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Credit cards offer a convenient way to make major purchases or cover emergency expenses. Carry a balance, however, and interest can add up: Americans carry an average $5,910 in credit card debt, according to Experian data.
Credit cards with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) offer a way to pay off debt without accruing additional interest charges for a limited time. Some of these cards offer intro 0% APRs for new purchases, balance transfers or both. If you've got a big purchase in mind and want to pay it off over time without paying interest—or want to reduce the interest on existing high-interest credit card balances—check out our top picks for intro 0% APR credit cards from our partners.
4 Partner Offers
| Our Picks for the Best Intro 0% APR Credit Cards | |
|---|---|
 Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Intro 0% APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% Variable APR Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the introductory rate, with a transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum) |
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers Ongoing 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the introductory APR and an intro balance transfer fee of 3%, with a transfer fee of 5% thereafter ($5 minimum in both cases) |
 Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers Ongoing 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable) APR |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Intro 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made within the first 60 days, with a 4% balance transfer fee on the amount of each transaction Ongoing 18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR |
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
This card offers an introductory 0% APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After that, it climbs to 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% Variable APR. Balance transfers made within 120 days of account opening qualify for the introductory APR, with a transfer fee of 5% ($5 minimum).
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers other rewards as well. Use it to pay your monthly cellphone bill and receive up to $600 of cellphone 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 while you shop, dine or enjoy an experience simply by using your eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
APR
17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% Variable APR
Intro APR
Rewards
None
Intro Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49% 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.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a well-rounded card that offers an intro 0% APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; then an ongoing 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR applies. This is a good chunk of time to pay off large purchases or debt.
Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro APR and an intro balance transfer fee of 3%. Afterwards, a 5% transfer fee applies. The minimum fee is $5 in both cases.
Beyond special financing, this card has no annual fee and a great rewards program. You earn 2% cash rewards on every purchase. You can also receive up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible) if you use it to pay your monthly cellphone bill. Using this card for large purchases allows you to benefit from an intro APR and cash back.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
on Wells Fargo's website
Recommended FICO® Score*
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
APR
19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR
Intro APR
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is another no-annual-fee card that offers a competitive intro APR and rewards. Benefit from an intro 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; a 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable) APR applies after that.
In addition to an intro APR, you earn 1.25 miles per dollar spent on every eligible purchase and 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card has no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
on Capital One's website
Recommended FICO® Score*
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Intro APR
Rewards
1.25x Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5x Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.25x Miles on Every Purchase
Intro Bonus
20,000 Miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- $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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
With the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, you'll enjoy an intro 0% APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles from the date of account opening and on qualifying balance transfers made within the first 60 days (4% balance transfer fee on the amount of each transaction). After that, the APR is 18.74% - 28.74% Variable.
Robust rewards can make this card worth carrying long after the promotional APR ends. Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (now with expanded categories), an automatic 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter) and an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Although such tiered rewards can add a degree of complexity to getting the most out of the card, being able to choose your rewards category is a nice perk.
How Do Intro 0% APR Credit Cards Work?
Normally, you must pay your credit card balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest. One way to avoid that interest, however, is to use a credit card with an introductory 0% APR on purchase. These cards don't charge interest on purchases made during the promotional period, which can add flexibility to your budget by allowing you to carry a balance and pay off purchases gradually. At the end of the introductory period, any remaining balance starts accruing interest at the card's standard APR.
Credit cards with introductory 0% APRs on balance transfers let you transfer balances from one or more existing credit cards to the new card. Inform the new card issuer which balances you want to transfer to the new card. The credit card company either pays off those balances directly or sends you a check to pay them off yourself. You'll typically pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Transferred balances have a 0% APR during the introductory period. Any balances remaining after that time will accrue interest at the card's usual APR.
What Credit Score Is Required for an Intro 0% APR Credit Card?
You may need good or excellent credit to qualify for top intro 0% APR credit card offers. The better your credit score, the more likely you'll be approved for cards with higher credit limits, more perks and lower interest rates after the promotional period ends.
