Credit Cards with 0 APR are a great way of reducing the cost of your debts. Because these cards don’t charge any interest on your purchases, you can work on paying back your debt more quickly. Many 0 APR cards offer an introductory period with zero interest, and then move on to charging interest after that period.
We reviewed dozens of 0 APR credit cards to identify the best of the best. We examined features such as the length of the 0 APR period, and whether it applied to purchases, balance transfers, or both. We also looked at whether the card offered extras such as cash back, or low ongoing interest rates.
This credit card offers 0 APR for the first 15 months, and 3% cash back on all purchases for the first year.
Check PriceOur Top Pick is the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This credit card stood out as a clear winner, thanks to its generous 15 month 0 APR, combined with 3% cash back on all purchases for the first year.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated 0 APR Credit Cards
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 4.8 |
| Runner Up | Discover it® Cash Back | 4.1 |
| Best 0 APR Credit Card with Cash Back Rewards | Capital One® Quicksilver® Credit Card | 4.6 |
| Best 0 APR Credit Card with No Balance Transfer Fee | Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card | 4.0 |
| Best 0 APR Credit Card with Low Ongoing Interest | BankAmericard® Credit Card | 3.5 |
*Ratings are from CreditCards.com at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
As our Top Pick of all the 0% APR cards we reviewed, we selected the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This card offers 0% APR for 15 months. During the first year, you can also earn 3% cash back on all purchases, up to a total spend of $20,000. After the first year, you still get 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
After the introductory 0 APR period, the regular APR is 17.24% – 25.99% (variable). You’re also able to access your free credit score, which is updated weekly. The recommended credit score for this card is 670 – 850.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Key Features:
- 15 months 0 APR
- 3% cash back on all purchases for the first year (up to $20,000 spent)
- No annual fee
Our Runner Up Pick: Discover it® Cash Back
This credit card combines 0 APR for 14 months, with cash back offers of between 1% and 5%.
Check PriceOur Runner Up Pick is the Discover it® Cash Back. This card offers an excellent rate of 5% cash back on different places each quarter – ranging from gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. On all other purchases, there’s 1% unlimited cash back. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned.
It’s recommended that you have a good to excellent credit rating for this card – within the range of 670 – 850. After the initial 14 month 0 APR period has expired, the regular APR will be between 14.24% – 25.24% (variable).
Discover it® Cash Back Key Features:
- No annual fee
- 14 months 0 APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Redeem your cash back at any time
Best 0 APR Credit Card with Cash Back Rewards: Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This credit card offers 0 APR for 15 months, plus 1.5% cash back on every single purchase.
Check PriceOur pick for the best 0 APR credit card with cash back rewards is the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card. While other cards may offer a higher percentage of cash back for an introductory period, this card offers the best long term cash back offer. There’s no rotating categories or sign-ups needed for the cash back rewards, either.
Once your 0 APR introductory period is over, the regular APR is 16.24% – 26.24% (variable). You’ll qualify for a one-time $150 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases, in the first 3 months of having your account.
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card Key Features:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 15 months 0 APR on balance transfer and purchases
- No annual fee
Best 0 APR Credit Card with No Balance Transfer Fee: Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card
This credit card combines no balance transfer fee, with 0 APR on balance transfers for 12 months.
Check PriceIf you’re looking for a 0 APR card with no balance transfer fee, we recommend the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card. This card offers a 0 APR on balance transfers for 12 months. Bear in mind that this doesn’t apply to purchases. Despite that, the regular APR is very low, sitting at 8.14% – 18%.
You will need to join the Navy Federal Credit Union in order to qualify for this card. These cards also come equipped with chip-and-pin, making them perfect for overseas travel.
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card Key Features:
- No annual fee
- 24 hour customer service
- Includes purchase assurance and price protection
Best 0 APR Credit Card with Low Ongoing Interest: BankAmericard® Credit Card
Enjoy 0 APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 billing cycles, then a low regular APR.
Check PriceThis best offer we found for a 0 APR card with a low ongoing interest rate, is the BankAmericard Credit Card®. The 0 APR introductory offer is valid for both purchases and balance transfers within the first 18 billing cycles. Bear in mind though, that this will only apply to balance transfers made in the first 60 days after opening your account.
You’ll need a good to excellent credit rating for this card, with a score of 670 – 850. After the introductory APR period ends, the regular APR is 15.24% – 25.24% (variable). The rate you get will depend on your credit rating.
BankAmericard Credit Card Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Free FICO credit score
- Access your banking via the Mobile Banking app
Who Should Apply for a 0 APR Credit Card
This credit card offers 0 APR for the first 15 months, and 3% cash back on all purchases for the first year.
Check Price0 APR credit cards are a great option for a number of situations. Thy’re an excellent choice of you’re about to invest in a relatively high price item, such as a new refrigerator or even a holiday, that you want to put on a credit card. Using a 0 APR credit card for these items means that you won’t pay any interest if you buy them during your introductory period.
Another example ifs if you’re looking to transfer the balance of an existing card. Plenty of credit card companies offer 0 APR offers for balance transfers, meaning you can avoid paying interest while you work to clear your balance.
In both these cases, make sure you plan to pay off the balance of your card before the introductory 0 APR period ends, or you will start being charged interest.
Important Features to Consider
A 0% APR credit card should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best first credit card for your needs:
- 0 APR period. Make sure you check how long the introductory 0 APR period runs for, so you’re aware at what point you’ll start being charged interest.
- Purchases or balance transfers. Some credit cards only offer 0 APR on purchases, others on balance transfers, and some offer 0 APR for both.
