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Credit Cards

10 best 0% APR credit cards of February 2026

Pay no interest for up to two years with these credit cards.

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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

A credit card with a zero-interest introductory offer can be a valuable tool for making large purchases or consolidating credit card debt. The best cards provide substantial savings with 0% intro APRs for up to 24 months on purchases, balance transfers or both.

As Americans carry a record amount of credit card debt, more consumers are turning to balance transfers to avoid (or delay) high interest rates. In 2024, $59.5 billion in credit card debt was moved through balance transfers, comparable to two-thirds of the private-label credit card market.

More than 99% of those transactions were part of a zero-interest promotion

Below, CNBC Select names the best 0% APR credit cards and how they can benefit you. For more on how we made our picks, check out our methodology.

Best 0% APR credit cards

Best overall

Who's this for? The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card can't be beat if you want to save on credit card interest, as it features one of the longest low-interest offers on the market.

Intro APR offer: For a limited time, you can take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and eligible balance transfers for 24 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 16.99%-27.99%. Balance transfers must be completed within 60 days of account opening to qualify for the intro APR. There is a 5% fee for each transfer, with a $5 minimum.

Information about the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.

CNBC Select Rating
4.5

Information about the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

See terms

Annual fee

See terms

Welcome bonus

See terms

*See rates and fees, terms apply.

  • Best-in-class intro-APR offers for purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • Annual statement credit
  • Cell phone protection
  • Rewards limited to eligible travel purchases made through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center
  • No welcome bonus
  • Has a foreign transaction fee
  • No intro balance transfer fee
Editor's thoughts

You won't find a longer intro APR from a major bank than what the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card offers. That said, the balance transfer fee is on the higher side. If you want to transfer a large balance, you may save more with the Citi Simplicity® Card's lower transfer fee, even though its intro APR period is shorter.

Best for balance transfers

Who's this for? The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is another great option for financing large purchases or transferring existing credit card debt.

Intro APR offer: You'll receive a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (16.49%-27.24% variable APR afterward). There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount you transfer, with a $5 minimum. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.

On Citi's site

CNBC Select Rating
4.3

On Citi's site

Spotlight

Receive a 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

16.49% - 27.24% variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

None

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is one of the best balance transfer credit cards and also has a generous intro APR offer.

  • One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • No rewards
  • No welcome bonus

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, 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.

Balance transfer fee

Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.

Foreign transaction fee

3%

Best for purchases and balance transfers

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is ideal if you're looking to pay off large purchases over time or consolidate credit card debt.

Intro APR offer: The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (17.49%, 23.99% or 28.24% variable APR afterward). Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the intro rate; the balance transfer fee is 5% with a $5 minimum.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

CNBC Select Rating
4.3

On Wells Fargo's site

CNBC Select Rating
4.3

On Wells Fargo's site

Spotlight

This card offers one of the longest introductory APR periods for purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

None

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card can help you save on interest charges thanks to its extra generous intro-APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

  • Best-in-class intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone insurance: up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible
  • No rewards
  • No welcome bonus
  • High balance transfer fee

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% 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.

Balance transfer fee

5%, min: $5

Foreign transaction fee

3%

Best for low balance transfer fee

Who's this for? If you need to consolidate credit card debt, the Citi Simplicity® Card is a great option. Plus, it features a low intro balance transfer fee.

Intro APR offer: After approval, you can access a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (17.49%-28.24% variable APR afterward). There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Citi Simplicity® Card

CNBC Select Rating
4.3
CNBC Select Rating
4.3

Spotlight

Receive a 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

17.49% - 28.24% variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

None

See rates and fees. Terms apply. Read our Citi Simplicity® Card review.

Information about the Citi Simplicity® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

The Citi Simplicity® Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.

  • One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • No rewards
  • No welcome bonus

Balance transfer fee

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).

Foreign transaction fee

3%

Best for no annual fee

Who's this for? The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is excellent if you don't want to pay an annual fee, as it earns transferable travel rewards (1.25X miles on every purchase) on top of its intro APR offer.

