best 0 percent travel credit cards

Best travel credit cards with 0% APR

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Travel reward credit cards and 0 percent introductory APRs on purchases and balance transfers don’t often co-exist. Having both travel rewards and 0 percent APR are incredible perks on their own, but when you combine the two, you have the makings of a credit card with potential for substantial savings.

The best travel rewards credit cards make it possible to significantly save on travel-related expenses, while 0 percent introductory APR saves you money on costly interest charges. During a recession and high inflation , both of these benefits can make a huge difference with your budget.

The 5 best travel cards with 0% introductory APR

We picked the following credit cards and found our list of top contenders, each of which offer at least 12 months 0 percent APR on purchases or balance transfers , plus earn high rates of travel rewards.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for simple travel rewards program

The Wells Fargo Autograph Card offers a 0 percent introductory APR for purchases for 12 months from account opening (then 19.99 percent, 24.99 percent or 29.99 percent variable). Additionally, you earn 3X points on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit and streaming purchases, plus 1X points for all other purchases. Points are worth 1.0 cents each , which means 3 cents per dollar for the bonus categories. With no annual fee, it’s a low-cost card with which you can rack up serious rewards quickly.

If you want a simple rewards program where you have broad category coverage for everyday spending, then the Autograph card may be a great fit .

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for zero-interest purchases and balance transfers

You’ll often find credit cards offering 0 percent APR for either purchases or balance transfers, but not always both. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 0 percent APR for 15 months for both purchases and balance transfers (then 19.99 percent to 29.99 percent variable), giving you even more options with the card. Plus, the no annual fee makes it a low-cost travel rewards card. You can earn a decent amount of travel rewards too, with a 5X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 1.25X miles for all other purchases.

Capital One Miles are currently worth 1.7 cents each, which means the current welcome offer of 20,000 miles if you spend $500 in the first three months is worth $200 of travel booked through Capital One Travel. If you need 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers, you’ll want to consider this one.

Discover it® Miles: Best for no annual fee

The Discover it Miles credit card offers a flat-rate, unlimited 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, without an annual fee. Plus, you can enjoy a 0 percent APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 16.74 percent to 27.74 percent variable). With the flat-rate earnings, it acts more like a cash back card than a traditional travel rewards, since you don’t have to keep up with any bonus or rotating categories, which may appeal to people who want an uncomplicated rewards structure.

No matter what you redeem your miles for, the Discover miles are worth 1.0 cents each. While this may be appealing to some, it makes it harder to earn luxury travel perks, such as free hotel stays or upgrades on flights.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for automatic 5% cash back categories

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a general cash back card, but it earns up to 5 percent cash back on select categories, which includes airlines, hotel and cruise purchases. You automatically earn the 5 percent in your top spending category each quarter, so if travel happens to be your top category, then it rivals the earning potential of other travel rewards cards. It also offers 0 percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 19.24 percent to 29.24 percent variable) and has no annual fee.

Currently, the Citi ThankYou points vary in value, depending on how you redeem them. Basic points are worth 1.0 cents each, but if you pool your points with other eligible Citi travel cards, you may be able to boost the value to 1.6 cents each through high-value Citi transfer partners .

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for lengthy zero-interest time period

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is also a cash back credit card. As the name suggests, you can customize the category you earn the maximum 3 percent cash back in—and travel purchases are one of these categories. You earn two percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs plus one percent on all other purchases (up to $2,500 of combined 3 and 2 percent category purchases each quarter, then 1 percent). But the best part may be the 0 percent APR for both purchases and balance transfers in the first 60 days for 15 months (then 18.24 percent to 28.24 percent variable, 3 percent fee applies), making it one of the longer zero-interest options available.

The Bank of America cash back rewards are worth 1.0 cents. So your chosen 3 percent cash back category earns three cents per dollar, up to the spending cap. If you need a longer 0 percent APR promotional period and want to earn cash back for travel purchases, then this card may be the most rewarding match.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card last updated on August 14, 2023.

How to choose the best 0% APR travel credit card

Finding the right 0 percent APR travel credit card may be easier than finding your next travel destination. To make it as simple as possible, try comparing several different cards and consider what’s most meaningful to you as a cardholder.

How long do you want a break from interest?

Find out what the time period is for the 0 percent APR offer and if it applies to purchases, balance transfers or both. Is the time period long enough for you to accomplish your financial goal? For example, if you have a large purchase to make, then 12 months may be ample time to make monthly payments and pay the entire balance . Or you may need a longer period to consolidate and pay down a balance transfer from a high-interest credit card.

Are you willing to pay an annual fee?

Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others may charge several hundred dollars per year simply to carry the card. However, higher annual fees typically mean a more robust rewards program and other benefits — such as an attractive welcome offer — which can offset the cost of the annual fee if used wisely.

What’s the ongoing APR?

The ongoing APR is the interest applied to your credit card, once the promotional zero-interest rate is over. This rate is actually set when you open the account, even if it’s not in effect for several months. Keep in mind that many credit card issuers use a variable APR instead of a fixed one, which means the rate is subject to change.

What are the travel rewards worth?

You’ll want to know how much the travel rewards are worth when you redeem them. The value of the points or miles depends not only on the rewards program you’re enrolled in, but also how you redeem them . For example, Wells Fargo points are worth 1.0 cents each on average and are typically only redeemable for cash back. On the other hand, Capital One miles are worth an average of 1.7 cents each and can vary based on the travel partner you transfer them to.

How to calculate your points and miles value

You can calculate the points and miles value of a reward by dividing the cost of the travel in cash (such as the hotel room or flight) by the cost in points or miles. For instance, if you find a flight that costs $300, or 25,000 points, then the value of the points for this flight would be 1.2 cents per point ($300 ÷ 25,000 = 0.012, or 1.2 cents).

Once you’ve estimated the general value, you can compare it to the rewards points values listed with Bankrate, to see if the value is equal or better than the standard. Bear in mind the value of your points or miles depends not only on the program you’re enrolled in, but also what you’re booking.

How to make the most of your zero-interest period

If your travel rewards card does offer a zero-interest period, there are ways to maximize the benefit, including:

• Don’t miss a payment due date : Most often the zero-interest offer is canceled if you miss a payment and the APR reverts to the ongoing APR, resulting in costly interest charges. This usually applies even if you miss the payment by a day, so set a reminder to pay before the due date.
• Pay off a balance transfer before the period is over : If the zero-interest applies to a balance transfer, your best approach is to pay the entire balance before the end of the promotional period . Usually, whatever balance is remaining once the time period ends is subject to the ongoing APR interest. Set a reminder in your calendar and pay off the entire balance before the end date.
• Make and stick to a budget : It’s important to stay on top of the monthly payments for the zero-interest card and make it a part of your ongoing budget that you plan for each month. Missing a payment or paying less than the minimum amount due may forfeit the zero-interest.
• Know your credit card’s ongoing APR : The ongoing APR is the interest rate you can expect to pay once your card reverts from its promotional APR. If you think you may carry a balance on the card or will have a remainder after a balance transfer, then look for a card with as low of an ongoing APR as possible.

The bottom line

While earning travel rewards with a credit card and taking advantage of a 0 percent introductory APR may not seem likely, it’s actually quite doable with several credit card options. It’s beneficial to you to compare multiple cards, so you can see which one suits your financial needs the most. If you take advantage of the zero-interest period and maximize your potential travel rewards, you could end up with significant savings.

Learn more : Check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit for tips and tricks on how to maximize travel with a credit card.

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Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Travel

The only thing better than taking a great vacation is doing so with the rewards you earned from your credit card spending.

But, points and miles for travel are only part of the benefits that you can get from using the right credit card.

Some of the top travel rewards credit cards offer 0% APR promotional financing on new purchases, balance transfers, or both.

Here are some of the best credit cards that offer great travel rewards for spending and 0% APR introductory offer:

Amex EveryDay and EveryDay Preferred Credit Cards from American Express

Both of these cards come with 0% APR introductory periods on both new purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee (terms apply).

In addition, they both offer points in the American Express Membership Rewards program for each dollar spent.

With the standard Amex EveryDay card, you earn double points at U.S. supermarkets, and one point per dollar spent elsewhere.

Membership Rewards points are worth one cent each towards travel reservations made through American Express travel, but they can be much more valuable when transferred to frequent flyer miles with 16 different airline programs.

In addition, you can receive a 20% bonus on the points earned in each statement period that you make 20 or more transactions. There is no annual fee for this card.

With the EveryDay Preferred version of this card, 3X points are earned for purchases from U.S. supermarkets, 2x points at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores, and 1x elsewhere.

In addition, cardholders can earn a 50% bonus during each statement period that they complete at least 30 transactions, meaning that you can earn as much as 4.5x at supermarkets, 3x at gas stations and grocery stores, and 1.5x elsewhere. There is a $95 annual fee for this card.

Read Amex Everyday Credit Card Editor's Review

VentureOne Rewards from Capital One

offers new applicants travel rewards. Earn 1.25 miles for each dollar spent.

Each mile is worth one cent each as statement credits towards travel reservations including airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. There is no annual fee for this card and it has no foreign transaction fees.

Read VentureOne Rewards from Capital One Editor's Review

U.S. Bank FlexPerks Select+ American Express Card

If you just need to transfer an existing balance, and still want to earn rewards, this card offers nine months of 0% APR financing on balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee.

You also earn one point per dollar spent in U.S. Bank's FlexPerks rewards program.

This program allows you to redeem your miles for travel on over 150 different airlines with no blackout dates or online redemption fees, and the number of points needed for an airline ticket varies with the price of the ticket.

For example, you can redeem 20,000 FlexPoints for a ticket that costs up to $400. There is no annual fee for this card.

Discover it Miles

Discover it Miles offers 1.5 miles for each dollar spent, and miles are worth one cent each as statement credits towards travel reservations, or as cash back.

In addition, Discover will match your miles earned during your first year, doubling your rewards during that time.

Read Discover it Miles Editor's Review

How to Use 0% APR Cards for Travel

These financing offers for new purchases can allow you to carry a balance at no cost, and only pay the standard interest rate on the remaining balance once the promotional rate expires.

A common use for such 0% introductory offers is to book a trip and have time to pay off the bill slowly without interest charges.

The usual reason for this is that someone doesn't yet have the ability to pay for a trip without borrowing money.

Ideally, if you sign up for one of these credit cards for this reason, you should plan to make a strong effort to eliminate the card balance before the 0% APR period ends.

Otherwise, you may be losing a lot of money on interest payments if you continue to carry a balance when the interest rate is no longer 0%.

And when utilizing a 0% APR offer for balance transfers, you can avoid interest charges on your existing balance.

But, a 3% balance transfer fee will usually apply.

See the chart below for a little more information on how much you can save on 0% APR on balance transfers.

Generally, it is not a good idea to transfer a balance to a travel rewards credit card because you're not likely to earn rewards on the transferred balance (though there may be cards that will still offer rewards on balance transfers).

It's only worthwhile if you already have high-interest credit card debt .

Credit Cards: Different APRs on Different Balances

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Intro bonus

At a glance, overall rating, why we like this card.

For those looking to minimize interest rates on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, the Well Fargo Reflect’s intro APR period gives you maximum flexibility since it’s one of the lengthiest offers on the market. With this card, you won’t have to worry about incurring interest on qualifying balance transfers or purchases for 21 months (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable ongoing APR thereafter), making paying off debt or large expenses less daunting.

• Compared to other balance transfer cards, the ongoing APR starts out lower than the average credit card interest rate.
• Cardholders have access to My Wells Fargo Deals, cellphone protection and Visa travel benefits.
• There is no welcome offer, rewards program or any notable benefits, making this card less valuable — especially after the intro APR period ends.
• The balance transfer fee is a bit steep, considering there are balance transfer cards that have a lesser fee or none at all.

Bottom Line

If you need an extended amount of time to pay off debt and aren’t concerned with rewards or special features, this card might be a good fit for your needs.

• 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. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% 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.

Rates & Fees

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool .

Since it offers cash back in practical everyday categories like U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, this card will earn its keep long after your intro APR period ends. It also carries a low balance transfer fee and flexible financing options even after your intro APR period ends.

• It’s one of the only cash back cards that offers year-round rewards on select U.S. online retail purchases — a terrific supplement to its other everyday categories.
• You can still enjoy payment flexibility after the card’s intro APR period thanks to the Plan It® feature, which lets you pay off qualifying purchases at a fixed monthly plan fee.
• The card’s U.S. supermarket category doesn’t cover wholesale clubs like Costco or superstores like Walmart, so it may not be very rewarding if you frequent those stores.
• You can get a much longer intro APR period or a lower ongoing APR with a dedicated balance transfer or low interest card (though you’ll probably sacrifice long-term value).

If you can pay off your balance within 15 months, this card should be a great fit thanks to its low cost and practical bonus categories, which give it terrific long-term value.

• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% 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.
• Terms Apply.

Discover it® Cash Back

Rewards-savvy cardholders can squeeze serious value out of this card thanks to its generous cash back rate in a variety of rotating categories. Discover’s cash back calendar offers a great mix of eligible categories, usually covering everyday staples like groceries and gas, as well as extras at places like Walmart.com and Target.

• Rotating categories allow for flexible reward structure
• The card’s ongoing APR is very reasonable, especially if you have excellent credit and can qualify for the low-end rate
• It can be a headache to enroll in new categories and track spending to ensure you’re maximizing cash back each quarter
• Some commonly recurring bonus categories, like select streaming services, are unlikely to net you much cash back

If you get a kick out of strategizing about when and where you buy to maximize rewards, this card’s unique cash back program could be right up your alley.

• 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.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
• Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
• No annual fee.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo keeps it simple with an unlimited two percent cash rewards on purchases. This card is ideal for anyone who has no desire to keep up with bonus categories or a tiered-earnings structure. In addition to a flat-rate cash rewards offering, cardholders can take advantage of a welcome bonus and introductory APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers.

• This card charges no annual fee.
• Rewards never expire as long as your account remains in good standing.
• Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the intro APR rate and pay a lower intro fee of 3% or pay up to 5% after ($5 minimum).
• The 2% cash rewards rate on purchases is decent, but you may be missing out on bonus category earnings in top spend categories that other cards offer.

For the clumsy and accident prone, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card’s cellphone protection benefit could come in handy. Additionally, the card touts an impressively long 0% introductory APR period of 15 months (from account opening) on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR).

• 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Few no annual fee cards offer such a generous cash back rate on both dining and grocery store purchases, making the SavorOne a terrific fit for restaurant lovers and home cooks alike. On top of that, the card charges no foreign transaction fee, so you can indulge abroad without worrying about fees canceling out your rewards.

• The sign-up bonus spending requirement should be easy to reach, especially considering the card’s practical bonus categories
• The card’s entertainment category is very broad, earning rewards everywhere from movie theaters to amusement parks and bowling alleys
• Stores like Walmart and Target don’t count as grocery stores, so you won’t earn bonus rewards when shopping at these big-box or superstores.
• Amazon.com redemption options are limited. For example, you can’t redeem rewards for digital products like Kindle eBooks and digital downloads.

