.99% variable APR afterward). Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the intro rate, the balance transfer fee is 5% with a $5 minimum.
Best for no foreign transaction fees
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining without paying an annual fee.
- One of the most rewarding cash-back cards for entertainment and streaming services
- No annual fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- High APR
- Requires a good to excellent credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Who’s this card for? The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent pick if you want to take advantage of generous bonus cash-back categories and an intro APR.
Intro APR offer: With a new Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card, you’ll get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then a 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR applies after that. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transferred balance for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each transferred balance at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time.
Best for cash back
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
On Wells Fargo’s secure site
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Rewards
Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
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Regular APR
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
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Balance transfer fee
Intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Pros
- High flat-rate return on all purchases
- Intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a year
- No annual fee
- Cell phone insurance
Cons
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Limited redemption options unless you pair it with a Wells Fargo card that allows point transfers
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great if you want simplicity thanks to its flat-rate 2% unlimited cash rewards on all purchases and $0 annual fee.
Who’s this card for? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great choice for earning cash rewards on your everyday purchases, as well as interest-free financing.
Intro APR offer: The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card comes with 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (after that, a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR applies). Balance transfers made within the first 120 days qualify for an intro transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred, after that, a 5% fee of the amount you transfer applies ($5 minimum).
Best card for dining
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
- Valuable welcome bonus and high rewards rates
- Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Few rewarding ongoing benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.49%.
- 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
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Who’s this card for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is another strong cash-back card with interest-free features.
Intro APR offer: You’ll get a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (19.74% – 28.49% variable APR afterward). There’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) for the first 60 days, then the fee increases to 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Pro tip: You can pair this card with a Chase bank account
When you open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn a $300 bonus after you make at least $500 in direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account. You can also waive the monthly maintenance fee with qualifying activities.
Chase Total Checking®
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Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
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Minimum balance to open
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Monthly service fee
$12 or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
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Free ATM network
With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
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ATM fee reimbursement
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Overdraft fee
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Mobile check deposit
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Best for online shopping
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and earns bonus rewards on a wide range of common expenditures.
- Up to $264 in streaming service and meal kit credits every year (subject to auto renewal)
- High cash-back rates in popular spending categories
- No annual fee
- The best bonus cash-back categories are capped
- Has a foreign transaction fee
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Who’s this card for? Depending on your spending habits, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express can make sense because of how rewarding it can be for common purchases such as groceries, gas and online retailers.
Intro APR offer: The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24%, (see rates and fees). To qualify for the intro APR, balance transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening and there’s a balance transfer fee that’s either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is greater).
Pro tip: You can pair this card with an Amex bank account
An American Express® Rewards Checking account comes with a 1.00% APY and no monthly maintenance fees. Plus, you’ll earn Membership Rewards points on eligible debit card purchases (one point for every $2 in eligible spending).
American Express® Rewards Checking Account
American Express National Bank is a Member FDIC.
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Monthly maintenance fee
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Minimum deposit to open
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Minimum balance
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Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
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Free ATM network
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ATM fee reimbursement
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Overdraft fee
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Mobile check deposit
Click here to view terms and conditions.
Best for balance transfers
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is one of the best balance transfer credit cards and also has a generous intro APR offer.
- One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 17.49% – 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
- With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
- No Annual Fee – our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for? The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is another great option for financing large purchases or transferring existing credit card debt.
Intro APR offer: You’ll receive a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer that’s completed within four months of account opening and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (17.49% – 28.24% variable APR afterward). There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount you transfer with a $5 minimum.
Best for no annual fee
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns transferrable miles, which is a stand-out benefit for a no-annual-fee card.
- You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- No annual fee
- Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
- No travel credits and limited travel protections
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.49% – 29.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this for: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is excellent if you don’t want to pay an annual fee because it earns transferrable travel rewards, on top of its intro-APR offer.
Intro APR offer: The Capital One VentureOne card comes with an intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, after that a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24% applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer you complete in the first 15 months your account is open. After that period, the transfer fee is 4% of each transfer you complete at a promotional APR Capital One may offer you at any other time.
Best for welcome bonus
The Discover it® Cash Back offers an excellent return in a wide range of useful rotating quarterly bonus categories.
- Unique welcome bonus matches the cash back new cardholders earn for the first year
- Generous intro-APR offer applies to purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
- Bonus cash back is capped, then you’ll earn 1% back
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
Highlights
- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Who’s this for: The Discover it® Cash Back is a great fit for anyone who wants to rack up cash-back rewards and save on interest at the same time.
