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14 Best 0% interest credit cards of August 2024

Updated August 08, 2024

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Based on a Bankrate survey on credit card balances, 47 percent of consumers are carrying monthly credit card debt, often due to unexpected or emergency expenses. 

One of the best ways to tackle such debt is with a card that has a strong 0 percent intro APR for either balance transfers, new purchases or both. A great zero-interest card can help you pay down debt over time more effectively and efficiently since your payments will go toward your principal balance, not interest charges.

However, intro APR periods are shrinking and credit card interest rates are forecast to remain high in 2024. As such, it may be wise to snap up a zero-interest offer sooner rather than later. Aim for an intro APR period of at least 15 months to give yourself time to chip away at debt. A few cards even offer intro APRs lasting up to 21 months.

Though you’ll still need to make minimum payments, with the right strategy, a 0 percent intro APR card is among the best tools to pay off past debt or cover emergency expenses. To find the right card for you, check out our top picks.

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Best longest intro APR card

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening

Regular APR

18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

N/A

Best for rotating bonus categories

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Discover's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Rewards rate

1% - 5%

Why you’ll like this card: It blends a generous intro APR and welcome offer with long-term value from high rewards rates and category variety.

Best for travel

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Intro offer

20,000 miles

Rewards rate

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Why you’ll like this card: It's one of the only no-annual-fee travel cards that offers an intro APR and lets you transfer miles to airline and hotel partners.

Best for flat-rate rewards

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Intro offer

$200 cash rewards

Rewards rate

2%

Best for everyday use

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Purchase intro APR

0% on purchases for 15 months

APR

19.24% - 29.99% Variable

Intro offer

Earn $200

Rewards rate

1% - 3%

Why you’ll like this card: It has great short- and long-term value since it offers both an intro APR and rewards on everyday spending.

Best for dining and entertainment

Bankrate score

Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Intro offer

$200

Rewards rate

1% - 8%

Why you’ll like this card: Few cards offer such high rewards rates in this many everyday bonus categories at such low cost.

Best for simplicity

Bankrate score

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Intro offer

$200

Rewards rate

1.5% - 5%

Why you’ll like this card: Its streamlined rewards and solid intro APR offer make it a good starter cash back card.

Best for families

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Purchase intro APR

0% on purchases for 12 months

APR

19.24% - 29.99% Variable

Intro offer

Earn $250

Rewards rate

1% - 6%

Why you’ll like this card: It combines the best rewards rate available at U.S. supermarkets with strong rates and credits for other common purchases.

Best for Bank of America customers

Bankrate score

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Intro offer

$200

Rewards rate

1.5%

Why you’ll like this card: Thanks to the Preferred Rewards Program, this can be one the most lucrative flat-rate cash back cards available.

Best for flexible spending

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Chase's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.24% Variable

Intro offer

Up to $300 cash back

Rewards rate

1.5% - 5%

Why you’ll like this card: It combines an intro APR with a high base rewards rate and a handful of boosted categories, making it a great standalone option.

Best for business purchases

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Chase's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months

Regular APR

18.49% - 24.49% Variable

Intro offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back

Rewards rate

1.5%

Why you’ll like this card: You’ll earn valuable Chase points at a great flat rate and can free up cash flow with its intro APR offer (not always a given on business cards).

Best for commuters

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Citi's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% for 15 months on purchases

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Intro offer

$200

Rewards rate

1% - 5%

Why you’ll like this card: Its top rewards rate adapts to match your spending, giving you a shot at one of the best rates available in several popular categories.

Best for shopping

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site

Intro offer

$200

Rewards Rate

1% - 3%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Why you’ll like this card: It’s an ultra-flexible card thanks to its intro APR and mix of cash back categories, which you can swap out once per calendar month.