If you’re a foodie, this will be one of the most rewarding and versatile cash back cards you can get without forking over an annual fee.

• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• 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
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• 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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• No foreign transaction fee
• No annual fee

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Not only can you take advantage of an intro APR offer to finance large purchases, but you’ll also have a chance to earn cash back on those big-ticket items. Eligible rewards categories like home improvement stores and select travel make the card an ideal choice for big expenses like a home renovation or family vacation, while categories like groceries and dining will give the card terrific value long after its intro APR period ends.

• Comes with an intro APR offer on both balance transfers and new purchases, which is uncommon among cash back cards
• Automatically rewards your top spending category each billing cycle, with no need to track or enroll in bonus categories
• The card’s balance transfer fee is high (5% or $5, whichever is greater) compared to many balance transfer cards
• The top eligible spending category is subject to a cap each billing cycle, which limits potential cash back earnings.

Used wisely, the Citi Custom Cash Card should offer terrific value and flexibility in both the short and long term thanks to its varied bonus categories and no-hassle rewards structure.

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

It’s ideal for low-maintenance cardholders. Not only can you finance new purchases or pay down debt with the card’s intro APR, but you’ll also earn unlimited cash back at the same flat rate no matter where, when or what you buy. No need to worry about tracking spending, juggling card categories or having an annual fee cut into your savings.

• A flat rate rewards card is ideal for someone who prefers an easy-to-use program with no spending limits to track or bonus categories to keep up with
• The intro APR offer gives the card good short-term value for both purchases and balance transfers
• The flat-rate you earn on purchases is low compared to other available options
• Once the promotional APR period is over, the APR is on the higher end, which makes the card more expensive for those who carry a balance each month

If you want a no-hassle way to finance new purchases while earning unlimited cash back on everything you buy, the Quicksilver card could be a great fit.

• 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
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• 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

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

In addition to its long introductory APR offer on balance transfers and purchases, this card offers a significant unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases. Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can boost their cash back rewards even more too. The $0 annual fee, no expiration date on the cash rewards and the chance to earn an intro bonus all bring further value to the cardholder.

• Cash rewards never expire as long as your account remains open.
• If your spending tends to be focused in certain categories, you may be better off with a card that offers a high rewards rate on bonus categories.
• If you carry a balance, the higher APR could prove to be expensive after the intro period ends.

This flat rate card with its unlimited 1.5% cash back can deliver big value, especially for existing Bank of America account holders who are able to take advantage of the extra 25% to 75% boost on cash back rewards.

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Freedom Unlimited blends tiered and flat-rate cash back to give cardholders a chance at solid rewards earnings. It leans on dining, travel and drugstore spending the most, but anyone can earn a fair amount of cash back with its slightly boosted flat rate.

• Its intro APR offers curb interest for a little longer than a year, giving you plenty of time to accrue cash back while you chip away at a balance or pay off new purchases.
• Its welcome offer for the first year can boost your cash back even more, giving this card great upfront value.
• Could charge an indefinite penalty APR if you fail to make a minimum payment by your due date or a payment is returned.
• Charges late payment and returned payment fees of up to $40, as well as foreign transaction fees.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited could be great for earning cash back in a handful of boosted categories, and for scooping up bonus cash back for purchases not included in any rewards category. But its ongoing APR is relatively high, making it a less-than-ideal card if you carry a balance beyond your intro APR period.

• 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 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 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

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

It earns one of the highest cash back rates for grocery purchases available. And even though it charges an annual fee, it’s easy to offset that cost with modest spending in the bonus categories. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a go-to card for busy households and families.

• U.S. streaming is one of the bonus categories, which presents a rare opportunity to earn cash back on modern household expenses.
• It has a solid intro APR offer that gives it great upfront value to new cardholders.
• While it has a good APR offer, other cash back credit cards have longer offers.
• The U.S. supermarket category excludes Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs (like Costco).

The Blue Cash Preferred card has a decent intro APR offer that gives it great first-year value. And its value extends beyond the intro offer with super-competitive, high cash back rates in common household categories.

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in 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 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 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.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• 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 Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

You’ll enjoy payment flexibility with this card’s intro APR offers, as well as rewards flexibility with its varied, practical and customizable cash back categories. You can pick the eligible bonus category that suits you best each month while earning consistent rewards on some of your everyday purchases, making it a smart choice if you want to cover a lot of territory with a single card.

• You can switch up your 3% cash back category once per month to squeeze maximum value out of the card
• As a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can boost your rewards rate by as much as 75% based on your bank balance
• There is a spending cap that can limit your earning potential
• Groceries make up a big chunk of most people’s budget, and this card’s cash back rate at grocery stores is low compared to some competing cards

This card gives you more control over where and when you earn rewards while still covering some everyday essentials, making it a solid all-purpose cash back card.

• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

This business card earns cash back at a generous flat rate while offering an intro APR on new purchases. Plus, this card has one of the best welcome offers available, with a potential value of $750 after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of opening the account. It’s a great combination of savings and cash back for business owners who need a new credit card and make numerous purchases outside of typical rewards categories.

Read the full review

• Intro APR on new purchases with a low ongoing APR
• This card’s substantial welcome bonus can net you a healthy sum of cash back
• This card lacks an intro APR for balance transfers
• Flat-rate rewards are only good for business owners who make purchases outside of common rewards categories

This will be a great card for new business owners who need a line of credit to get their business started.

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

If you’re struggling to pay down debt in the face of high interest rates, this card will offer some much-needed breathing room. Its intro APR period on balance transfers is one of the longest you’ll find anywhere, so if you go in with a plan, you’ll have a terrific opportunity to chip away at debt and get your financial house in order.

• Offers one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers on the market
• Also includes an intro APR offer on new purchases, making it a good choice for financing big-ticket items
• No base rewards program
• The balance transfer fee, though reasonable, can be costly if you’re moving a large balance

If your top priority is tackling debt or getting some wiggle room to pay off new purchases over time, this card’s generous intro APR offers make it a great fit.

• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.

Discover it® Balance Transfer

If paying off debt is your goal then the Discover it® Balance Transfer card may be just what you need. It comes with a lengthy introductory APR offer on balance transfers. Plus, it sweetens the benefits with high bonus rewards in rotating categories and a substantial welcome bonus that matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first 12 months.

• Packs a lot of punch for a no-annual-fee card, including an impressive welcome offer, long introductory APR for balance transfers and a generous rewards program.
• Rewards can be redeemed at any amount and never expire as long as the account is active.
• The intro APR period for purchases is shorter than what’s offered by comparable cards.
• In order to fully take advantage of the high rewards rate, you must keep track of rotating categories.

This card will surely tick off a lot of boxes for a lot of people, particularly anyone hoping to tackle an existing card balance or pay off a splurge item. With its high rewards rate and generous Cashback Match, cardmembers will absolutely want to stick around long after paying down their transferred balance.

• 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.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.
• Your account may not always be eligible for balance transfers. Balance transfer eligibility is determined at Discover’s discretion.

All information about the My GM Rewards Mastercard, the Chase Freedom Flex, and the BankAmericard credit card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The best 0% intro APR credit cards compared

Editor’s picks: zero-interest credit card details, best for long intro apr: wells fargo reflect® card.

• Best features : It offers one of the longest introductory APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers on the market.
• Biggest drawbacks : You must transfer a balance within 120 days of account opening to qualify for the introductory APR. The card also has a balance transfer fee of 5% (minimum $5).
• Alternative : The Citi Double Cash® Card has better long-term value than most credit cards that come with long intro APRs, offering a flat-rate cash back on purchases. It doesn’t have an intro APR offer on purchases, but it does offer a long intro APR offer on balance transfers if you’re looking to pay off credit card debt.
• Bottom line : If you suspect you’ll need an extra-long window to pay off a large purchase or a qualifying balance transfer, this card should be top of mind.

Related : Wells Fargo Reflect benefits

Read our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for good credit: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

• Best features : Families on a budget can get a lot of value out of this card. On top of a long intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, the card also earns bonus rewards on typical household purchases, including at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read about how finance expert Ana Staples uses the Blue Cash Everyday card .
• Biggest drawbacks : The 3% rewards are capped at $6,000 in purchases per year in each category, then drops to 1%.
• Alternative : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card also has an intro APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers but offers 3% cash back in more bonus categories, including dining.
• Bottom line : On top of the intro APR offer, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers an impressive cash back rewards program for no annual fee.

Related : Blue Cash Everyday Card from Amex rewards and benefits guide

Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for rotating category rewards: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features : One of the best rewards credit cards on the market, this card’s rotating categories lets users earn high rewards in a variety of seasonal areas. It also comes with an intro APR offer on new purchases and balance transfers and a unique sign-up bonus that matches all the rewards you earn at the end of your first year.
• Biggest drawbacks : Rotating categories that you have to enroll in can be a hassle for some people. Some may also prefer to earn rewards in their favorite categories year-round instead of quarterly.
• Alternative : Depending on your spending habits, you may get more value from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express . Though it has an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), instead of quarterly bonus categories, you have the chance to earn an impressive amount of cash back all year in popular household categories, including U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations and transit.
• Bottom line : The Discover it® Cash Back is a solid pick for someone looking for a credit card with well-rounded benefits, a potentially low go-to APR and a competitive cash back rewards program.

Related : Discover it® Cash Back rewards and benefits guide

Read our full Discover it® Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for versatility and long-term value: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

• Best features : The Active Cash packs in a lot more value than most flat-rate cash rewards cards. On top of earning unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible everyday spending, members also enjoy an intro APR offer, generous welcome bonus, and a variety of redemption options.
• Biggest drawbacks : Depending on spending habits, some may be better served by a card that allows you to maximize earnings in specific categories. It’s also important to note that the intro APR on qualifying balance transfers must be made within the first 120 days as a cardholder to receive the special intro rate.
• Alternative : To get even more value out of the Active Cash Card, consider pairing it with a credit card that offers high rewards in bonus categories that fit your everyday spending. One example is to use the  Citi Custom Cash®  Card to earn high cash back on your biggest eligible spend area, like gas, and then use the Active Cash Card for all of your other purchases.
• Bottom line : The flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases alone makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card a worthy addition to any wallet.

Read our  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review  or jump back to this card’s  offer details .

Best for unlimited + everyday rewards in popular categories: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : This card offers better short and long-term value than most intro APR credit cards. On top of the rewards you earn in popular household and entertainment categories, there’s also a sign-up bonus with a low spend requirement.
• Biggest drawbacks : If you don’t qualify for the low end of the regular variable APR rate, you could get hit with high interest rates on any balances carried over from month to month once the intro APR offer ends.
• Alternative : If you spend more on groceries than you do dining, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express . Although it has an annual fee after the second year, it offers an impressive amount of cash back at U.S. supermarkets, plus a statement credit welcome offer and a slew of other perks worth considering.
• Bottom line : This versatile card is a great option for modest spenders looking to earn rewards in popular food and entertainment categories.

Read our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review  or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for Introductory APR on purchases + cash back: Citi Custom Cash® Card

• Best features : This flexible, low-maintenance card doesn’t just have a nice intro APR. It also comes with a sign-up bonus and a chance to earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category. That’s one of the highest rates you can earn in areas like gas, groceries or dining.
• Biggest drawbacks : You’ll pay a steep fee for balance transfers. Plus, there’s a cap on your cash back, which eats into the card’s value.
• Alternative : For a lot of people, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ will come out on top, thanks to a similar intro APR offer, high rewards in multiple bonus categories and a slightly smaller spending requirement to earn the sign-up bonus. To learn more, check out the battle of the 5% back cards .
• Bottom line : The intro APR offer and chance to customize your cash back rewards make the Citi card a great option.

Related : Is the Citi Custom Cash Card worth it?

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for no annual fee: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features : The Quicksilver Cash Rewards has more than just a long intro APR to help you make interest-free payments on purchases and balance transfers ( See Rates and Fees ). Like the best Capital One credit cards , you also get a sign-up bonus, a chance to earn rewards on all of your purchases, and a number of travel and consumer benefits.
• Biggest drawbacks : Despite its versatility, this card doesn’t earn the highest rewards or offer up the longest intro APR offer. If you need as much time as possible to pay off purchases or credit card debt or you want to earn a higher flat rate for all your purchases, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• Alternative : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a lot in common with the Quicksilver Cash Rewards card, but goes a bit further with 2% cash rewards on your purchases.
• Bottom line : The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a good fit for someone looking for a card that can do more than provide an intro APR offer.

Related : Is the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card worth it?

Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best unlimited cash back for Preferred Rewards members: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features : This flat-rate card offers both versatility and value. You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases and have one of the longer intro APR offers for balance transfers and purchases.
• Biggest drawbacks : Carry a balance beyond the introductory period and you could wind up paying quite a bit in interest, especially if you fall under the higher APR range. Some may be better served by a card that offers a high rewards rate on bonus categories aligned with their spending habits.
• Alternative: Unless you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you’ll get better value out of a card that offers a flat rate of 2% cash back on all purchases. Or, depending on your spending habits, a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited may be more to your liking thanks to multiple categories that earn bonus rewards, followed by 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• Bottom line : This unlimited flat-rate card has broad appeal, but anything less than 2% cash back on eligible purchases might be a disappointment to rewards seekers looking to capitalize on credit card perks.

Read our full Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

 Best for tiered cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited

• Best features: Tiered cash back rates in common spending categories give cardholders ample opportunities to earn cash back while benefiting from generous intro APR periods for both purchases and balance transfers. You can manage debt and plan a pay-off strategy while you focus on maximizing rewards for routine spending.
• Biggest drawbacks: Its ongoing APR is relatively high, so you’ll want your payments to keep pace with your spending once your intro period ends.
• Alternative(s): You may be able to earn a comparable amount of cash back with the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card if your top spending category is dining and you shop regularly at grocery stores. Grocery budgets are arguably larger than gas and drugstore budgets, so you could potentially earn more cash back with the Customized Cash Rewards card if you have a focused spending strategy.
• Bottom line: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card has generous cash back rates and modest intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. However, be wary of its ongoing APR, which could be slightly higher than other cards’ on this page.

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for everyday household spending: Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express

• Best features : The high earning rates on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and select U.S. streaming subscriptions round it out as a go-to cash back machine for the modern household. Plus, its intro APR offer means you can cut down on interest costs for a considerable time.
• Biggest drawbacks : Its annual fee after the first year is $95 and its U.S. supermarkets category has a $6,000 yearly spending cap, then the rate drops to 1%.
• Alternative : If you don’t want to worry about an annual fee, consider this card’s little sibling, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express .
• Bottom line : If you’re the head of a large household, you will probably find plenty of value in the Blue Cash Preferred.

