9 best 0% APR and low-interest credit cards of March 2025
Cards that offer zero interest — also called zero annual percentage rate (APR) cards — are ideal for large purchases or emergencies because they don’t charge you interest for a certain introductory period. Typically, this period lasts between 12 and 18 months, though some cards offer even more time than this to pay down balances.
Although we don’t recommend carrying a balance on your credit cards, it’s nice to have the guarantee of a 0% APR if you’re not able to pay off a balance in full and do need to carry it over into the next month. These are our top picks for the best 0% APR cards from our partners.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for flexible cash rewards
- Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for travel
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for simplicity
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets
- Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Best for financing credit card debt
- Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for rotating categories
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for general spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for gas and supermarkets
- Discover it Cash Back: Best for elevated cash back in bonus categories
Best for flexible cash rewards
| 5% | 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% | 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. |
| 1.5% | 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns cash back on every purchase. However, it doubles in potential value if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Pros
- Multiple bonus categories
- Incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Foreign transaction fees
- Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back 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 19.49% - 28.24%.
- 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
Best for travel
| 5 Miles | 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 1.25 Miles | 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase!
Pros
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 bonus miles once you spend $500 within the first three months from account opening
- Use your miles to book or pay for travel at a 1-cent value, or transfer your miles to loyalty programs to gain potentially even greater value for your rewards.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Other credit cards can offer you higher rewards for your common purchase categories.
- Capital One airline transfer partners do not include any large U.S. airlines.
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Best for simplicity
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply |
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day |
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good card for those who prefer to keep their rewards simple. This card earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is easily redeemable and requires no minimum.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee.
- Cash back doesn't expire.
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits.
- Other cards offer more potential and upside when it comes to redeeming cash back.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets
| 6% | 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) |
| 6% | 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on other purchases |
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Pros
- This card has one of the best earning structures out there for cash-back credit cards.
- The card does come with access to Amex Offers (enrollment required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.
- 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.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for financing credit card debt
There’s no annual fee, and you’ll enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months from account opening. After the introductory period, you’ll face a variable APR of 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99%, depending on your creditworthiness (balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, balance transfer fee of 5%: min $5).
Pros
- No annual fee.
- Introductory APR offer of 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft if you use it to pay your monthly bill, subject to a $25 deductible.
Cons
- No points or cash rewards earning potential.
- No welcome bonus.
- 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. 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% 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.
Best for rotating categories
| 5% | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! |
| 5% | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. |
| 3% | 3% cash back on dining and drugstores. |
| 1% | 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through Chase Travel. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards, a welcoming sign-up bonus and no annual fee to worry about. Read our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Pros
- The generous sign-up bonus is impressive for a no annual fee card.
- The card features several categories that earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel and rotating quarterly bonus categories and 3% back on dining and drugstores.
- Your phone is protected against theft or damage for up to $800 per claim (up to $1,000 per year) when you pay that bill with the card.
Cons
- You must remember to activate your bonus categories quarterly or risk not earning 5% on select purchases.
- This card charges foreign transaction fees so it's best to use it within the U.S.
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 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 unlimited 1% cash back 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!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49%-28.24%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Best for general spending
| 8% | 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on all other purchases |
The Capital One Savor is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid cash back structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases.
- This card is great for beginners.
- The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase.
Cons
- If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, there are cards that provide better value with higher rewards potential.
- The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Best for gas and supermarkets
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. |
| 3% | 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. |
| 1% | 1% Cash Back on other purchases. |
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You’ll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express.
Pros
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets.
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases.
- This card gives access to Amex Offers, which earn you statement credits or extra points on purchases with a wide variety of merchants. (Enrollment required)
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Best for elevated cash back in bonus categories
Discover it Cash Back
| 5% | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. |
| 1% | Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Pros
- Generous first-year cash-back match offer, as Discover will effectively double all the cash back earned in your first 12 months holding the card
- Earn 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories, on up to $1,500 in purchases quarterly
- Eligible customers may qualify for 0% introductory APR in the first 15 months you hold the card
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- 5% cash back earnings capped at $75 cash back per quarter
- Rotating bonus categories must be activated each quarter to earn 5% cash back
- Limited redemption options
The Discover it® Cash Back is a solid option to net elevated cash-back earnings in rotating categories quarterly. Plus, you can get outsize value after your first year with the card, as Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned in the first 12 months of using it.
