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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Citi Prestige® Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
Introduction to Zero Interest Credit Cards
A credit card that offers 0% interest for a period of time can help you save money when you need to carry a balance on your purchases. Business Insider reviewed dozens of the best credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers to come up with the 10 best-in-class products.
Best 0% Interest Credit Cards of November 2024
- Best for long introductory APR period: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Best for rotating cash-back categories: Discover it® Cash Back
- Best Chase option: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Best ongoing cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Best bonus cash back at U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Best for booking Capital One Travel: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for dining cash back: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for optimizing cash back: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
- Best for building credit: Chase Slate Edge℠
Compare the Top Zero Interest Credit Cards
$0
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days
17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% variable
N/A
Good to Excellent
- Extra-long intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- No rewards
- Foreign transaction fees
If you're looking for the best Wells Fargo credit card for balance transfers, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a great choice. And it offers an extra-long interest-free period on new purchases, too.
Wells Fargo Reflect Card- Select “Apply Now” 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. 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% 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.
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
18.74% - 27.74% Variable
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Good to Excellent
- From October 1 to December 31, 2024, earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
- Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
- No annual fee
- Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
- If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card
The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.
Discover it Cash Back- 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 18.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
19.99% - 28.74% Variable
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy
Good to Excellent
- Solid flat cash-back rate
- You can combine cash-back rewards with Ultimate Rewards points if you have an eligible card
- No annual fee
- Some other cards offer a higher rate of cash back on certain types of purchases
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for credit card beginners and experts alike. With no annual fee and a high earnings rate, it's worth considering as an everyday card — and it's even better when you pair it with an annual-fee Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Chase Freedom Unlimited- 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 19.99% - 28.74%.
- 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
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening
19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus
Good to Excellent
- Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
- Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
- Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card
- Foreign transaction fees
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card- Select “Apply Now” 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. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% 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.
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
18.74% - 29.74% Variable
Earn a $200 statement credit
Good to Excellent
- Good bonus cash-back rate at U.S supermarkets
- No annual fee.
- If you spend more than $6,000 at U.S supermarkets in a year, you should use another card to earn bonus rewards once you hit that cap.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee. It's an especially valuable choice for purchases at US supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail purchases, thanks to its bonus earning categories.
Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card- 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, 18.74% to 29.74% 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.
- Terms Apply.
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)
19.74% - 29.74% Variable
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus
Good to Excellent
- Earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Other cards earn more cash back
If you want to earn cash back with minimal effort and no annual fee, the Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card is a good option. Some cards offer a higher rate of cash back, but there are tradeoffs, such as foregoing a welcome bonus offer or keeping track of bonus categories that earn more rewards.
Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)
19.74% - 29.74% Variable
Earn $250 cash back
Good to Excellent
- No annual fee
- Bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, and grocery store purchases
- Long intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers
- Other cards earn more cash back in certain bonus categories
- Not the highest sign-up bonus among cash-back cards
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a good welcome bonus and excellent return rates that can earn you cash back on common expenses like dining, groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), streaming, and entertainment — plus there's no annual fee to worry about.
Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card- For a limited time, earn a $250 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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
$0
0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn $200 cash back (fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points)
Excellent, Good, Fair
- Flexibility to customize rewards by earning 5% cash back on up to $500 per billing cycle in your top spending category (from a list)
- Generous welcome offer for a no-annual-fee card
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for or track
- Redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more
- Only earns 1% back outside of $500 in top spending category each billing cycle
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers a solid welcome bonus and 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top spending category every billing cycle. There's no annual fee and you won't need to keep track of rotating bonus categories, but keep in mind it only earns 1% back outside of your highest spend category each month.
Citi Custom Cash Card$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
N/A
Good to Excellent
- Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months
- No annual fee
- Potential for automatic consideration for credit limit increases and purchase APR reductions
- Card doesn’t earn rewards beyond the welcome bonus
- Other cards have longer intro APR offers
- Consideration for purchase APR reduction and credit line increase requires meeting a minimum spending requirement and on-time payments
If you're looking for a card with a long introductory APR offer to pay off your balance, this card could fit the bill. However, that's the main draw, since you won't earn any rewards or a welcome bonus.
Chase Slate Edge
Best 0% Interest Credit Card Reviews
Zero-interest credit cards for large purchases offer long periods of no interest so you can pay off your outstanding balance over time.
The best cards for 0% introductory APR also offer the same benefit for balance transfers and earn generous rewards on select bonus categories such as supermarkets, travel, dining, and more.
