Paying interest? In this economy? We’d prefer not to, if possible. That’s not just wishful thinking, either; some credit cards actually let you make purchases without paying interest…at least for a limited time. This is called a 0% intro annual percentage rate (APR) period. 0% intro APR periods can help you pay down existing debt, fund a large purchase, or just enjoy a break from credit card interest. This article will explore 8 of some of the best no-interest credit cards based on the following criteria:
Best for a long 0% intro period: Wells Fargo Reflect
Best for travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards
Best for balance transfers: Citi Simplicity
Best for high rewards: Citi Custom Cash
Best for daily spending and cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Best for gas and groceries: American Express Blue Cash Everyday
Best for dining rewards: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
Best for earning miles: Capital One Venture One
Explore MoneyLion’s marketplace of credit cards that help you press pause on interest.
8 Best 0% intro APR credit cards
We’ve listed our favorite no-interest credit cards based on a variety of factors, but the best card for you will ultimately depend on your spending habits, financial goals, and your preferences. Let’s dive in!
Need a refresher on credit card basics? Check out our Ultimate Guide on How Credit Cards Work
1. Best for a long 0% intro APR period: Wells Fargo Reflect Card
Source: wellsfargo.com
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is one of the best options for people who want the longest interest-free intro period possible. This card offers a 0% intro APR for a whopping 21 months on both balance transfers and new purchases, with no annual fee. If approved, you won’t need to worry about your balance collecting interest for nearly 2 years.
Cardholders also enjoy up to $600 of cell phone protection, 24/7 roadside assistance, and spending flexibility powered by Visa.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 21 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Regular APR: 17.24% to 28.99% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
2. Best for travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
Source: bankofamerica.com
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards is a great option if you want a card that combines a low APR intro period with travel perks. This card offers a 0% APR for 15 months on both new purchases and balance transfers, while also rewarding you with 1.5 points for every $1 spent. You can use these points to pay for flights, hotels, baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases.
This card is also relatively cheap to own, with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Credit score needed: 630-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn 25,000 points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days | Cash advance fee: 4% |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: 3% for 60 days, then 4% |
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24% | Foreign transaction fee: None |
3. Best for balance transfers: Citi Simplicity Credit Card
Source: citi.com
The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card is a great option if you need some time to chip away at an existing balance. It offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and 12 months for new purchases, and also has a fairly low intro balance transfer fee of 3% (this rises to 5% after the first 4 months).
This card is fairly cheap to own, with no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty APR.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 12 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: None | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer (whichever is higher) for the first 4 months. After that, $5 or 5% of the transfer. |
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.99% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
4. Best for high rewards: Citi Custom Cash® Card
source: citi.com
Looking for a card with a lengthy no-interest period, solid rewards, and no annual fee? You should probably consider the Citi Custom Cash® Card.
To start, this card offers a competitive 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Plus, you’ll earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each month, up to $500, and 1% on all other purchases. This makes it a great option if you want to earn high rewards without adjusting your spending habits.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn $200 when you spend $1,500 in 6 months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Regular APR: 18.24% to 28.24% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
5. Best for daily spending and cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Source: chase.com
Looking for a card that offers an attractive 0% intro APR and doubles as a solid daily spender? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great option to explore.
This card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both balance transfer and new purchases, with no annual fee. Plus, it rewards you for everyday spending with 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% back on everything else. You’ll also get complimentary DoorDash DashPass for 6 months.
Chase cards typically offer plenty of built-in benefits and protections, and this card is no exception. Cardholders enjoy auto rental insurance, travel and emergency assistance, trip interruption insurance, and purchase protection, all included with your account.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn $200 when you spend $500 in the first 3 months of opening your account. | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% (whichever is higher) for the first 60 days. After that, $5 or 5% of the transfer. |
Regular APR: 18.99% to 28.49% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
6. Best for gas and groceries: American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
Source: americanexpress.com
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a great option if you want a no-interest credit card that offers high rewards for two of the most common spending categories: gas and groceries.