Read our Blue Cash Preferred Card® from American Express card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for flexible cash back categories: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features : On top of the intro APR offer, this card offers a lot more flexibility than most rewards cards. You can choose one bonus category from a long list of popular, everyday options and even change it once a month if you think you’ll spend more in another area. You can also earn a nice flat rate on your grocery purchases, including wholesale clubs, which typically only earns 1% on traditional rewards cards.
• Biggest drawbacks : The $2,500 quarterly spending cap for the 2% and 3% combined categories (then 1%) may not be enough for big spenders, especially Bank of America Preferred Rewards members .
• Alternative : If your spending aligns with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , it will give you more food-and-entertainment categories to earn 3% cash back in.
• Bottom line : This card has great short- and long-term value for people on a budget, but big spenders could earn more rewards with other options like a flat-rate card.

Related : Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards benefits guide

Read our full Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Ink Business Unlimited: Best for business owners

• Best features : This card’s flat cash back rate and welcome offer are two of the best reasons to choose this as your intro APR card.
• Biggest drawbacks : Although it has a generous rewards program, welcome offer and an intro APR on new purchases, there’s no intro APR for balance transfers.
• Alternatives : If you like this card’s flat rate, you might want to consider a consumer card like the Wells Fargo Active cash card, which has a more generous flat cash rewards rate. However, if it’s a longer intro APR and lower ongoing APR you’re looking for, then the BankAmericard® credit card offers one of the longest intro APR you’ll find on both purchases and balance transfers
• Bottom line : Business owners shouldn’t limit their credit options to business cards, but the Ink Business Unlimited is a great all-around pick for a generous mix of cash back, a welcome offer and an intro APR period.

Related : Main differences between business cards and personal cards

Read our Ink Business Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for balance transfer: Citi® Diamond Preferred®

• Best features : If paying off debt is your top priority and you have good or excellent credit, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card could be a lifesaver. The card comes with an extremely long 21-month introductory APR offer on balance transfers completed within the first 4 months, after which your APR is a relatively low 18.24% – 28.99% variable. Want to learn more? See how expert, Emily Sherman, uses the Citi Diamond Preferred card .
• Biggest drawbacks : The lack of a base rewards program limits this card’s long-term value. Plus, the balance transfer fee (5% of your balance or $5, whichever is higher) will cost consumers more than the standard 3% fee found with other cards.
• Alternative : If you think you can pay off your balance transfer faster than 21 months, the versatile Citi Double Cash® Card may be a better choice. Its intro APR offer isn’t as long, but it has better value thanks to a rewards program that earns up to 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay).
• Bottom line : The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is best for someone focused on paying off debt and who isn’t looking for a rewards credit card that offers points or miles.

Related : Is the Citi Diamond Preferred Card worth it? Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for high rewards rate + introductory bonus: Discover it® Balance Transfer

• Best features : This card offers a lengthy APR for balance transfers. But what really stands out here are the card’s high rewards rate and Unlimited Cashback Match (Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year).
• Biggest drawbacks : The purchase APR period isn’t very long compared to what’s offered by similar cards, and some cardholders can find rotating rewards categories difficult to keep up with.
• Alternative : If you don’t want to deal with enrolling in bonus categories that change quarterly, consider a credit card that offers fixed high rewards rates in bonus categories that match your spending. Or look for a simple, flat-rate credit card like the Citi Double Cash® Card , which will give you 2% cash back on all of your purchases (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases).
• Bottom line : Anyone looking for a balance transfer card they can stick with long after paying down the debt will find a lot to like about the Discover it® Balance Transfer, including a high rewards rate and excellent first-year bonus.

Read our full Discover it® Balance Transfer review or jump back to this card’s offer details .

Best for GM dealerships: My GM Rewards® Mastercard®

• Best features : The 7X points on eligible GM products and services is impressive, but even the 4X flat rate on general purchases is a phenomenal rate that gives you plenty of chances to rack up points on everything you buy.
• Biggest drawbacks : Your points are only valuable if you redeem them for eligible GM purchases. Using your rewards on gift cards drops the value of your points from 1 cent to just 0.25 cents.
• Alternatives : A card like the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card sacrifices some of the high earning potential but makes up for it with versatility. Cardholders earn 3X points in an impressive number of everyday categories and you can redeem points for cash back, travel and more at a value of 1 cent apiece.
• Bottom line : This could be the card for you if you’re a GM loyalist looking to earn and redeem rewards at the dealership.

Read our My GM Rewards® Mastercard® review .

Best for low ongoing APR: BankAmericard® credit card

• Best features : With this card, you’ll have plenty of time to take advantage of the intro APR on both balance transfers and purchases before it reverts to the regular variable APR. The low regular APR and lack of an annual fee make this card more valuable than the average intro APR card.
• Biggest drawbacks : This card doesn’t earn rewards and lacks the features and benefits that would help to make it useful once you’ve finished using it for balance transfers.
• Alternative : The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with an intro APR offer but also earns rewards, including 3% cash back on grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services (1% on other purchases).
• Bottom line : This is a solid pick for someone with a lot of debt or who plans to make a large purchase and wants to pay it off over an extended period without any interest charges.

Related : Is the BankAmericard credit card worth it?

Read our full BankAmericard credit card review .

Best for customizing rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

• Best features : You get more freedom than most rewards credit cards to choose how you earn high rewards in multiple bonus categories. This card can be a great option for people who want an intro APR offer and love earning as much cash back as possible in a variety of everyday categories.
• Biggest drawbacks : It can be a hassle remembering to choose and enroll in bonus categories each quarter. To earn the most value out of your purchases, you may need to juggle multiple credit cards to help offset the card’s spending cap.
• Alternative : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card makes life a whole lot easier for rewards seekers. It lets you earn 2% cash rewards on your purchases without having to track your spending or enroll in bonus categories.
• Bottom line : There are a lot of opportunities to earn high rewards with the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, but it takes some work to get the most value out of this card.

Read our U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card .

Best for Intro APR with rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Best features : There’s so much more to the Freedom Unlimited besides the intro APR offer for purchases and balance transfers. Cardholders can also earn a sign-up bonus and enjoy a rewards program that earns bonus rewards for travel booked through Chase Travel, as well as dining and drugstore purchases. And if you pair the Freedom Unlimited with other Chase cards , you could increase the redemption value of the points you earn.
• Biggest drawbacks : Anyone looking to travel or shop internationally will be disappointed by the 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Alternative : If you spend more on food and entertainment, you might get more value out of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card . It also has an intro APR offer but with more categories that earn 3% cash back, including at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and with select streaming services.
• Bottom line : The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a versatile credit card that will add a lot of value to your wallet long after the intro APR offer, especially if you travel often.

Related : What credit score is needed for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card?

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review

What is a zero-interest credit card?

When a bank issues a credit card, they charge the cardholder interest for borrowing money. However, to entice new customers, certain credit cards will offer promotional periods where the interest rate will remain at a fixed 0% for a defined period of time. This period with 0% interest (or whatever the promotional APR is) is referred to as the introductory APR period. After the promotional period has expired, the cardholder will be charged a different APR, which is considered the ongoing APR.

Because the cardholder does not incur any interest charges during the 0% APR promotional period, it offers a unique advantage to save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars in interest fees. Cardholders may use a zero-percent intro APR card as a strategy for making a large purchase where they have several months to make interest-free payments or for transferring high-interest credit card debt so they can concentrate the entire monthly payment towards the balance.

While 0% interest credit cards usually require the cardholder to have a good or excellent credit score , they can help you avoid additional costly interest charges.

How do 0% intro APR credit cards work?

A card with a zero percent introductory APR allows you to either make purchases, complete a balance transfer or both without paying interest for a specified period. This period, typically anywhere from 12 to 21 months, is ideal for paying down debts without the burden of added interest charges. It could also help decrease the time it takes to pay off your credit card debt.

Once the 0% introductory period is over, ongoing APR charges go into effect. This change means a new interest rate will apply to any purchases or balance transfers made after this time. It also means the ongoing APR will apply to any remaining balance not paid off during the promotional period.

For more information, read our complete guide on how 0% APR credit cards work .

How much can you save with a 0% intro APR credit card?

A 0% intro APR credit card can save you hundreds of dollars and even more. But it depends on a number of factors, including how much you owe, your current APR, and how long it takes you to pay off your balance.

For an accurate picture, a credit card payoff calculator can show you how long it will take you to pay off your debt and how much interest you’ll pay each month. This can give you an idea of how much you can save with a 0% intro APR credit card.

For example, what if you could pay off a balance in full using a credit card with a 21-month APR offer? Here’s how much total interest you could potentially save with 21 months of interest-free payments compared to a credit card with average interest and one with high interest.

As you can see, a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that if you do a balance transfer, most issuers charge a fee that will be added to total balance, which will cut into your total savings.

Pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards

• Savings : You’ll save on interest if you pay your balance transfer or purchases down during the promotional APR period.
• Affordability : Zero percent introductory APR cards rarely charge an annual fee.
• Building credit : Paying off debt via a balance transfer on a 0% introductory APR credit card can improve your credit score in the long term by decreasing your credit utilization rate .
• Extra time:  One of the most essential benefits of a zero interest card is the extra time it buys you to pay off or down existing balances without costly interest charges for a defined period of time.
• Post-offer interest : You could face a high interest rate once the promotional APR expires.
• Balance transfer fees : You’ll likely pay a fee for balance transfers.
• Short-term credit hits : Balance transfers or large purchases on a 0% intro APR card can ding your credit score in the short term by increasing your single-card credit utilization rate and generating a hard inquiry.
• Potential to lose intro offer: Cardholders may not realize that one missed payment may forfeit any zero percent introductory period the card offers, which makes keeping up with due dates even more important.

The different types of credit card APR

APR is short for annual percentage rate and is the rate you’ll pay in interest if you carry a balance on your credit card. If you want to know more about how credit card APRs work , one key thing to note is not all APRs are the same.

You’ll see various APR terminology throughout your card’s terms and conditions. The APR or interest rate may be different depending on how it is implemented with the card. For example, the regular, ongoing APR you qualify for is different from a penalty or cash advance APR.

Regular or ongoing APR

Regular or ongoing APR is the standard interest rate issued to you for purchases with the credit card, when you carry a balance. The regular APR is often a variable rate, often determined by the federal prime rate and your credit score. The regular APR is the interest rate charged for purchases if there is no promotional APR offer.

Purchase APR

The purchase APR is the interest rate applied to purchases only. You’ll often find credit cards with promotional purchase APR periods, often for zero percent interest on purchases for a specified period of time. When the promotional period has expired, the rate will revert to the regular purchase APR for your card.

Balance transfer APR

A balance transfer APR is the interest rate applied when you transfer an existing balance from one credit card to another. Credit cards can offer a promotional balance transfer APR, typically zero percent interest for a balance transfer during a specified period. A card may offer either a zero percent purchase APR or zero percent balance transfer APR, but not both. Some cards do have intro APR offers on both, but the length of the offer may differ depending on where it applies.

Cash advance APR

A cash advance APR is the interest rate applied when you use a credit card for a cash advance . It’s important to note the interest on a cash advance begins immediately accruing the day you receive the cash advance, and not at the end of a grace period the way a purchase APR does.

Penalty APR

Cardholders could activate a penalty APR when doing something to violate the credit card’s terms and conditions, such as making a late payment or having a returned payment for insufficient funds. The penalty APR will last for several months (according to your card terms) and is a higher-than-normal APR — in some cases double the regular APR.

How to choose an introductory APR credit card

Are you planning a large purchase or paying down pre-existing debt.

Choosing the right card zero interest card may come down to one goal: paying down a pre-existing balance or financing a large purchase. While a zero interest card can save you money on interest payments for a defined period of time, especially for a large purchase, a balance transfer card may be better suited for those who need to focus on paying down an existing balance. If you’re concerned you’ll need to carry a balance for longer than the promotional APR period, then a low-interest credit card option may be better.

What’s your payoff timeline?

Before selecting a card, understanding your payoff timeline could impact your decision. Not all introductory APR offers are created equal. Some have longer promotional periods than others, which may affect your payoff timeline if you hope to pay as little interest as possible. Keep in mind there are some introductory APR offers that only apply to purchases and may not include balance transfers. Once you have your payoff goal in mind, you can choose the card best suited for your timeline.

Do you plan to use the card for the long haul?

Long-term financial plans should factor into your card selection. Ongoing features, like the annual fee, interest rates after the promotional APR period ends and rewards programs are key elements that could help decide what card you choose. For example, you should consider the ongoing APR to avoid hefty interest charges if you end up carrying a balance. If you do decide you no longer need your zero-interest card, carefully consider the impact before closing it. It’s possible closing a card can negatively affect your credit score by raising your credit utilization and impacting the length of your credit history.

Who should get a 0% intro APR credit card?

• The plan-ahead spender . Whether you want to finance home improvements or a dream vacation, a card with a lengthy 0% intro APR period can give you time to pay off your big purchase (typically 12 to 18 months) without incurring interest charges.
• The balance reducer . If you carry high-interest credit card debt, you can transfer it to a credit card offering a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. This gives you a window to make progress on reducing the debt itself, but be mindful of potential balance transfer fees.
• The emergency spender . From car and home repairs to medical bills and lost wages – unplanned expenses and financial emergencies happen. If you don’t have enough money set aside in an emergency fund, a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer may be the last-resort option that can help get you through difficult times.
• The credit novice . For people just getting started on their credit journey, a 0% intro offer may provide a more manageable way for easing into the new financial responsibility of credit card usage. Taking advantage of the 0% APR intro period not only gives you time to pay down your balance while you learn how to budget monthly payments, but many of these cards also offer a $0 annual fee for greater affordability.

Who should skip a 0% intro APR credit card?

• The rewards seeker . While some 0% intro APR credit cards do offer rewards, you can usually find more lucrative programs attached to traditional or premium rewards credit cards.
• The payment procrastinator . The 0% interest only lasts for the duration of the introductory period, and once it ends, the card will revert to its regular APR, which may not be low (based on your creditworthiness). If you tend to carry a balance month to month, a low interest credit card could be a better option.
• The heavy-debt consolidator . There are limits to how much debt you can transfer over to a credit card with a 0% intro APR offer. And if you can’t pay off that debt before the introductory period ends, your balance could get hit with high interest charges. If you’re carrying a heavy debt on multiple credit cards, a personal loan may be a better debt consolidation method for you.
• The fee averse . While you can use a 0% APR intro offer as a smart financial tool, other fees attached to the card can quickly add up. It’s not uncommon for 0% APR cards to include balance transfer fees, ranging from 3% to 5% for each transfer, plus late payment charges or potential over-the-limit fees . Foreign transaction fees are another possibility, where issuers charge a percentage of your purchase each time you shop with a foreign currency.

For more help finding a card that suits your needs, check out our guide on how to choose a 0% intro APR credit card .

How to make the most of your 0% intro APR offer

Plan large purchases around your intro period.

