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The Best 0 APR Credit Cards 2024

Discover the top 0% APR credit cards with our comprehensive review, providing an overview of the best options available for interest-free borrowing.
Written by
Luke Daugherty
Last Update on Jan 10, 2024

As a rule, carrying a credit card balance isn’t a good long-term debt strategy. High interest rates will send you underwater quickly, and you may find it difficult to catch up. But many credit cards offer an interest-free introductory period, during which you can carry a balance without incurring any interest charges.

These 0% APR credit cards offer a great way to finance large purchases or consolidate debt for a short period. You can transfer a balance from another card or buy a few big-ticket items that you can pay off within 12–18 months. You won’t pay a dime in interest if you pay the balance within the promotional period and avoid any late payments.

Choosing the best 0% APR credit card comes down to your financial goals. Some cards offer an extended promo period, while others balance the promotional period with rewards and other perks. Here are the eight we like best.

Comparing The 8 Best 0% APR Credit Cards

CardBest ForAnnual feeAPR After IntroRewards RateRewards Bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardOverall$0$19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99%, variableUnlimited 2% back$200
Chase Freedom Flex℠General Rewards$019.99% – 28.74%, variable1% to 5% by category$200
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum CardFinancing Large Purchases$019.49% – 29.49%, variableN/AN/A
Discover it® ChromeWelcome Bonus$016.99% – 27.99%, variable1% to 2% by categoryCashback match
Amex EveryDay® Credit CardGrocery Rewards$017.74% – 28.74%, variable1X to 2X points by category10,000 points
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTravel Rewards$019.74% – 29.74%, variable1.25X to 5X miles by category20,000 miles
Discover it® Cash BackRotating Categories$016.99% – 27.99%, variable1% to 5% by categoryCashback Match
Citi Simplicity® CardLate Payment Forgiveness$018.74% – 29.49%, variableN/AN/A
Best Overall 0% APR Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

One of the best everyday rewards rates on the market
No interest for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Limited spending required to earn welcome bonus
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Unlimited 2% cash back
APR after intro
$19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99%, variable
Show More Details

Look high and low, and you won’t likely find a card with a better everyday rewards rate than the Wells Fargo Active Cash® card. Add unlimited 2% cash back to a solid 15-month 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, and you can see why this is our pick for best overall in this category.

Pros

  • Unlimited 2% rewards on every purchase
  • 0% APR for 15 months
  • Cell phone protection available

Cons

  • No bonus rewards categories
  • Balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
  • Lack of travel transfer partners
Additional Details
  • $200 cash bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months
  • Balance transfers must be made within first 120 days to qualify for 0% APR
  • Intro balance transfer fee of 3%, then 5% after, minimum of $5
  • No annual fee
  • Visa Signature Concierge gives you access to premium benefits at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels
  • Up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your phone bill with the card ($25 deductible applies)
Best for General Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Maximize rewards with rotating quarterly bonus categories
Generous travel rewards rate
No interest for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% to 5%, depending on category
APR after intro
19.99% – 28.74%, variable
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Few cards allow you to pump up your rewards earnings like the Chase Freedom Flex℠. If you keep up with rotating categories and book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, your cash-back return could rival some of the best premium cards on the market. Top it off with 0% APR on all purchases and qualifying balance transfers made in the first 15 months, and this was a close runner-up for our top choice.
Pros

  • Earn 5% rewards on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating quarterly categories
  • 5% travel rewards rate on bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards rivals premium travel cards
  • Balance transfers apply for 0% APR for the entire 15 months

Cons

  • Must use Chase Ultimate Rewards to earn maximum travel rewards rate
  • Balance transfer fee applies
  • Must track and activate bonus categories
Additional Details
  • $200 cash bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months
  • 5% cash-back categories require activation
  • 3% back on dining and drugstores, 1% on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
Best 0% APR Card for Financing Large Purchases

U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum

Long 18-month intro 0% APR
Choose your own payment date
Cell phone coverage available
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
N/A
APR after intro
19.49% – 29.49%, variable
Show More Details

If 0% APR is your primary aim, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is worth a closer look. You won’t earn any rewards with this card, but its long 18-month intro APR period makes it ideal for large purchases or balance transfers.

Pros

  • 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 full billing cycles
  • No penalty APR
  • Cell phone protection

Cons

  • No rewards program or welcome bonus
  • Balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
Additional Details
  • Balance transfer fee applies, even during the intro period
  • Up to $600 in cell phone insurance when you pay your phone bill with the card ($25 deductible applies)
  • No annual fee
  • Choose your own monthly payment date
Best for Generous Welcome Bonus

Discover it® Chrome

Generous first-year cash-back match
2% bonus categories are automatic
No interest for 15 months on purchases
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% to 2% depending on category
APR after intro
16.99% – 27.99%, variable
Show More Details

Overall, the Discover it® Chrome doesn’t compete with other cards in terms of rewards. However, its first-year cash-back match for any rewards you earn in the first 12 months makes it a great option for a 0% APR card. Maximize your interest-free spending in the first year, and maximize your rewards.

