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16 Best 0% interest credit cards: 0% intro APR period until 2025

Updated March 07, 2024

Based on a Bankrate survey on credit card balances, 47 percent of consumers are carrying monthly credit card debt, often because of unexpected or emergency expenses. A 0 percent APR card can help you pay down debt over time, which is especially important since intro APRs have become shorter, and credit card interest rates are forecast to remain high in 2024.

The best 0 percent APR credit cards help you avoid interest for up to 15 months or longer, so you may not see any interest charges until up to September 2025. If you need as much time as possible, a few cards still offer intro APRs lasting up to 21 months — which may be wise to snap up sooner rather than later in case these periods shrink.

Though you’ll still need to make minimum payments, with the right strategy, a 0 percent APR card is among the best tools to pay off past debt or cover emergency expenses. To find the right card for you, check out our top picks.

Info
BEST LONGEST INTRO APR CARD
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for flat-rate cash rewards
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

2%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR EVERYDAY USE
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 3%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Best for rotating bonus categories
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

BEST FOR TRAVEL REWARDS
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 8%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

BEST FOR FLEXIBLE SPENDING
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR COMMUTERS
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% for 15 months on purchases

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Best for business purchases
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
Best for flexible payment options
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% for 12 months on Purchases

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Best for balance transfers + rewards
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% for 6 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
Best for Bank of America customers
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
Best for simplicity
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1.5% - 5%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR SHOPPING
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

Intro offer

Info

1% - 3%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Info
awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
BEST FOR FAMILIES
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit
Info

0% on purchases for 12 months

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

Intro offer

Info

1% - 6%

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

BEST FOR active military and veterans
Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5
3.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on USAA's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 17.15% to 31.15% variable regular APR

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Info

1.5% cash back

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

BEST FOR NO PENALTY APR
Image of BankAmericard® credit card

BankAmericard® credit card
*

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Info
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Purchase intro APR

Regular APR

N/A

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Rewards rate

Info

Annual fee

Compare Bankrate's top 0% intro APR credit cards

Card Name Our pick for
Balance Transfer Intro Offer
Purchase Intro Offer Ongoing APR
Bankrate score

Longest intro APR card

21 months 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
21 months 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Flat-rate cash rewards
15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Wells Fargo's secure site

Everyday use

15 months 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Best rotating cashback 

 
15 months 0% for 15 months
15 months 0% for 15 months
Regular APR: 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Travel
15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

Entertainment

15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

Flexible spending 

15 months 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Commuters
15 months 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
15 months 0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Business purchases
N/A
12 months 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

4.2 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

Flexible payment options

21 months 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
12 months 0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Citi's secure site
Balance transfers + rewards
18 months 0% for 18 months
6 months 0% for 6 months
Regular APR: 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Discover's secure site
Well-rounded value 
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

3.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Simplicity
15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

3.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Best for shopping
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site

Families

12 months 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
12 months 0% on purchases for 12 months
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

USAA members

0 None
15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then 17.15% to 31.15% variable regular APR
Regular APR: 17.15% to 31.15% variable regular APR

3.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on USAA's secure site
Image of BankAmericard® credit card
BankAmericard® credit card

No penalty APR

18 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
18 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

What to know about 0% APR credit cards

Whether they are called 0 percent APR credit cards, zero-interest credit cards or introductory APR credit cards, these cards all have the same purpose: a 0 percent intro APR is a temporary break from interest charges as you steadily pay off large credit card purchases or balance transfers. 

0% APR credit card pros and cons

A 0 percent APR credit card is a great way to save money on interest, whether on new purchases or your existing credit card debt. But it’s best to understand these cards’ benefits and drawbacks before applying.

Pros

  • Checkmark

    Save on interest: You could save hundreds of dollars on interest charges with considerable time to pay off a large debt.

  • Checkmark

    Lower monthly payments: Having several months (or even longer) to pay off a balance during the introductory period could result in lower monthly payments.

  • Checkmark

    Potentially improve your credit score: Responsibly managing debt can help your credit score and show lenders that you’re a low-risk borrower.

Cons

  • Missing payments might cancel your offer: If you miss a payment during the intro APR offer period, it might negatively impact your credit score and the issuer could switch you to the standard APR.

  • Balance transfer fees: Most credit card issuers charge a 3 percent to 5 percent balance transfer fee, an important factor when paying down debt.

  • Intro APR offers don’t last forever: If you still have a balance on your card when the intro offer ends, the ongoing APR will then take effect.

Want to learn more? Read our full guide on the pros and cons of 0 percent APR credit cards.

How much could you save with a zero-interest card?

With interest rates constantly increasing since 2022, knowing your interest rate is crucial. The current average interest rate is around 20 percent, and this high rate could easily accumulate hundreds of dollars in interest payments before you settle your balance, especially if you charge most of your purchases to the card.

Current credit card interest rates

While the changes seem small on the surface, they can add up. Even a small change can make a difference in how long it takes to pay off your credit card balance.

With an intro APR offer, you can pay down your debt through lower payments without racking up additional interest. While the offer won’t last forever, it’ll give you a window that makes paying off your debt easier. With Bankrate’s credit card payoff calculator, the table below shows that an 18-month 0 percent APR offer could save you around $400 in interest on a $3,000 credit card balance.