Intro APR offer: The Capital One VentureOne comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (18.49%-28.49% variable APR after). There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer you complete in the first 15 months your account is open. After that period, the transfer fee is 4% of each transfer you complete at a promotional APR Capital One may offer you at any other time.

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

Spotlight

You can receive a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card earns transferrable miles, which is a stand-out benefit for a no-annual-fee card.

  • You can transfer miles to over 15 Capital One partners, including Emirates Skywards, Choice Privileges and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • No annual fee
  • Limited bonus spending category that only applies to certain Capital One Travel bookings
  • No travel credits and limited travel protections

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • Top rated mobile app

Balance transfer fee

3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time

Foreign transaction fee

None

Best for bonus category rewards

Who's this for? The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is valuable due to its generous cash back categories at grocery stores, dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, alongside its intro APR.

Intro APR offer: With a new Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card, you'll get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49%-28.49%. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transferred balance for the first 12 months, then 4% of the amount of each transferred balance at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time.

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

Spotlight

You can receive a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% variable 

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 in welcome bonuses

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining without paying an annual fee.

  • One of the most rewarding cash back cards for entertainment and streaming services
  • No annual fee
  • Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
  • High APR
  • Requires a good to excellent credit score

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 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 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • Top-rated mobile app

Balance transfer fee

3% for the first 12 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time

Best for flat-rate cash back

Who's this for? In addition to its intro APR, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great choice for earning flat-rate cash back on your everyday purchases thanks to its 2% cash rewards rate.

Intro APR offer: The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card comes with 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter). Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and a fee of 3% (5%, with a minimum of $5, after that).

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On Wells Fargo's site

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

On Wells Fargo's site

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus

See rates and fees. Terms apply.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great if you want simplicity thanks to its flat-rate 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases and $0 annual fee.

  • High flat-rate return on purchases
  • Intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a year
  • No annual fee
  • Cell phone protection
  • Has a foreign transaction fee
  • Limited redemption options unless you pair it with a Wells Fargo card that allows point transfers

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Apply Now to take advantage of this 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 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% 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. 

Balance Transfer Fee

3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5

Foreign Transaction Fee

3%

Best for welcome bonus

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is a strong cash back credit card with interest-free offers. It also has an easy-to-earn $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

Intro APR offer: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%-27.74% variable APR afterward). There's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) for the first 60 days, then the fee increases to 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum).

CNBC Select Rating
5.0

Spotlight

New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.74% variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 cash back

See rates and fees. Terms apply. Member FDIC.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.

  • Valuable welcome bonus and high rewards rates
  • Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
  • Has a foreign transaction fee
  • Few rewarding ongoing benefits

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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, and 1.5% 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 18.24% - 27.74%.
  • 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.
  • Member FDIC

Balance transfer fee

Intro 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.

Foreign transaction fee

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Pro tip: You can pair this card with a Chase bank account

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

Best for online shopping

Who's this for? Depending on your spending habits, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns a solid rewards rate on U.S. online retail purchases, alongside its intro offer on purchases and balance transfers.

Intro APR offer: The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, a 19.49%-28.49% variable APR applies (see rates and fees). To qualify for the intro APR, balance transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening, and there's a balance transfer fee that's either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is greater).

On the American Express site

CNBC Select Rating
5

On the American Express site

Credit score

Good to Excellent

Regular APR

19.49% to 28.49% Variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and you may be eligible for bonus rewards on a wide range of common expenditures.

  • Up to $264 in streaming service and meal kit credits every year (subject to auto renewal)
  • High cash-back rates in popular spending categories
  • No annual fee
  • The best bonus cash-back categories are capped
  • Has a foreign transaction fee

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. 
  • No Annual Fee. 
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do. 
  • Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal. 
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee

2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars

Pro tip: You can pair this card with an Amex bank account

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.

*For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.

Best for students

Who's this for? The BankAmericard® for Students offers an introductory APR that competes with the top non-student credit cards.

Intro APR offer: You'll receive an intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. To qualify for the intro APR, balance transfers must be completed within 60 days of opening your account. After the intro APR ends, a variable APR of 14.49%-24.49% applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction you make within 60 days of opening the account (4% thereafter).

