Best 0% APR credit cards (2024)

This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.

Zero APR credit cards are useful both if you are transferring a balance from a high-APR credit card and if you need to use the card to make purchases as you pay down the balance. But not all 0% APR credit cards are good for all users. Some are no frills and mainly for paying down debt, while others come with perks like bonus rewards.

Best 0% APR Cards for 2024

Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for cash back with bonus categories

Chase Freedom Unlimited is a top choice for cash back rewards and its 0% APR introductory period. In addition to 15 months at 0% APR for balance transfers and purchases, it offers up to 5% cash back. You can earn 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025) and for travel purchased through the Chase portal, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on all other purchases. For the first year, you can earn 5% back at gas stations and grocery stores on up to $12,000 in purchases.

Chase Freedom Flex: Best for cash back with rotating categories

Chase Freedom Flex®

Chase Freedom Flex®

Credit score

670

Annual fees

$0

Welcome bonus

$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening

Chase Freedom Flex comes with a valuable 15-month 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers, plus up to 5% cash back on eligible purchases. You can earn 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and on travel purchases through Chase as well as up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate every three months. It also includes 3% back on dining and drug store purchases and 1% everywhere else.

Capital One Quicksilver: Best for simple cash back rewards

The Capital One Quicksilver card is a flat rate 1.5% cash back rewards credit card with a 15-month introductory period at 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers. It doesn’t have bonus categories or rotating categories, so you earn the same 1.5% everywhere outside of limited promotions. There’s no annual fee, and you can choose between several cash back rewards redemption methods.

Capital One VentureOne: Best for travel rewards

The Capital One VentureOne card is a top 0% APR credit card for those looking to earn travel rewards. In addition to 15 months at 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers, you can earn 1.25 miles per dollar, redeemable for travel through Capital One or transferable to an impressive list of partner airlines and hotels.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards: Best for cash back rewards for young professionals

The SavorOne cash is a cash back rewards card with a 15-month 0% APR period for purchases and balance transfers. It features 5% cash back on rental car and hotel purchases made through Capital One, 3% back on dining, grocery store, entertainment and eligible streaming service purchases and 1% everywhere else.

Citi Double Cash: Best for cash back

The Citi Double Cash credit card is a top choice for cash back rewards and a long 0% APR introductory period. Balance transfers come with a 0% APR introductory period of 18 months. While the card is very light on benefits, it comes with a compelling signup bonus and rewards program.

Citi Simplicity: Best for balance transfers

The Citi Simplicity card features 21 months interest-free for balance transfers and 12 months interest-free for purchases after opening a new account. While there are no rewards and benefits are lacking, the card’s name (Simplicity) explains what it’s all about.

Citi Simplicity is a good option to work toward debt freedom if you want a long time to pay off your existing credit card balances without interest charges.

Citi Diamond Preferred: Best for balance transfers for good credit

Citi Diamond Preferred comes with 21 months at 0% APR for balance transfers, which is as long as any card we reviewed. While you don’t get the same 0% for as long for new purchases, it lasts 12 months, which is better than many competing cards. The interest rate is a little better than Citi Simplicity, which can lead to savings if you carry a balance after the 0% introductory period ends.### U.S. Bank Visa Platinum: Best for 0% APR intro period

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card

Credit score

0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers

Annual fees

$0

Welcome bonus

None

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum is one of the best credit cards for a long 0% APR period, and it applies to both balance transfers and new purchases. There’s no annual fee, but a balance transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum) applies. While there’s no signup bonus or rewards, it’s a good choice for paying off debt without interest charges for the better part of two years.

Chase Slate Edge: Best for low costs

Chase Slate Edge is a simple credit card offering a lengthy 18-month 0% introductory period for balance transfers and purchases. With regular responsible card use, your credit limit increases and your interest rate decreases over time. That can help you improve your credit score while paying off your debt without interest charges. It’s a generally low-fee card that’s ideal for users looking to get out of debt.

Summary: Best 0% APR credit cards of 2024

How we chose the best 0% APR credit cards

We compared card offers based on the following criteria: The length of introductory APR offers, variable APRs after the end of the offer period, annual fees, consumer protections included and required credit rating (if that information was made public).

Ultimately, we looked for credit cards that offer the best intro APRs, welcome offers and flexibility within their designated rewards programs. In all cases, benefits such as consumer protections and travel insurance perks were taken into account.

Choosing the best 0% APR credit card: Where to begin

If you want a 0% APR credit card, consider these key factors:

How long is the 0% APR period?

0% credit cards we reviewed feature 0% APR introductory periods as long as 21 months. Longer 0% periods give you more time to pay off your balance before interest charges begin.

Do balance transfer fees apply?

Most cards require a fee when performing a balance transfer. Lower fees are preferred. Consider the fee compared to your old card’s interest rate to decide if a balance transfer will save you money.

Are there any bonuses or rewards?

New account bonuses and rewards are not always essential for someone looking to consolidate and pay off existing credit card debt. But if you plan to use the card regularly, finding a card that rewards you with cash back or travel rewards is best.

What other fees may apply?

Also, consider annual fees and other incidental fees you may encounter. Foreign exchange fees may be important for some users. You can avoid late and returned payment penalties by using your card responsibly.

Eligibility by credit score

Credit scores are important in your approval process when searching for a new credit card. Not all issuers share their minimum credit score requirements. Here’s a look at common categories for determining the quality of your credit history based on the credit score.

How to get the most benefit from 0% APR cards

The best use of a 0% APR card is to consolidate and pay off debt or large expenses without interest charges. Paying off your entire balance by the end of the 0% APR period is key to avoiding paying interest rates that are often 20% or higher on your remaining balance.

How your credit score affects your interest rate

Credit scores play a role in determining your approval and interest rate. Borrowers with better credit scores typically qualify for the lowest interest rate, while borrowers approved with lower scores pay higher interest rates.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do 0% APR credit cards work?

0% APR credit cards are typically cards offering you the ability to borrow without paying interest for a set period of time.

What credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards?

There’s no specific credit score required for all 0% APR credit cards. Check with the issuer and look at details for the specific credit card you’re interested in to find minimum credit requirements.

What is the catch of 0% APR credit cards?

If you don’t pay off the entire balance by the time the 0% introductory period ends, you’ll likely find yourself paying a high interest rate, often more than 20% APR. You may also have to pay balance transfer fees when moving balances from another credit card account to the new 0% card.

This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.