Best 0% APR Credit Cards Of June 2024

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Contributor, Benzinga
June 15, 2024

Save money on interest with a no APR credit card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR offers from top companies such as Wells Fargo or U.S. Bank.

Credit cards are convenient but often have high interest rates. Some cards offer promotional 0% APR periods to help avoid interest charges. The standard introductory period for most 0% APR credit cards is around 15 months, but there are cards available that offer even longer periods if you think it will take you more time to pay off your debt. During this introductory period, every payment you make will go directly towards reducing your debt, rather than towards paying interest charges.

Check out Benzinga's top picks for the best 0% APR credit cards to stop accruing interest and tackle your credit card debt now.

Quick Look: The Best Credit Cards With 0% Intro APR Offers

The Best 0% APR Credit Cards

Find a listing of the best 0% APR credit cards based on various factors to find the right fit based on your finances.

1. Best for 21-Month Introductory APR: Wells Fargo Reflect Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 21-month introductory period with 0% APR on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers. To be eligible for the balance transfer promo, a request must be made within 120 days from account opening.  You’ll pay 5% to transfer the balance from your existing card to this card, but that 5% is likely far less than you’re paying each month on your current card. The card also comes with nice perks, like a $600 cell phone protection against damage or theft and no annual fee. No rewards are the largest setback to the card. 

Why We Love It: Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers one of the longest introductory APR period available to help you pay down your debt for longer. This can be incredibly beneficial if you have a large balance that you're looking to pay down over several months or even years.

2. Best for Dining Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a 15-month 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer when done within the first 60 days of having the card will apply. While you pay down your existing credit card balance, this no-annual fee card lets you earn 3% cash back on all restaurant purchases as well as 5% on Chase Travel. Everything else earns you 1.5% cash back. If you dine out frequently, Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card to help earn cash back to further pay down debt.

Why We Love It: Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a great option for those looking for a credit card with no annual fee, a 0% APR offer and a solid rewards program. Whether you're looking to make a big purchase, transfer a balance, or simply earn rewards on your everyday expenses, this card has something for everyone.

3. Best for Cash Rewards: Discover it Cash Back

Discover puts no limits on how much cash back you must accumulate to redeem it for cash. That means that you can use the cash back to pay down your debt during the 15-month 0% APR introductory period to make the most of that time. The rotating 5% reward categories can help increase your rewards but you’ll need to monitor those categories and activate them. Plus, the rewards never expire.

Why We Love It: We love Discover it Cash Back for its introductory cash-back matching offer for the first year. This means Discover will match all the cash back you earn through your first 12 consecutive billing periods or 365 days, whichever is longer, doubling the amount of cash back rewards you receive. Plus, you can redeem cash back for cash at any point no matter how much you’ve earned.

4. Best for Choosing Cash-Back Bonus Category: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Enjoy a 15-month introductory APR period when you sign up for a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card. That’s shorter than some other cards but the bonus of reward points could help make up the difference. If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Reward customer, you’ll earn an additional 25% to 75% in rewards. And no matter who you are, you’ll get to choose your bonus category each month for rewards, helping you maximize your rewards based on your spending. Groceries and wholesale clubs always earn you 2% cash back.

Why We Love It: With a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, you get to maximize your rewards points while enjoying their intro APR offer. Choose your 3% bonus cash-back rewards category and change it monthly

5. Best for Balance Transfers: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card offers 21 months interest-free on balance transfers and new balances. That can help you pay down debt. Plus, the balance transfer fee is only 3%. The card also comes with cell phone protection up to $600 for theft or damage to the phone. It has no annual fee, and you can choose a payment date based on when you get paid.

Why We Love It: The competitive transfer fee mixed with the 21-month 0% APR could help you pay down debt faster. Plus, you have the flexibility to select a payment due date that aligns with your schedule.

6. Best for Those with Fair Credit: Citi Double Cash Card

If you have a fair credit score, you can still find some credit cards with 0% APR. But your options will be more limited. That’s why the Citi Double Cash Card is nice because you can qualify even with fair credit. Getting the card to pay down some credit card debt can help you increase your credit score with time. The card comes with an 18-month 0% APR period. And balance transfers are available at only 3%. The card comes with no annual fee and a generous rewards program. You can earn an unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay, on every purchase, with no limit and category restrictions.