Intro APR offer: When you open a Discover it Cash Back card, you can take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and balances transfer for 15 months, then a variable 18.49% to 27.49% APR applies. There is a 3% intro balance transfer fee and up to a 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).
Best for average credit
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Long intro-APR for balance transfers
- High flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 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.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- 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).
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this for: The Citi Double Cash® Card is a generous cash-back rewards credit card to use on daily expenses that also comes with a great balance transfer offer.
Intro APR offer: Upon approval for the Citi Double Cash Card, you’ll get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (18.49% – 28.49% variable APR afterward; balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening). The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) within the first four months, then the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of any amount you transfer ($5 minimum).
Best for rotating categories
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is an especially simple and rewarding cash-back card because you’ll automatically earn bonus rewards where you spend the most.
- Intro APR applies to purchases and balance transfers
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus; No annual fee
- Bonus cash-back categories are capped
- Has a foreign transaction fee
Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum)
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this for? The Citi Custom Cash® Card is ideal if where you spend the most changes from month to month and you want to maximize the return you get on your spending.
Intro APR offer: The Citi Custom Cash Card offers an intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers, after that an 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR applies, based on your creditworthiness. There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Best for purchase protections
The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent cash-back card for maximizing your spending in a variety of categories.
- Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Rewarding quarterly bonus categories
- No annual fee
- Bonus categories are capped each quarter
- Has a foreign transaction fee
Rewards
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%)
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
Who’s this card for? The Chase Freedom Flex® is a terrific option for someone looking for a card with rotating spending categories, as well as interest-free financing.
Intro APR offer: You can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for 15 months from the date you open your Freedom Flex account opening on purchases and balance transfers (19.74% – 28.49% variable APR afterward). There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum) for transfers you make within the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum).
Best 0% intro APR credit cards comparison
| Credit Card | CNBC Select’s pick for | Purchase intro APR | Balance transfer intro APR | Rewards | Welcome bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Purchases and balance transfers | Yes | Yes | None | No |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | Low balance-transfer fee | Yes | Yes | None | No |
| Wells Fargo Active® Cash | Cash Rewards | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash rewards | Yes |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Online shopping | Yes | Yes | Yes, statement credits | Yes |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Dining | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | No foreign transaction fees | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | Balance transfers | Yes | Yes | None | No |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | Rotating categories | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | Welcome bonus | No | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
| U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | U.S. Bank customers | Yes | Yes | None | No |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Purchase protections | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card | Bank of America customers | Yes | Yes | Yes, cash back | Yes |
More on our top 0% APR credit cards
Citi Simplicity® Card
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Anyone looking to save interest on purchases and balance transfers will appreciate the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card’s long intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers. This card also offers roadside dispatch and cell phone protection (Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible).
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
- 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- 3% cash back on popular streaming services and entertainment
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rewards
- 2% cash rewards back on purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card comes with cell phone insurance that covers damage, theft and loss of a cell phone. This insurance has a $25 deductible with a max coverage of $600 per claim. This card also has roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services and rental car collision coverage.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 3% back at drugstores
- 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year – worth up to $300 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers more than just a healthy intro-APR period, it’s also an incredibly rewarding cash-back credit card. You’ll also receive purchase protection, extended warranty protection, rental car coverage and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Rewards
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 per year, then 1%
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
Annual fee
$0 (see rates and fees)
Notable perks
For a no-annual-fee card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has a surprising amount of statement credit perks. You can receive up to $84 back per year in Disney Bundle credit ($7 back per month when you spend at least $9.99 per month on eligible auto-renewing subscriptions; enrollment required). You can also receive up to $180 back per year on Home Chef subscriptions (up to $15 back per month on auto-renewing subscriptions; enrollment required).
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Discover it® Cash Back
Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 in combined purchases when you activate rotating quarterly categories, then 1% cash back.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new card members at the end of your first year.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The cash back you earn with the Discover it® Cash Back is easy to redeem for statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards and Amazon purchases. With this card, you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back: 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Citi Double Cash® Card has no annual fee, which makes its unlimited 2% back on all purchases that much more impressive. There are several special cardmember programs, including Citi Entertainment℠, which gives cardholders first access to purchase tickets for thousands of concerts and events. The card also provides access to Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, a service that will help you if you’re a victim of identity theft.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Rewards
- 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2026.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 in cash back after spending $1500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Chase Freedom Flex®
Rewards
- 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories you activate each quarter (then 1% back)
- 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% back at drugstores
- 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $100 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Chase Freedom Flex® has a notable intro-APR offer. Cardholders can also enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass, then nine months at 50% off. New enrollees starting February 1, 2025 will receive six free months of DashPass.
