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Credit cards with 0% APR offers can help you extinguish existing debt or allot more time to pay off large purchases. These cards offer no-interest financing for a set period of time before the standard interest rates apply. If you can pay off your balance before the promotion expires, you can avoid paying any interest on those balances.
The best 0% APR credit cards offer longer promotional periods and low fees. An added benefit is the ability to earn cash back or enjoy other perks which reward cardholders for keeping the card past the 0% APR offer. Many of these cash back credit cards offer a bonus reward when spending on dining, travel, groceries, and more.
The Best 0% APR Credit Cards in January 2023
- Best Overall: Citi Diamond Preferred Card
- Longest 0% Intro Rates for Purchases: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum
- Best for Business: U.S. Bank Business Platinum
- Best for Dining Rewards: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
- Best for Bonus Cash Back: Discover it Cash Back
- Best for Travel: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best Overall : Citi Diamond Preferred Card
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Regular APR (%) | 17.24% - 27.99% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 21 Months |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 12 Months |
Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
Rewards Earning Rate | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
- Why We Chose ItÂ
- Pros and Cons
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is our choice for the best overall 0% APR credit cards because of its long introductory offer period. New cardholders can enjoy 21 months of no-interest financing on balance transfers. For new purchases, enjoy 0% APR for 12 months. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening, and the 0% intro APR is good for 21 months from the date of the first transfer.
Additionally, you'll receive free access to your FICO Score, so you can monitor your score as you make progress in paying off your balance. The card also allows you to shop with confidence because it includes dependable purchase protections, including $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and a free ID Theft Protection program from MasterCard.
Outstanding (and one of the best available) 0% APR on balance transfers deal
Decent 0% purchase APR offer for 12 months
No annual fee
No grace period on purchases made during 0% APR balance transfer offer period
Balance transfer fee reduces savings on interest costs
Read the Full Citi Diamond Preferred Card Review.
Longest 0% Intro Rates for Purchases : U.S. Bank Visa Platinum
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Regular APR (%) | 18.74% - 28.74% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 20 Billing Cycles |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 20 Billing Cycles |
Balance Transfer Fee | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. |
Rewards Earning Rate | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card was chosen because it offers the longest 0% introductory rates on spending and second longest on balance transfers. New customers receive 0% APR financing for 20 months on both purchases and balance transfers with this card. Balance transfers must be made within 60 days of opening your account, while all purchases during the promotional period receive the 0% APR offer.
There is no annual fee, but all balance transfers incur a 3% ($5 min) fee. An added bonus is cell phone protection up to $600 per occurrence with a $25 deductible and $1,200 in total coverage every 12 months.
Longest 0% purchase APR offer on the market and second longest for balance transfers
Cell phone protection
No rewards program, few perks
Limited value after the intro period ends
Best for Business : U.S. Bank Business Platinum
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Regular APR (%) | 16.24% - 25.24% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Rewards Earning Rate | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 18 Billing Cycles |
INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 18 Billing Cycles |
Balance Transfer Fee | Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. |
Cash Advance APR (%) | 30.24% |
Cash Advance Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
We selected the U.S. Bank Business Platinum as best for business based on its 0% APR promotion for 20 months and standard APR, which is as low as 16.24%. The promotion covers transfers made during the first 30 days and purchases made at any time during the first 20 months.
There is no annual fee with this card, and U.S. Bank provides 24/7 customer service by business specialists. Additionally, business owners have free access to business card spending and reporting tools online.
Generous 0% APR offer, plus possible low ongoing APR
No annual fee
No rewards or bonus
U.S. Bank's small business customer service has been rated below par
Read the full U.S. Bank Business Platinum credit card review.
Best for Dining Rewards : Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
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Earn $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Regular APR (%) | 19.24% - 29.24% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023. |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Months |
Balance Transfer Fee | 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR. |
Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
People who dine out frequently can maximize their cash back with the Capital One SavorOne. This is the best card for dining rewards because it earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases. Plus, 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.
Plus, earn 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023. There is no annual fee and Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees on its card. New cardholders receive a 0% APR promo on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and can earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Excellent cash back rewards on dining, groceries, streaming, and entertainment
No foreign transaction fees
Excellent credit needed to qualify
Read the full Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card review.
Best for Bonus Cash Back : Discover it Cash Back
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Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Regular APR (%) | 15.74% - 26.74% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Months |
INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 15 Months |
Balance Transfer Fee | Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by March 10, 2022 and up to 5% fee for future balance transfers will apply. |
Foreign transaction fee (%) | 0% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
The best bonus cash back credit card is the Discover it Cash Back based on its 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. Each quarter, Discover announces bonus categories and merchants where you can earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 you spend each quarter.
However, you must activate the bonus before spending. At the end of the first year, all of the cash back earned is doubled instead of the traditional welcome bonus other cards offer. Additionally, balance transfers and purchases receive a 0% APR for 15 months after account opening.
Excellent cash back rewards on select categories
Cash back rewards are matched after first year—doubling rewards earning
Decent 0% introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers
Must keep track of quarters and changing categories
Bonus categories must be activated each quarter
Relatively few benefits
Read the full Discover it Cash Back credit card review.
Best for Travel : Chase Freedom Unlimited
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Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on gas station purchases on up to $6,000 spent in the first year.