This card offers a competitive 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, with no annual fee. Cardholders will also earn 3% back on gas, groceries, and online purchases for up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then the rate drops to 1%.
As an Amex cardholder, you’ll also enjoy a range of included benefits like car rental insurance, a 24/7 global assist hotline when traveling, plus an $84 credit that can be used for a Disney+ streaming subscription.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn $300 when you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is higher |
Regular APR: 20.24% to 29.24% | Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% |
7. Best for dining rewards: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Source: capitalone.com
The Capital One® Savor Cash Rewards card offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores, and entertainment, making it one of the best 0% APR credit cards for food and dining rewards. This card also offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all other purchases and enjoy no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn $200 when you spend $500 within 3 months | Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: 3% for 15 months, then 4% |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.24% | Foreign transaction fee: None |
8. Best for earning miles: Capital One VentureOne Credit Card
Source: capitalone.com
The Capital One® VentureOne card can help you take a vacation, both figuratively and literally.
You’ll get a figurative vacation from interest in the form of a 0% intro APR for 15 months on both balance transfers and new purchases. But this card also helps you go on a literal vacation by earning 1.25 miles for every dollar you spend. These miles can be used to reimburse travel costs (hotels, flights, etc.) or transferred to partner rewards programs.
The lack of foreign transaction fees or an annual fee makes this card super cheap to own, as long as you don’t carry a balance.
Credit score needed: 690-850 (good to excellent) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
|---|---|
Intro bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus miles when you spend $500 within the first 3 months | Cash advance fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is higher |
Annual fee: None | Balance transfer fee: 3% for 15 months, then 4% |
Regular APR: 19.24% to 29.24% | Foreign transaction fee: None |
What is a no-interest credit card?
A no-interest credit card (aka a 0% intro APR card) is a card that lets you hit pause on interest for a short period of time. These cards give you a window (usually 6–21 months) where you won’t be charged interest on new purchases, balance transfers, or both.
No-interest credit cards can help you pay down existing debt, fund a big purchase, or just enjoy spending flexibility without the snowball effect of interest. Just pay ready: when the intro period ends, a regular interest rate will kick back in.
When should you get a no-interest credit card?
There are three main scenarios where you should explore a no-interest credit card:
To consolidate or pay down debt: 0% APR credit cards can make it much easier to pay down an existing credit card balance. Just transfer your balance to one with a 0% intro APR and continue to make payments. The balance will stop growing thanks to the intro 0% intro APR period, making it easier to pay off.
To fund a large purchase: Going on a trip? A no-interest credit card can help you finance it. Just put the purchase on your card and make consistent payments to pay off the balance before the intro period ends. The same strategy applies to any large purchases. Just make sure you’re fully prepared to pay for the purchase before making it!
To get a break from interest: A 0% intro APR can also be helpful if you just need a break from paying credit card interest for a little bit.
0% APR Credit Cards: The Interest Break You’ve Been Looking for?
If it feels like interest charges are keeping your finances down, then a 0% intro APR might be just what you need. 0% APR credit cards give a break from interest so that you can escape high-interest debt, finance a large purchase, or just enjoy some interest-free spending flexibility.
Choose the right card based on your financial goals, make a plan, and take advantage of your newfound freedom.
FAQs
How long does 0% APR last?
0% intro APR periods can last anywhere from 6 to 24 months, depending on the card.
What are the best no-interest credit cards right now?
Some of the best no-interest credit cards are the Wells Fargo Reflect Card, Citi Double Cash Credit Card, and Citi Simplicity Credit Card. The right card for you will ultimately depend on your spending habits and financial goals.
Can I transfer balances to a no-interest card?
Yes, many no-interest cards will let you transfer a balance and pay a 0% intro APR for a set period, usually between 12-24 months. Transferring your balance can be an effective strategy to pay down debt.
Are there fees with no-interest credit cards?
Yes, you’ll usually still need to pay certain fees on a no-interest card. These can include an annual fee, balance transfer fee, late payment fee, foreign transaction fee, and more. Fees depend on the card, though, so be sure to read the fine print before signing up.
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