The cards in this guide were hand-selected by Business Insider's team of credit card experts as the top 0% intro APR credit cards of 2024.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Long Introductory Period: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
0% APR offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days, followed by a 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% variable APR (rates and fees)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: N/A
If you're looking for an ultra-long period of no interest, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card fits the bill. It's got an outstanding intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within 120 days (then 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% variable).
The downside is that the card doesn't earn rewards for spending. So if rewards are important to you, you might be better off with a card that offers a slightly shorter zero-interest period that does earn rewards.
Beyond the intro APR offer, the card comes with a modest array of benefits, including cellphone protection and roadside dispatch.
Learn more in our Wells Fargo Reflect credit card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Rotating Cash-Back Categories: Discover it® Cash Back
Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.74% - 27.74% Variable APR
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: 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, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Consider the Discover it® Cash Back if you want to earn rewards and save money on interest without an annual fee. Once you enroll, this card lets you earn 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly bonus categories that change every three months (then 1%) plus 1% back on all other purchases (from October 1 to December 31, 2024, earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).
Discover Cashback Match will match all the cash back you earned in your first year of card membership, which works as a delayed welcome bonus of sorts. And that's not to mention the lucrative intro APR offer this card extends.
Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back card review.
Best Chase Zero Interest Credit Card: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, followed by a 19.99% - 28.74% Variable APR
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 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.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® starts new customers off with additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
They can also earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
Considering the card's intro APR offer, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a standout choice for consumers who want to earn rewards on a big purchase and pay down their balance over time without paying any interest.
Learn more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Flat-Rate Cash Rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening, followed by a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR (rates and fees)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
If you're looking for a card with a solid welcome bonus offer and strong Wells Fargo Rewards earning on all purchases, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice. New cardholders earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.
The card's 0% intro APR offer is generous, and you'll have access to a number of good benefits, including cellphone protection. However, this card charges foreign transaction fees, so it's not a good pick for international travel.
Learn more in our Wells Fargo Active Cash card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Bonus Cash at U.S. Supermarkets: Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card
Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening, followed by a 18.74% - 29.74% Variable APR (rates and fees)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per category per year, then 1%) and 1% cash back on other purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout).
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a welcome bonus of $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership.
You can also earn:
- 3% back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%)
- 3% back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 spent in purchases and at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%)
- 3% back on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each calendar year (then 1%)
- 1% back on everything else
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
Learn more in our Blue Cash Everyday Amex card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Booking Travel with Capital One: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), followed by a 19.74% - 29.74% Variable APR (rates and fees)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases, and that's on top of the welcome offer: one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within three months of account opening.
Since this card also comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.74% - 29.74% Variable APR, it's an excellent option for debt consolidation or avoiding interest on large purchases.
Learn more in our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Optimizing Cash Rewards Each Month: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Introductory APR Offer: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, followed by a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500, then 1%), 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is a great choice if your spending habits tend to change from month to month. It offers a welcome bonus of $200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. In addition, cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in the eligible category they spend the most in each billing cycle (then 1%), and 1% on all other purchases.
The qualifying categories include everyday expenses that should appeal to most folks: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment.
Although it's marketed as a cash-back card, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card actually earns Citi ThankYou points, which are worth 1 cent apiece for cash back, travel booked through Citi, gift cards, merchandise, and more. And again, if you have a Citi Strata Premier℠ Card or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer available to new applicants), you can pool your rewards and transfer points to Citi's airline and hotel partners.
Learn more in our Citi Custom Cash card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Dining Rewards: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), followed by a 19.74% - 29.74% Variable APR (rates and fees)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
If your goal is earning cash back while saving on interest on purchases, check out the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card has a good welcome offer: $250 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.
Cardholders earn:
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 3% back on dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), entertainment, and streaming services
- 1% back on everything else
Learn more in our Capital One Savor Cash card review.
Best Zero Interest Credit Card for Building Credit: Chase Slate Edge℠
Introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months from account opening, then a 20.49% - 29.24% Variable APR
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: N/A
The Chase Slate Edge℠ comes with no welcome bonus offer, and it doesn't earn rewards. It's geared toward those who are taking steps to improve their financial situation, and offers features that can help you increase your credit score and reduce the amount of interest you pay.
One benefit designed to help you build your credit is an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit if you've paid on time and spent at least $500 in your first six months of opening the Chase Slate Edge℠. A higher limit could have a positive effect on your credit utilization ratio and potentially improve your credit score.
In addition, on each account anniversary, you'll be considered for a 2% APR reduction, as long as you've paid your card on time and spent at least $1,000 on purchases in the previous anniversary year. The reduction is capped, though — it will only be reduced until your APR reaches the Prime Rate plus 9.74% (Prime Rate is 8.00% as of 9/19/2024).
Learn more in our Chase Slate Edge card review.