Pros

  • Double your rewards earnings with the first-year cash-back match
  • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter
  • 0% APR on purchases for 15 months

Cons

  • High balance transfer fee makes intro APR less enticing for transfers
  • High fees for cash advances
  • Low 1% rewards rate on most purchases
Additional Details
  • Discover will match your rewards earnings dollar for dollar — with no limit — on your first account anniversary
  • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases
  • No bonus categories to track
  • No annual fee
Best for Grocery Rewards

Amex EveryDay® Credit Card (Best 0% APR Credit Cards)

Double rewards earnings at U.S. supermarkets and bookings through AmEx Travel
No interest for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Redeem points directly toward purchases you make with your card
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1X to 2X points depending on category
APR after intro
17.74% – 28.74%, variable
Show More Details

The Amex EveryDay® credit card offers a similar intro APR to other cards on this list. However, its 2X rewards rate on grocery spending makes it a great card for boosting your rewards potential with everyday spending.

Pros

  • Maximize rewards on grocery spending
  • Potential to earn 20% bonus on your points
  • 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Cons

  • High foreign transaction fees
  • Must make 20 purchases per month to earn 20% bonus
  • Low welcome bonus value for spending required
Additional Details
  • 10,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you spend $2,000 in the first six months
  • Boost your point value by 20% when you make at least 20 purchases per month
  • 2X rewards at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1X points
  • 2X rewards when you book travel through American Express Travel
  • 1X rewards on all other purchases
  • Carry a balance with interest or pay it in full each month
  • No annual fee
Best 0% APR Card for Travel Purchases

Capital One VentureOne Rewards

High travel rewards rate with no annual fee
No foreign transaction fees or penalty APR
No interest for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.25X to 5X miles depending category
APR after intro
19.74% – 29.74%, variable
Show More Details

This may not be one of the highest-earning travel cards on the market, but it offers great value when you consider its 0% intro APR. Earn 5X points on hotel and rental car bookings you make through Capital One Travel and pay no interest on those purchases for the first 15 months.

Pros

  • 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • No penalty APR
  • 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

Cons

  • No bonus travel reward for flights
  • Balance transfer fee applies even during intro period
  • Low rewards rate on most purchases
Additional Details
  • 20,000 bonus miles when you spend $500 in the first three months (equal to $200 in travel)
  • Unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases not mentioned above
  • Transfer miles to more than 15 travel loyalty programs
  • 3% balance transfer fee during intro period
  • No annual fee
Best for Rotating Rewards Categories

Discover it® Chrome

Generous first-year cash-back match
2% bonus categories are automatic
No interest for 15 months on purchases
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1% to 2% depending on category
APR after intro
16.99% – 27.99%, variable
Show More Details

Overall, the Discover it® Chrome doesn’t compete with other cards in terms of rewards. However, its first-year cash-back match for any rewards you earn in the first 12 months makes it a great option for a 0% APR card. Maximize your interest-free spending in the first year, and maximize your rewards.

Pros

  • Double your rewards earnings with the first-year cash-back match
  • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter
  • 0% APR on purchases for 15 months

Cons

  • High balance transfer fee makes intro APR less enticing for transfers
  • High fees for cash advances
  • Low 1% rewards rate on most purchases
Additional Details
  • Discover will match your rewards earnings dollar for dollar — with no limit — on your first account anniversary
  • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases
  • No bonus categories to track
  • No annual fee
Best for Late Payment Forgiveness

Citi Simplicity® Card

Extended 21-month interest-free period on balance transfers
12 months with no interest on purchases
No late fees or penalty APR
Credit Rating
Good to Excellent (700+)
Annual fee
$0
Rewards Rate
N/A
APR after intro
18.74% – 29.49%, variable
Show More Details

If debt consolidation is your primary goal, look no further than the Citi Simplicity® card. You’ll get an extraordinary 21 months with no interest on any balance transfers you make within the first four months. Keep in mind that a balance transfer fee applies, and there’s no rewards program.

