The Top 0% Interest APR Credit Cards in 2024

If you’re looking for a way to finance large purchases or pay off debt without drowning in interest, 0% APR credit cards can be a game-changer. These cards offer a promotional period during which no interest is charged, giving you time to pay off balances or make purchases without worrying about interest fees. Whether you’re trying to consolidate debt or finance a big expense, a 0% APR card can help you manage your finances more efficiently and save on interest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best options for 2024 and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Best Zero Interest APR Credit Cards:

• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

What is a 0% APR Credit Card and How Does It Work?

A 0% APR credit card offers a promotional period where you won’t be charged interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both. This period typically lasts anywhere from 12 to 21 months, giving you a significant window to pay down your balance without accruing interest. However, once the introductory period ends, the card’s regular APR will kick in on any remaining balances.

Here’s how 0% APR credit cards typically work:

• Introductory Period: During this time, no interest is charged on qualifying purchases or balance transfers.
• Post-Introductory APR: After the promotional period, the regular interest rate applies, which can range from 15% to 30%, depending on the card and your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfer Fees: Some cards charge a fee to transfer a balance, typically 3-5% of the amount transferred, while others offer no-fee balance transfers.

A 0% APR card is perfect for consolidating high-interest credit card debt or financing a large purchase without paying interest for an extended period. But it’s important to have a repayment plan in place before the introductory period ends to avoid high-interest charges.

Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Purchases and Balance Transfers

Here are some of the best 0% APR credit cards for both purchases and balance transfers in 2024. Each card offers different benefits, whether you’re focused on paying down debt or making a big purchase.

1. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Best for everyday spending

If you’re looking for a card that can pull double duty—offering both a 0% intro APR and stellar cash back rewards—look no further than the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. Whether you’re buying groceries or shopping online, this card helps you earn rewards while giving you breathing room on your balance.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Everyday Cash Back: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and on online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year).
• No Annual Fee: All these perks come without an annual fee.
• Plan It® Feature: Manage large purchases by breaking them into fixed monthly payments with Amex’s Plan It®.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Shorter Intro Period: The 0% intro APR lasts 15 months (18.49% to 29.49% after intro), which might not be ideal if you need more time to pay off your balance. (See Rates & Fees)
• High Regular APR: Once the intro period ends, the APR can climb, so be sure to pay off your balance within the introductory period.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re frequently hitting the grocery store or filling up on gas, this card can help you rack up rewards while managing your balance interest-free for 15 months.

Explore the Blue Cash Everyday® Card

2. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for dining purchases

If your spending revolves around fun—dining out, streaming your favorite shows, or catching a concert—the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers rewards where it matters most. Plus, it comes with a 0% intro APR (19.74%—29.74% (Variable) after intro, (based on your creditworthiness), making it a strong contender for entertainment lovers and budget planners alike.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Sign-up offer: $250 cash back after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
• Cash Back on Fun: 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
• No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the perks without worrying about an annual fee.
• Entertainment Bonuses: Get 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Superstores Don’t Qualify: Purchases at Walmart® and Target® won’t earn you cash back. 
• Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 3% fee for balance transfers during the first 15 months.

Real-Life Scenario: If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment, this card will reward you for your lifestyle, while the 0% intro APR gives you time to manage your balance.

Explore the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best for families

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is made for families who spend a lot on groceries, gas, and streaming services. With high cash back rates and a solid 0% intro APR (18.49% to 29.49% after intro period), this card is designed to help you save while giving you extra time to manage your balance.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• High Cash Back Rates: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Get 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.
• First-Year Free: The $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee After Year One: After the first year, there’s a $95 annual fee. (See Rates & Fees)
• Limited Rewards at Certain Stores: Walmart®, Target®, and wholesale clubs like Costco don’t count toward the high cash back rates.

Real-Life Scenario: If you have a family and regularly spend on groceries and streaming services, this card can help you earn serious rewards while giving you 12 months to manage your debt interest-free.

Explore the Blue Cash Preferred® Card

4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for tiered cash back

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card combines cash back rewards with a long 0% intro APR (19.99% – 28.74% after intro period), making it perfect for those who want to balance debt repayment with earning rewards. Whether you’re shopping for essentials or booking a vacation, this card has your back.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Versatile Cash Back: Earn 5% back on travel through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
• Long Intro APR: Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
• No Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards without worrying about annual fees.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Ongoing APR Can Be High: Once the intro period ends, the APR can increase significantly, so pay off your balance before that happens.
• Shorter Intro Period for Large Balances: If you’re managing a large balance, you may need a card with a longer 0% intro APR period. (See Rates & Fees)

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a card that offers rewards on nearly everything you buy while giving you time to manage debt with a 0% intro APR, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great fit.

Explore the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

5. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for no annual fee

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is all about simplicity. It offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, without the hassle of annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Plus, you’ll enjoy a long 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (19.74% – 29.74% (Variable) after intro, based on your creditworthiness).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Simple and Unlimited: Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no spending caps.
• No Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards without paying a yearly fee.
• Generous Intro APR: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (19.74% – 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies).

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 3% fee for balance transfers during the first 15 months.
• Limited Extra Perks: This card doesn’t offer many additional perks compared to some of the more feature-rich cards out there.

Real-Life Scenario: If you want a straightforward way to earn cash back without any complicated categories, the Capital One Quicksilver is the perfect option. Pair that with a 0% intro APR, and it’s a winner.