Why We Love It: Citi Double Cash Card's 18-month intro period offer with a 3% competitive balance transfer fee makes it a great option for a no APR credit card. With its excellent rewards program and wide acceptance, it is definitely worth considering for those looking to build credit while earning rewards.

7. Best for No Foreign Transaction Fee: Fifth Third 1% Cash/Back Card

The lack of a foreign transaction fee mixed with a no annual fee and a flat rate of 1% cash back on everything makes this a good card that is low-maintenance and simple to understand. You’ll also get a 15-month introductory 0% APR. However, the balance transfer fee is 4%, which is higher than most. That will only be highly influential if you plan to move a large balance.

Why We Love It: Fifth Third offers a decent introductory APR offer combined with strong ongoing rewards to provide decent perks overall.

8. Best for Rewards on Everyday Purchases: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express
    Regular APR

    19.24% – 29.99% variable for purchases and balance transfers | See Rates & Fees 29.99% for cash advances.

    *Terms apply ** Be advised that applicants who do not have a credit history in the U.S. but have had credit cards or loans in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland or the United Kingdom will need to provide a SSN or ITIN during the application process.

You won’t get high reward categories with this card, but you do get solid cash back on everyday purchases. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is best for those who spend their money on supermarkets, gas stations and retail. The rewards max out at $6,000 per year in purchases annually, and then it goes down to 1% but it offers strong rewards for those who want to earn points to pay down their credit card balance. The card offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.

Why We Love It: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express is a solid choice for individuals looking to earn rewards on their everyday purchases. With its no APR credit card offer, cash back rewards program and no annual fee, this card offers a great value proposition for those in search of a new credit card.

9. Best for Travelers: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

While your primary financial focus right now might be paying down your credit card debt, you can plan for the future by accumulating travel rewards in the meantime. You won’t have an annual fee but can earn large rewards to use toward booking hotels and rental cars when you use the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. Their low intro APR offers allows you to enjoy 0% interest charges on purchases for 15 months.

Why We Love It: With a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, you can earn high travel rewards while paying down your credit card balance with 0% APR.  With no annual fee and a range of travel benefits, this credit card is a smart choice for frequent travelers or those looking to save money on interest charges.

10. Best for Balance Transfer Intro Period: Discover it Balance Transfer

Enjoy a nice introductory offer of 0% APR for 15 months with a 3% balance transfer fee with an outstanding introductory cash-back offer where Discover matches all cash back you earn in the first year, up to $150. Plus, you’ll get Discover’s rotating quarterly cash-back categories to help you earn additional rewards. 

Why We Love It: Enjoy a low introductory rate and 15 months of 0% APR with excellent introductory cash back.

How Do 0% APR Credit Cards Work?

Consumers often use no APR credit cards to consolidate credit card debt. Another beneficial way to use these cards is to finance a large purchase during the introductory period.

A 0% APR credit card is a credit card that offers a promotional period during which you won't be charged any interest on your balance. This means that for a certain period of time, typically between 6 to 21 months, any balance you carry on the card won't accrue interest. This can be a great way to save money on interest charges and pay off your balance faster.

There are two common types of APR offer. It is important to be clear what type you're getting when applying for a no APR credit card.

  • 0% introductory purchase APR: This offer allows you to make purchases without accruing interest for a certain period of time, typically 12 months. After the intro period ends, any remaining balance will be subject to the regular purchase APR.
  • 0% introductory balance transfer APR: This offer allows you to transfer a balance from another credit card with no interest for a specific period of time, but rules and restrictions apply. It is important to understand the terms and risks associated with balance transfers before proceeding.

During the promotional period, you'll still need to make minimum monthly payments on your balance to avoid late fees and penalties. It's important to note that once the promotional period ends, any remaining balance will start accruing interest at the card's regular APR. This rate can vary depending on the card issuer and your creditworthiness.

Pros and Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards

Credit cards with 0% introductory offers can offer incredible savings. But if you rack up a large balance during the period, you could end up paying far more for your purchases because interest will kick in once the offer ends. Here’s a look at the pros and cons these cards offer.

Pros of 0% APR Credit Cards

  • Interest savings: During the introductory period, you can save a great deal of money on interest. This can help you pay off your debt or finance a large purchase wisely.
  • Reduce monthly payments: You’re currently responsible for making minimum payments on your credit card balance. You can reduce those monthly payments and chip away at them faster by getting a 0% interest APR period.
  • Pay off debt faster: Because you won’t be accruing additional interest, you can often pay down debt faster so long as you aren’t adding to your balance each month.
  • Gain additional credit card perks: Signing up for a new credit card enables you to select a card based on your spending habits to maximize credit card rewards. You can also get purchase protections and extended warranties with the right card.
  • Reduce credit utilization to improve your credit score: As you pay down your credit card balance, you’ll improve your credit utilization, which will help raise your credit score. The lower you can get your balance during the 0% introductory period, the better your credit score will be.

Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards

  • Late payments can end your 0% APR: If you fail to make minimum payments on your credit card, you’ll lose your introductory offer and be subject to a new interest rate. 
  • Opening a new line of credit can harm your credit score temporarily: When you get a new credit card, the company will complete a hard credit inquiry. That can lower your credit score for a little while. So don’t do it close to when you need a loan for anything.
  • Balance transfer fees reduce the total value of the transaction: While getting 0% APR for a few months is attractive, it will come with a fee. A balance transfer fee applies with all cards and is based on a percentage of how much you transfer over. The larger your balance, the more this will cost you. But often it’s less than one month’s interest on your existing cards, making it worth it.
  • Creates a false sense of security: Some consumers transfer their credit card balances or finance a purchase using a new card without a plan to pay down the debt. They don’t pay attention to the fact that their intro period will end to ensure they’ve paid off their balance by then. This creates a false sense of security and allows them to continue spending.

How Much Could You Save With a 0% Intro APR Offer?

How much you’ll save with a 0% intro APR offer will vary based on how much debt you transfer to the card or what you plan to finance with the card. Your current interest rates will also impact how much you save.

If you have $10,000 in credit card balances and the average 24.66% APR, you could save approximately $204.68 per month in interest. If you make payments on the balance to avoid future interest, it could save you thousands of dollars over your current credit card.

How to Compare 0% APR Credit Cards

Keep these things in mind when comparing and choosing 0% APR credit cards.

  • Look for the longest intro APR period: Some cards may offer 0% APR for 12 months, while others may offer 0% APR for 18 months. Consider how long you think it will take you to pay off your balance, and choose a card with an interest-free period that meets your needs.
  • Check for balance transfer fees: When transferring a balance to a new no APR credit card, make sure to check for balance transfer fees as they can negate the savings from the no APR offer. Look for a card with no balance transfer fees to maximize savings.
  • Look for rewards or cash back offers: It is important to choose a card where the benefits outweigh any potential interest charges if the balance is not paid off in full each month.
  • Consider annual fees: When choosing a no APR credit card, consider any potential annual fees that could impact your savings. Look for a card with no annual fee or benefits that outweigh the fee.
  • Read the fine print: Pay attention to any terms and conditions, such as when the introductory 0% APR period ends, and what the regular APR will be after the promotional period. Understanding the terms of the card will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises down the road.

Pay Down Debt or Get Interest-free Financing

Applying for a no APR credit card can help you pay down your debt or seek interest-free financing for an upcoming purchase. When used wisely, these cards offer a strategic financial vehicle for paying down debt or spreading out payments for an item over the next several months. Just be sure to pay off the credit card before the intro period ends to get the most from it.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q

Why 0% APR might not be good for your credit?

A

When you move your credit card balances to one card with 0% APR, your credit utilization will likely be too high, which could harm your credit. But sometimes there’s a strategic advantage to the balance transfer to pay down debt, which will improve your credit in the long run.

Q

What credit card has the longest 0% interest rate?

A

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card and U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card have the longest 0% interest rate, both with a no APR offer for 21 months from the date of opening the card.

Q

What credit score do you need for a 0% APR?

A

Most 0% APR credit cards require a good credit score of at least 670 though some cards will accept individuals with fair credit of 580 or above.

Rebekah Brately

About Rebekah Brately

Rebekah Brately is an investment writer passionate about helping people learn more about how to grow their wealth. She has more than 12 years of writing experience, focused on technology, travel, family and finance. Her work has been published in Benzinga, Hearst Bay Area, FreightWaves and Dallas Observer publications.