- Cash back. Many credit card companies offer cash back bonuses on their 0 APR cards. Choose one which matches your purchases – for example some cards offer a higher rate of cash back at specific stores, and others offer a lower rate, but on all purchases.
- Added extras. Make sure you find out which added extras each credit card offers. Some provide a chip-and-pin card for transactions overseas, others offer purchase protection, or free access to your credit rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 0 APR mean for a credit card?
APR is the Annual Percentage Rate, or the amount of interest applied to your account. If a credit card is offering 0 APR for a certain amount of time, it means that no interest will be added to your balance during that period.
What does 0% APR for 15 months mean?
This means you won’t be paying any interest on the balance of your credit card for 15 months. You’ll still need to make your monthly payments as usual, but no interest will be added.
Is 0 APR a good deal?
Used sensibly, 0 APR credit cards can help reduce the cost of debt. Because you’re paying no interest for the introductory period, you can work on paying back what your balance in a shorter amount of time.
Does 0 APR hurt credit?
It shouldn’t do, as long as you pay off your balance each month. 0 APR credit cards are usually only available to customers with a good to excellent credit score.
Other 0 APR Credit Cards We Reviewed
This credit card offers 0 APR for the first 15 months, and 3% cash back on all purchases for the first year.
Check PriceWe looked at 20 other 0 APR credit cards. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best 0 APR credit cards, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- 0 APR Credit Card with Cash Back Rewards
- 0 APR Credit Cards With Low Or No Balance Transfer Fee
- 0 APR Credit Cards With Longest 0 APR
- 0 APR Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
0 APR Credit Cards With Cash Back Rewards
American Express Cash Magnet Card
As well as unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this card offers 0 APR on balance transfers and purchases, for the first 15 months.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Ongoing APR 15.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- $150 credit after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months
This card offers 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Key Features:
- 15 month 0 APR period on balance transfers
- Regular APR 17.24% – 25.99% (variable)
- No annual fee
This card offers 2% cash back on every purchase, then another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases (as long as you pay the minimum amount due).
Key Features:
- 0 APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- Regular APR 16.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- No annual fee
At the end of your first year, this card will match all the cash back that you’ve earned, with no limit.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back at selected places, 1.5% on everywhere else
- 0 APR for 18 months on balance transfers, and 6 months on purchases
- Regular APR 14.24% – 25.24% (variable)
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card
Earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on purchases, plus 1.8% cash back on qualifying digital wallet purchases.
Key Features:
- 0 APR on balance transfers for 15 months
- Regular APR 16.24% – 28.24% (variable)
0 APR Credit Cards with Low Or No Balance Transfer Fee
As long as you request your balance transfer within 60 days of opening your account, you can take advantage of the no balance transfer fee offer on this card.
Key Features:
- 0 APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months
- After this, APR of 15.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- Earn 10,000 Membership Reward points if you spend $1,000 in first 3 months
Aspire Platinum Rewards Mastercard
Enjoy no balance transfer fee on any amounts transferred within the first 6 months of opening your account.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- APR of 10.90% – 18.00% after introductory period
- 0 APR on balance transfers for 6 months
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
This card offers 0 APR on both balance transfers and purchases for 15 months.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 15.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- 1% – 3% cashback depending on purchase location
- 3% or $5 balance transfer fee, whichever is lower
TruWest Credit Union Visa Signature Credit Card
This card offers 0 APR on all balance transfers and purchases, for 18 months.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 10.15% – 11.15% (variable)
- No annual fee
- 3% balance transfer fee
White Sands Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card
As well as a low balance transfer fee, this card offers 0 APR on both purchases and balances, for 15 months.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Regular APR 14.24% – 23.24% (variable)
- 3% balance transfer fee
0 APR Credit Cards with Longest 0 APR
Enjoy 15,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months of opening your account.
Key Features:
- 15 months 0 APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Regular APR 15.49% – 25.49% (variable)
- Earn extra points on purchases at gas stations and grocery stores
This card offers 21 months of 0 APR on balance transfers – one of the longest periods we found. It also offers 12 months 0 APR for purchases.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Regular APR 16.99% – 26.99% (variable)
- 24 hour helpline
HSBC Gold Mastercard Credit Card
Enjoy 18 months 0 APR on both balance transfers and purchases.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 13.24% – 21.24% (variable)
- Late fee waiver
- No foreign transaction fees
This card offers 0 APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Regular APR
- Cell phone insurance offered when you pay your bill on this card
Get 18 months 0 APR on both purchases and balance transfers with this card.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 17.74% – 27.24% (variable)
- Free access to your FICO credit score
- No annual fee
0 APR Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card offers a $200 online bonus if you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account.
Key Features:
- 0 APR for 12 months
- Regular APR 16.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- 1% – 3% cash back
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Spend $500 on purchases within your first 3 months, and receive a $150 introductory bonus.
Key Features:
- 15 months 0 APR
- Regular APR 6.24% – 26.24% (variable)
- 3% cash back on entertainment and dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% elsewhere
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a frequent flyer, this card helps you accumulate 1.25 miles on every purchase.
Key Features:
- 0 APR on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR 14.24% – 24.24% (variable)
- No foreign transaction fees
U.S. Bank Cash 365 American Express Card
Spend $500 on eligible purchases within 3 months of opening your account, and receive a $150 bonus.
Key Features:
- 0 APR for 12 months on balance transfers
- Regular APR 16.24% – 25.74% (variable)
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
This card offers a $300 bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Key Features:
- 12 months 0 APR on both purchases and balance transfers
- Regular APR 16.24% – 28.24% (variable)
- No foreign currency conversion fee