APR With 3% balance transfer fee Monthly payment Total interest Total amount paid
20% for 18 months $3,000 $194 $497 $3,497
0% intro on balance transfers for 18 months $3,090 $167 $0 $3,090

What people say about 0% intro APR credit cards

Advice from other people who’ve used the cards you’re interested in is a great way to shop around for your next credit card. We explored what people had to say about the best zero-interest cards to give you more perspectives on your options.

Tips on choosing the best 0% APR card for you

A zero-interest card can be a great tool for anyone looking for a break from interest or a way to lower their debt. That said, you’ll get more out of your card if you have a clear purpose for it. Consider the following when choosing a 0 percent intro APR offer card.

How to choose a 0% APR card

When choosing the right zero-interest card for your financial needs, you might evaluate factors like the length of the intro period, additional fees and rates and the card's long-term value.

  1. Determine if the intro period is long enough. Make sure you can pay off the balance before the intro period ends. If you need more than a year, choose a credit card with a lengthy APR intro offer.
  2. Check the card’s fees. Understand all the fees associated with the card before you apply so you’re not surprised by any charges. Common fees include an annual fee, a balance transfer fee, foreign transaction fee and penalty APR.
  3. Decide the card's value after the intro APR period. Some cards offer a lengthy APR period but no other benefits or rewards, while other cards earn rewards but offer shorter intro APR periods. Determine if you want long-term value or prefer to focus only on managing debt.

How to make the most of a 0% APR offer

Zero-interest cards can be effective for managing debt and avoiding added charges. Here’s how to maximize a 0 percent APR offer and get ahead of your finances.

  1. Apply at the right time. Be strategic when you apply. For example, if you have home renovations coming up, apply just before you start spending so you get the most time possible to save on potential interest.
  2. Understand the offer entirely. Here are some instances that could cause your zero-interest card to charge interest:
    • Missing a payment could void the offer entirely
    • Transferring a balance after the promotional window
    • The intro period only applied to certain transactions

      Avoid these mistakes by setting up automatic payments, transferring your balance immediately after approval, and reading the terms and conditions of the offer carefully before you open a card.
  3. Calculate your monthly payments. Zero-interest cards work well as an intentional debt management tool. But you'll need to make sure you can pay off the total balance before the intro period ends. Calculate your monthly payments to reach a balance of zero in that timeframe, pay more than the minimum if you can and avoid adding to your debt.

    Use Bankrate’s minimum payment calculator to help you figure out your costs.

  4. Don’t close the card after the intro APR period ends. Closing the card immediately after paying off the balance could hurt your credit score by reducing your available credit and the average age of your credit accounts. Together, these factors account for 45 percent of your credit score.

How a Bankrate editor used his 0% APR card offer

Bankrate editor Brendan Dyer used the Citi Custom Cash card and its introductory APR on purchases to carry a balance so he could focus on loan payments. Here’s his experience with Citi’s intro offer:

“I bought a car and shortly after I applied for the Citi Custom Cash card because it had an introductory APR offer I wanted to take advantage of alongside my new car loan. I used the card to buy groceries and occasionally, gas. I never had a loan before so making car payments was new to me. I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, or at least get far enough ahead on the loan that I could trim the overall interest I would pay on it.

The Citi Custom Cash card and its introductory APR offer let me carry a balance for all my regular purchases for a little more than one year while I focused on paying off my car. I knew I needed to pay off my card balance eventually, but the intro APR offer helped me avoid a lot of interest on my car loan because I didn’t need to pay my card off right away and could keep paying down the principal on my loan.”

— Brendan Dyer, Editor, Bankrate

How we assess the best zero-interest credit cards

Document
100+
card ratings
Credit Card Apr
400+
APRs tracked
Search
3000
data points analyzed
Congrats
40+
perks evaluated

When evaluating the best zero-interest cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders. 

This includes users who need to carry a balance long term, need as much time as possible to chip away at debt or are looking for maximum long-term value via rewards.

We analyzed over 100 of the most popular zero-interest cards and scored each based on its introductory APR, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.


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


Frequently asked questions about 0% APR credit cards

Ask the experts: What are the best ways to avoid paying interest on a credit card?


Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whenever possible, pay off your credit cards every month. If you have a balance with a high interest rate, look for balance transfer opportunities and try to pay off the balance within the promotional rate time frame. If you have bad credit and are struggling to pay down your balance, look into a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. Some creditors offer as low as 0 percent through a debt management plan, and multiple monthly payments can be consolidated into one. On average, a debt management plan lasts four years, but there is no prepayment penalty if you are able to pay it off sooner. Keep in mind that a debt management plan will close the accounts you’re consolidating, so this isn’t something you want to do as a first option.

Contributor, Personal Finance

Hands down, the best way to avoid paying any interest is to set every one of your card accounts to auto-pay the full balance each month on or before the due date. This method to set it and forget it always works — as long as you’re never spending more than what is in your bank account.

Contributor, Credit Cards

I’m a big fan of the “pay as you charge” method. Make sure you have your bank’s app on your phone — it should be connected to your checking account. Then use your credit card for the things you want and can afford, and immediately pay off the balance at the end of the day. You’ll never pay another penny in interest, you’ll rack up the rewards (if your card has a rewards program) and you won’t face a big balance at the end of the month that you may be tempted to partially pay off.