Best for flexible payment options

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850
Apply now
on Citi's secure site

Purchase intro APR

0% for 12 months on Purchases

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

N/A

Best for low interest

Image of BankAmericard® credit card

BankAmericard® credit card

*

Bankrate score

Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Recommended credit score: 670 - 850

Purchase intro APR

0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases

Regular APR

16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Intro offer

N/A

Rewards rate

N/A

Why you’ll like this card: It offers a chance at one of the lowest ongoing APRs available on a balance transfer card.

Compare Bankrate's top 0% intro APR credit cards

Card Name Our pick for
Balance Transfer Intro Offer
Purchase Intro Offer Ongoing APR
Bankrate score

Longest intro APR card

21 months 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
21 months 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR

4.3 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site

Rotating bonus categories

 
15 months 0% for 15 months
15 months 0% for 15 months
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR

4.4 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Discover's secure site
Travel
15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

4.1 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
Flat-rate cash rewards
15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
15 months 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

4.3 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Wells Fargo's secure site

Everyday use

15 months 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable

4.6 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Dining and entertainment

15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

5.0 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site
Simplicity
15 months 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

3.8 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Capital One's secure site

Families

12 months 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
12 months 0% on purchases for 12 months
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable

4.4 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Bank of America customers

15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

3.8 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site

Flexible spending 

15 months 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
15 months 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable

4.8 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
Business purchases
N/A
12 months 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

4.2 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Chase's secure site

Commuters

15 months 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
15 months 0% for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

4.4 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Citi's secure site
Best for shopping
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
15 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

4.3 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Bank of America's secure site

Flexible payment options

21 months 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
12 months 0% for 12 months on Purchases
Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable)

4.1 / 5

(Read card review)
Apply now
on Citi's secure site
Image of BankAmericard® credit card
BankAmericard® credit card

Low interest

18 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A fee of 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4% will apply.
18 billing cycles 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Regular APR: 16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

How a Bankrate editor used his 0% intro APR card offer

Using an intro APR card can make it easier to cover large purchases, but you should do your best not to charge more than you’re sure you can pay off.

The Citi Custom Cash card and its intro APR on purchases helped Bankrate writer Brendan Dyer take his time paying off unexpected expenses and more confidently fold loan payments into his monthly budget.

“Shortly after I bought a car, I applied for the Citi Custom Cash card because it had an introductory APR offer I wanted to take advantage of alongside my new car loan. I used the card to buy groceries and, occasionally, gas. I never had a loan before, so making car payments was new to me. I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, or at least get far enough ahead on the loan that I could trim the overall interest I would pay on it.

The Citi Custom Cash card and its introductory APR offer let me carry a balance for all my regular purchases for a little more than one year while I focused on paying off my car. I knew I would eventually pay off my card balance before the offer period ended, but the intro APR gave me a safety net while I managed a new monthly car payment. It also helped me avoid a lot of interest on my car loan because I didn’t need to pay my card off right away and could keep paying down the principal on my loan.”

— Brendan Dyer, Writer, Bankrate

How much could you save with a zero-interest card?

Although we probably won’t see further rate hikes soon, knowing your card’s APR is crucial since rates have remained high since August 2023. The current average interest rate just less than 21 percent, and this high rate could easily accumulate hundreds of dollars in interest payments before you settle your balance, especially if you charge most of your purchases to the card.

Current credit card interest rates

While the changes seem small on the surface, they can add up. Even a small change can make a difference in how long it takes to pay off your credit card balance.

With an intro APR offer, you can pay down more of your principal debt instead of interest charges. The offer won’t last forever, but it can give you a window—and a goal—to make paying off your debt easier. With Bankrate’s credit card payoff calculator, the table below shows that an 18-month 0 percent APR offer could save you around $400 in interest on a $3,000 credit card balance.

APR With 3% balance transfer fee Monthly payment Total interest Total amount paid
20% for 18 months $3,000 $194 $497 $3,497
0% intro on balance transfers for 18 months $3,090 $167 $0 $3,090

What’s the catch with 0% APR cards?

