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A 0% intro APR credit card can be a powerful financial tool — whether you're planning a big purchase, tackling existing debt, or just need a little breathing room. These cards let you avoid interest for a set time, helping you pay off balances without added pressure. But not all offers are created equal, and some come with fine print you’ll want to know before diving in.
How does a 0% introductory offer work? And which cards have the best offers for introductory interest? Let's take a look.
Page Contents
- How 0% Introductory APR Card Offers Work
- Our Pick: Best All-Around 0% Intro APR Card
- Best First-Year Offer on a 0% Intro APR Credit Card
- Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Wells Fargo Customers
- Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Earning Miles
- Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Earning Cash Back
- Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for a Long Intro Period
- Top 0% Intro APR Credit Cards for Purchases
- How to Choose an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
- Are There Downsides to Using a 0% Introductory APR Card?
- Final Thoughts
How 0% Introductory APR Card Offers Work
A 0% intro APR card lets you avoid interest for a set period — usually on new purchases, balance transfers, or both. During that time, you won’t pay interest on qualifying transactions. After the promo period ends (e.g., 12 months), any remaining balance begins accruing interest at the card’s regular APR — which is typically based on your credit profile.
While you may have a 0% introductory rate, balance transfers typically require paying a 3%–5% fee on transfers, often with a $5 minimum. Also, many issuers only apply the intro APR to transfers made within a set window — typically 45 days or two billing cycles from account opening. So, it pays to act fast and pay off the balance before interest kicks in.
If you're interested in balance transfers, check out our post on the best 0% APR cards for balance transfers. For now, we're going to focus on cards with 0% interest on purchases.
Our Pick: Best All-Around 0% Intro APR Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees) is one of the most well-rounded cash back cards out there. Not only can you take advantage of a low intro APR on purchases, but you can earn unlimited cash back, enjoy a variety of trip and purchase protections, and even get six months of complimentary DoorDash DashPass when you activate by December 31, 2027.
New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months, then a Variable rate of 18.24% - 27.74%. That's over a year of interest-free payments while you still enjoy lucrative rewards.
- 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 Travel℠, 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
- Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1.5% on all purchases
As a cardholder, you'll earn cash back at the following rates:
- Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1.5% on all purchases
If you don't typically prefer cash back, don't count out the Freedom Unlimited entirely. You can combine the cash back you earn with your Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards to unlock access to Chase's transfer partners.
Although some other cards on this list might have a slightly longer introductory APR windows, the opportunity to combine lucrative rewards with a solid low APR window is hard to beat.
Related: Freedom Unlimited Full Review
Best First-Year Offer on a 0% Intro APR Credit Card
As a new cardholder of the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, you can take advantage of a 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. A variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24% applies after the intro period ends.
- Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases after year one
The reason this card made our list over other Bank of America cards, like the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, is the elevated cash back in your first year as a cardholder. Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn. Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open. This is on top of the $200 online cash rewards bonus you can earn after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
If you're interested in a 0% intro APR credit card, you likely have some large purchases coming up. So, any opportunity to earn extra rewards is worth considering.
Related: Bank of America Unlimited Cash Card Full Review
Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Wells Fargo Customers
Although the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (Rates & Fees) doesn't offer any rewards, it's still one of the top 0% intro APR cards out there thanks to its long intro APR period. You can receive 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 thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- 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.
In other words, if you make a large purchase as soon as you are approved for the card, you can take close to two years to pay off your balance before you start accruing interest. Plus, you can enjoy protection against theft and damage of your cell phone of up to $600, subject to a $25 deductible.
Related: Wells Fargo Reflect Full Review
Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Earning Miles
Many of the cards with extended intro APR windows offer cash back if they offer any rewards at all. However, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for those looking to avoid interest while still earning a transferable point currency.
New cardholders of the Capital One VentureOne can enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then a Variable rate of 18.49% - 28.49%.
- Earn 20,000 Miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 1.25 Miles on every purchase
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 annual fee
- 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5 Miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment
- 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
You'll earn 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Although it's relatively light on benefits, you still have access to Capital One's 22 transfer partners. You'll even get Hertz Five Star status, which isn't necessarily a common benefit among no-annual-fee cards.
Capital One is a great ecosystem to have access to, and this card provides just as long of a 0% intro APR window as many of the other cards on this list.
Related: Capital One VentureOne Full Review
Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for Earning Cash Back
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express checks a lot of our boxes: it doesn't charge an annual fee (Rates & Fees), it offers a fantastic earning potential, and it has great benefits built-in.
New cardholders can enjoy an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 15 months, then a Variable rate of 19.49% - 28.49% (Rates & Fees)
- 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.
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 1% back on other eligible purchases
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
As a cardholder, you can earn:
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%)
- 1% back on other eligible purchases
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Obviously, this isn't the card to have if you're a heavy spender or if you are a digital nomad who lives primarily outside the U.S., as all of your bonus cash back categories are for U.S. merchants (and the card charges a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars.).
However, the Blue Cash Everyday is a very well-rounded card. It also offers a $7 monthly statement credit for a Disney streaming purchase, including Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Related: Blue Cash Everyday Full Review
Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card for a Long Intro Period
If you need as long as possible to pay off your purchases without accruing interest, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card is going to be your best bet. You can take advantage of a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 24 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 16.99% - 27.99%.
That's one of the longest intro APR periods we've ever seen, so if you need to make a very large purchase, this card is a strong contender.
You'll also be able to earn 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center. Unfortunately, you won't earn rewards on any other purchases. However, if you make purchases on your card for 11 consecutive months, you'll earn a $20 statement credit. And as long as you pay your monthly phone bill with your card, you can be reimbursed up to $600 if your cell phone is stolen or damaged.
Top 0% Intro APR Credit Cards for Purchases
There are lots of cards that offer a 0% intro APR, each with different features and benefits. Below is a table that lists many of these cards in one place, which can be helpful if you’re still deciding whether any of the options above are the right fit for you.
| Card | 0% Period on Purchases | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees) | 15 months | 18.24% - 27.74% Variable | $0 | 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on other eligible purchases |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | for 15 billing cycles for purchases | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | $0 | 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (Rates & Fees) | for 21 months from account opening on purchases | 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR | $0 | Does not earn rewards. |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | 15 months | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable | $0 | 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 15 months | 19.49% - 28.49% Variable | $0 (Rates & Fees) | 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 (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. |
| U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card | 24 billing cycles | 16.99% - 27.99% Variable | $0 | 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Travel Center. |
| Chase Slate® Credit Card | 21 months | 18.24%–28.24% Variable | $0 | Does not earn rewards. |
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 15 months | 19.24% - 27.99% Variable | $0 | 5% on rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 per quarter), 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases and 1% on other eligible purchases |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | 15 months | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable | $0 | 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. |
| Citi Strata℠ Card (Rates & Fees) | 15 months | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable | $0 | 5X on Citi Travel℠ bookings (including hotels, car rentals, and attractions); 3X on supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations, select transit, and one self-selected category (choose from fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons, or pet supply stores); 2X at restaurants; 1X on everything else |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | for 15 billing cycles for purchases | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | $0 | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | for 15 billing cycles for purchases | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | $0 | 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (then 3%), automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%–75% more cash back on every purchase |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 15 billing cycles | 18.24% - 28.24% Variable | $0 | 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery (on up to $2,000 spent each quarter); 2X points on streaming services, 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations; and 1X point on all other eligible purchases |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | 12 months | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable | $0 | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates & Fees) | 12 months from account opening on purchases | 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR | $0 | unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases |
| Wells Fargo Autograph® Card(Rates & Fees) | for 12 months from account opening on purchases | 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR | $0 | 3x on travel (including airfare, hotels, and more), transit (parking, subways, tolls, and more), dining (including delivery websites), streaming services, gas (including EV charging stations), and phone plans |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | 12 months | 18.24% - 28.99% Variable | $0 | Does not earn rewards. |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card | 12 months on purchases | 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) | $0 | Does not earn rewards. |
How to Choose an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
Although we highlighted the top six intro 0% APR cards, there are likely more than two dozen credit cards on the market that offer an intro APR on purchases. So how do you know which one is right for you?
You'll need to compare all of the features of the card, from the length of the intro APR window to any rewards it earns or a welcome offer you could be eligible for. Here are some factors you should consider before applying for a new card.
Length of the intro 0% APR period
As you can see from the chart above, there are cards that offer a 0% intro APR window of anywhere from 12 to 24 months from account opening. Before applying for a card, determine what purchases you plan on making and how much you plan on spending. Then consider how much time you need to pay off your balance.
For instance, if you need to buy $10,000 worth of furniture and appliances for your new house, you might want to make $500 monthly payments over the course of two years. However, if you're a college student and want to spread out the cost of your books for next semester, you might not need quite that much time.
Opportunity to earn rewards
Next, consider the rewards a card offers. If you know you don't need a ton of time to pay off your balance, it doesn't make sense to choose a card with a longer low APR window if it doesn't earn rewards. Is an extra six to nine months of interest-free payments worth forfeiting the opportunity to earn rewards? If you need that time to pay off your balance, the answer is likely yes.
Interest can add up quickly. If you think you can pay off your balance within 12 or 15 months, choosing a card like the Freedom Unlimited or the Blue Cash Everyday likely makes more sense.
Welcome bonus
Along the same lines, you should consider the welcome bonus (if any) a card offers. Most of the time, welcome offers on no-annual-fee cards come in around the $200 mark. However, some cards like the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Card allow you to earn bonus rewards in your first year as a cardholder.
If you have some big expenses coming up, those bonus rewards can add up to impressive earnings.
Regular APR
If you don't pay off your balance before the intro APR period ends, you'll start accruing interest on any unpaid balance. If you aren't sure you can pay off your balance in time, you might select a card that has a lower ongoing APR so you don't end up paying more in interest than you earn in rewards.
Eligibility
Lastly, there are some cards that you might not be eligible for. This could be due to your credit score, or it could be thanks to things like Chase's 5/24 rule. If you have the maximum number of personal cards that a bank allows, or if you've opened too many new cards recently, you might not get approved for a new 0% intro APR card.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Application Rules and Restrictions
Are There Downsides to Using a 0% Introductory APR Card?
Reaping the benefits of a 0% APR card comes down to discipline. The first rule of collecting points and miles is never to carry a balance on your cards. When you're earning rewards at a rate of 2-3%, getting slapped with interest of up to 30% quickly wipes out any gains you may have made.
When you take on a 0% introductory APR card intending to carry a balance, you need to reinforce your habits and ensure you are aware of the rules. If you’re late on a payment, the bank may nullify the 0% rate, again eliminating any gains you have made.
However, if you understand how a 0% introductory offer works and can employ it to avoid interest as you pay down debts or finance a large project, you'll save money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
When used strategically, a 0% intro APR card can save you hundreds (or even thousands) in interest — whether you're chipping away at a balance or funding a major purchase. Just make sure to mark your calendar for when the intro period ends and have a plan to pay off your balance in time. And if you pick a card with strong rewards or perks, you’ll still find value long after the promo period ends.
If you’re looking for a 0% introductory APR credit card, you can’t overlook the Freedom Unlimited. With no annual fee and top rewards, it's a great card to keep even after your introductory interest period expires.
- 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 Travel℠, 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
- Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
- Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
- Earn 1.5% on all purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees), Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and Citi Strata℠ Card (Rates & Fees)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