How to Choose the Best 0% Interest Credit Card
With so many cards to choose from, your options may seem overwhelming. Here are some of the features to consider when evaluating no-interest credit cards to ensure you maximize the benefits of 0% APR.
0% Intro APR: Purchases vs. Balance Transfer
The goal of a 0% APR credit card is to help you pay down a balance without incurring interest. If you are using the card to buy something expensive, you'll want one that offers zero interest on new purchases. If you already have outstanding debt, you want a credit card that offers zero interest on balance transfers. If you plan to incur a mix of both types of debt, focus on cards that don't charge interest on both purchases and balance transfers.
Consider Balance Transfer Fees
Not all 0% intro APR balance transfer credit cards are created equal. Most cards charge anywhere from 3% to 5% of the transaction amount, and some offer a slightly lower transaction fee during the initial period after you open the card. If you plan to transfer a large debt from an existing card to a zero-interest card, you may save a few hundred dollars by choosing a product that offers lower balance transfer fees.
Understanding Post-Introductory APR Rates
Your period of no interest won't last forever, and fees can quickly skyrocket if you miscalculate or misunderstand when your grace period ends.
A best practice for avoiding unnecessary fees is to note your 0% intro APR expiration date on your calendar when you first receive the card and set periodic reminders to check your outstanding balance and expiration date.
You can always find your 0% APR rate and expiration date on your monthly statements, or call your credit card issuer for more details.
Look for 0% APR Cards with No Annual Fees
Plenty of the best zero-interest credit cards don't charge annual fees, so there's no need to choose a 0% intro APR card with an annual fee unless there are additional benefits to the card that make the cost worth your while.
Additional Benefits and Services
A good 0% intro APR credit card should come with additional benefits and rewards in addition to the zero-interest period. Common perks include entertainment discounts and early access, travel advantages and protection, and credit score monitoring.
Access to Your FICO Score
Many credit cards offer the ability to check your FICO credit score for free. Most issuers that offer this feature provide monthly updates, and you can check your scores online or via your credit card app.
Credit Card Fraud Protection
Many issuers offer text and email alerts if they detect suspicious activity. In addition to preventing unauthorized transactions where possible, your credit card issuer may also offer a liability guarantee for fraudulent charges.
Digital Wallet Technology
Many credit cards now integrate with mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it easy to pay for your purchases using your smartphone or other devices.
Instant Virtual Numbers
You may even be able to use your card immediately after approval if the issuer offers instant virtual credit card numbers. This is especially valuable if you apply for your zero-interest credit card right before you make a large purchase.
Zero Interest Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions
A 0% APR credit card offers an introductory period during which no interest is charged on purchases and/or balance transfers. This period typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, providing an opportunity for interest-free financing.
Yes, you need to pay off your 0% interest credit card eventually, because the intro offer won't last forever. During the introductory period, you typically need to make the minimum payment on the card (if not more) in order to avoid losing your intro 0% APR. You should have a plan to pay off your entire balance before the intro period ends to avoid paying interest on your remaining balance.
You can get a 0% interest credit card by applying online. You can also check with your bank in person to see if it offers any 0% intro APR cards that appeal to you. Keep in mind most cards with intro APR offers require you to have at least a good credit score, which means a FICO score of 670 or higher.
Using a zero interest credit card won't hurt your credit. In fact, if the intro APR offer allows you pay down your debt before the intro period ends, it could actually help your credit score by reducing your amount owed. Make sure to only spend what you can afford to pay off to avoid incurring more debt and high interest fees.
You can save money by making large purchases and paying them off over time without incurring interest charges. Additionally, you can transfer existing high-interest debt to the 0% APR card to reduce interest payments and pay down debt faster.
Once the introductory 0% APR period ends, the card's standard APR will apply to any remaining balance. It's important to understand the post-introductory APR rate and make a plan to pay off your balance before the 0% period expires.
Yes, some 0% APR credit cards may have fees, such as balance transfer fees, annual fees, or late payment fees. It's important to review the card's terms and conditions to understand any potential costs.
While having a good to excellent credit score increases your chances of qualifying for a 0% APR credit card, some cards may be available to those with fair credit. It's advisable to check the eligibility requirements of each card before applying.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Zero-Interest Credit Cards
Business Insider chose the best credit cards with 0% introductory APR offers by looking through all the credit cards that offered zero-interest periods. We then evaluated the terms and length of each introductory offer, with cards that offer longer introductory periods ranking more highly than others. We also considered rewards, like cash back or travel points, card benefits, and factors like annual fees and foreign transaction fees.
Here's Business Insider's methodology for how we rate credit cards.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
**Enrollment required.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, please click here.