While an intro APR offer may sound too good to be true, when used wisely, it can be very helpful. These offers give you time to pay off purchases or reduce debts without paying any interest. This not only saves you hundreds but also gives you a solid timeline to pay off the debt.

Where it can become tricky is if you gain more debt than you can reasonably pay off. In that case, you’ll likely have a balance when the APR offer ends and interest will accrue on it.

And zero interest doesn’t mean no payments. If you don’t make the minimum monthly payment on your card, you could void your zero interest period and accrue interest immediately.

So, if you think an intro APR will cause you to spend more or the balance transfer limit is too low for your current debt, it may be better to skip it.

Choosing a 0% APR card for purchases vs. balance transfers

While a zero-interest card is great for both, it can be better to use it for one or the other to avoid your credit utilization exceeding 30 percent. 

Zero-interest cards are great when you’re planning to make a large purchase, such as furniture or new tech. It’s also good for smaller purchases and getting used to a card’s features. Just make sure you stay aware of when the offer ends so you know when your interest starts to apply to your purchases. You should pay off your balance completely so you get any interest charges.

It can be easier to plan how long it will take to pay down your debt as you have a clear timeline between 12 and 21 months. You can divide it evenly or focus on lowering your debt to a certain amount before the offer is over. But don’t use that card for purchases, too, as it makes it more difficult to pay off the balance before the offer ends.

What people say about 0% intro APR credit cards

Advice from other people who’ve used the cards you’re interested in is a great way to shop around for your next credit card. We explored what people had to say about the best zero-interest cards to give you more perspectives on your options. 

Ask the experts: What are the best ways to avoid paying interest on a credit card?


Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Whenever possible, pay off your credit cards every month. If you have a balance with a high interest rate, look for balance transfer opportunities and try to pay off the balance within the promotional rate time frame. If you have bad credit and are struggling to pay down your balance, look into a debt management plan through a nonprofit credit counseling agency. Some creditors offer as low as 0 percent through a debt management plan, and multiple monthly payments can be consolidated into one. On average, a debt management plan lasts four years, but there is no prepayment penalty if you are able to pay it off sooner. Keep in mind that a debt management plan will close the accounts you’re consolidating, so this isn’t something you want to do as a first option.

Contributor, Personal Finance

Hands down, the best way to avoid paying any interest is to set every one of your card accounts to auto-pay the full balance each month on or before the due date. This method to set it and forget it always works — as long as you’re never spending more than what is in your bank account.

Contributor, Credit Cards

I’m a big fan of the “pay as you charge” method. Make sure you have your bank’s app on your phone — it should be connected to your checking account. Then use your credit card for the things you want and can afford, and immediately pay off the balance at the end of the day. You’ll never pay another penny in interest, you’ll rack up the rewards (if your card has a rewards program) and you won’t face a big balance at the end of the month that you may be tempted to partially pay off.

Frequently asked questions about 0% APR credit cards

Up next:

How we assess the best zero-interest credit cards

100+
card ratings
400+
APRs tracked
3000
data points analyzed
40+
perks evaluated

When evaluating the best zero-interest cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders. 

A “zero-interest” designation can apply to several different types of card, each best suited to a different type of cardholder. Some users may need to finance purchases or carry a balance long term, others may need as much time as possible to chip away at debt and still others would love an intro APR but mostly want to maximize a card’s long-term value via rewards.

Here’s a quick look at our card rating methodologies vary based on card type, with most “zero-interest” cards landing in a primary scoring category of Balance Transfer, Low-Interest or Rewards.

For balance transfer and low-interest cards, our scoring breaks down as follows:

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Rates and fees 80%
  • Perks 10%
  • Customer experience 10%

For rewards cards, the breakdown looks quite different:

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Value 65%
  • Flexibility 15%
  • Perks 15%
  • Customer experience 5%

We analyzed over 100 of the most popular zero-interest cards and scored each based on its introductory APR, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.

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

The information about the Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.