If you know you have an upcoming purchase to make, but may not have enough funds set aside, then taking advantage of an introductory APR period can bridge the gap between your spending and savings. You can finance your purchase with a zero interest card and make payments each month — ideally before the introductory period ends — allowing you the option to make smaller, more manageable payments over time.

Simply take the total purchase amount and divide it by the number of months left in your introductory period so you’ll know the minimum amount you must pay on the card each month to avoid interest charges and maximize your intro offer.

Avoid adding to transferred balances

Transferring an existing credit card balance to another card with an intro APR offer on balance transfers is a popular strategy for managing debt and accelerating debt pay off. If paying off debt is your primary goal, it’s best to avoid adding any additional debt (such as new purchases) to your transferred balance. If you avoid adding to your transferred debt, you allow for the possibility of paying off your debt sooner. You can also take advantage of the introductory offer’s lack of interest charges — and put all your payments towards a balance and not the costly interest.

Nail down a payoff strategy early

Building a plan to pay off your balance , even before you transfer any balances or make a purchase, can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you’re using your zero percent intro APR card for a balance transfer, don’t forget to include the balance transfer fee in your final balance. These fees, commonly 3 or 5 percent of the transferred balance, can add significantly to your payoff total. If you’re using an intro offer on a rewards card that carries an annual fee, be sure to account for that cost as you plan. Once you’re aware of your total balance, you can calculate a monthly payment that allows you to avoid interest or payoff within your ideal time frame.

Pay off your balance within the intro period if possible

The most effective way to use an intro APR period is to pay off your balance before the introductory period ends, which means you end up avoiding the interest charges. However, if this goal doesn’t fit within your budget based on the length of the intro period, or life gets in the way and you can’t pay the balance off as planned, the next best approach is to pay down as much as possible. If you choose a credit card with a lower ongoing APR once the intro period ends, then it could make things more manageable for when the interest charges do start.

What happens when an intro APR offer ends?

A 0% interest intro offer is great, but it’s also temporary. So, what happens when that offer expires? Ultimately, your card’s regular interest rate will kick in. Your card’s normal APR will apply to all new purchases and balance transfers that you make, and any balance that you are still carrying on your card. It’s imperative as you choose a zero interest card that you pick one with an ongoing interest rate you can manage if needed.

For example, say you transfer $3,000 to your new card and it has a 0% intro offer that lasts 12 months, and the regular APR is 20% after. If you only paid off $2,000 of your balance transfer before your 0% intro offer ends, your card’s standard APR, the 20%, will now apply to the $1,000 leftover.

Alternatives to 0 percent APR cards

If you’re worried that you won’t qualify for a 0 percent intro APR card or you want to avoid opening another credit card, you have a few options.

Consider a debt consolidation loan

With a debt consolidation loan , you could combine debt from several sources into a single loan. The goal of consolidating is to end up with one affordable monthly payment. Debt consolidation loans are ideal if you need a longer payoff time or a lower interest rate. You’ll get a three-to-five-year payoff period with a debt consolidation loan while most 0% interest cards have intro offers that expire after 12 months on the low end or up to 21 months on the high end.

Ask for a lower interest rate

One way to save on interest is by asking your credit card issuer for a lower interest rate . Your issuer isn’t guaranteed to grant your request; however, your odds of landing a lower rate increase if you have a good payment history and you’ve been a loyal customer. If you get better offers from competing cards and you share that information with your issuer, you might get a lower rate to retain your status as a customer.

Look into credit card hardship programs

If you’re struggling to pay your credit card bill each month, you can ask your credit card issuer if it provides a hardship program . These programs vary, and not every provider will offer them to every cardholder. They’re also temporary, lasting at most 12 months. Your credit card issuer might freeze your account for the duration of the program to keep you from adding to your balances.

How we picked the best 0% intro APR credit cards

Research methodology : We analyzed over 1,000 zero-interest intro APR credit cards to identify some of the best offers on the market. The major factors we considered were:

• 0% intro APR period for purchases : Does the card allow you to skip interest charges on purchases for a set period of time? If so, how long does the offer last?
• 0% intro APR period for balance transfers : Does the card allow you to skip interest charges on a balance transfer for a set period of time? If so, how long does the offer last?
• Regular APRs : After the introductory period expires, are the purchase APRs or balance transfer APRs reasonable, relative to the current industry average?
• Balance transfer fee : Do you have to pay a fee to transfer a balance onto the new card to take advantage of the zero-interest offer? If so, is the fee reasonable relative to the industry standard?
• Overall card value : Does the card offer benefits once the introductory 0% APR offer ends? For no-frills cards, we considered whether continued use would cost cardholders an annual fee.

Other criteria used include other rates and fees, rewards rates, extra benefits and features, customer service, credit needed, ease of application and security features.

Additional information on 0% APR credit cards

For more information on all things 0% APR cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Average credit cards interest rates
• What is an intro APR and how does it work?
• What is a good APR for a credit card?

Frequently asked questions about zero interest credit cards

What credit score do you need for a 0% intro apr card + –.

Generally, 0% intro APR offers require a credit score in the good (670 to 739) or excellent (740 to 850) range. Some intro APR cards accept lesser credit and even no credit history, but their offers are typically not as rich.

Is a 0% interest card good for credit score? + –

A 0% intro APR card is an excellent way to budget for larger purchases or make a balance transfer without hefty interest charges, making it easier to lower debt – which may improve a cardholder’s credit score. However, like other credit cards, making late payments or carrying a high balance can impact a cardholder’s credit score in a negative way.

Can I request 0% interest on my card? + –

You might be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your card issuer, but you most likely won’t get an issuer to lower your rate to 0%. Issuers typically reserve 0% intro offers for new customers, and these offers are only temporary.

If you do decide to negotiate a lower rate, your odds of success will be higher if you have a history of good credit habits. The issuer, however, is under no obligation to lower your rate.

Is deferred interest the same as zero interest? + –

No, deferred interest refers to making interest payments at a later date. The interest accrues after the purchase and until a specific date. The cardholder can avoid paying accrued interest by paying the balance in full before the date the interest comes due. Zero interest means a cardholder doesn’t pay any interest during the zero percent intro period. Once the zero percent intro period is over, the interest rate reverts to the regular APR.

Should I keep using my 0% APR card after the intro offer ends? + –

It depends on the card and your spending habits. If the card charges an annual fee, consider closing the account so you aren’t required to pay each year. If you’re worried about overspending, consider closing the account so that you don’t run up new charges.

But if the card offers a rewards program that matches your spending habits and has a low ongoing APR, you may consider keeping it open. Closing an account could hurt your credit score by changing your credit utilization ratio and reducing your credit age, so be sure to put some thought into the final decision.

What’s the difference between interest and APR? + –

When it comes to credit cards, interest and APR are basically the same. Interest is the cost of borrowing money, and the annual percentage rate, or APR, is the annual interest rate often associated with a credit card.

How do issuers decide interest rates? + –

Issuers base interest rates on a few factors. One of the first large influences is an individual’s creditworthiness, which is a combination of credit history, income and total debt owed. But on a broader scale, the economy influences interest rates, too. Financial institutions tie interest rates to the prime rate, which in turn, is tied to the Federal Reserve’s target interest rate.

How does your credit score affect your interest rate? + –

Financial institutions use your credit score when evaluating your creditworthiness and determining how risky you are as a borrower. People with higher credit scores often receive the most favorable interest rates (which are lower). However, those with lower credit scores often have higher interest rates.

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Robert Thorpe

Robert Thorpe is an editor for CreditCards.com

About the Reviewer

Sally Herigstad

Sally Herigstad is a certified public accountant, author and speaker who writes about personal finance for CreditCards.com. She also writes regularly for MSN Money, Interest.com, Bankrate and RedPlum.com, and has been a guest on Martha Stewart radio and other programs.

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Find the best credit card for you

11 best balance transfer cards with 0% apr of april 2024, there are many balance transfer credit cards available. here are the best according to our analysis..

Credit card interest rates are typically in the double digits, so carrying a balance on your credit card can cost you a lot. But one way to get that debt under control is to choose the right card .

Considering how high credit card APRs are , there's a lot of room to save money with a balance transfer credit card . These cards offer no interest on balance transfers for up to 21 months. During the introductory 0% APR period , you can pay off debt more quickly because you won't be paying interest.

Below, CNBC Select rounds up some of the best balance transfer credit cards and summarizes what you need to know about using a balance transfer card.

Best balance transfer credit cards of April 2024

Best with intro 0% apr for 15 months, wells fargo active cash® card, chase freedom unlimited®, chase freedom flex℠, best with intro 0% apr for 18 months, discover it® balance transfer, citi double cash® card, bankamericard® credit card, chase slate edge℠, u.s. bank visa® platinum card, best with intro 0% apr for 21 months, citi simplicity® card, wells fargo reflect® card, citi® diamond preferred® card.

Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

3% intro for 120 days from account opening then BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

• Unlimited cash rewards
• $200 cash rewards welcome bonus
• No annual fee
• Introductory APR period for first 15 months
• Access to Visa Signature® Concierge
• Get up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is valuable because of its intro APR offer but even without that, it stands out as a top-notch cash-back card.

Balance transfer offer : Cardmembers can transfer balances in the first 120 days from opening the account and receive an intro 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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

[ Jump to more details ]

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 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; and 3% cash back 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.

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!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus

Who's this for : The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent cash-back card to consider if you want to earn rewards while paying down your credit card debt.

Balance transfer offer : Chase Freedom Unlimited ® cardmembers can transfer balances and receive an intro 0% APR for the first 15 months, then a variable 20.49% - 29.24% APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) applies for the first 60 days. After that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for : The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a high return in rotating bonus categories to go along with its intro 0% APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : Chase Freedom Flex card holders can transfer balances and take advantage of an intro 0% APR for 15 months, then a variable 20.49%–29.24% APR applies. This card's intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) within the first 60 days of account opening. Afterward, the balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.

Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.

0% for 18 months on balance transfers; 0% for 6 months on purchases

17.24% to 28.24% Variable

3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Good/Excellent

* See rates and fees , terms apply.

• Cash-back program
• Cash-back program limits 5% cash-back earnings to $1,500 a quarter
• Fee charged on balance transfers
• Transfer timeline: Balances must be transferred by a specific date, refer to your cardmember agreement for the exact date

Who's this for : The Discover it® Balance Transfer is an ideal Discover credit card for transferring credit card balances.

Balance transfer offer : You'll get 18 months of a 0% intro APR on eligible balance transfers with the Discover it® Balance Transfer card. After the 0% intro APR expires, a variable 17.24% to 28.24% APR applies. The card has a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers ( see terms )*.

Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases

19.24% - 29.24% variable

For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies

Fair/Good/Excellent

Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.

• 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
• Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
• One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months
• 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year:  $443
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213

Who's this for : The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best cash-back cards , on top of featuring a generous balance transfer offer.

Balance transfer offer : With the Citi Double Cash Card , you can enjoy a 0% intro APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers you complete in the first four months of account opening. After the intro APR expires, a variable 19.24% - 29.24% APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) within the first four months, then the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of any amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

This card doesn't offer cash back, miles or points.

No current offer

0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days.

16.24% to 26.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

3% of the amount of each transaction

See our methodology , terms apply.

• One of the longest 0%-APR intro periods
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No rewards program
• Transfer timeline: Balances must be transferred within 60 days from account opening
• Estimated total fees and interest on debt repayment: $404

Who's this for : The BankAmericard® credit card is a good option for anyone who wants over a year without interest on balance transfers.

Balance transfer offer : Bankamericard members receive an introductory period of 18 months with 0% APR for balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a variable 16.24% - 26.24% APR will apply. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction.

Welcome offer

Get an automatic review for a credit limit increase when you pay on time and spend $500 in your first six months.

0% for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Slate Edge℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

• Lower your interest rate by 2% each year: Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1,000 on your card by your next account anniversary

Who's this for : The Chase Slate Edge℠ offers introductory 0% APR timeframes for balance transfers and purchases.

Balance transfer offer : Chase Slate Edge cardholders have an intro 0% APR for 18 months on eligible balance transfers, then a variable 20.49%–29.24% APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred ($5 minimum) applies to transfers you make in the first 60 days. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount transferred ($5 minimum).

0% for the first 18 billing cycles on balance transfers and purchases

18.74% - 29.74% (Variable)

An introductory fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater

Terms apply.

• Cell phone protection plan
• 2% to 3% foreign transaction fee
• Balances must be transferred within 60 days from account opening

Who's this for : The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card has a generous 0% APR timeframe for balance transfers and new purchases.

Balance transfer offer : Cardholders can take advantage of a 18 month 0% intro APR period on balance transfers they make within 60 days of opening the account. After the intro APR expires, a variable 18.74% to 29.74% APR applies. There is an introductory balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.

0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening.

19.24% - 29.99% variable

There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

See rates and fees . Terms apply. Read our Citi Simplicity® Card review.

• Balances can be transferred within 4 months from account opening
• One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers

Who's this for : The Citi Simplicity® Card has a generous 0% APR period for balance transfers and a lower balance transfer fee than other options.

Balance transfer offer : When you transfer a balance to the Citi Simplicity card within the first four months from account opening, you'll receive an intro 0% APR on that balance for 21 months. Then a variable 19.24% - 29.99% APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) applies to transfers you make in the first four months, after that a fee of 5% of the amount you transfer applies ($5 minimum). The intro fee is lower than the balance transfer fee for some cards with a similar 0%-APR timeframe such as the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card .

0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

5%, min: $5

• Long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• Access to My Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of an account credit when shopping, dining
• No welcome bonus

Who's this for : The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has one of the longest introductory 0% APR periods for both purchases and balance transfers.

Balance transfer offer : Balance transfers you make within 120 days of account opening qualify for a 0% intro APR for 21 months, after that a variable 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of each transfer with a $5 minimum.

0% for 21 months on balance transfers; 0% for 12 months on purchases

18.24% - 28.99% variable

5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.

See rates and fees . Terms apply.

Who's this card for: The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a great option for those with good or excellent credit seeking a long introductory 0% APR period.

Balance transfer offer : Cardholders get 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from the date of the first transfer (18.24% - 28.99% variable APR afterward). There is a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater.

More on our top balance transfer cards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is also an excellent cash-back card and has no annual fee .

• 2% back on all purchases

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after making $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Notable benefits

Cardmembers receive an intro 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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. You can save on cell phone insurance when you pay your wireless phone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash card . With this coverage, you can make up to two claims per year, and each claim will reimburse you a maximum of $600 with a $25 deductible. Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no annual fee card that provides a better-than-average rate of return on all purchases.

On up to $20,000 spent in the first year:

• 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service)
• 3% on all other purchases

After your first year or $20,000 spent:

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 1.5% on all other purchases.

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!

This card offers an intro 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months from account opening, then a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies.