Explore the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

6. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Best for long-term 0% APR period

If you need extra time to pay off debt or finance a big purchase without worrying about interest, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods available. This card is perfect for those who need a longer runway to pay down their balance at 0% interest.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Extended 0% APR Period: With an impressive 21 months of 0% APR on balance transfers (18.24% – 28.99% variable APR after that), this card gives you nearly two years to pay down your debt without accruing interest.
• No Annual Fee: You won’t have to worry about an annual fee cutting into your savings, making it a solid, budget-friendly option. (See rates & fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: While the long intro APR is great, remember that the card has a 5% balance transfer fee, which can add up if you’re transferring a large balance.
• No Rewards Program: This card focuses purely on helping you manage debt, so it’s not ideal for those looking to earn cash back or rewards on everyday purchases.

Real-Life Scenario: If you have a substantial balance and need a longer period to pay it off, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card provides almost two years to get your finances back on track without accruing interest.

Explore the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

 

7. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Best for simple travel rewards

For frequent travelers who want to take advantage of 0% APR while earning travel points, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers both. With a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles and no annual fee, this card gives you flexibility while earning rewards on every purchase.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Earn Travel Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no spending categories to track.
• 0% APR on Balance Transfers: Enjoy 15 billing cycles of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers (19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that).
• No Annual Fee: Travel more and worry less about fees with this no-annual-fee card. (See rates & fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: A 3% balance transfer fee applies during the first 60 days, which could affect larger balances.
• Points-Based System: While you earn points, you may find that straightforward cash back could be easier to redeem depending on your travel needs.

Real-Life Scenario: If you want a card that offers simple travel rewards along with a 0% intro APR for over a year, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards card provides the best of both worlds for savvy travelers.

Explore the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card

 

8. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Best for consistent cash back

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is all about simplicity and reliability. With unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, you’ll earn rewards with no categories to worry about, plus the 0% intro APR for balance transfers makes it easy to manage debt.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Unlimited Cash Back: Earn a straightforward 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no matter where you shop.
• 0% APR Period: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles (19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after the introductory period).
• No Annual Fee: Keep all your cash back without worrying about an annual fee. (See rates & fees)

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: Like other Bank of America® cards, there’s a 3% balance transfer fee during the first 60 days.
• Limited Additional Perks: This card focuses on cash back and 0% APR, so if you’re looking for extra perks or travel rewards, you might want to consider another option.

Real-Life Scenario: If you prefer a simple, no-fuss approach to earning cash back and want to take advantage of a long 0% intro APR, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card could be the perfect fit.

Explore the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

How to Choose the Right 0% APR Credit Card for You

When selecting a 0% APR credit card, it’s important to consider your financial goals and how you plan to use the card. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Length of the 0% APR Period: The longer the promotional period, the more time you have to pay off your balance interest-free. If you’re consolidating a large amount of debt, look for a card with at least 18-21 months of 0% APR.
• Balance Transfer Fees: Some cards charge a fee (usually 3-5%) to transfer a balance. While this fee is often worth it to avoid high-interest payments, it’s essential to calculate whether the fee will cut into your savings.
• Rewards Programs: If you plan on using the card for purchases, look for one that offers rewards like cash back or points. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® provide both rewards and 0% APR, making them versatile options for everyday use.
• Post-Introductory APR: After the promotional period ends, the regular APR kicks in. If you think you’ll still have a balance after the 0% APR period, choose a card with a lower ongoing APR to minimize future interest payments.

Pros and Cons of 0% APR Credit Cards

Pros:

• Save on Interest: The main advantage of a 0% APR card is the ability to save money by avoiding interest payments during the promotional period.
• Debt Consolidation: These cards make it easy to consolidate multiple high-interest debts into one, simplifying payments and potentially lowering your overall costs.
• Flexible Financing: If you need to make a large purchase, a 0% APR card allows you to finance it over time without accruing interest.

Cons:

• Balance Transfer Fees: Many cards charge a balance transfer fee, which can add to your costs, especially for large transfers.
• High Regular APR: After the 0% APR period ends, the regular APR can be quite high, so it’s essential to pay off as much of the balance as possible before this happens.
• Risk of Overspending: The allure of 0% APR can lead to overspending, which may result in more debt down the road if you’re not careful.

Tips for Maximizing a 0% APR Introductory Offer

To make the most of your 0% APR introductory offer, follow these tips:

• Create a Payment Plan: Before the 0% APR period ends, make a plan to pay off your balance. Divide the total amount by the number of months in the promotional period to ensure you’re making progress toward eliminating the debt.
• Pay More Than the Minimum: To avoid having a balance left over when the 0% APR period expires, pay more than the minimum each month. This will help you pay down the debt faster.
• Avoid New Debt: While it’s tempting to continue using the card for new purchases, focus on paying off your transferred balance first to avoid accumulating more debt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with 0% APR Credit Cards

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when using a 0% APR credit card:

• Failing to Pay Off the Balance: If you don’t pay off your balance before the 0% APR period ends, you’ll be stuck with a higher interest rate on any remaining debt. Plan ahead to pay off as much as you can within the promotional period.
• Missing Payments: Missing a payment can result in losing your 0% APR offer, meaning interest will start accruing immediately. Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
• Not Understanding Deferred Interest: Some 0% APR offers come with deferred interest, meaning that if you don’t pay off the balance in full, you’ll be charged interest on the entire amount retroactively. Be sure to read the fine print to avoid this.

Overspending: The appeal of 0% APR can lead to overspending, especially if you’re not careful with your budget. Stick to a spending plan to avoid adding more debt to your balance.

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