The information for the Discover it Cash Back Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Comparing the best zero interest credit cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | flexible cash rewards | Up to $300 cash back Open Intro bonus Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | travel | Earn 20,000 miles Open Intro bonus Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | 1.25 - 5X miles | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | simplicity | Earn $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1.5 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | groceries at U.S. supermarkets | Earn $250 Open Intro bonus Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1 - 6% cash-back | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Wells Fargo's secure site | financing credit card debt | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Chase's secure site | rotating categories | $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at Capital One's secure site | general spending | Earn $200 Cash Back Open Intro bonus $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 1 - 8% cash-back | $0 |
Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. at American Express's secure site | gas and supermarkets | Earn $200 Open Intro bonus Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1 - 3% cash-back | $0 |
Discover it Cash Back * *The information about the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by ThePointsGuy.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer. Open Editors rating Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Information updated as of 01/13/2025 | elevated cash back in bonus categories | Cashback Match Open Intro bonus Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | 1 - 5% cash-back | $0 |
More details on the best zero interest credit cards
The Chase Freedom Unlimited features a simple earning structure and a flat 1.5% earning rate on all other purchases outside of key categories. This makes it a great go-to for everyday spending, especially to fill in any gaps in your earning strategy.
If you’re relatively new to credit card rewards programs, the Freedom Unlimited is a solid card to get started with since its earning categories are pretty straightforward and there are no rotating categories you have to worry about tracking and activating.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen, Director of Content
Those seeking a travel rewards card with no annual fee should consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel in addition to 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. The VentureOne Rewards also has no foreign transaction fees making it an ideal travel companion, especially for starters (see rates and fees).
If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of travel rewards, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great way to get started. With no annual fee (see rates and fees) and a simple 1.25 miles per dollar on all your purchases, you won’t have to keep up with multiple bonus categories — just earn rewards on everything you purchase.
The Capital One VentureOne is a great option if you want a simple earning structure and the ability to take advantage of 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners with easy-to-use rewards. If you're against paying an annual fee, this will be a good fit for you.
“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer
If you want a better earning rate, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a higher 2-mile-per-dollar rate on everyday purchases. You'll also receive an up to $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good card for those who prefer to keep their rewards simple. This card earns a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is easily redeemable and requires no minimum.
The Quicksilver is great for those who hold other Capital One cards, as you can convert the cash back you earn with the card into miles that can then be redeemed with the issuer’s ample transfer partners.
If you prefer not to juggle cards when you're out and about, the Quicksilver Cash is a great option to ensure you’re earning 1.5% cash back on all your purchases.
If you're going to go with a card that earns 1.5% cash back, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® also has no annual fee and earns 1.5% cash back on most purchases while offering additional perks and bonus cash back on easy-to-maximize spending categories.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is a lucrative cash-back card for several spending categories. If cash back is up your alley — and categories for select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. supermarkets, transit and U.S. gas stations align with your spending habits — then you can't go wrong with this card.
“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards, and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter, senior writer
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
If you want similar benefits with no annual fee (see rates and fees), the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases — though there's a limit of $6,000 in purchases per category. After that, you'll earn 1% back. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The Wells Fargo Reflect has no annual fee (see rates and fees), and along with a good introductory APR offer, you’ll enjoy up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage and theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible). Monthly cellphone insurance can be pricey, and this excellent protection automatically comes with a card with no annual fee.
The Wells Fargo Reflect is perfect for those looking to refinance their debt with a solid introductory balance transfer opportunity. While light on overall benefits, the card brings you back to the basics and even comes with cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with this card.