Cardholders get three free months of DoorDash DashPass and 50% off their membership for nine months afterward (enrollment required, activate by Dec. 31, 2024). You can also enroll to receive three free months of Instacart+ membership and get $10 in quarterly Instacart credit through July 31, 2024.

Eligible purchases also qualify for extended warranty protection , purchase protection and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has a solid intro 0% APR offer and is a great rewards credit card on top of that.

• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter (activation required).
• Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase travel portal
• 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025
• Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• Earn 3% cash back at drugstores
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

Cardholders receive an introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases, then a variable 20.49%–29.24% APR applies. You can also save on delivery fees with three free months of DashPass (enroll by Dec. 31, 2024) and three free months of Instacart+ (enroll by July 31, 2024). After enrollment, cardholders can also receive up to $10 in statement credits each quarter for Instacart purchases through July 31, 2024.

This card also has insurance benefits, such as cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

The Discover it® Balance Transfer credit card can help you pay less interest on credit card debt and new purchases.

• 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating bonus categories each quarter after you activate the bonus, then 1% back
• 1% back on all other purchases

Discover will match the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.

On new purchases, you'll receive a $0 intro APR for 6 months, then a 17.24% - 28.24% variable APR applies.

When it comes to no-annual-fee cash-back cards , the Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the most rewarding for everyday spending .

• Earn 2% back on every purchase (1% back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases)
• Earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site by Dec. 31, 2024.

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

This is a cash-back card at its core, but you earn cash back as Citi ThankYou® Points , which expands your redemption options. Cardholders can transfer their ThankYou points to a handful of travel partners, including Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels and JetBlue. However, if you pair this card with a Citi credit card that enables full transfers, like the Citi Premier® Card , you can transfer your points to all of Citi's travel partners at improved ratios. (See rates and fees )

The BankAmericard® credit card is one of the best Bank of America credit cards for intro 0% APR offers.

Cardholders receive an intro 0% APR for the first 18 statement cycles for purchases (in addition to qualifying balance transfers), then a variable 16.24% - 26.24% applies.

This card is designed for consumers who want to save on interest for purchases or balance transfers, and outside of that benefit, it has no notable perks.

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is one of the best Chase credit cards for helping you pay less interest and get out of credit card debt faster.

You'll get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on purchases, then a variable 20.49%–29.24% APR applies. Cardholders are eligible for an automatic 2% APR reduction after spending at least $1,000 within a card anniversary year and making all their payments on time. You can also earn an automatic one-time review for a higher credit limit after spending at least $500 during your first six months of card membership and making on-time payments during the same period.

Cardmembers can also enroll to receive three free months of DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2024) and three free months of Instacart+ membership (enroll by July 31, 2024). Both services offer no delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.

The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is an ideal card for anyone who wants to save on interest for new purchases and balance transfers.

Cardholders are eligible for cell phone protection of up to $600 per claim. There's a $25 deductible and a limit of two claims every 12 months. You'll need to charge your monthly cell phone bill to your U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card to qualify for this coverage.

This card's intro 0% APR for purchases lasts for the first 18 billing cycles, after that a variable 18.74% to 29.74% APR applies.

The Citi Simplicity® Card can help you pay down credit card debt with its intro 0%-APR offer and lower intro fee for balance transfers.

This card doesn't offer many notable benefits, but as a Citi credit card , cardholders have access to the events and experiences available through Citi Entertainment .

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is one of the best options if you want to save money on credit card interest and not pay an annual fee.

When you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo Reflect card , you'll qualify for cell phone insurance . This protection will reimburse you up to $600 per claim with a $25 deductible. You are limited to two claims per 12 months.

This card's intro 0% APR for purchases lasts for 21 months with a variable 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% APR after that.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offer a long introductory interest-free period for qualifying balance transfers and purchases, but unfortunately, doesn't earn rewards.

On top of this cards intro 0% APR for balance transfer for 21 months, this card also offers an intro 0% APR for purchases lasts for 12 months both with a variable 18.24% - 28.99% APR after that. Cardholders have access to free access to their FICO Scores and access to special events and experiences available through Citi Entertainment .

How to use a balance transfer card

Before you take advantage of a balance transfer offer, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• Transfers can't be made between cards from the same bank. For example, if you have a Chase credit card, you can't transfer the debt to another Chase card.
• You may incur a fee. Most, but not all, of these cards charge a balance transfer fee. It's usually 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer. For example, transferring $5,000 with a 3% fee will cost you $150. This fee is charged to the balance transfer card, rather than the original card.
• Transfers need to be completed within a certain number of days from account opening. If you wait too long to make a transfer, you may miss out on the 0% APR period. For example, the BankAmericard® credit card requires transfers to be completed within 60 days from account opening. So if you want to complete a Bank of America balance transfer you'll have two months from your card's approval date.
• There are limits on how much debt you can transfer. Card issuers typically limit the amount you can transfer to a percentage of your total credit limit or a specific dollar amount. And issuers also factor in the total cost of the balance transfer, which includes any balance transfer fees.
• Many balance transfer cards require good or excellent credit . If you have less than stellar credit, it can be difficult to qualify for a balance transfer card.

Balance transfer credit card FAQs

What is the difference between a money transfer and a balance transfer.

Money transfers and balance transfers are not the same. A money transfer is when you move funds from one account to another, either at the same bank or between accounts at different financial institutions. A balance transfer is when you move debt from one credit card to another.

What are the pros and cons of balance transfers?

By taking advantage of a balance transfer you may be able to secure a lower interest rate and save money, especially if you're taking advantage of a 0% offer. A balance transfer can also be a good way to consolidate credit card debt into a single payment.

However, there are tradeoffs to using a balance transfer. For example, balance transfers often have a fee, which is typically a percentage of the amount you transfer. And if you're taking advantage of a 0%-APR offer, you'll start paying interest again once the introductory period expires. So even if you use a balance transfer, you'll still want to be diligent in paying down your credit card balance.

Do banks do balance transfers?

Banks only allow balance transfers between credit card accounts. And banks will not allow you to transfer balances between two cards issued by the same bank. If you want to do a balance transfer, you'll need to open a new credit card with a different card issuer.

Do balance transfers always work?

Whether a balance transfer works out depends on what your goal is. If you want to pay less interest and pay off your debt faster , then that will need to be your focus during the promotional APR period. But if you continue to grow your credit card balance, then the balance transfer may not have helped your situation as much as it could have.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

Applying for a new credit card will typically 'ding' your credit score (although the drop is usually small and temporary), but the balance transfer itself doesn't hurt your credit . However, if the balance transfer card has a low credit limit and you transfer over a high amount of debt, your credit utilization ratio will go up, which could hurt your credit score. You typically want to keep your credit utilization ratio under 30%.

Is it worth getting a balance transfer?

Balance transfers are good options for consolidating credit card debt. However, be sure to calculate how much it will cost to transfer the balance versus how much in interest fees you'll accrue by simply paying down the balance on your current credit card.

How do you qualify for a balance transfer?

Balance transfer credit cards are typically for consumers with good to excellent credit scores . If you're approved for a balance transfer offer, you'll want to take advantage of it quickly as they are limited-time offers.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Bottom line

Using a balance transfer credit card to consolidate and pay off credit card debt is a great strategy to save on interest charges . However, it also needs to be met by cutting back on credit card spending as doing this multiple times over isn't recommended.

Before you apply for a balance transfer credit card you may want to check your credit score using a credit monitoring service like Chase Credit Journey or CreditWise to make sure it's up to par.

Lastly, and more importantly, you'll want to have a budget set in place. Without a sturdy budget, you may find yourself digging deeper into credit card debt.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best balance transfer credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which credit cards offer the best balance transfer deals, CNBC Select analyzed 101 of the most popular credit cards that offer no interest on balance transfers issued by the biggest banks, financial companies and credit unions that allow anyone to join.

We compared each card on a range of features, including: annual fee, balance transfer fee, rewards program, introductory and standard APR, welcome bonuses and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available.

For the cards that offered a rewards program, we also estimated how much cash back you might earn over a five-year period. Select teamed up with location intelligence firm Esri . The company's data development team provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive consumer spending data based on the 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can read more about their methodology here .

Esri's data team created a sample annual budget of approximately $22,126 in retail spending. The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). General purchases include items such as housekeeping supplies, clothing, personal care products, prescription drugs and vitamins, and other vehicle expenses.

Select used this budget to estimate how much the average consumer would save over the course of a year, two years and five years, assuming they would attempt to maximize their rewards potential by earning all welcome bonuses offered and using the card for all applicable purchases. All rewards total estimations are net of the annual fee.

It's important to note the value of a point or mile varies from card to card and based on how you redeem them. When we calculated the estimated returns, we assumed that cardholders are redeeming points/miles for a typical maximum value of 1 cent per point or mile. (Extreme optimizers might be able to achieve more value.)

When choosing the best balance transfer card, we focused on the card that provides consumers with the cheapest way to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment. Earning rewards should be seen as a bonus, and you don't want to spend beyond your means in order to earn points.

The five-year rewards total and the interest rate and fees estimates are derived from a budget similar to the average American's spending and debt. You may earn a higher or lower return depending on your spending habits.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Balance Transfer, click here .

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

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Best balance transfer credit cards of April 2024

If you’re looking to pay down your credit card debt, our top picks for the best balance transfer credit cards may be able to help. 

Carrying high credit card balances, especially with exorbitant interest rates, can be crippling. This is where a good balance transfer card might help you save some money. By opening a new card, you could snag a decent promo that offers a lower (or possibly 0%) APR for a set period of time when you move an existing balance to the new card. Then, once you’ve paid your credit card debt off, avoid carrying a monthly balance if possible — this way, you don’t have to worry about paying anything in interest at all.

Check out our guide for the best balance transfer credit cards from our partners that also include perks like the ability to earn cash back.

• Citi Double Cash® Card : Best for simple cash back rewards
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express : Best for gas and U.S. supermarkets
• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best for financing credit card debt
• Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card : Best for Preferred Rewards® members
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card : Best for balance transfers
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express : Best for beginner cash back
• Citi Rewards+® Card : Best for earning Citi ThankYou® points

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best credit cards, more details on the best credit cards, maximizing balance transfer credit cards, how we rate cards, what is a balance transfer, how to choose the best balance transfer card, ask our experts, frequently asked questions.

• No Annual Fee

Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash Card caters to beginners establishing good credit habits, since users will earn 2% cash back; 1% when they buy and 1% when they pay their statement. The Citi Double Cash is a great pick for those looking for the utmost simplicity and want cash back in their pocket. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash .

• Earning 2% back on every purchase is an industry-leading return on everyday spending for a no-annual-fee credit card.
• Now that you have the ability to convert rewards to ThankYou points with an eligible card, your redemption options are even more flexible.
• It’s great for those looking to consolidate debt, since it offers new cardmembers 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers made. After that, the variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24% applies.
• Those looking to make a balance transfer will have to pay 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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 .

• This card has one of the best earning structures out for among cash-back credit cards.
• The card comes with access to Amex Offers (activation required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
• 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 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 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
• 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.
• Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
• 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 Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
• Terms Apply.
• See Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

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 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness (balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, balance transfer fee of 5%, min $5). Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect Card .

• 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.
• No points or cash rewards earning potential
• No welcome bonus
• 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. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% 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.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a great balance transfer card, offering 0% introductory APR on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days) and purchases for 15 billing cycles. Then a variable APR of 18.24%-28.24% will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers for the first 60 days your account is open, then 4%. In addition, the card offers earning potential with up to 3% cash-back on the cardmember’s chosen bonus category, and members of Bank of America Preferred Rewards® earn even higher rates. New card members can also earn a cash rewards bonus, all without an annual fee. Read our full review of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card .

• Long introductory APR period for balance transfers and purchases
• Bonus cash-back categories
• Sign-up offer
• Higher earning rates for Preferred Rewards members
• Manual bonus earning selection
• Bonus earning cap
• Balance transfer fee
• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is not full of perks like the other cards on this list, but it has another appealing attribute: the longest 0% APR period available on the market for a balance transfer. For people looking to consolidate their debt, this could be the card for you. The card offers 21 months of 0% intro APR for balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening and 12 months of 0% intro APR for purchases. A variable APR of 18.24% to 28.99% will apply after. No other card features almost two years of 0% APR on balance transfers. Read our full review of the Citi Diamond Preferred card .

• Longest introductory APR periods for balance transfers
• Does not earn rewards on spending
• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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 .

• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases
• Amex Offers, which earn you statement credits or extra points on purchases with a wide variety of merchants. (Enrollment required)
• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
• There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with larger annual grocery spend.
• You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on purchases abroad, so it’s not a great choice to take with you when traveling outside of the U.S.
• Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
• No Annual Fee.
• Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% 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%.
• 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.

Citi Rewards+® Card

The Citi Rewards+ Card is the only card on this list that earns Citi ThankYou points, which means you can pay off your debt while still earning points toward your next vacation. In addition to an impressive 15-month, 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers (a variable APR of 18.74% to 28.74% will apply after), the Rewards+ also has an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% (whichever is greater) on transfers in the first four months (5% on all following balance transfers, minimum $5). The card also offers a solid welcome bonus and earn 2 points per dollar on up to $6,000 in combined purchases each year at supermarkets and gas stations. Read our full review of the Citi Rewards+ Card .

• Multiple bonus categories
• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+® Card - the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase - with no cap.

The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple and rewarding cash-back card, earning 1% on everything when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off.

The card is best for those who want simple cash-back rewards.

Aside from the earnings rates, if you also hold a  Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees ), you can convert your cash back to fully transferable ThankYou points for maximum value.

If you want more-rewarding bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 5% back on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on everything else. This card also offers the opportunity to convert your cash-back rewards to transferable points if you also have a Chase Ultimate Rewards points-earning credit card. 

The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers lucrative cash back in several spending categories, including 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, (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.

If you like cash back and spend a lot at supermarkets and on streaming services, this card is a great option.

“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

If you want similar benefits but with no annual fee (see rates and fees ), the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and U.S. gas stations. 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 Card is light on benefits but comes with a lengthy introductory annual percentage rate period, which is perfect for balance transfers.

If you think you’ll find yourself needing balance transfers for an extended period of time, this card is a great option.

While there’s no way to accrue points, miles or even cash-back rewards with this card, you can receive up to $600 of cellphone protection against damage and theft when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible).

If you prefer another issuer, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card (see rates and fees ) gives cardholders a 0% introductory APR for new purchases for the first 12 months after account opening, and 0% introductory APR for 21 months from the date of the first transfer for balance transfers completed within the first four months of account opening (after the variable APR will be 17.99% to 28.74%). 

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card is a solid cash-back credit card with a compelling, customizable rewards structure, great for anyone whose spending habits change throughout the year. 

This card can be especially lucrative for anyone with significant banking or investing relationships with Bank of America.