Knowing your credit score makes it easier to choose credit card offers for which you're most likely to be approved. Before applying for a new card, review your credit report and credit score to see where you stand. If necessary, consider improving your score prior to applying for intro 0% APR credit cards.
When to Use an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
An intro 0% APR credit card can be used to:
- Finance a big purchase: Preparing to do your holiday shopping, plan for a big vacation or buy new furniture? Use a card offering an intro 0% APR on purchases and you can pay off the purchase over the promotional period without any interest.
- Pay down credit card debt: Move high-interest credit card balances to a card with an intro 0% APR balance transfer offer. Pay off the transferred balance before the end of the introductory period to avoid additional interest charges.
- Consolidate credit card balances. When you've got balances on several credit cards, it's easy to miss a payment date, which can lower your credit score. Streamline your finances by transferring all the balances onto an intro 0% APR balance transfer card, and you'll only have one payment to remember.
How to Benefit the Most From an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
To get the most from your introductory 0% APR credit card:
- Automate monthly payments. Some card issuers prematurely end your introductory 0% APR period if you miss a payment. Automating payments can ensure you're never late.
- Pay more than the minimum due. This helps you pay down your balance faster.
- Keep credit card spending within your budget. An introductory 0% APR card can tempt you to overspend, especially if it has other perks like an introductory cash back bonus. To avoid building up a balance, set a budget for your card spending.
- Pay off your balance before the intro period ends. Whether it's a big purchase or a balance transfer, paying off the balance before the promotional period expires is key to getting the most from your new card. Budget for this by dividing your balance by the number of months in the introductory period. Then commit to paying that amount each month, just like your rent or car payment.
- After transferring a balance, keep old credit card accounts open. Even if you don't plan to use the older card, having a card with a zero balance can reduce your overall credit utilization, potentially boosting your credit score. Closing the original card also shortens the average age of your credit accounts, which may hurt your credit score. Just be sure to resist the urge to take on additional debt.
How to Choose an Intro 0% APR Credit Card
To select the intro 0% APR credit card that delivers the most value, read the card agreement carefully. Ask yourself:
- What do I plan to use the card for? Do you want an introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers or both?
- How long is the introductory 0% period? The longer the promotional period lasts, the more time you'll have to pay off purchases or balance transfers.
- Are there any fees? Most cards charge a balance transfer fee—typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. Cards may also impose annual fees, late payment fees or fees for foreign transactions. Make sure the potential savings on interest outweighs any fees.
- What is the balance transfer window? Check the card's terms for the deadline to start or complete a balance transfer to qualify for the intro 0% APR. Completing a balance transfer can take time, so start the process as soon as you're able.
- What is the ongoing APR? Find out what your APR will be at the end of the promotional period. A lower ongoing APR will give you the best long-term value.
- Does the card offer rewards or other perks? Benefits such as cash back or travel rewards add value to a card after the promotional APR period ends.
- How does a late payment affect your APR? Pay late, and some intro 0% APR cards raise your APR to the ongoing rate or an even higher penalty APR.
- How is interest charged? Some transactions may not qualify for the intro 0% APR. For example, cards may charge interest on cash advances even during the introductory period.
- Where do you want to transfer a balance from? You usually can't transfer a balance from one card to another card from the same issuer. For example, you could transfer a balance from a Chase card to a Wells Fargo card, but not from one Chase card to another.
Will an Intro 0% APR Credit Card Help Your Credit?
Paying down debt, making on-time payments and not applying for new credit can all improve your credit. An introductory 0% APR credit card could help too. Having more available credit can lower your credit utilization; using a balance transfer card can help you pay down debt—both of which can improve your score. Just avoid carrying a balance on your intro 0% APR credit card past the promotional period, or your credit score could suffer.
In the market for an intro 0% APR credit card? Experian CreditMatch™ can pair you with cards matching your credit profile.