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India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has lived and worked in three different countries and hopes to explore more of the world post-pandemic.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
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Paying your credit card bill in full each month will allow you to avoid interest entirely, but we know that's not always possible. If you sometimes carry a balance, a low-interest credit card can help you save money and pay down your balance more quickly. To see how much you can save with a low-interest credit card, use our credit card interest calculator. Then, check out our recommendations for the best low-interest credit cards from our partners.
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Why choose Bankrate
We helped put over 115,000 cards in people's wallets in 2023
Match to cards with approval odds and apply with confidence
Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions
The Bankrate Promise
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money and how we rate our cards .
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
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A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
N/A
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Wells Fargo credit card.
N/A
Rewards rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
Annual fee
N/A
What we love: The Wells Fargo Reflect’s extremely competitive intro APR offers apply to both balance transfers and purchases, making it a solid option for people who want to pay down debt or finance big expenses. Not many cards can stand up against the Reflect’s intro offers, but it also has a decently low starting APR range.
Alternatives: If you don't mind a brief intro APR period, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may be a better alternative — especially if you want a card with more long-term value.
Pros
Its intro APR for balance transfers and purchases is one of the longest available low-interest credit cards.
It has no annual fee and comes with cellphone protection against damage, which adds to the card’s value.
Cons
It doesn’t have a rewards program, so its usefulness after the intro APR ends is limited.
This card has a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee.
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. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% 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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% for 15 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
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.
1% - 5%
Rewards rate
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 - automatically.
Annual fee
5%
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.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
What we love: Not only does it have a great calendar of high rewards rates in rotating categories, but its first-year welcome offer matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. Discover’s Cashback Match has no limits, so you can out-earn other cash back sign-up bonuses easily with the Discover it® Cash Back.
Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ also has rotating bonus categories, but holds advantage over Discover’s card because of its permanent 3 percent cash back on dining (including restaurants, takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases.
Pros
It has a solid intro APR offer as well as cash back rewards, making it a well-rounded credit card.
Discover limits credit card fees — there’s no annual, foreign transaction or first-time late fee (up to $41 late fee after).
Cons
The 5 percent cash back categories have a $1,500 quarterly spending cap, then the rate drops to 1 percent.
You must keep track of, activate and enroll in bonus categories each quarter to fully maximize this card.
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—automatically.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
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 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
1% - 3%
Rewards rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Annual fee
3%
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
2%
Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
1%
Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
What we love: This card not only has a potentially low variable APR but also lets you choose your own cash back category. You can choose from a list of six eligible categories, including big purchase categories like furnishings and home improvements. Not many card bonus categories cover home improvement, so this is a great option if you're planning a remodel or repairs.
Alternatives: If swapping your categories every month seems like a pain, consider the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Instead of choosing your top-earning category, the Custom Cash automatically adjusts your highest earning rate to your biggest eligible spending category.
Pros
Offers a relatively long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days, so it’s a great choice whether you need to pay off debt or finance large purchases
You can change your highest-earning bonus category once per calendar month, allowing you to maximize your earnings even if your spending habits change.
Cons
Other competing cash back cards offer more customizable categories to pick from.
You'll only earn a top cash back rate on your first $2,500 in spending each quarter, so a 2 percent flat-rate card could be more rewarding.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
1.5%
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Annual fee
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
What we love: Loyal Bank of America customers with qualifying balances across Bank of America or Merrill accounts can earn one of the highest cash back rates available on almost any card. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, this card is a top pick to consider.
Alternatives: While you can boost this card’s earnings with qualifying balances, a 2 percent flat-rate cash rewards card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card may be better if you don’t qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards tiers.
Pros
Earns at least 1.5 percent back on all purchases, with the potential to boost this rate.
It's one of few cards to have rewards alongside a lengthy intro APR period.
Cons
You’ll need substantial savings in a qualifying Bank of America or Merrill account to earn the boosted cash back rate.
Its 3 percent foreign transaction fee makes it a poor choice to take abroad.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
No annual fee.
No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% on purchases for 15 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
1% - 3%
Rewards rate
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%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Annual fee
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
What we love: The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is an excellent choice for families because they can take advantage of the card’s APR intro offer for purchases and earn generous cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases.
Alternatives: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns the same cash back rate on grocery store purchases as the Blue Cash Everyday, but it doesn’t have a spending cap.
Pros
The card’s U.S. online retail purchases category is a rare bonus category, so online shoppers can take advantage of boosted rates.
It doesn’t charge an annual fee, so cardholders don’t have to worry about offsetting this cost.
Cons
Its highest cash back rates each have a $6,000 annual spending cap, then you’ll only earn 1 percent.
Superstores like Walmart and Target don’t count for the U.S. supermarket bonus category.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% 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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% for 6 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
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.
1% - 5%
Rewards rate
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-automatically.
Annual fee
5%
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.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
What we love: This card stands out for its combination of a lengthy intro APR on balance transfers and a solid cash back rewards program. It’s also one of the only dedicated balance transfer cards to feature a welcome offer: Discover automatically matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
Alternatives: If you're looking for a low-interest card with a simpler rewards structure, consider the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, which offers unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases.
Pros
Has an intro period for balance transfers and a potentially low ongoing APR, making it a well-rounded option for managing debt.
Even if you don’t take advantage of the welcome offer, its ongoing rewards structure gives it value after you’ve paid off your credit card debt.
Cons
The card's intro APR period for purchases is shorter than the period you'll find on many competing cards, so it may not be the best option for new spending
You have to activate rotating rewards categories each quarter to earn a top cash back rate, which could make this a high-maintenance card.
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—automatically.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.
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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
1% - 8%
Rewards rate
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, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
Annual fee
8%
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5%
5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
3%
3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
1%
1% Cash Back on all other purchases
What we love: The Capital One SavorOne rewards foodies the best with great cash back rates on dining and grocery store purchases. And while some cards stop at one or two categories, the SavorOne includes bonus cash back rates for entertainment, popular streaming services, Capital One Entertainment, and certain Capital One Travel purchases.
Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has the same dining cash back rates as the Capital One SavorOne and it has a 1.5 percent cash back rate on general spending, making it a great catch-all card for non-dining purchases.
Pros
Its bonus cash back rates reward various common spending categories, which can appeal to many people.
The SavorOne’s intro APR offer is competitive for a bonus-category rewards card.
Cons
While it has a generally low starting APR, its max APR can be quite high and make it costly to carry a balance.
Its 5 percent cash back rates for hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel notably doesn’t include airfare.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
2%
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Annual fee
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
What we love: This card's competitive intro APR offers and flat rewards rate make it a solid choice if you’re looking for a way to earn cash rewards while keeping an eye on interest charges and fees. Since you can both minimize interest and earn rewards on new purchases, it’s a terrific pick for big-ticket items.
Alternatives: The Citi Double Cash® Card is nearly identical to the Wells Fargo Active Cash, but its recommended credit score for approval is a bit lower. If you’re concerned about qualification, the Double Cash Card is worth a look.
Pros
Its welcome offer is easy to earn and offers a better return on spend than many competing no-annual-fee rewards cards.
It doesn’t have a ton of fees, charging a relatively low balance transfer fee and no annual fee or penalty APR.
Cons
Because of its 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee, it may not be the best card to use when traveling abroad.
Other rewards cards offer more pairing options and redemption flexibility, making them easier to fit into your rewards strategy.
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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
1.5% - 5%
Rewards rate
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 Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Annual fee
5%
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
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
What we love: Although it doesn’t have the highest rewards rate available among cash back credit cards, it’s a low-maintenance, low-cost card. You also get plenty of ways to redeem your cash back, including checks, statement credits, gift cards or using the card’s automatic redemption feature.
Alternatives: If you want a card that can earn a bit more for your frequent purchases, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® because it has a 1.5 percent cash back rate on general spending and bonus rates in common categories.
Pros
The welcome offer is fairly attainable, at a $500 required spend on purchases within the first three months to receive a $200 cash bonus.
Its intro APR offer is competitive for a card of its kind.
Cons
Its high-end APR can make it costly to carry a balance.
This card doesn’t have any notable perks, even for a low-maintenance cash back 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
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% for 12 months on Purchases
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
N/A
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Citi credit card.
N/A
Rewards rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
Annual fee
N/A
What we love: The Citi Diamond Preferred Card has one of the longest introductory APR offers for balance transfers you’ll find. And after the intro offer ends, the ongoing APR is relatively low, making this a solid debt-reduction tool.
Alternatives: While you won’t earn rewards with it either, the Citi Simplicity® Card has a similar balance transfer intro APR offer, but fewer fees. It has no late payment fees and its intro balance transfer fee is lower than the Diamond Preferred’s.
Pros
The introductory APR period on balance transfers is one of the longest you’ll find.
People with good to excellent credit may be eligible for a considerably low APR rate.
Cons
This card doesn’t earn rewards, limiting its usefulness after the intro APR offer ends.
The 5 percent balance transfer fee (or $5, whichever is higher) is higher than what some other balance transfer cards offer.
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 18.24% - 28.99%, 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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
1.5% - 5%
Rewards rate
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service 1.5% on all other purchases
Annual fee
5%
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1.5%
1.5% on all other purchases
What we love: This card not only features popular bonus categories in travel, dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases but also a decent base rate on all other purchases at 1.5 percent. Coupled with its intro APR offers, you can potentially save a lot with the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Alternatives: If you prefer the convenience of a flat-rate cash rewards card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers one of the highest rates available.
Pros
The base rate on this card is higher than what you'll see on most tiered cards, so you can rack up rewards more easily.
You'll have a bit more than a year to potentially save on interest if you want to finance a large purchase or consolidate existing card debt.
Cons
The rewards categories could be more versatile.
While this card doesn't have an annual fee, you won't get a break on late payments or foreign transaction fees.
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 20.49% - 29.24%.
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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
0% intro for 15 months on Purchases
Purchase intro APR
Regular APR
Intro offer
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.
1X - 5X
Rewards rate
Special offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
Annual fee
5X
Special offer: earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
2X
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
1X
Earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
What we love: The Citi Rewards+ Card offers three things that thrifty consumers will appreciate: a low potentially regular APR, an easy way to earn rewards on everyday purchases and no annual fee. This card rounds up your points to the nearest 10 points on every purchase — so a $13 sandwich could earn you 20 Citi ThankYou points.
Alternatives: If you want more rewards for the same spending on groceries and gas, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns higher rates in those categories than the Citi Rewards+ Card.
Pros
Its starting APR is competitively low.
This card’s points-roundup feature adds massive potential for earning rewards.
Cons
This card earns “basic” ThankYou points, which you can’t transfer to travel partners.
There’s a $6,000 yearly cap for earning 2X points on supermarket and gas station purchases, then it drops to 1X.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
The Citi Rewards+® Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap.
No Annual Fee
Best credit union card
Gold Visa® Card
*The information about the Gold Visa® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
*
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
N/A
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Pentagon FCU credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
Annual fee
Regular APR
N/A
What we love: You’ll enjoy one of the lowest ongoing variable APRs on the market. That makes this card one of your best options if you think you’ll need to carry a balance.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A low-interest credit card is defined by its APR (annual percentage rate), which can be either variable or fixed. If the low end of the variable percentage is around 18 percent, it generally qualifies as a low-interest card. Most credit cards are variable-rate credit cards, meaning their APRs fluctuate alongside the prime rate.
Paying your balance on time and in full every month is the surest way to avoid interest altogether, and this method is what we recommend first. Alternatively, a low-interest card could help you pay less interest if you carry a balance.
Understanding your card’s interest rate
Although annual percentage rates are expressed on a yearly basis, your lender will charge you each month you carry a credit card balance. It can appear fairly straightforward at first glance, but understanding how that percentage applies to your current balance requires some calculations. For example, if your average daily balance for the billing cycle was $500 and your card’s APR is 15 percent, you’ll find that you owe $6.25 in interest for the month. The formulas are as follows:
Credit card APR ÷ 365 days = Daily periodic rate
(Previous cycle’s unpaid balance + Total purchases) ÷ Number of days in billing cycle = Average daily balance Daily periodic rate x Average daily balance x Number of days in billing cycle = Total interest charge for the month
Credit card APR
Daily periodic rate
Average daily balance
Total interest charge for the month
15%
0.041%
$500
$6.16
How much could you save with a low-interest card?
One Bankrate survey found that 49 percent of cardholders were “debt revolvers” in 2023. As credit card APRs steadily climb, intentionally picking a card with a below-average interest rate could give your wallet a bit of a break.
Current credit card interest rates
Unlike a card with a zero percent intro APR offer, you won’t completely skip interest if you carry a balance on a low-interest card. However, you could still save more than you would with a card that has a high interest rate. Here’s an example of how much interest you’d pay on a card with an 18 percent interest rate versus a balance on a card with an interest rate at the current average of around 20 percent.
Credit card APR
Daily periodic rate
Average daily balance
Total interest charge for the month
18%
0.049%
$500
$7.39
20%
0.054%
$500
$8.22
Pros and cons of low-interest credit cards
Pros
You’ll save on interest: Lower-than-average interest rates mean that if you carry a credit card balance, you won’t incur as much in interest charges.
You can save on existing credit card debt: By completing a balance transfer to a low-interest credit card, you can save yourself a lot on interest payments and consolidate high-interest credit card debt, making your debt payoff journey simpler.
Ideal for large purchases: If you plan to make a large purchase but may need some time to pay it off, a low-interest credit card can be a helpful tool to reduce hefty interest charges.
Cons
Few rewards: Low-interest cards typically come with limited rewards programs. If you want a card that helps you accumulate high amounts of points, miles or cash back, you’ll likely have to pay a little extra.
Credit requirements: You typically need good or excellent credit to qualify for low interest rates. If you’re not at the good-to-excellent level yet, you should improve your credit score before applying for the best approval odds.
Limited long-term value: While low-interest credit cards can be quite helpful, their lack of premium perks and benefits hinder their usefulness, especially for people who pay off their balances regularly.
Still unsure if a low-interest credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool, where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
Bankrate Insight
According to one Bankrate survey, about 93 percent of economists say the Federal Reserve, the entity that sets the prime rate, will likely follow through with cutting interest rates in 2024. However, the rates may remain at record highs for a bit longer as experts are split on whether the cuts will come in the first or second half of the year, making low-interest cards an even more attractive tool to have in the meantime.
Expert advice for low-interest cards
Check your credit score: Your chances of getting a low interest rate are better with a higher credit score. Understand what your credit score is, what’s affecting it and clean up any errors before you apply for a credit card.
Compare card features: It’s best to see which features best match your spending goals. Some may want a card that earns flat-rate rewards while others may want a card with 0 percent interest APR offers.
Calculate long-term value: While having a low interest rate can be great long-term, not every low-interest card maintains great value over time. Make sure that your card has value beyond short-term offers like welcome bonuses and introductory 0 percent APR offers.
What people are saying about low-interest credit cards
As rising inflation remains a concern, many people online are looking for a low-interest credit card. While big-name issuers dominate the market, credit unions are the go-to recommendation for finding a low-interest credit card for users in the r/CreditCards subreddit and myFICO Forums.
Even Bankrate writer, Garrett Yarbrough, keeps his credit union card because its interest rate is lower than many other cards’ rates.
“Its greatest strength is one of the main reasons to have a credit union card: the interest rate is far less than the typical APR on a card from a major issuer,” he says. “In fact, my credit union card’s current purchase APR is 12.75 percent variable — much less than the current average interest rate and even the 17 percent to 19 percent minimum APR you see on popular cards nowadays.”
Credit union cards typically don’t have flashy rewards, but their business model allows them to pass savings back to customers in the form of lower rates. But if you want the lowest interest rate possible, be prepared to give up rewards.
“You can get some pretty low rates for credit cards, but they usually are from smaller banks/credit unions and won't offer many rewards,” one r/CreditCards user commented*.
Although online users and Bankrate experts recommend always paying in full and taking advantage of your credit card’s grace period to not pay interest altogether, the right low-interest card can mitigate unavoidable charges.
“I still try to avoid carrying a balance since I don’t want to owe interest or hurt my credit score,” Yarbrough says of his low-rate card. “But my credit union card has definitely saved me money in a pinch before, like on college textbooks while between paychecks and on hefty moving expenses when I needed to stay liquid for a month or two."
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
In the news: Experts still foresee a possible recession in the near future
After a year of record-high inflation, the Fed is preparing to cut interest rates within the next year as unemployment falls. However, economists are still wary of the possibility of a recession later this year. Although our survey found the odds of a recession have fallen from 64 percent in Q1 2023 to 45 percent in Q4 2023, many experts say we should still proceed with caution.
By having a low-interest credit card, you guard yourself against a higher-than-necessary interest rate. You may also be able to get a lower-than-average interest rate as the Fed begins implementing rate cuts.
Our data: What’s the average approval rate of low-interest cards?
Around 2 out of 3 adults in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 29 had at least one credit card in 2023. And while many credit cards are available for almost any type of person, approval isn’t guaranteed.
We dug into our data and looked at the average approval ratings for Bankrate users applying for credit cards on our site.
According to our proprietary data, Bankrate user approval rate for the low-interest credit cards on our site peaked around 71 percent in September 2023 before declining in November and December to 66 percent and 58 percent, respectively. This could be due to holidays, when cardholders may spend more and have higher balances. Then approval rates increased to 64 percent as of January 2024, showing a promising trend.
If you want to know which low-interest cards you have the best chance of being approved for, check out Bankrate’s CardMatch tool to get a better idea of your approval odds or see if the issuer offers preapproval for the card you want.
How we assess the best low-interest credit cards
100+
card ratings
400+
APRs tracked
3000
data points analyzed
40+
perks evaluated
When evaluating the best balance transfer and low-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 balance transfer and low-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:
The primary factor in a balance transfer or low-interest card’s rating and its inclusion in our list is the quality of its introductory APR offer and ongoing APR. This includes both the introductory rate itself and the length of the intro APR on both balance transfers and new purchases.
For cards designed primarily for balance transfers, the intro APR offer on balance transfers has the largest impact on overall score. The quality of these cards’ intro APR on new purchases is also considered, but holds less weight than the intro APR on balance transfers.
For general low-interest cards, the intro APR offer on new purchases has the largest impact on overall score, followed by the ongoing APR and intro APR offer on balance transfers. This weighting assumes cardholders considering a card in this category will prioritize payment flexibility on new purchases or may need to carry a balance long term, whereas cardholders trying to pay off debt will opt for a dedicated balance transfer card.
The cards that score the highest in these categories and are most likely to be included in our list tend to offer long 0 percent intro APRs on both balance transfer and new purchases as well as a lower-than-average low-end APR.
Along with evaluating each card’s intro APR offers, we score balance transfer and low-interest cards based on their fees.
Of primary importance is a card’s balance transfer fee, since this can play a large role in the total cost of a balance transfer. We rate each card’s balance transfer fee based on how it stacks up against the fee you’ll find on competing cards.
While this fee carries less weight when we assess general low-interest cards than dedicated balance transfer cards, it still factors into our evaluation since cardholders may decide to transfer debt to a low-interest card even if it offers no intro APR or an intro APR higher than 0 percent.
And while a lower balance transfer fee could save you more overall than a few extra months of 0 percent intro APR, this fee carries less weight in our scoring system than a card’s introductory APR and intro APR period. This is because many users prioritize getting as much time as possible to pay off debt while avoiding interest.
Other fees considered in our assessment include the presence of annual, foreign transaction, cash advance and late payment fees, along with penalty APRs. Annual fees are weighted most heavily since these are the only “unavoidable” fees in the list and tend to be less common on dedicated balance transfer and low-interest credit cards.
While getting a generous intro APR offer and low ongoing APR are likely to be the biggest priorities for someone looking for a low-interest or balance transfer card, we also consider how much value a card can offer after its intro APR comes to an end.
Balance transfer and low-interest cards receive a higher rating and are more likely to be included in our list of best cards if they also include an ongoing rewards program or unique and valuable perks. Such features make a card more useful long term and make it less likely you’ll need to apply for a new card (and temporarily hurt your credit score) after you pay off debt.
With this in mind, our best cards list often includes a number of rewards and cash back cards alongside dedicated balance transfer cards. These cards tend to offer slightly shorter intro APR periods, but could help you save more overall, either via rewards earned on everyday spending, valuable perks or a lower balance transfer fee.
Frequently asked questions about low-interest credit cards
Your creditworthiness and financial health play an essential role in the interest rate of your credit card. If you have good credit, your APR (or interest rate) may be lower than if your credit score needs some work. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate could be.
An easy way to determine whether your card has a desirable interest rate is to take a look at average credit card APRs and see how your rate compares. Currently, anything at or under 16 percent qualifies as a good interest rate for most consumers.
With low-interest credit cards, the ongoing interest rate after any intro APR period is lower than most other credit cards, on average. On the other hand, 0 percent interest credit cards are only zero-interest for a certain time after opening the account, and then the regular APR kicks in, which may or may not be low.
In most circumstances, yes. A low interest rate can be a very valuable tool in tackling credit card debt, and sometimes negotiation with your card provider is the best way to make it happen. Accruing interest costs you money, so take the necessary steps to save.
If you're dead set on finding a way to lower your credit card interest rate, contact your issuer. You can call and ask to lower your interest rate or even negotiate a new payment plan entirely. If you've generally been on time with your payments and have been a loyal customer, use those points in making your case. With the right approach, you could be successful in lowering your rate.
People make mistakes. Sometimes, we forget to pay a bill, or we miss that grace period by a day. In times of widespread economic uncertainty, credit card issuers are offering assistance more than usual, making it possible to waive an interest charge. The only way to know if your credit card company will allow this is to ask, but make sure to keep your personal credit history in mind as you do. Before you call up your card issuer, you need to review your creditworthiness and financial health. If you do not regularly carry a balance and do not usually pay interest, there is a chance that your issuer may waive the charge.
However, if you have a substantial balance, your issuer may be less likely to waive interest or late fees. If this is the case, a balance transfer card may be worth considering to help avoid APR temporarily while you chip away at your debt.
Credit card interest rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve’s prime rate, and the prime rate changes based on the judgment of federal regulators. Such decisions are largely based on the state of the national economy.
If you have an outstanding balance on your credit card, or you tend to carry a balance from month to month, falling interest rates can be welcome news. However, the only sure way to reduce the cost of credit card interest is to avoid it altogether by paying your entire balance each month.
Ask the experts: Is it possible to get a card with a low interest rate if you have bad credit?
There is a strong correlation between the interest rate you are eligible for and your credit score. The higher your credit score is, the better the rate issuers offer you might be.
Even if your credit score is poor, however, you won't be charged any interest if you keep the balance to zero. Most cards will give you a 25 to 30 day grace period. It won’t matter how high your interest rate is, issuers won’t charge finance fees as long as you pay your bill in full before or by the due date. The more you do that, your credit score should rise, so if and when you want a new credit card with a low APR, you will be in a better position to qualify.
The average credit card rate is now well above 20 percent. For consumers with blemished credit history, the rates are typically closer to 30 percent due to the increased risk for the issuer. Consumers with bad credit will find it difficult to qualify for any unsecured credit card and may have to start with a secured credit card to help build or rebuild positive credit history. Consumers with bad credit who apply for an unsecured credit card will typically only be approved for sub-prime cards with a low credit limit and high interest rate. These cards may also carry high fees. Bad credit users should take special care not to carry a balance on the card or use more than one-third of the credit limit at any one time.
If you have bad credit, your options for cards might be limited, and your focus should be doing what you can to get your credit score up. Shop around for the lowest rate you can find. No matter what the interest rate is on the card you do get, the best thing to aim for is to not put more on your card than what you can comfortably pay off every month by your due date. It doesn’t matter what the interest rate is if you aren’t carrying a balance. Frequent on-time payments will help you build your score up to land a lower rate card.
We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has…
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
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