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The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is our pick for the best no-interest credit card, thanks to its long 0% intro APR period, generous sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards program. In fact, you could net thousands in interest savings and cash back over your first two years with this card.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Rewards Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Winner
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 18.99% - 28.49% Variable | 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 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card*
|
Longest intro APR
|
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 24 billing cycles after card opening | 17.74% - 28.74% variable APR | 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center when you use your card | |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card*
|
21-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening | 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR | None | |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card*
|
21-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on Purchases | 17.74% - 28.74% (Variable) | Non-rewards card | |
BankAmericard® credit card*
|
18-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases | 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR | N/A | |
Chase Slate Edge℠*
|
18-month 0% apr credit card
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. | 19.74% – 28.49% Variable | N/A | |
Citi Simplicity® Card*
|
Best for balance transfers
|
0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases | 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) | N/A | |
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
|
Best for rotating bonus categories
|
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months | 18.99% - 28.49% variable | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
Best for simple rewards
|
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening | 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | |
Discover it® Miles
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best for travel
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months | 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR | 1.5 Miles per dollar on all purchases. |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Best for dining
|
0% intro on purchases for 15 months | 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 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), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
|
Best for groceries and gas
|
0% on purchases for 12 months | 20.24%-29.24% Variable | Earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. | |
ESL Visa® Credit Card*
|
Best for low ongoing APR
|
0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles | 12.50% - 17.99% Variable | N/A | |
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best for business
|
0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months | 17.49% - 23.49% Variable | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Best for students
|
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases | 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR | 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. |
To bring you the list of the top 0% APR credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best no-interest credit cards. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to finance with a 0% offer and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
We calculate the amount saved on interest given the length of the card’s introductory period. We assume a purchase of $6,000 and a monthly payment of $300. We subtract the card’s annual fee and interest paid on any amount remaining after the introductory period expires. We also add in the amount earned on rewards for the average cardholder, including the card’s sign-up bonus, minus the card’s annual fee. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase and travel protections, against benefits from other cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then a 18.99% - 28.49% Variable APR applies.
Thanks to its long intro period and high ongoing rewards rate, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers more potential savings than any other 0% APR credit card. There’s also an Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. You’ll have over a year to pay off your purchase or balance transfer interest-free, and you can apply any cash back rewards you earn toward your balance.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 24 billing cycles after card opening, then a 17.74% - 28.74% variable APR applies.
The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card gives you two full years to pay off your purchase or balance transfer. This is currently the longest intro period we could find, adding up to some serious savings. And unlike other cards with comparable offers, the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card also earns rewards. You’ll get 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center when you use your card.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then a 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you almost two years to pay off your purchase or balance transfer with no interest, potentially saving you hundreds in interest payments. And while it doesn’t come with a rewards program or sign-up bonus, you will get up to $600 of cellphone protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 21 billing cycles on Purchases, then a 17.74% - 28.74% (Variable) APR applies.
With the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, you’ll get 21 billing cycles to pay off your purchase or balance transfer without any interest. There’s no sign-up bonus or rewards program, but the card does come with cellphone protection and the ability to choose your own due date.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, then a 15.24% - 25.24% Variable APR applies.
You can save hundreds on interest payments by paying off your debt during the the BankAmericard® credit card‘s long intro APR period. And though this card doesn’t offer a rewards program or a sign-up bonus, you won’t have to worry about paying a penalty APR if you miss a payment.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months. Then, a 19.74% – 28.49% Variable APR applies.
The Chase Slate Edge℠ gives you a year and a half to pay off a large purchase or balance transfer without interest. Plus, you’ll have a chance to lower your ongoing APR by 2% each year if you pay on time and spend at least $1,000 on your card. Just know that missing a payment could trigger a penalty APR and late payment fees.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro balance transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR applies.
Living up to its name, the Citi Simplicity® Card is a no-frills credit card that gives you 21 months to pay off your balance transfer. And although the purchase intro period is shorter, our calculations show that you can still count on some serious savings there as well. On top of that, you’ll never have to worry about paying late fees or a penalty APR.
“I needed to transfer a high-interest balance from another credit card, as my monthly payments weren’t making a big enough dent in the principal balance. I wasn’t worried about rewards — I just wanted the longest window possible to pay off my debt. The Citi Simplicity® Card gave me almost two years to pay off my balance interest-free. Plus, it has a lower balance transfer fee than a lot of other balance transfer credit cards.”