Regular APR (%) | 19.24% - 27.99% variable |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Rewards Earning Rate | Earn 5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3% on dining and restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Earn 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases. |
INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Months |
INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 15 Months |
Balance Transfer Fee | Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
Foreign transaction fee (%) | 3% |
- Why We Chose This Card
- Pros and Cons
Our choice for the best travel card with a 0% APR offer is the Chase Freedom Unlimited. For a limited time, you'll also earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025.
New cardholders get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months and can get a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on gas station purchases on up to $6,000 spent in the first year.
Also, earn 5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3% on dining and restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Earn 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
Excellent bonus earning opportunities
Decent introductory APR offer
Flexible redemption options
A few other cards offer higher flat rewards rates on base spending
Read the full Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card review.
Final Verdict
Balance transfer offers are an excellent way to pay off debt without being charged interest. Promotional periods vary, but most provide at least 12 months of 0% APR financing, so each payment goes toward reducing your balance instead of paying interest to the bank. Since there are many balance transfer credit cards available, there should be one that aligns with your goals.
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is our choice as the best overall credit card for balance transfers. It includes a 0% APR promotion for 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases. The fee for balance transfers is 5% (min. $5), and there is no annual fee. Plus, you have four months to complete your first balance transfer before the 21-month promo period on balance transfers begins.
Compare the Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Credit Card | Intro APR Offer | Regular APR | Standout Features |
---|---|---|---|
Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Best Overall |
0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months and for 12 months on purchases | 17.24% - 27.99% variable | Extended 0% APR promo offer |
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Longest 0% Intro Rates |
0% APR for 20 months on purchases and balance transfers | 18.74% to 28.74% | Cell phone protection |
U.S. Bank Business Platinum
Best for Business |
0% Introductory APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | 16.24% to 25.24%Â | Low ongoing APR |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for Dining Rewards |
0% APR purchases and transfers for 15 months | 17.99% to 27.99%Â | Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023. |
Discover it Cash Back
Best for Bonus Cash Back |
0% APR on purchases and transfers for 15 months | 15.74% to 26.74%Â | Automatic match for all cash back earned in first year |
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best for Travel |
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and transfers | 19.24% to 27.99% | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstores, 1.5% cash back on everything else |
Editorial Picks for the Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Best Overall
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card offers 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months. Cardholders have four months to complete balance transfers and the 21 months promo period starts on the date of the first transfer.
Read the Full Citi Diamond Preferred Card Review.
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Longest 0% Intro Rates
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers the longest 0% introductory period on purchases and added benefits, like cell phone protection. While the card has limited value after the promotion, cardholders have 20 months of 0% APR financing on both purchases and balance transfers to pay off account balances without incurring regular interest charges.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum
Best for Business
Business owners who need extra time to pay off debt or new purchases should apply for the U.S. Bank Business Platinum. It has no annual fee and offers a 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 20 cycles.
Capital One SavorOne
Best for Dining Rewards
The Capital One SavorOne offers the best dining rewards for 0% APR cards with 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023. You'll also earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Discover it Cash Back
Best for Bonus Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back is our choice for the best bonus cash back because you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. Plus, all of the cash back you earn is doubled at the end of the first year, meaning that you can effectively earn 10% cash back on some purchases with this card during the first year.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best for Travel
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Earn 3% on dining and restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Earn 3% on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% on all other purchases. The cash back can also be redeemed to book flights, hotels, and more through the Chase website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a 0% APR Credit Card?
A 0% APR credit card offers a promotional interest rate on balance transfers, purchases, or both for a set length of time. Purchases and balance transfers are not charged interest during the promo. However, balance transfers often incur a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance transferred. When the promotion expires, your interest rate reverts back to the standard APR.
Does a 0% APR Hurt Your Credit Score?
The credit bureaus do not know the interest rate your balances are being charged. When taking advantage of a 0% APR offer through a new credit card, your credit score is primarily affected in two ways. First, by opening a new account, you'll have a new credit inquiry, and you may reduce the average age of your accounts. More importantly, if the balance transfer amount is close to the credit limit, your utilization ratio may go up, which could reduce your credit score.
How Should I Use a 0% APR Credit Card?
When using a 0% APR credit card, it pays to look at the fine print. These details can make the difference between a good deal and a bad one. Pay close attention to these areas:
- Interest charged on purchases while paying off a balance transfer
- How payments are applied–are purchases or promotional offers paid first
- Length of your promotional APR offer
- Whether the offer be revoked if a payment is missed or the balance goes over the credit limit
- The fees (and minimum fee) for balance transfers
- How soon balance transfers must be completed after the opening account
- Whether all purchases count towards APR promotion or only for a limited time
What Happens When My 0% APR Credit Card Offer Ends?
When your promotional interest expires, any unpaid balance is now charged the standard interest rate for balance transfers and purchases going forward. Unlike some retailer cards, you, in most instances, will not owe interest accrued during the promotional period. However, you should read your cardholder agreement for the rules on interest charges for your specific card.
Methodology
We analyzed the details of over 300 credit cards to find the best purchase and balance transfer promotional offers. Data points on rewards, annual fees, interest rates, benefits, and more were assigned scores so that we could rank them against each other. The credit cards above are our choices for the best 0% APR credit cards for a variety of customer profiles. We continuously monitor bank websites for changes to card details to ensure that our rankings provide the most value for our readers.
MEET OUR CREDIT CARDS EXPERT
Ben Woolsey is Investopedia's Senior Editor for Credit Cards. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including marketing for banking and financial institutions such as Associates First Capital and Bank One. Prior to Investopedia, he managed credit card content for CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com.
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