How to get the most benefit from 0% APR cards
A 0% APR card is most beneficial when you understand the terms of the offer and set up a plan to pay off your debt. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering a 0% intro APR credit card for your wallet.
Read the fine print
Make sure you familiarize yourself with any fine print associated with the 0% APR offer, such as the expiration date, timeline for completing a balance transfer, any balance transfer fees and the interest rate once the intro period ends.
Create a repayment plan
You’ll need to come up with a plan to pay off credit card debt. The amount you need to pay each month to have a zero balance at the end of the intro period depends on the length of the intro period.
For example, if you have a $4,500 balance on the Chase Freedom Flex, which offers an intro APR period of no interest for the first 15 months on balance transfers and purchases (after, 19.74% – 28.49% variable APR), you’ll need to pay $300 each month to pay off your old balance before the intro period ends. But if you have the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, with 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers (then 18.74% – 29.74% variable APR), the monthly payment decreases to $250.
Pay off your balance in full
It’s very important to pay off any transferred debt or lingering new purchase balances before the intro 0% APR period ends. If you don’t, expect to be hit with the regular purchase APR. And if you have a store card, you could be hit with a bill for all the interest you accrued since the date you made your purchase or transfer (known as deferred interest). None of the cards on this list charge cardholders deferred interest.
Calculate how much you could save with a 0% APR credit card
The biggest reason to get a 0%-APR credit card is to save on interest, and how much you’ll save depends on your credit card balance, balance transfer fees, current interest rate and the length of the intro APR period.
Here’s how much you could save with a 12-month intro APR and 18-month intro APR if you have a $5,000 credit card balance, a 22% APR and pay it off in 12 or 18 months. We factored in the balance transfer fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer), which eats into your savings but can be worth paying.
0% APR credit card savings
| Starting balance | APR | 3% balance transfer fee | 5% balance transfer fee | Total interest or fees | Total savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 22% for 12 months | N/A | N/A | $616 | N/A |
| $5,000 | 0% for 12 months | $150 | $250 | $150 to $250 | $366 to $466 |
| $5,000 | 22% for 18 months | N/A | N/A | $916 | N/A |
| $5,000 | 0% for 18 months | $150 | $250 | $150 to $250 | $666 to $766 |
Best ways to use a 0% APR credit card
Credit cards that offer no interest on purchases and/or balance transfers are a great asset for consumers looking to save on interest charges when they carry a balance month-to-month. The best way to use a 0% APR card depends on your situation, but there are times when it makes more sense.
When you’re making a large purchase
If you plan on making large purchases, such as a new iPhone or workout equipment, and need more time to pay them off, a 0% APR card can help you pay over time with no interest charges.
When you have credit card debt
If you have debt on a high-interest card, completing a balance transfer to a card with no interest for up to 20 months can help you pay it off faster and cheaper.
If you fall into both categories, a card with no interest on new purchases and balance transfers can help you pay off large expenses and old debt at the same time. Remember that you’ll need to make minimum payments on your balance and pay it off in full before the intro period ends to avoid interest.
Learn more: How 0% APR cards work and how to complete a balance transfer
How to compare 0% APR and low-interest cards
If you’re not sure whether a 0% APR card or a low-interest credit card is the right choice, ask yourself the following questions.
- Are you carrying debt from a high-interest credit card? Then you should consider a balance transfer credit card with up to 21 months of no interest.
- Do you plan on making a large purchase? A 0% APR card can provide a lengthy intro period that allows you to pay off debt for over a year with no interest.
- Do you carry a balance month to month? A low-interest credit card offers a relatively consistent APR every month, compared to 0% APR cards that typically charge high-interest rates after the intro period ends.
After you determine which credit card you want to apply for, there are key factors you’ll want to compare cards.
Length of intro APR period
An intro APR period typically lasts anywhere from six to 21 months. Many popular rewards cards offer no interest for up to 15 months, and non-rewards cards can have 18- and 21-month intro 0% APR periods.
Regular APR
Unfortunately, an intro 0% APR won’t last forever. If you don’t pay off your balance before the 0%-APR period expires, you’ll start accruing interest again. So consider the regular APR before settling on a card if you think you may carry a balance once the intro 0% APR period ends.
Balance transfer fee
Most balance transfer cards charge a fee per transfer, typically 3% to 5% of the transfer amount. The money you save in interest can outweigh this fee, but make sure to do the math. To avoid fees, check out the best no-fee balance transfer credit cards.