“ This card is a great multipurpose tool in my wallet because it lets me pick a 3% cash-back earning category each month. If I know I have some purchases coming up that don’t line up to a card where I get a solid earning rate, I’ll swap my 3% category and use this card to maximize my rewards. I also appreciate the clear information in the Bank of America app that shows me exactly what types of merchants line up into each spending category, so it’s easy to make my 3% category choice.” — Gabe Travers , senior director of product management

If you want a simpler rewards structure, the Bank of America®️ Premium Rewards®️ credit card offers an unlimited 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, plus more perks.

The Citi Diamond has a lengthy introductory APR offer on balance transfers of 21 months from the date of the first transfer, though transfers must be completed within four months from account opening. 

It’s geared toward people looking to avoid interest while paying down credit card debt through a long introductory APR offer.

Along with the APR offer, you'll get free access to your FICO credit score, helping you track your score as you pay down your debt. You'll also receive access to Citi Entertainment, with exclusive events and early presales on tickets.

If you want to earn rewards on your purchases, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ). It has no annual fee and earns 2 points per dollar on all purchases — 1 point when you purchase and another 1 point when you pay your bill.

The Blue Cash Everyday offers solid returns on popular spending categories without an annual fee, plus some other solid perks. 

This card is ideal for those who prefer cash-back cards without annual fees. It can also help students and young professionals continue to build credit while earning modest rewards.

“I added this card to my wallet shortly after my first travel card as a way to earn better rewards on gas and groceries. Three percent back on both categories was a great way for me to earn higher cash back on many of my everyday purchases without any added annual fee.” — Jack Markham, senior director

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 points per dollar on all purchases — 1 point when you purchase and another 1 point when you pay your bill. You can cash out these points or transfer them to airline and hotel partners for travel.

The Citi Rewards+ Card has two relatively unique features: It rounds the earnings on all purchases up to the nearest 10 points, and gives you 10% back on the first 100,000 points you redeem yearly.

This card is great if you make many small purchases because each purchase will be rounded to the nearest 10 points. Even a $1 pack of gum will earn 10 points.

This card is a great complement to the Citi Prestige Card (not available to new applicants) or Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees ). That’s because if you also have one of those cards, you can transfer your rewards to the ThankYou Rewards program’s airline and hotel partners.

The information for the Citi Prestige 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 Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express is perhaps the most similar to the Citi Rewards+ card because it accrues 2 points per dollar on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1 point). Plus, the card rewards making at least 20 transactions in a month with a 20% points bonus, so you’ll probably be making lots of small purchases with either card.

The information for the Amex Everyday has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Apply for a new balance transfer credit card

Applying for a new balance transfer credit card is a good way to save money on outstanding debt. A balance transfer on a new credit card with a 0% APR offer will give you the opportunity to put every cent of each payment you make toward the principal balance instead of having that money go toward paying off a monthly interest rate.

Just remember that once you pay off a balance, you should try to keep it that way each month so you don’t accumulate credit card debt again and end up paying high APRs.

Take advantage of balance transfer invitations

You don’t necessarily have to apply for a new credit card if you’re looking into a balance transfer. You should check the current offers on cards you already carry in your wallet to see if you’ve recently received one. If not, then applying for one of the cards on this list may help you pay down credit card debt via balance transfer.

Stagger your purchases

If you’re looking to make a couple of big purchases that you want to avoid paying interest on, consider staggering them. This way, you can either transfer the cost of each purchase to a balance transfer credit card and save on a high APR or you can apply for a new balance transfer credit card that also offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a specific amount of time.

When used responsibly, a balance transfer credit card can help you pay off debt and improve your credit score .

A balance transfer is when you move an existing credit card balance to another card, ideally with a lower interest rate. This can allow you to pay off your credit card debt more quickly.

Who should get a balance transfer credit card?

Balance transfer cards are best for those who want to save money on interest charges on credit card debt. While it’s always best to pay off your full card balance before interest kicks in , balance transfer cards can help you in a pinch by saving money with lower APRs.

How to do a balance transfer

The exact process for requesting balance transfers varies by issuer , but generally follows this format: 

Apply for your chosen balance transfer card

Many balance transfer cards offer 0% APR offers but select cards offer additional benefits like 0% APR on new purchases or the capability to earn cash back on purchases. Generally, balance transfer cards will require good credits. In addition, most issuers don't allow you to move your debt from one card to another.

Request a balance transfer

Generally, you can request a balance transfer from your issuer online but certain cards require you to contact the issuer's customer service line.

Most balance transfer cards will have a window of time to qualify for their introductory rate after card opening. It is normally 60 to 90 days so remember to request your balance transfer within your card's respective time frame to take advantage of the card's introductory APR.

Your new card's credit limit may not be enough to cover your entire balance but you may still get approved to transfer part of your debt to your new issuer. You can expect to pay a balance transfer fee of around 3% of your transferred debt.

Continue payments until the transfer is completed

You must continue to keep making payments to your original creditor until your balance transfer is completed. If not, you could incur late fees or damage your credit score. When the balance transfer is completed, you can stop making payments to the original creditor.

If your new credit line does not cover the entire balance of your original debt, you will still have to continue making the minimum payments on the remaining amount with your original creditor.

Pay down your new balance

Now that your balance transfer is completed, your debt will be moved to your new account. Generally, you will have a period where your debt is interest-free and it is crucial to pay off as much of your debt as possible during this golden period. Credit card debt can quickly snowball due to their high interest rate so use this opportunity wisely and start working towards a better financial future.

Keep in mind that some cards have transfer balance limits, meaning you won't always be able to transfer the entirety of a balance to your card.

What is a balance transfer fee?

A balance transfer fee is a one-time fee associated with moving an outstanding balance from one card to another. It is generally 3%-5% of the total transfer amount.

• 1 Annual fee Most of our balance transfer cards do not have an annual fee which means you can take full advantage of these benefits without paying to be a cardholder.
• 2 Welcome bonus While most of the welcome bonuses offered by our best balance transfer cards are modest, they also feature a modest spend requirement to earn them.
• 3 Bonus categories Some of our best balance transfer cards feature various bonus categories so you can earn on your spending while still taking advantage of a long introductory APR period.

What’s your favorite credit card for balance transfer — and why?

Yes. Balance transfer cards allow you to move an existing credit card balance to another card , ideally with a lower interest rate. This can allow you to pay off your credit card debt more quickly. 

The credit card will stay open but now with a zero or low balance. Then you can choose whether to close the account or keep it open. Closing it may decrease your credit score, but keeping it open may tempt you to accrue more debt.

Balance transfers typically take five to seven days. However, they can take up to 21 days, depending on the issuer.

It’s mixed. Opening a new card for a balance transfer would increase the total amount of credit you have, which should help your utilization ratio go down. This would increase your score. However, a high ratio on a single card after a balance transfer might have a negative effect in the short and medium term.

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Balance Transfer Cards of April 2024

Some of the card offers on this site are from companies who are advertising clients of U.S. News. Advertising considerations may impact where and in what order offers appear on the site but do not affect any editorial decisions, such as which card products we write about and how we evaluate them. Terms apply.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of April 2024

• Wells Fargo Reflect® Card : Best feature: Lengthy low introductory APR.
• Discover it® Balance Transfer : Best feature: 0% Introductory APR.
• Citi Rewards+® Card : Best feature: Two points per dollar spent at gas stations.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card : Best feature: 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card : Best feature: 21-month 0% introductory rate on balance transfers.

A balance transfer credit card could offer you a chance to pay less interest while paying off – or at least reducing – your balance. If you move your account balances to the card and pay it off during the promotional period, you can consolidate credit card debt and manage your monthly finances more easily. Terms apply.

U.S. News' Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of April 2024

See all of our credit cards here .

On This Page

• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

What Is a Balance Transfer?

Commonly compared balance transfer credit cards :, popular categories:.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Citi Rewards+® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

Cash Back Credit Cards

Rewards Credit Cards

Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you get out of debt while paying zero interest. I think that sounds amazing, don't you?

Here's how it works: If you have credit card debt on high-interest credit cards, you can transfer that debt to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate balance transfer card. The best balance transfer cards offer 0% introductory periods that range from 12 to 21 months.

Depending on the balance transfer card you get, you could have up to 21 months to pay off your debt while enjoying a 0% introductory APR. Not only will a balance transfer card help you save money, but you'll also pay off your balance more quickly.

If you do still have a balance when the 0% APR ends, you'll pay interest on the remaining amount you owe. Your purchase interest rate will be assigned to you by your card issuer.

How Do Balance Transfer Cards Work?

Getting out of debt with a balance transfer card can feel like a dream come true. But it can turn into a nightmare if you don't pay attention to the details.

But don't worry, because I'm going to tell you how to have a successful balance transfer. So stick with me a bit longer, and I'll show you everything you need to know to avoid the common pitfalls.

1. Eligibility

• Strong credit score. Typically, balance transfer credit cards require a FICO score of 670 or better . That puts you in prime credit territory, but that might not be enough to get the best balance transfer cards. A score of at least 740, which is considered a very good score, improves your chances of getting approved for the best balance transfer credit cards.
• Low debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is another important factor, which is your monthly debt obligations divided by your monthly income. A DTI of 36% or less is considered a good ratio, but this varies among lenders. Of course, the lower, the better.
• Clean credit history. Credit card issuers might not approve your application if you have a delinquent credit card account or have declared bankruptcy in the last few years. Ask lenders about their policies.

2. Restrictions on Balance Transfers

• Balances must come from another creditor. Don't try to transfer your debt from one credit card to another card that's issued by the same credit card company. Generally, you can only transfer balances from debts you owe to different financial institutions. You may be able to transfer a balance from someone else's account, but I don't recommend that. It legally becomes your debt once you do so, and the debt can lower your credit score.
• Credit card balances. You can transfer a balance from one credit card to another.
• Loan balances. You may be able to transfer balances from personal or auto loans.
• Limits on how much you can transfer. Balance transfer credit cards have a credit limit that applies to purchases and transfers. If you reach the limit, the issuer might decline your balance transfer or only accept part of the balance you want to transfer.

3. Timeline

Initiating balance transfers. The steps you take to start a transfer vary by issuer, but once you're approved for the card, you can make the request by phone or online.

Sometimes, you can request a transfer when you submit your application, but the issuer might not process the request until you're approved and the card is in the mail.

• Qualifying for the introductory rate. The balance transfer must be initiated or completed within a specified period to receive the introductory rate, usually 60 to 120 days from when you open your account. If you don't see the cutoff date for initiating or completing a transfer, call your issuer and ask so you don't miss the chance to benefit from a 0% APR.
• Plan for the balance transfer to take a few weeks. Ideally, a balance transfer will go through within a few business days, but it could take several weeks. Don't assume it has been completed. Confirm that the debt has been transferred before you stop making payments.
• Introductory periods vary. Your card's 0% APR introductory offer may vary from less than a year to almost two years. A longer promotional period gives you more time to pay off the balance. But a card with a shorter period that waives the transfer fee or offers more features could be a good option, too.

4. Balance Transfer Fee

Most cards charge a fee for each balance transfer. Issuers charge balance transfer fees based on how much debt you transfer to the card. Generally, this fee is 3% to 5% of the amount you transfer, or a minimum of $5 to $10. The balance transfer fee applies to each transfer, and you should remember that this fee is added to the total you have to pay back.

Let's say you want to transfer $5,000, and the fee is 3%. You will pay $150 for a transfer fee (5,000 x .03 = 150). The amount you'll be paying back is now $5,150.

• Some cards temporarily waive balance transfer fees. Some cards don't have balance transfer fees, or they might waive fees for a certain period of time after you open the account.

Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card Right for Me?

As with most things in life, balance transfer credit cards come with positives and negatives. If you use a balance transfer credit card responsibly, it's all good news.

What do I mean by responsibly? Make your monthly payment on time. And don't use your balance transfer card for new purchases, even if your balance transfer card offers a 0% introductory purchase APR. You can't get out of debt if you keep adding it to it.

• Pay less interest. By moving high-interest debt to a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer, you save money by paying no interest for a while. Make the most of the offer by paying off as much of the balance as possible before the introductory period ends.
• Save time. With a balance transfer offer, you can consolidate balances from other cards onto one card and pay a single monthly payment. You can let go of the stress that comes with juggling multiple accounts.
• Become debt-free sooner. When you don't have interest charges, you're paying down only the principal on your debt each month. Financial freedom gets closer every single month.
• Increase your credit score as you pay down debt. A whopping 30% of your FICO score depends on your credit utilization ratio . This is the amount of credit you've used compared with the amount of credit you have available.

The lower your utilization rate, the better. When you transfer a balance from a credit card and keep the account open, your utilization rate on that account will drop. But keep in mind that your new balance transfer card might initially have a high credit utilization ratio, especially if you've transferred several balances. Your score might even decrease at first because of the high ratio. However, your credit utilization ratio will drop as you pay down your debt, and your FICO score should improve as long as you don't make purchases with your balance transfer card.

I'm going to say something that might shock you: I don't want you to worry about your utilization ratio right now. You have debt with high interest rates. Your first priority is to pay it off. When that's done, you can go back to worrying about your utilization ratio.

Balance transfer fees. Most balance transfer credit cards require you to pay a balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the transfer amount. For example, a $10,000 balance onto a card with a 5% balance transfer fee means you will repay $10,500.

Run the numbers and make sure the balance transfer fee doesn't offset your interest savings , or look for a balance transfer card with a lower fee.

• Introductory offer limits. Some 0% APR offers only apply to balance transfers, but certain cards offer 0% APR introductory rates on both balance transfers and purchases. Most balance transfer credit cards require you to complete your transfers within a specified period to get the introductory rate, usually 60 to 120 days after opening your account. Read the card's terms and conditions so you know the deadline for transfers.
• Credit limits. You won't know your credit limit until you're approved for a balance transfer credit card, and the total of your balance transfers, fees, interest charges and purchases can't exceed that credit limit. Therefore, you might not be able to transfer and consolidate as much debt as you planned if your credit limit isn't high enough.
• Transfers from the same lender aren't allowed. You can't transfer a balance to a new credit card if the balance is owed to the same credit card issuer, lender or one of its affiliates.
• Promotional rate terms. You could lose your promotional rate if you pay your bill late, go over your card's credit limit or your payment doesn't clear. If you don't make at least a minimum payment within 60 days of the due date, a penalty APR may apply to your balance and future purchases.
• Other fees may apply. As with other types of credit cards, a balance transfer card may charge additional fees, such as foreign transaction, late payment or annual fees. These can all eat into your potential savings.

How to Maximize Your Savings With a 0% Balance Transfer Card

A balance transfer credit card can offer significant savings, especially if you're carrying high-interest credit card debt. If you want to make the most of this opportunity, you need to figure out how much you must pay each month to be debt-free before the 0% APR ends.

To determine your monthly payment, divide the total of your debt – plus any transfer fee – by the number of months in the introductory period. Here's an example of what I mean:

Your debt: $5,000.