If reducing debt is one of your priorities, a credit card like the Wells Fargo Reflect Card can help you avoid paying interest on balances you carry in the interim. For no annual fee, you can transfer your balances from your other credit cards to the Wells Fargo Reflect to save money.
If you prefer Bank of America, the BankAmericard® credit card also has no annual fee and offers access to Bank of America's suite of online banking features, free FICO score tool and credit education topics.
The information for the BankAmericard credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The Chase Freedom Flex delivers a formidable 5% cash back on select bonus categories and travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal. This card is an excellent addition to your wallet as it provides ongoing rewards and no annual fee to worry about.
The Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best cash-back credit cards around, thanks to phenomenal earning rates across several spending categories, all with no annual fee to worry about. The card becomes potentially even more valuable when you pair it with a Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning credit card, too.
“As a points and miles enthusiast, I’m happy to keep up with the rotating quarterly categories that earn 5% cash back. I get the most value from this card when I can max out the $1,500 quarterly limit at merchants like Amazon, Target and PayPal (not a current category). My top tip for this card is to make sure that you activate the categories every quarter so that you can maximize your points-earning.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a similar reward structure, but it has one notable difference: Rather than earning 5% on rotating categories, you'll get 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus spending.
The Capital One Savor is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid cash-back structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three.
The Capital One Savor is a solid card with no annual fee that’s great for those who regularly spend on dining and entertainment. It offers unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), and 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Capital One Savor offers generous bonus categories when compared to other cash-back cards with no annual fee and even some cards that do have annual fees. The real highlight is the high cash-back rate in the dining and entertainment categories, though you can also get some value with extra cash back at grocery stores.
If you want a simpler earning rate, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also has no annual fee (see rates and fees). You'll earn 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is great if you have expenses outside of the Savor's bonus categories.
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee (see rates and fees). You’ll earn cash back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers several bonus cash-back categories and some new benefits, making this card a decent option in the crowded field of cash-back cards. It offers solid returns on popular spending categories without an annual fee.
This is a great card if you want to earn bonus cash back on groceries, gas and online shopping without an annual fee. Rewards are easily redeemed at a fixed rate, eliminating guesswork on whether you're getting good value from your earnings.
If you want more options for using your earnings, the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and earns 2% back on all purchases — 1% when you purchase and another 1% when you pay your bill.
The Discover it Cash Back offers a solid 15-month 0% introductory APR period, making it a solid option for earning cash back on larger purchases that may take longer to pay off.
The information for the Discover it Cash Back Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Anyone interested in earning cash back on a large purchase could benefit from the Discover it Cash Back’s generous first-year cash-back match, which could effectively double what you earn in the first year of holding the card.
“I applied for the Discover it Cash Back when I needed to pay for expensive car repairs. The 0% introductory APR period helped me manage the bill gradually, while also earning cash-back rewards that I used on my monthly statements.” — Augusta Stone, associate credit cards writer
If you’re in the Chase ecosystem, you could find value in the Chase Freedom Flex®, which offers a generous introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers. This option also comes with 5% cash back rates in rotating bonus categories on up to $1,500 in bonus category purchases each quarter you activate, plus 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and drug stores and 1% on all other purchases.
How we rate cards
1in 5 TPG readers currently have a card with a 0% promotional APR on purchases or balance transfers
Looking to finance a large purchase or just save on interest? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey, 20% of TPG readers are currently taking advantage of a credit card with a 0% promotional annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases or balance transfers.
Additionally, 19% of TPG readers rank getting a 0% promotional APR on purchases or balance transfers as a top-three most valuable card benefit. This benefit can help credit card users consolidate their debt or finance large purchases without the burden of high interest rates, making it a savvy financial move.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite zero interest card — and why?