Annual fee
Cards with a 0% APR period sometimes also have an annual fee. Make sure to review the annual fee each year and compare it with the value you’re getting from the card’s perks to decide whether it’s worth keeping.
Rewards and perks
The best 0% APR cards also offer cash back, points and miles. In addition, you may also be able to take advantage of other perks such as purchase and travel protections. While these are nice benefits, paying off debt should be your primary goal. Although a card’s benefits shouldn’t drive your decision, they can add to the value you receive and shouldn’t be completely ignored.
Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
Pros
- A huge potential for interest savings, especially if you’re carrying a large balance or have a high APR.
- Help pay off debt more quickly, since every dollar goes straight toward the principal.
Cons
- Fewer rewards, so you may want a more rewarding card once your debt is paid off.
- Cardholders usually have to pay a balance transfer fee, which can be 3% to 5%.
- If you don’t pay off the transferred balance before the intro APR expires you’ll start accruing interest again.
FAQs
How do 0% APR credit cards work?
A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for a set amount of time, usually 12 to 21 months. During the intro 0% APR period, you won’t be charged interest on new purchases or balance transfers. These cards can help you consolidate credit card debt with a balance transfer and pay for new purchases over time without incurring interest charges or both.
Balance transfer credit cards may set a limit on the amount of debt you can transfer, which is often less than your overall credit limit. Plus you may be charged a balance transfer fee, typically 3% per transfer.
What credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards?
Most 0% APR credit cards are reserved for consumers with good (670-739) or excellent (740 and greater) credit. If your credit score is fair (580 to 669) or poor (below 580) you may have trouble qualifying for a 0% APR card.
How does your credit score affect your interest rate?
In general, the lower your credit score, the higher your interest rate will be. It’s important to have a good credit score for a variety of reasons: It affects your ability to get certain types of loans and/or credit cards, the size of those loans and the interest rate on your card and/or loan.
A 0% APR credit card can help you avoid interest charges for a certain period. Using the extra cash you save by not paying interest can help you pay down your debt faster, lower your credit utilization and increase your credit score.
When should I avoid a 0% APR credit card?
A no-interest credit card is a great tool for financing new purchases, but you need to be careful how you use one. If you have a history of overspending, you may be tempted to spend more on a 0% APR card since you have upwards of a year to pay off your entire balance without interest, compared to a regular card that requires you to pay your balance in full each billing cycle to avoid interest charges.
How do I avoid interest on a credit card?
The simplest way to avoid interest charges on a credit card is to pay your balance in full by the due date. However, there’s an exception with 0% APR cards. During the length of the intro period, you are only required to make the minimum payments on your balance, and you won’t be charged interest on new purchases and/or balance transfers. Once the intro period ends, any lingering balances or new purchases and transfers will incur the regular APR.
Do 0% APR credit cards hurt your credit?
When you apply for a credit card (including a 0% APR card), you’ll have a hard credit pull on your credit report, which typically comes with a dip of a few points in your credit score. However, this dip is temporary and you’re credit score should rise in a few months.
However, if you use a large amount of your credit line on your card for either purchases or a balance transfer, your credit utilization ratio could rise and cause a more significant drop in your credit score. Experts generally recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30% of your total credit line. For example, if you had a $10,000 credit limit you’d want to keep your monthly spending under $3,000 to keep your credit utilization low.
Can you get 0% interest on credit cards?
Some credit cards offer new card members 0% interest for a set amount of time, which is usually anywhere from six months to 21 months. These offers can apply to purchases, balance transfers or both.
Do balance transfers hurt your credit?
A credit card balance transfer typically won’t hurt your credit score. However, if you don’t make on-time payments or max out your credit limit, that can hurt your credit score. You’ll also receive a temporary hit to your credit when you apply for the new card.
What is the best credit card with 0% interest?
The best credit card with a no-interest offer is the one that best suits your needs. Pay attention to a card’s annual fee and balance transfer fees because they can cut into your savings.
Are there any 0% APR credit cards for 21 months?
There are a few credit cards that offer 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for up to 21 months.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best 0% APR credit cards.
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Our methodology
To determine which cards offer the best value for intro-APR offers, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.
We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back.
When choosing the best 0% interest credit cards, we focused on the length of the intro APR offer and whether the 0% interest applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. We also considered balance transfer fees and the length of time new cardholders have to make a transfer and still qualify for the intro APR. Some 0%-interest credit cards don’t offer rewards, intro bonuses or other ongoing benefits. However, many credit cards provide intro-APR offers and additional perks, when these are available they factored into our decisions.
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For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Information about the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Cash Back, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.