3% transfer fee: $150.

0% APR introductory period: 21 months.

Monthly payment: $5,000 + $150 = $5,150 / 21 = $245.24.

If you stick to your monthly payment and pay on time every month, you can get rid of your debt in 21 months. If you have the means, you can increase your monthly payment and erase your debt even more quickly.

Here are a few more things that will help ensure your balance transfer is a financial success:

• Avoid late payments. Many balance transfer cards will end your 0% APR if you make a late payment. Set up email and text reminders to make sure you pay on time.
• Don't make new purchases with your card. If you have money for extra purchases, apply it to your debt by increasing your monthly payment. Many have ended up in a balance transfer nightmare because they kept spending and didn't focus on debt reduction.
• Know the date your 0% APR ends. You've determined what your monthly payment has to be, but it doesn't hurt to write down the date the introductory period ends. Put the note in a place where you'll see it often. Staying aware of the date not only helps you to stay on track with payments, but it also serves as a reminder of when you'll achieve financial freedom.

How to Transfer a Credit Card Balance

A balance transfer is a fairly simple process, but you still need a plan of action. Having a to-do list of the steps you need to take will ease your mind. Without a plan, you run the risk of not paying down your balance before the promotional period ends, increasing your debt or missing an important detail.

Create a budget.

If you don't already have a budget, try software like You Need a Budget that can help categorize your purchases, set goals and eliminate unnecessary expenses. But be sure to keep a few small treats for yourself, such as buying an occasional latte. If you make your budget too tight, you're unlikely to succeed.

Organize balance transfer information.

Gather the following information for your balance transfer:

• Account number, name and address of each credit card issuer and/or lender.
• Credit card and/or loan balances.
• Your checking account number and routing number, if you want balance transfer funds put into a checking account.

The combined amount from balance transfers, fees, interest charges and purchases can't exceed your card limit, so be sure the accounts with the highest interest rates are included first so you save the most on interest. Be careful to confirm the terms of the offer, including the length of the promotional rate on balance transfers and purchases.

Make your request.

You might be able to request a balance transfer online or by phone while applying for your balance transfer card. Otherwise, you may need to wait until your account is set up and then submit your request with account information and transfer amounts.

Depending on the issuer, you may also request a balance transfer check mailed directly to you or a creditor.

Continue making payments until your balance transfers.

It may take several weeks for a balance transfer request to be finalized, so continue to make minimum payments on the credit card accounts until you receive confirmation that the transfers were successful.

If you know the amount of your new monthly payment on your balance transfer card, set up at least the minimum payment in autopay. Accidental late payments can result in a late fee or loss of the promotional rate.

Keep old accounts open.

After completing balance transfers from credit cards, some people close old accounts to avoid building a balance again. However, this may hurt your credit by lowering your total available credit and increasing your credit utilization ratio . Instead, keep cards open but cut them up or store them in a drawer while paying down your balances.

Also, choose a balance transfer card that will be useful after you pay off the balance. For instance, a no-frills credit card can be used for emergencies if the go-to rate isn't too high.

How Can You Choose the Best Balance Transfer Card?

Your main goal should be to pick the best balance transfer card that you can qualify for. When you have a short list, choose a card that gives you the longest promotional period and low fees. As with most financial products, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but taking these five steps can help you pick the right balance transfer card.

• Compare promotional periods. Choosing the card with the longest promotional period is often recommended, especially if you have a lot of debt and need more time to pay it off. But one with a shorter promotional period might offer no balance transfer fee, so weigh the cost.
• 0% APR promotion for new purchases. Many cards will offer this, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to take advantage of it. I know it's hard to ignore this opportunity, but resist the urge to use your balance transfer card to make new purchases. Get out of debt first!
• Balance transfer fee. You'll usually have to pay 3% to 5% of each balance transfer.
• Regular APR. After the promotional period, any remaining balance will be subject to interest charges at the go-to rate.
• Balance transfer limit. You won't know your new balance transfer card's credit limit until you apply, but you can review the terms to see if there's a maximum. You can also call your issuer and ask for a credit limit increase. This doesn't always work, but if you don't ask, the answer is always no.
• Types of debt you can transfer. Balance transfer credit cards let you transfer balances from other credit card issuers.
• Annual fee. Annual fees often range from $95 to more than $550.
• Late fee. Late payments could end your promotional rate and result in a fee of up to $39 or more.
• Foreign transaction fee. Some cards charge 2% to 3% of the purchase price for foreign transactions, but there are also credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees.
• Cash advance fee. Depending on the method you use, the fee will be up to 8% of the amount withdrawn, with a $5 to $10 minimum. Please note that this is an expensive way to borrow money.
• Calculate the benefit of a rewards program. Some rewards credit cards have balance transfer offers, although you likely won't earn rewards for those transfers . Although nonrewards cards tend to have the longest promotional periods, some rewards cards are competitive. Take the time to do some research so you'll know if a particular card is one you can use after you get out of debt.
• Understand cardholder benefits. Balance transfer cards may come with additional perks, such as extended warranty coverage, travel accident insurance, theft and fraud protection, concierge service or access to your credit score.

Alternatives to Balance Transfers

If you're paying high interest on a significant amount of credit card debt, but your credit score isn't high enough to qualify for a 0% APR balance transfer credit card, there are other options for reducing your debt. And keep in mind that as your debt goes down, your credit score will start to go up. So you can always revisit the idea of a balance transfer card when your credit improves.

In the meantime, here are some other options that might work for you:

• Debt consolidation loan . This type of loan combines high-interest debts and allows for one monthly payment, which typically stays the same for the life of the loan. Your interest rate depends on your credit, but it's a good bet your interest rate on a loan will be lower than the rates you currently have on credit cards.
• Home equity loan. A home equity loan , also known as a second mortgage, allows you to borrow against the equity in your home and uses your property to secure the loan. The loan typically has a fixed interest rate and a repayment term of five to 30 years. But don't get a home equity loan unless you're confident you can make timely payments. Otherwise, you could lose your home through foreclosure.
• Debt relief services. This type of service will provide a certified nonprofit credit counselor who can help you develop a strategy and negotiate with creditors to lower your interest rates and fees. However, the plan may charge a setup fee and a monthly fee, among others.
• Debt settlement company . These companies negotiate with creditors to settle your debt, but they usually charge high fees and penalties and even higher interest rates, and can damage your credit history if you stop paying your bills.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Methodology

U.S. News has been helping consumers make money decisions for decades. The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards are selected based on annual fees, annual percentage rates, balance transfer offers, introductory APRs and issuer satisfaction ratings from U.S. News.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards must have a 0% APR of at least 14 months for balance transfers. A long introductory APR provides more time to pay off a card balance with no interest, and a 0% APR could apply to purchases during the same period. You can choose the best card for you by comparing 0% APR promotions, balance transfer terms and fees, and card rewards programs and cardholder benefits.

Balance Transfer Credit Cards FAQs

Who can qualify for a balance transfer card.

Balance transfer cards tend to require at least good credit. That means you’ll need a FICO credit score of at least 670. However, some of the top balance transfer cards might require very good credit, which starts at 740. But issuers do look at a variety of factors when viewing applications, so if your score's a tad low, give the issuer a call and discuss your situation. You won't get a commitment for approval, but you'll get an idea of your chances.

Do Balance Transfers Affect my Credit Score?

Right now, your goal is to get out of debt because you're paying compound interest on high-APR credit cards. Your score may take a hit, but, believe me, it will come back as you pay down your debt. Solve your debt issue and your score will take care of itself.

Is Getting a Balance Transfer Card Worth It?

I've been in debt, and I empathize with how stressful it is. I've also gotten out of credit card debt, and the journey wasn't easy. But once you're out of debt, you're financially free again. And I promise you it will feel amazing!

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Beverly Harzog , Credit Card Expert

Beverly Harzog  is a nationally recognized personal finance and credit card expert for U.S. News & World Report. She’s the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. Harzog puts her expertise to practice in her personal life by saving thousands every year on travel and everyday expenses by using a combination of credit cards in various categories. Read more

Emily Hayes , Editor

Emily Hayes is an editor on the Advice Products team at U.S. News & World Report. Prior to joining U.S. News in 2021, she worked for local news organizations in Florida, Alabama and Georgia. At U.S. News, she primarily edits content on credit cards, loans and banking. Read more

Compare Credit Cards

You can compare cards side-by-side, plus get info about rewards, points, interest rates, and how to apply — all in one place.

Airline credit cards vs. travel credit cards: Which are best?

C redit cards aimed at travelers come in various forms, the two most popular being airline credit cards and travel credit cards . While both types of cards can help you pay for travel, several differences may affect your choice.

Choosing a card that best suits your travel needs can be challenging considering how competitive the landscape has become regarding welcome offers, card rewards and other benefits. We review the ins and outs of airline and travel credit cards to help you determine which type of card is right for you.

What is an airline credit card?

Airline credit cards are cobranded cards offered by the issuer and a partner airline that provide benefits for flying with that specific airline. Airline credit cards earn miles associated with the airline's frequent flyer program , which you can redeem for flights on that carrier or its partner airlines.

The annual fee for airline credit cards can range from no annual fee to upward of $500. Usually, an airline credit card with a higher annual fee includes impressive benefits such as increased earning rates, free checked bags and statement credits, among other perks.

For example, the United Quest℠ Card has an annual fee of $250 and offers 8 miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, up to $125 annual statement credit for United purchases, priority boarding and other impressive benefits.

Related: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?

Pros and cons of airline credit cards

When comparing airline and travel credit cards, there are several reasons why you might prefer an airline credit card. Although not an exhaustive list, the following table highlights the pros and cons of airline credit cards.

When does an airline credit card make sense?

Several factors may play a role in dictating whether an airline credit card makes sense. As a cardholder, if you live near an airport with a hub for a specific airline, having a card for that airline makes sense to maximize your benefits.

For example, residents who live near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), a United hub, should consider a United credit card , such as the United Club℠ Infinite Card or the United℠ Explorer Card , to take advantage of lounges, free checked bags, priority boarding and redemption options for award flights.

If you don't live near an airline hub and aren't committed to a particular carrier, an airline credit card might not be your best option.

Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status

What is a travel credit card?

A travel credit card earns rewards on all purchases, including bonus-earning categories. You can use your rewards to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. A travel credit card earns rewards within the issuer's own ecosystem rather than through a specific airline frequent flyer program.

Examples of credit card programs include American Express Membership Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , and Capital One Miles .

Annual fees for travel credit cards can range from nothing to $700, corresponding to the card's perks and benefits. Typically, the higher the annual fee, the more valuable the benefits, whereas the lower the annual fee, the opposite is true.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees ) but offers perks and benefits that can easily top $1,000. Benefits include an annual up to $200 hotel credit, an annual up to $200 airline credit, up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue statement credit (up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December; enrollment required), a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit and an entertainment credit for select streaming services.

Travel credit cards can offer other travel-related perks, such as complimentary travel insurance, including emergency travel medical, trip delay or cancellation**, and baggage insurance***.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

***Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Related: The best time to apply for these 10 popular travel credit cards, based on offer history

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

Based on your personal preferences, travel credit cards may be more appealing than airline cards. Although not an exhaustive list, consider the following travel credit card pros and cons before you apply.

Travel credit cards maximize flexibility for cardholders thanks to their ability to earn transferable currency points . In addition to not being limited to one airline, you can often redeem your points toward hotels, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and more.

As cards become more premium, so do their benefits, which translates to high annual fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a $300 annual credit and Priority Pass lounge access but has an annual fee of $550.

When does a travel credit card make sense?

If you are flexible about the airline carriers you choose to fly with, a travel credit card makes sense. You'll benefit from bonus points for travel-related purchases, such as airfare, hotels, rental cars and sometimes parking meters and tolls.

When contemplating between travel and airline credit cards, remember that travel credit cards won't help you earn elite status, unlike some airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® . The biggest benefit of a travel credit card is the flexibility you get when redeeming your points or miles.

Unlike an airline credit card, travel credit cards have a variety of transfer partners you can use to book your next adventure.

Related: How many credit cards should I have?

Should you get both?

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards have pros and cons. For example, it pays to have an airline credit card if you regularly check bags for domestic flights, especially considering the increase in checked bag fees across numerous carriers . Meanwhile, travel credit cards offer various travel insurance coverages that can provide peace of mind while traveling.

My very first travel-orientated card was the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® because I found value in American Airlines' award chart and had several American flights lined up for the year in which I needed checked bags.

The information for the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Soon afterward, I opened a Chase Sapphire Reserve for its lounge access, transfer partners and annual travel credit. Nowadays, I use both cards. However, since I have elite status with American, the Citi card's free checked bag is less important. That said, I still hold onto the card to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Bottom line

Both airline credit cards and travel credit cards offer benefits. They can offset travel costs and provide perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access and various statement credits. We recommend choosing a card based on your travel needs and circumstances. You may even benefit from holding both types of cards, as long as you're maximizing the perks.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Credit Cards

5 reasons why the Citi Diamond Preferred is great for paying down debt

Michelle Lambright Black

Ashley Barnett

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:21 a.m. UTC April 8, 2024

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mphillips007, Getty Images

Citi is a Blueprint partner. 

When you’re struggling with debt, opening a new credit card might not be the first strategy you think of to try to pay down existing balances. However, a tool like the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card could be a solid resource to help you reduce credit card debt when you manage the balance transfer process in a responsible way.

Below are five reasons the Citi Diamond Preferred is great for paying down debt. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Welcome Bonus

Regular apr, credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• New applicants receive four months to complete qualifying balance transfers and get intro APR financing.
• 21 months of intro APR financing from the date of the first transfers.
• No annual fee.
• Only 12 months of intro APR financing on new purchases.
• No rewards.
• No meaningful card benefits outside of the intro APR.

Card Details

• 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
• There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
• Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
• With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
• No Annual Fee – our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.

1. Lengthy introductory APR period on balance transfers

One of the biggest perks the Citi Diamond Preferred card has to offer is its 0% APR intro offer. New cardholders can enjoy ​​0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from the date of the first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.99%. Balance transfers must be completed in the first four months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. Even though the card comes with almost a two-year balance transfer introductory APR period, there is one small downside. The Citi Diamond Preferred card also features a balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.. Some competitors offer balance transfer fees as low as 3% by comparison. So, it’s important to crunch the numbers and make sure your balance transfer still makes good financial sense even with this added cost. 

The average credit card interest rate on accounts that assessed interest was 22.75% in Q4 2023 according to the most recent Federal Reserve data . If you’re carrying a balance on your credit card that you can’t afford to pay off quickly, the potential savings from a balance transfer could outweigh the cost of any balance transfer fees in many scenarios. This may be especially true if you’re carrying a large amount of credit card debt. 

To get the most benefit possible from the intro balance transfer APR period on your Citi Diamond Preferred Card, it’s wise to make a plan to pay off all of the debt you transfer before your introductory rate expires. 