–Will Collicott, credit cards writer at LendingTree
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then a 18.99% - 28.49% variable APR applies.
You could save over $1,000 in interest with the Chase Freedom Flex℠‘s intro APR period — but the card’s value doesn’t end there. It’s also one of the best rewards credit cards, thanks to its valuable sign-up bonus and generous cash back program. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening, then a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR applies.
With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you’ll get 12 months to pay off a large purchase interest-free. That alone could save you over $1,100, but there’s even more value in the card’s unlimited cash back program and sign-up bonus. In addition to 2% cash back on every purchase, you’ll earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. This combination of features lands the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card on our list of the best cash back credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases, then a 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies.
The Discover it® Miles gives you 15 months to pay off a purchase, and you’ll earn rewards at a high flat rate that you can redeem for cash back or travel statement credits. It also features a fantastic welcome offer, which matches all the rewards earned at the end of the first year for new cardholders. All this can add up to some serious savings in your first two years, especially if you’re looking to finance an upcoming vacation.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, then a 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) APR applies.
Ideal for foodies who love to save, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a long intro APR and one of the highest cash back rates on dining and entertainment. Plus, there’s a valuable sign-up bonus: Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Combine all that with a $0 annual fee, and you’ve got one of the best dining credit cards out there.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% on purchases for 12 months, then a 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR applies.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express gives you a year to pay off your purchase or balance transfer, along with rewards that can add up to huge savings over two years — even with the card’s annual fee. You’ll earn up to 6% cash back* in popular spending categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Plus, you’ll earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles, then a 12.50% - 17.99% Variable applies.
If you’re a ESL Federal Credit Union member, you can net some serious savings with the ESL Visa® Credit Card. The 12.50% - 17.99% Variable is the lowest we could find among cards with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Additionally, there’s no annual or balance transfer fees. You’ll also get some basic travel benefits, including lost luggage assistance, emergency ticket replacement and car rental protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, then a 17.49% - 23.49% Variable APR applies.
Our pick for the best 0% APR business credit card is the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. It comes with a solid intro period and huge rewards, which you can use to help pay off a large business purchase. In addition to earning unlimited cash back on every purchase, you’ll have a chance to earn a hefty sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro purchase APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, followed by a 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR.
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a great option for students looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 15 months interest free — one of the longest intro periods among student credit cards — as well as the opportunity to earn points on every purchase. You can also earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. Plus, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for a semester abroad.
When searching for the best no-interest credit card, you’ll want to keep your eye on these features:
Length of introductory period for purchases
The length of the intro period for purchases is the most important feature to consider. You’ll generally want to find the longest period possible, or at least a period that lets you pay off your purchase in time. Try dividing the cost of your intended purchase by the number of months in the intro period — that’ll give you an idea of how large your monthly payment will be and whether you can pay off your balance by the end of the 0% APR period.
Sign-up bonus and rewards
Many 0% APR cards come with a sign-up bonus and/or rewards program, offering even more value. While redemption options vary by card, you can usually redeem rewards for a statement credit toward your balance. This can help you pay off your purchase or balance transfer before the intro period ends.
Balance transfer APR
If you’re paying interest on an existing credit card balance, you may be more interested in cards with a 0% APR on balance transfers. These cards allow you to transfer over your balance and pay no interest during the introductory period. Like the intro APR on purchases, you’ll want the balance transfer period to be as long as possible. But don’t overlook the balance transfer fee — and try to find a card with no balance transfer fee, if possible.
Regular APR
There are many different kinds of credit card APRs, but you should pay close attention to the regular APR. This is the APR you’ll pay after any introductory 0% period is over. If you have a balance left at the end of the intro period, the regular APR will determine how much interest you have to pay each month.
Annual fee
Most of the credit cards on this list have no annual fee. But if you’re looking at a credit card with an annual fee, consider how much it’ll cut into your overall savings.
Purchase protection
Depending on what you’re buying, you may want to make sure that the credit card you’re using offers some sort of purchase protection. Our list of the best extended warranty credit cards can be a good reference to see what protections are offered.
Instant credit card numbers
If you have an emergency — or another type of purchase that you need to make without waiting seven to 10 days for your card to arrive — you may want to get one that offers instant credit card numbers. Some issuers offer instant credit card numbers on all of their cards (if you’re eligible), while others only offer them on certain cards.