BankAmericard® for Students

CNBC Select Rating
4.0

Bank of America cards are currently not available on CNBC Select. Click "Learn More" to review other credit card offers.

CNBC Select Rating
4.0

Bank of America cards are currently not available on CNBC Select. Click "Learn More" to review other credit card offers.

Spotlight

Bank of America cards are currently not available on CNBC Select but you can check out our marketplace to compare offers from other issuers including American Express and Chase.

Credit score

Good to Excellent670–850

Regular APR

See terms

Annual fee

See terms

Welcome bonus

None

*See rates and fees, terms apply.

  • One of the longest intro APR periods
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • No rewards program

Information about Bank of America cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.

Best 0% intro APR cards comparison

Credit Card CNBC Select's pick for Purchase intro APR Balance transfer intro APR Rewards Welcome bonus
Citi Simplicity® CardLow balance-transfer feeYesYesNoneNo
Wells Fargo Reflect® CardPurchases and balance transfersYesYesNoneNo
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® CardOverall 0% APR cardYesYesYes, limited cash backNo
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardNo foreign transaction feesYesYesYes, cash backYes
Wells Fargo Active® CashCash backYesYesYes, cash rewardsYes
Chase Freedom Unlimited®Welcome bonusYesYesYes, cash backYes
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressOnline shoppingYes*YesYes, statement creditsYes
Citi® Diamond Preferred® CardBalance transfersYesYesNoneNo
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardNo annual feeYesYesYes, flexible travel rewardsYes
BankAmericard® for StudentsStudentsYesYesNoneNo

How does a 0% intro APR work?

Zero-interest credit card offers fall into two main categories: balance transfer offers and purchase offers. A card can offer both, but there are key differences.

Purchase offers

When a credit card features a 0% intro APR offer on purchases, nothing you buy with your new card will accrue interest during the intro APR period. The 0% APR doesn't apply to balance transfers or cash advances.

During the intro APR period, you'll need to make at least the minimum payment on time or risk it being canceled.

Balance transfer offers

A 0% APR balance transfer offer allows you to move debt from an existing credit card to a new one and, as long as you make the minimum payment on time each month, you won't pay any interest.

Moving a balance from a high-interest card can save you a lot of money, but typically there's a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5%. There may also be a limited time to transfer a balance and qualify for the intro APR.

In addition, a card's entire balance may not be transferable: You may be limited by the new card's credit limit, a fixed transfer limit or percentage caps or other issuer limitations.

How to get the most from a 0% APR card

A 0% APR card is most beneficial when you understand the terms of the offer and make a plan to pay off your debt. Here's what to keep in mind if you're considering a 0% intro APR credit card for your wallet.

1. Calculate how much a 0% APR card will save you

The biggest reason to get a 0% APR credit card is to save on interest. How much you'll save depends on your current card's balance and the interest rate, the new card's transfer fee and the length of the intro APR period.

If you have a card with a $5,000 balance and a 22% APR, here's how much you'd save with a no-fee card with a 12-month intro APR vs. one with an 18-month intro APR. (We factored in both 3% and 5% balance transfer fees.)

0% APR credit card savings

Starting balance APR 3% balance transfer fee 5% balance transfer fee Total interest or fees Total savings
$5,00022% for 12 monthsN/AN/A$616N/A
$5,0000% for 12 months$150$250$150 to $250$366 to $466
$5,00022% for 18 monthsN/AN/A$916N/A
$5,0000% for 18 months$150$250$150 to $250$666 to $766

2. Read the fine print

Familiarize yourself with how a card's 0% APR offer works, including the expiration date, timeline for completing a transfer, any balance transfer fees and the interest rate once the intro period ends.

Don't forget to look at the cards' other features, including whether there's an annual fee or any sign-up bonus, cash back or rewards points.

3. Create a repayment plan

Don't get a zero-interest card without a strategy to pay off the transferred debt. After all, you're not erasing it, you're just giving yourself more time. See how much you'll need to pay each month to clear the balance by the time the intro APR ends and decide if you have room in your budget.

If you don't pay off any transferred debt or lingering new-purchase balances in time, any remaining amount will be charged the card's regular purchase APR.