For example, if you transfer $12,000, your balance would be $12,600 after the additional balance transfer fee. In this scenario, you want to pay off at least $600 per month ($12,600 ÷ 21 months = $600 per month) assuming you didn’t use the account for any additional charges.

2. No annual fee

There’s nothing wrong with paying an annual fee on a credit card as long as you’re receiving benefits that offset the cost of that expense. But if you open a credit card for the primary purpose of reducing debt, finding a no-annual-fee card could be higher on your priority list. 

On a positive note, the Citi Diamond Preferred card features no annual fee. So, you don’t have to worry about incurring additional costs from the card issuer while you’re working to eliminate debt. 

3. Free FICO® Score

A big perk of paying down credit card debt is that doing so can save you money by avoiding interest charges. Yet reducing your credit card balances might have another benefit as well — the potential for credit score improvement. 

When you pay down your credit card balances, it will often lower your credit utilization ratio . This can have a positive impact on your credit score . 

As you work to improve your credit score, the Citi Diamond Preferred card has a feature that can make tracking your progress easier — free FICO® Score access. Cardholders can view their FICO Score online anytime. 

Furthermore, when you access your FICO Score through your Citi Diamond Preferred card portal, only a soft credit inquiry occurs. Soft credit inquiries do not cause any damage to your credit score. You can check your credit score as often as you desire without fear of any potential credit damage. 

4. Pre-qualification tool

A balance transfer credit card, like the Citi Diamond Preferred card, could help you reduce high-interest debt. Yet before you can use this type of card in your debt elimination strategy, you must first be able to satisfy a card issuer’s criteria to open a new account. If you have a bad credit score or certain types of negative information on your credit report , you might need to improve your credit before you can qualify for this type of financing. 

In general, you need at least a good credit score to qualify for the best balance transfer credit cards . If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for a credit card offer, like the Citi Diamond Preferred, using a pre-qualification tool could help set your mind at ease before you fill out an official application. Pre-qualifying doesn’t guarantee a card issuer will approve your application, but it tends to be a good sign. 

Not every credit card issuer offers a pre-qualification tool. But Citi does. Therefore, it’s possible to see if you can pre-qualify for a Citi Card, including the Citi Diamond Preferred, with only a soft inquiry on your credit report. 

5. Due date flexibility

When you open a Citi Diamond Preferred card, the card issuer offers some flexibility where your due date is concerned. You can select from available payment due dates at the beginning, middle or end of the month. 

Having the ability to choose a due that fits into your budget can be helpful, especially if you’re working to reduce debt. You can find a date that makes the most sense for you without causing unnecessary financial stress. 

Is the Citi Diamond Preferred card right for you? 

The Citi Diamond Preferred card could be a good fit if you’re looking for a balance transfer credit card that offers a lengthy introductory APR period. The intro APR offer on balance transfers could provide you with nearly two years to pay down debt. 

Yet you’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify for this offer. So, if you have credit challenges, you may want to work on those first before you apply. 

On the other hand, people who are interested in earning generous welcome bonuses or rewards on their everyday spending may want to consider other credit card offers. The primary benefit that the Citi Diamond Preferred card has to offer is its introductory offer on balance transfers and new purchases. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Citi doesn’t disclose the exact credit limits it assigns to cardholders. Like many other card issuers, Citi may base your credit limit upon factors such as your credit score, credit history, income and other details. 

Yet there are reports from cardholders online of credit limits ranging between $500 to over $10,000 for the most creditworthy borrowers.

There is no annual fee associated with the Citi Diamond Preferred card.

The Citi Diamond Preferred card features a 0% intro APR for 21 months on eligible balance transfers from the date of the first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% to 28.99%. Balance transfers must be completed in the first four months. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. Thanks to the generous intro APR period, you might be able to save a bundle on interest depending on the amount of your balance transfer. 

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Michelle Lambright Black, founder of CreditWriter.com, is a leading credit expert with more than two decades of experience in the credit industry. She’s an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, identity theft, budgeting, and debt elimination. Michelle is also a certified credit expert witness, personal finance writer, and travel writer who's been published thousands of times by outlets such as Experian, FICO, Forbes Advisor, and Reader’s Digest, among others. When she isn't writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her husband and three children — preferably to somewhere warm and sunny. You can connect with Michelle on Twitter (@MichelleLBlack) and Instagram (@CreditWriter).

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Will you earn more with the Robinhood Gold Card vs 2% flat-rate rewards credit cards?

Other rewards rates and perks to consider.

• What about the Robinhood Gold Card’s travel rewards?

Redeeming rewards is also more challenging

How robinhood gold stacks up to the competition, should you sign up for the robinhood gold card, bad news for wells fargo active cash new robinhood gold card earns 3% cash back on everything.

Even without a welcome bonus, Robinhood’s flat-rate rewards card has a competitive edge.

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

When it comes to managing your money or earning rewards , I’m a big fan of eliminating unnecessary complications. So I love the simple structure of a competitive flat-rate rewards credit card, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . But the gold standard in credit cards is facing new competition.

The Robinhood Gold Card * was recently announced and offers 3% back on every purchase -- and a competitive 5% back on travel booked in the new Robinhood travel portal. That’s a higher rewards rate than the Active Cash, which recently won a CNET Editors’ Choice award for its competitive rewards and ease of use.

The catch? You’ll need to be a Robinhood Gold member to apply, which costs $5 a month. That brings the annual cost up to $60 a year, but if you pay annually, it will only cost you $50, saving you an extra $10. That’s not a steep fee, but is it worth the cost when most 2% flat-rate cards don’t charge an annual fee?

Let’s find out.

Robinhood Gold Card

If we focus just on flat-rate rewards , the Robinhood Gold card can earn more in rewards after you hit a certain spending threshold.

Let’s say you spend $1,000 a month regularly with a 2% flat-rate card like the Active Cash. Assuming you pay your bill in full and don’t accrue interest or penalties, you could earn $240 in a given year.

If you spend the same amount with the Robinhood card and earn a flat 3% rewards rate, you’d earn $360. When you subtract the Robinhood Gold membership’s annual cost ($50), that brings your earnings to $310 -- $70 higher than you would earn with a 2% flat-rate card.

But if you spend less than $400 a month, you’ll earn more with the Active Cash (assuming you pay $50 for the annual Robinhood Gold membership).

How much you can earn in rewards each year, after annual fees :

Aside from the flat rewards rates, you’ll also want to weigh other benefits each card offers. While the Robinhood Gold could net you a bigger return, the Active Cash offers an easy-to-earn welcome bonus that can earn you an extra $200 in cash rewards after spending $500 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. When you take this bonus into consideration, the tables turn slightly.

How much you can earn in rewards the first year, after annual fees, including welcome bonuses :

With the additional $200 welcome bonus, the Active Cash becomes the clear winner -- but only for the first year. After that, the Robinhood Gold would eventually start to pull ahead.

What about the Robinhood Gold Card’s travel rewards?

If you plan on booking travel with your card, then the Robinhood Gold can earn 5% rewards through its travel portal. While that sounds great -- and it may be -- the card isn’t live yet. You’ll need to add your name to the card’s waitlist. So we don’t know enough about how the travel portal works to determine if it’s worthwhile. 

It’s worth keeping a eye on, but if you already earn a 5% rewards rate with a travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* or the new Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® *, I wouldn’t jump ship just yet.

How you like to redeem your rewards will help you decide which flat-rate card is best for you. You might earn more with Robinhood’s card and you can technically redeem your rewards as cash-back, but it’s not always that simple. You’ll need to transfer your rewards to your Robinhood brokerage account and then transfer them to a linked bank account. 

The Active Cash makes it easier to redeem rewards for cash back, cutting out this two-transfer step. But if you’re looking to invest your rewards or earn the same 1% redemption rate when using them at checkout, Robinhood’s card has the edge. 

Here’s a more comprehensive look at how the Robinhood Gold card compares to similar flat-rate cards, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Citi Double Cash® Card .

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

If you’re already a Robinhood Gold member, signing up for this card is a no-brainer -- unless there’s another rewards card you like more. If you’re not a member, you’ll want to look at how much you spend each month and consider how you like to redeem your rewards. 

Recommended Articles

Robinhood’s new gold card goes head-to-head with apple and paypal, the chase sapphire preferred could lose its crown to this wells fargo travel card, credit card rewards shake-up: visa and mastercard agree to lower swipe fees.

*All information about the Capital One Venture Card, Robinhood Gold Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

Compare the Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Whether you're an established business owner or you're just starting out, acquiring a small business credit card can be a smart move. These cards allow you to easily separate business and personal expenses and can provide benefits to help you grow.   

Among these is the opportunity to open an intro 0% APR business credit card, whose limited-time offer means you can make purchases and hold a balance without accruing any interest. Let's take a look at the best 0% APR business credit cards, what they have to offer, and which card is going to suit your needs. 

Best 0% Intro APR Business Credit Cards 

• U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® : Best overall for high rewards and long 0% intro APR
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best welcome offer
• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for easy rewards 
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for flexible rewards
• U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for balance transfers
• Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card : Up to 5.25% cash back for Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customers

Earn 1-5% cash back on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles

19.24% - 28.24% Variable

$500 cash back

Excellent/Good

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong welcome bonus and bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Introductory 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. World Elite Mastercard benefits including cell phone protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fees
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Relatively high minimum spending requirement to unlock bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Authorized user purchases don’t count toward minimum spending requirement

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee card for small business owners with a generous welcome bonus and great bonus categories. It's a good pick if you prefer earning straight cash back, especially if you can use the $100 annual software credit.

Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months

18.49% - 24.49% Variable

Earn up to $750 bonus cash back

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Broad 5% and 2% cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR offer for purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual cap on bonus categories

Between offering a big welcome bonus, extra rewards in useful categories, and ongoing benefits like primary car rental insurance and purchase protection, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an excellent no-annual-fee cash-back business credit card for small-business owners.

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Limited time offer: Earn 10% cash back per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 2% cash back on everyday eligible business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening

18.49% - 26.49% Variable

Earn a $250 statement credit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good choice for earning 2% cash back on all your eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR offer
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your business spends more than $50,000 a year, you'll want to use a different card to earn bonus cash back once you meet that threshold

If you're spending money on your business anyway, you should be rewarded for those purchases by using one of the best small-business credit cards. With The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, you can earn unlimited cash back on your spending with no annual fee.

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That's why you've got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
• Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
• Terms Apply

Limited time offer: Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points spent at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 2x Membership Rewards® Points on everyday eligible business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. The rare no-annual-fee card to earn Amex Membership Rewards points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Solid earning rate on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. For spending above $50,000 each year, you will only earn 1 point per dollar

If you're a small-business owner looking for a credit card that offers flexible rewards points without paying an annual fee, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent option. You don't need to own a full-time business to be eligible to apply, either — even freelancers and those with side gigs can qualify for a small-business card.

• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You've got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles, then 16.24% - 25.24% Variable APR.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles

16.24% - 25.24% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Extra-long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No rewards or welcome bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few benefits compared to other small-business cards

While it doesn't earn rewards or come with a welcome bonus, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card might be just what your business needs if you don't want to get hit with big interest charges on large purchases you can't pay off all at once.

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas stations and EV charging stations is the default category). Earn 2% cash back on dining purchases. Earning in the 3% and 2% cash back categories is on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles

18.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn a $300 online statement credit

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee business card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cardholders can choose their own 3% cash-back category from a list
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customers can earn up to 75% more rewards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $50,000 in combined purchases per year (then 1%)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Card only earns 1% back in non-bonus categories

The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is great for small-business owners who want to control how they earn rewards and maximize every dollar spent. The card has a solid welcome bonus, good redemption options, and a fair intro APR deal. But if you don't spend big in the select bonus categories, you should consider a different no-annual-fee business rewards card.

Best 0% APR Business Credit Card Reviews

Best overall: u.s. bank business triple cash rewards world elite mastercard®.

The no-annual-fee U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® delivers generous rewards alongside of a longer-than-average 0% intro APR period for both new purchases and balance transfers. 

It's rare for a business credit card to offer such generous zero-interest terms, but this card has 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then a 19.24% - 28.24% Variable APR).

The long 0% APR rate can help you float the cost of large office expenses such as furniture and computers, allowing you to pay off the expense without incurring interest. 

This card earns 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center; 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Cardholders also get an annual $100 statement credit toward recurring business software subscriptions such as QuickBooks, and several other premium benefits. 

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® even comes with a welcome offer of ​​$500 cash back after spending $4,500 on purchases on the account holder's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.

All things considered, these are fantastic perks for a 0% APR business credit, especially without an annual fee. 

Best Welcome Offer: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee credit card that allows you to earn cash back rewards on all your purchases.

New cardholders get a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months and then a 18.49% - 24.49% Variable APR, which gives you plenty of time to pay off any balances that you accrue. Note that this zero-interest period does not apply to balance transfers, so this card isn't the one to choose if you need to handle some existing debt. 

Earning cash back with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card can be more complicated than other options thanks to its tiered reward structure, but the upsides are more rewarding:

• 5% cash back on office supply, internet, cable, and phone purchases (on the first $25,000 per year)
• 2% cash back on gas stations and dining purchases (on the first $25,000 per year)
• 1% cash back everywhere else, with no limit

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card earned its spot on this list because of a welcome offer worth hundreds of dollars in cash back. New cardholders can earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

If you have or open a Chase Business Complete Checking account when you get the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you'll also earn a one-time 10% bonus on your card anniversary, of all the cash back that you've earned for the year. 

Best for easy rewards: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is another solid no-annual-fee business credit card with a generous 0% intro APR.

As with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening on new purchases and then a 18.49% - 26.49% Variable. 

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card earns a flat rate of 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in purchases each year (then 1% cash back). 

This simple and generous rate makes this card an excellent option for businesses with lower spend thresholds, since it's one of the few cards to offer a flat-rate 2% return on your spending. The card also features Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend beyond your credit limit based on your credit report, payment history, and other factors. 

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card currently features a welcome offer for new applicants of $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first three months of account opening .

Best for Flexible Rewards: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Cash back can be nice, but the no-annual-fee The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express can be a better fit for business owners who want to earn flexible points that can convert to travel rewards.  

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns American Express Membership Rewards® points instead of cash back, which can be a boon for those looking for flexible travel redemptions. Thanks to Amex's travel partnerships, Amex points can be converted to a variety of hotel and airline partners. They can also be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and travel, among other options.  

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers a simple earning structure: 2x Amex points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1x point thereafter. Very similar to that of the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.

New cardholders can earn a welcome offer of 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. They'll also get 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening with a 18.49% - 26.49% Variable APR after.

Best for Balance Transfers: U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

This no-annual-fee card is ideal for business owners who want a no-frills balance transfer card with a long 0% APR for new purchases as well as existing debt. 

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is our top pick for a business credit card for balance transfers for its 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles (then 16.24% - 25.24% