Best low interest credit cards with 0% APR in September 2024
Published 4:59 PM EDT, Fri February 2, 2024
Credit cards with 0% APR promotional financing can help you save money while you pay down your debt. You can also use these cards to defer payment on some purchases without incurring interest charges.
In this article, we’ll show you our picks for the best 0% APR credit cards and help you decide which one is right for you.
Our team of experts reviewed dozens of credit cards with 0% interest offers, and considered various factors including the intro APR period duration, rewards value, benefits and fees. Using a data-based approach, we narrowed down the list to the top nine credit cards that scored highly based on our weightings. Read our full methodology below
-
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best 0% APR credit card
-
Bank of America? Travel Rewards credit card: *Best for a high welcome bonus
The information for the Bank of America? Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
-
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for cash back on groceries, dining, streaming and entertainment
-
Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card: Best for 2% cash rewards
-
Wells Fargo Reflect? Card: Best for an ultra-long 0% APR
-
Bank of America? Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students: *Best for students
The information for the Bank of America? Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
-
Discover it? Cash Back: *Best for rotating bonus categories and first-year cash back match
The information for the Discover it? Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
-
Chase Freedom Flex?: *Best for rotating bonus categories and benefits
The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
-
Chase Freedom Unlimited?: Best for uncapped cash back
We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
*The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Wells Fargo Reflect? Card
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
*The information for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Discover it? Cash Back
*The information for the Discover it? Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Chase Freedom Flex?
*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Chase Freedom Unlimited?
The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.
Our picks at a glance
| Annual fee | 0% intro APR details | Best for | Notable feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
| $0
| 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
| 0% APR credit card
| Ability to transfer miles to participating loyalty programs
|
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening (then a 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR)
| High welcome bonus
| Bonus rewards value for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members
|
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
| $0
| 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
| Cash back on groceries, dining, streaming and entertainment
| High cash back rate in certain categories
|
Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card
| $0
| 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a fee of up to 5%, with a minimum of $5 applies.
| 2% cash rewards
| Cell phone protection
|
Wells Fargo Reflect? Card
| $0
| 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 from account opening qualify for the introductory rate, and a balance transfer of 5%, (minimum $5) applies.
| Ultra-long 0% APR
| Cell phone protection
|
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students * The information for the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| 15-month 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers (then a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers)
| Students
| Welcome bonus
|
Discover it? Cash Back * The information for the Discover it? Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. | $0
| 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and eligible balance transfers. Then, a variable rate of 17.24% to 28.24% applies. A balance transfer fee of up to 5% of the amount transferred applies.
| Rotating bonus categories and first-year cash back match
| Unlimited cash back match for first year
|
Chase Freedom Flex? * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. * | $0
| 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. Intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days, after that either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater applies
| Rotating bonus categories and benefits
| 5% cash back categories
|
Chase Freedom Unlimited?
| $0
| 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies
| Uncapped cash back
| 1.5% base rewards rate
|
How to make the most of your 0% APR credit card
- Make a plan to pay off your balance before the 0% rate expires. The key to receiving the most value from your 0% APR card is to pay off your balance in full before the promotional interest rate expires. For example, if you transfer a balance to a card with a 15-month 0% APR on balance transfers, you could divide your balance by 15, and pay off that amount each month. This strategy will work if you don’t make new charges to that card to add to your balance. And if you can’t pay off your entire balance before the 0% APR offer expires, then you’ll want to pay off as much as possible. While you have 0% APR financing, 100% of your payment will go towards your principal, enabling you to pay down your debt much more rapidly than you can once your account incurs interest charges again.
- Always make at least minimum monthly payments. “Interest-free” doesn’t mean you don’t have to make monthly payments on your balance. On the contrary, you must make at least the minimum payment each month, even during an interest-free period. If you miss a payment, consequences may include a late fee and an early end to your interest-free offer.
- Consider avoiding making new purchases on the card. To give yourself the best chance of paying off a balance transfer or large purchase before the introductory period ends, you may want to avoid using the card for other expenses.
What are 0% APR credit cards?
0% APR credit cards offer interest-free financing for new purchases, balance transfers or both. Cards with these offers may or may not earn rewards, and include both consumer and small-business cards. The best intro no interest credit cards have introductory periods that can extend to 21 months. Others can have offers that last for as little as six months.
Who can qualify for 0% APR credit cards?
Generally, you will need at least good credit to get a card with a 0% introductory APR. Good credit is a FICO score of 670 to 739, and very good credit is a score of 740 to 799. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for the best rates and large credit limits.
Pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards
While credit cards with promotional 0% APR offers can be valuable, they do have some drawbacks.
Pros:
- Avoid interest charges. With these offers, you aren’t incurring interest charges during the promotional period.
- Pay down your debt sooner. With all of your payments being applied to your principal, your debts can be paid off sooner than if you were continuing to accrue interest.
- Defer payment. Charging a large expense to a card with interest-free financing can allow you to pay it off over time at no additional cost.
Cons:
- Balance transfer fees. Credit cards that offer 0% intro APRs on balance transfers will typically impose a fee of 3% or 5% of the amount transferred.
- Can encourage debt. Cardholders may be tempted to postpone repayment of their debt, rather than paying it off sooner.
- Limited availability. These offers aren’t available to applicants with subpar credit.
How to apply for a 0% APR credit card
The process for applying for a credit card with a 0% APR offer will be the same as with any other credit card. Applications may be available online, by phone, by mail or in person at a branch location.
You’ll be asked for personally identifying information such as your name, address and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You may also be asked about your employment, income and your monthly housing payment.
If the card offers balance transfers, you may be asked in the application if you’d like to complete a transfer. Keep in mind that card issuers usually do not permit transfers from one of their cards to another.
Distinguishing between 0% APR and low-interest credit cards
Some credit cards feature a below-average standard interest rate, but not a 0% APR offer. These can be attractive to those who need to carry a balance from time to time. In contrast, credit cards with 0% introductory APRs can have higher standard interest rates than low-interest credit cards. Cards can also offer promotional APRs that are lower than their regular APRs, but not 0%.
Methodology
Our money and data analytics teams evaluated over 60 credit cards with introductory 0% APR offers and narrowed down our list of the best 0% interest credit cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:
0% intro period length (30%)
All of the cards we reviewed offer an intro 0% APR, but their interest-free periods vary in length. We gave the most weight to this category, giving cards with the longest introductory 0% APR periods the best scores.
Variable APR (15%)
A 0% APR offer doesn’t last forever, and you’ll eventually pay interest on credit card charges you don’t pay off in full each month. The average credit card APR (annual percentage rate) is currently over 20%, so if you carry a balance, debt can accumulate quickly. Cards with relatively lower APRs got higher grades in this category, while cards with higher APRs got marked down.
Fees (15%)
We included annual fees, foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees in this category, giving each equal weight. None of the cards that made our list charge an annual fee, and four don’t add foreign transaction fees.
Rewards value (10%)
Cards with the longest intro APR offers typically don’t earn rewards, but you can find cards with slightly shorter intro periods that do. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards offer the highest potential rewards for regular consumers.
Welcome bonus (10%)
If you’re in the market for a 0% APR credit card, earning a welcome bonus might not be your first priority. But if you’re using the card to make large purchases you want to pay off over time, using that spending to reach the minimum requirement for a welcome bonus is a nice extra boost. Cards with more valuable welcome bonuses, based on rewards valuations from The Points Guy, scored better in this category.
Benefits and statement credits (10%)
You won’t find fancy premium credit cards with luxury perks on our list of 0% APR cards, but several do offer benefits that can save you money, protect your purchases and even cover you if things go wrong while you’re traveling. No-frills cards with few benefits didn’t score well here, while cards with built-in perks fared better.
Low credit score threshold (10%)
Most credit cards with 0% APR offers require at least a good credit score, but there are a handful that don’t. Cards that are only available to folks with excellent credit (a FICO score of 800 or higher, or a VantageScore of 750 or more) got fewer points here, while cards for good or fair credit got a boost.
What didn’t make the cut
While we looked at dozens of credit cards, we only chose the top nine for this review. Here are a few other competing products that didn’t make our list.
- State Farm Good Neighbor Visa? Card: This card has a long introductory financing offer, but it doesn’t feature rewards or many notable benefits.
- U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : While this card features an ultra-long introductory APR offer of 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (then a 18.74% - 29.74% Variable APR), it doesn’t offer rewards and has few cardholder benefits.
- Amex EveryDay? Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This card offers valuable American Express Membership Rewards? points and has a $0 annual fee. But cardholders earn points at a modest rate.
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: With this card, you earn cash back at a competitive rate of 1.5% on all purchases, plus 5% cash back when you book hotels and rental cars with Capital One Travel. But the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers additional cash back bonus categories and more robust benefits.
- Citi Custom Cash? Card * The information for the Citi Custom Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This is a good card if you can take advantage of its 5x rewards categories. Plus, it’s one of the few 0% APR cards that only require fair credit to be eligible for approval. But otherwise, the rewards potential is weak.
All information about Amex EveryDay? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Credit cards with 0% APR offers will not charge interest during the promotional period. These offers can apply to new purchases, balance transfers or both. The intro APR often lasts between 12 and 21 months.
Once the promotional period expires, the card’s regular purchase and/or balance transfer interest rate will apply. The rates different cards charge are outlined in their terms and conditions, and can vary based on your creditworthiness.
If you fail to make the minimum payment on time, or the payment is returned as unpaid, then you may owe a late fee, your 0% APR could expire and a penalty APR could apply to your balance.
When you open a new credit card, lenders typically do a hard credit inquiry before deciding to approve you, which can cause your credit scores to dip slightly. However, any balance you carry will add to your total debt and negatively affect your credit utilization ratio, which may cause your scores to drop. That said, making on-time payments on your 0% APR credit card can help?increase your credit scores, just like making on-time payments with other credit cards.
Many?credit cards with 0% APR promotions allow balance transfers. With cards like this, you can generally transfer a balance from a different card issuer.
To view rates and fees for Amex EveryDay? Credit Card * The information for the Amex EveryDay? Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit .
All information about Amex EveryDay? Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students, Chase Freedom Flex?, Citi Custom Cash? Card, Discover it? Cash Back and U.S. Bank Visa? Platinum Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines, hotel chain, or other commercial entity and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of such entities.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended and should not be understood to constitute financial, investment, insurance or legal advice. All individuals are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified financial professional before making any financial, insurance or investment decisions.
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.