Pros

  • Generous 21-month 0% APR for balance transfers
  • No late fees or penalty APR
  • Simple card for everyday spending

Cons

  • No rewards program
  • Shorter intro APR period for purchases
  • Balance transfers will incur a fee, even during intro period
Additional Details
  • 21-month 0% APR applies to balance transfers completed within the first four months
  • 0% APR on all purchases made within the first 12 months
  • No annual fee

The Basics Of Interest Rates And APR

Interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) can be confusing, but understanding them can help you save money and make smarter financial decisions. Here’s a closer look:

What’s The Difference Between Interest and APR?

Interest is the cost of borrowing money, usually expressed as a percentage of the loan or balance. APR, on the other hand, represents the yearly cost of the loan, taking into account the interest rate and other associated fees. It provides a comprehensive view of how much borrowing will cost you over a year.

How Do 0% APR Offers Work?

0% APR offers typically apply to purchases or balance transfers for a promotional period, such as 12 or 18 months. During this time, no interest will be charged on the designated transactions if they are paid in full by the end of the promotional period. However, after this period, the standard APR will apply.

How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Interest Rate

Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the risk of lending to you.

The Better Your Credit, The Better Your Rate

Building a strong credit score can open the gateway to low-interest credit cards, favorable loan terms, and considerable savings over time. To set the foundation for a robust score and attract better rates, punctuality in bill payments is crucial. Even a single delayed payment can leave a dent in your score, so employing tactics like setting reminders or automating payments can prove invaluable.

Your debt-to-credit ratio also plays a significant role. By using only a modest portion of your available credit — ideally below 30% — you signal responsible credit management. This is further supplemented by regularly reviewing your credit reports from the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These checks, which can be accessed for free annually, can help you spot and rectify errors or unauthorized activities that might otherwise unfairly tarnish your score.

Diversifying the types of credit you utilize, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and various loans, can provide a positive nudge to your creditworthiness. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re not taking on debt just for the sake of diversification. In the same vein, be wary of frequent new credit inquiries. Multiple applications within a short timeframe can be perceived as a sign of financial desperation and can transiently dip your score.

Older credit accounts contribute to the length of your credit history, which in turn affects your score. If possible, avoid shutting down these longstanding accounts, especially if they’re free of annual fees. On occasions where you might have stumbled with your credit — be it an outstanding debt or a late payment — consider reaching out to your creditor. A little negotiation can sometimes lead them to adjust your credit report favorably. And if you’re in a position to, becoming an authorized user on a family member’s well-managed credit card can offer a boost to your credit history.

With vigilance and these strategic practices, you’re not only positioning yourself for better interest rates but also cementing a resilient financial future.

How To Compare 0% APR Credit Cards

When evaluating 0% and low-interest cards, it’s crucial to weigh each of these factors. Your individual financial situation and spending habits will determine which card is the best fit for you.

CriteriaThings To Consider
Introductory APR PeriodHow long is the promotional rate offered?
Ongoing APRWhat will the rate be after the introductory period ends?
Balance Transfer FeeWhat’s the associated cost of transferring a balance to this card?
Required Credit ProfileWhat is the typical credit score required to qualify for this card?
Penalty PoliciesAre there any penalties, such as fees or rate increases, for late payments?
Annual FeeDoes the card carry an annual charge? If so, how much is it?
Free Credit ScoreIs there provision by the issuer to access your credit score at no extra cost?
Rewards and Bonus OffersCan cardholders earn additional benefits like points or cash back?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does “Purchase APR” Mean?

The purchase APR is the interest rate you pay for any purchases you make on a credit card if you don’t pay your balance in full by the payment due date. Balance transfers and cash advances often have different APRs.

What Is An “Intro APR”?

An intro APR is a common credit card promotion in which the card issuer offers a lower APR on purchases, balance transfers or both for an introductory period, usually 12–18 months. Any qualifying purchases or transfers you make during the intro period would be subject to the intro rate rather than the card’s regular APR. Keep in mind that your intro APR could be canceled if you make late payments, and your existing balance will be subject to the regular APR if you don’t pay it off in full by the end of the promotional period.

Can I Get 0% APR On My Current Credit Card?

Since this is usually an introductory promotion designed to encourage new card applications, you usually can’t get 0% APR on an existing credit card.

How Is A Credit Card’s APR Decided?

Lenders use the prime rate benchmark to set a general range for credit card APRs, and they usually can change over time as the prime rate moves. Your specific APR is based on your credit history, which your lender will assess when you apply for a card.

Which No-Interest Credit Card Is The Best?

Choosing the best no-interest credit card comes down to what you want from the card. If getting a long, 0% APR is your main goal, then the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is our top choice. However, if you’d like your card to offer rewards and other benefits, it’s worth looking at the other options on our list.

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. He covers personal finance, operations, marketing, and sustainable business, as well as many of his personal passions. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.