A credit card’s APR (annual percentage rate) is the annual interest rate you’ll pay if you carry a balance. When you see “0% APR”, it means the card offers an introductory APR of 0% for a set period of time — usually six to 21 months. Depending on the card, the intro rate can apply to purchases, balance transfers or both.
A 0% APR credit card works like any other card, the only difference being that you aren’t charged interest on your balance during the intro period. However, you’ll still need to pay your bill on time every month — otherwise, you might have to fork over a late payment fee or, even worse, lose your 0% intro rate. Once the intro period ends, your rate jumps to the regular ongoing APR. This rate applies to new purchases, as well as any remaining balance on the card.
Now is the best time to apply for a 0% APR credit cardIn September, the Federal Reserve lowered the prime rate for the first time since early 2022. While this brings some slight relief — and hope for more impactful cuts in the near future — the average credit card interest rate is still the highest it’s been in decades. LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, Matt Schulz, notes that “despite [the] decrease, no one should expect card APRs to fall off a cliff overnight. In fact, it would be wise for consumers to expect credit card interest rates to remain high for the foreseeable future, even if they’re no longer at record levels.”
So if you need to use a credit card to pay for a large purchase or cover emergency expenses, a 0% APR card may be your best option. In fact, a no-frills card with a long 0% intro period — like the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card — could save you over $1,000 in interest payments alone.
If you pay off your balance within the introductory period, you could save well over $1,000 in interest payments with one of our no-interest credit card recommendations. But you could easily double those savings by choosing a 0% APR card with a valuable sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards program. The cards with the best sign-up bonuses and rewards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, might have shorter no-interest periods, but the cash back rewards make them much more valuable:
| 0% APR credit card | Introductory APR | Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, then 18.99% - 28.49% Variable | $2,258 |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR | $1,360 |
You’ll typically need good-to-excellent credit to qualify for a 0% APR credit card. So if your credit score is on the lower end, consider applying for one of the best cards for fair credit or the best credit cards for bad credit. Unfortunately, if your credit score is too low, you may not qualify for a 0% APR offer.
You’ll generally want to find a card with a longer intro period to make your payments more manageable. However, the intro period isn’t everything — there is a tradeoff when it comes to other card benefits. A card’s rewards, including the sign-up bonus, can add substantially to your overall savings. You may get a better overall value by choosing a rewards card with a shorter APR term than a longer one with no rewards.
Many credit cards with 0% APR also offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of dollars, which you can use to help pay off your purchase. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® comes with an Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
While some cards offer a flat rewards rate on all purchases, others offer bonus rewards in certain spending categories, like restaurants, gas and groceries. Match up the type of purchase(s) you’ll be financing with cards that offer bonus rewards on those purchases to help you earn extra rewards. You should also consider bonus categories that match your regular spending categories if you plan to keep the card after the intro offer expires.
A 0% intro APR offer can be a financial lifeline during emergencies and save you hundreds in interest payments on a large purchase or balance transfer. But if you aren’t careful, you could still end up with credit card debt. The bottom line? You should only get a 0% APR card if you have a payment plan in place and are disciplined enough to follow it. You’ll also want to weigh the following pros and cons before making your decision:
| Alternative | What it is | Consider it if... |
|---|---|---|
| Personal loans | A lump sum of money that you repay in monthly installments over a set period of time | Your credit score is too low to qualify for a 0% APR card, or if you can’t afford to pay off your balance in full before the introductory period ends |
| Balance transfer credit card | A credit card that doesn't charge interest for a specified period of time on debt transferred from another card | You have high-interest debt on another card that you can pay off in full during the introductory period |
| Low-interest credit card | A credit card that has a relatively low APR | You need to carry a balance month to month and won’t be able to pay off a 0% APR card before the introductory period ends |
The longest 0% APR period is 21 months, but there are only a few cards currently boasting this offer. Our pick for the best is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which gives you a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases. After, a 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies.
It’s not likely that your current issuer will give you 0% APR, but you may be able to get a lower APR. A LendingTree survey found that 76% of people who ask their issuer to lower their APR get their request granted.
Most credit cards offer a grace period — the time between receiving your credit card statement and your payment due date. If you regularly pay off your balance in full before the due date, you’ll avoid paying interest altogether. Even if you’re unable to pay off your balance every month, it’s important to make your payments on time. You’ll avoid paying a higher interest rate (called a penalty APR) that some cards charge when you miss a payment.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
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 related to the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card, Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, BankAmericard® credit card, Chase Slate Edge℠, Citi Simplicity® Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, ESL Visa® Credit Card and Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