If you have a store card, you could be hit with deferred interest, or all the interest you accrued since the date you opened your card. (None of the cards on our list charges deferred interest.)

Learn more: 5 things to do once your balance transfer is complete.

Best ways to use a 0% APR credit card

Credit cards that offer no interest on purchases and/or balance transfers are a great asset for consumers looking to save on interest charges when they carry a balance month-to-month. The best way to use a 0% APR card depends on your situation, but there are times when it makes more sense.

To make a large purchase

If you plan on making large purchases, such as a new computer or workout equipment, and need more time to pay them off, a 0% APR card can help you pay over time with no interest charges.

If you have credit card debt

If you have debt on a high-interest card, completing a balance transfer to a card with no interest can help you pay it off faster and cheaper.

If you want both features of a 0% APR card, no interest on new purchases and balance transfers, you can pay off large expenses and old debt at the same time. Remember that you'll need to make minimum payments on your balance and pay it off in full before the intro period ends to avoid interest.

Learn more: How 0% APR cards work and how to complete a balance transfer

How to shop for a 0% APR or low-interest credit card

If you're deciding which credit card you want to apply for, there are key factors you'll want to compare:

Length of intro APR period

An intro-APR period can last months or years. Many popular rewards cards don't charge interest for up to 15 months, and non-rewards cards can have 18- or 24-month 0% intro APR periods.

Balance transfer fee

Most balance transfer cards charge a fee per transfer, typically 3% to 5% of the transfer amount. The money you save in interest can outweigh this fee, but make sure to do the math. To avoid fees, check out the best no-fee balance transfer credit cards.

Annual fee

Cards with a 0% APR period sometimes also have an annual fee. Review the annual fee each year and compare it with the value you're getting from the card's perks to decide whether it's worth keeping.

Rewards and perks

The best 0% APR cards also offer cash back, points and miles. In addition, you may also be able to take advantage of other perks such as purchase and travel protections. While these are nice benefits, paying off debt should be your primary goal. Although a card's benefits shouldn't drive your decision, they can add to the value you receive and shouldn't be completely ignored.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

Pros and cons of intro APR credit cards

Pros
  • Less interest: There's a huge potential for interest savings, especially if you're carrying a large balance or have a high APR.
  • Debt is cleared: Since you pay no interest during the introductory period, every dollar will go toward the principal.
Cons
  • Fees: You'll usually have to pay a balance transfer fee, which can be 3% to 5%.
  • APRs still apply (eventually): If you don't pay off your balance before the intro APR expires, you'll start accruing interest again.
  • Fewer rewards: While many intro APR cards offer cash back, points and other rewards, they're not as robust.

FAQs

With a 0% intro APR credit card, the issuer defers interest on new purchases or balance transfers (or both) for a set number of months. That can allow you consolidate debt with less interest and pay for new purchases over time.

There is usually a fee to transfer a balance, however, and there may be a limit on how much you can transfer.

Most 0% APR credit cards are reserved for consumers with good (670-739) or excellent (740 and greater) credit. If your credit score is fair (580 to 669) or poor (below 580), you may have trouble qualifying .

If you have a history of overspending, you may be tempted to charge more than you can afford on a 0% APR card, since you have upwards of a year without interest. And if you're making a balance transfer with no plan to pay it off, you'll soon be back where you started.

When you apply for any credit card, the issuer will perform a hard pull on your credit report, which can temporarily knock your score down a few points. However, your credit score should rise in a few months, especially if you regularly make timely payments.

Getting a 0% APR card won't hurt your credit any more than another card. If you use a large portion of your new credit limit for purchases or a balance transfer, though, your credit utilization ratio could rise and you could be looking at a larger drop. Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30% of your total credit line.

A credit card balance transfer won't hurt your credit score. However, failing to make on-time payments or maxing out your credit limit will. You'll also receive a temporary hit to your credit when you apply for the new card.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best 0% APR credit cards.

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Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for intro-APR offers, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued by FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions.

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.

We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).

When choosing the best 0% interest credit cards, we focused on the length of the intro APR period and whether it applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. We also considered balance transfer fees and the length of time new cardholders have to make a transfer and still qualify for the intro APR.

We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.

* Information about the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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