How to choose the best zero interest credit card
- If you are looking to get a card to consolidate your debt, it is likely more beneficial to get a card with no annual fee. The majority of cards on this list does not feature an annual fee so that you can spend more time and money on reaching your financial goals.1Annual fee
- The welcome bonuses offered on zero interest cards are relatively modest but have a low required spend which makes them easier to earn. Not all cards feature a welcome offer but if your card does, you will want to earn the welcome bonus as it is a considerable part of a card’s value.2Welcome bonus
- Many of our best zero interest cards feature multiple bonus categories. Choosing a zero interest card that best aligns with your spending will help you get the most return on your spending and still allow you to consolidate your debt or finance a large purchase.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of zero interest credit cards
Pros
- A card with an introductory 0% APR can allow you to pay for large purchases over time without incurring interest
- Many 0% and low-interest credit cards allow you to earn rewards like points, miles or cash back on your purchases
- Some 0% APR cards also extend this introductory rate to balance transfers, allowing you to consolidate debt and pay it off with no interest for a set period of time
Cons
- Most 0% and low-interest credit cards have a specific window of time during which you enjoy the low rate, with some being much shorter than others
- If you don’t pay off your full balance by the end of the promotional period, you may be hit with massive interest charges
- Having a 0% APR card can feel like “free” money, but if you spend beyond your means, your credit score can take a hit and you could end up with debt
Frequently asked questions
Some card issuers will offer you a special 0% APR on an existing credit card. This is typically only offered to cardholders with an extensive history with the issuer and who are in good (or great) financial standing.
If you've been regularly paying off your debt and aren’t carrying a card balance, it’s possible that your issuer will extend your promotional low-APR period. This is usually only done if you regularly pay off your balance anyway, though, so you’ll have to demonstrate financial responsibility to earn this.
The best credit cards with zero interest typically offer valuable reward rates along with their low APR. They also come with perks, in some cases, that can further save you money for travel and in your daily spending.
Zero-percent APR is a promotional tool used by credit card companies to entice customers to apply. Promos for 0% APR typically last 12 or 15 months, after which the card usually reverts to a standard APR. Card companies also make money when you swipe your card, so 0% APR purchases are still profitable for them.
At TPG, we always recommend paying off your monthly card balance in full whenever possible. Delaying payment isn’t ideal, even with a zero-interest card, as it can lead to poor spending habits and damage your financial health in the long run.
A primary consideration with a 0% APR credit card should be ensuring you spend within your means, even if you don't have to pay interest on your purchases for the card's promotional period.
It's advisable to utilize a zero interest card as a tool to give yourself some extra time to pay off a large purchase. If you lack financial discipline, a 0% APR card could be challenging to manage.
Your credit score won't be affected by simply holding a 0% APR card, but the way you manage the balance on your card in addition to your ability to make timely payments can determine if your credit is affected. Your score could take some dings by carrying a balance month to month, even during the zero interest introductory term. However, a more prominent issue could arise if you continue to carry a large balance after the intro period concludes.
If you can't immediately pay your balance off month to month on a 0% APR card, working to lower it with each statement can help mitigate the effect on your credit. You can also request a lower interest rate from your issuer but there is no guarantee that it will be approved.
This decision depends on what you're looking to get from a card, as these two types of cards serve different purposes.
If you're expecting to carry a balance or make a large purchase that you'll need time to pay off, a low interest card could be a solid option so you limit the amount of interest you accrue.
Meanwhile, a cash back card is a rewards card that puts a certain percentage of money back in your pocket — usually for purchases in categories like grocery stores, gas stations and dining out, for example.
Ultimately, there isn't a right or a wrong answer here. It comes down to what you need a credit card to do for you.
APR is short for annual percentage rate, which is defined as the interest rate you're charged on your credit card balance over the course of a year. APY, or annual percentage yield, is money you earn in a savings account or on an investment over the course of a year.
While many zero interest cards (including a majority of those on this list) do not charge an annual fee, some of them do. The Blue Cash Preferred Card, for instance, is a zero interest credit card that comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then costs $95 a year thereafter.
You can technically close a credit card whenever you decide you're ready to do so. However, it's important to weigh how closing a credit card will affect your credit score, as it could adjust both your credit utilization and your credit history length.
You should also be certain that your final payment on that card has been processed before you cancel it.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here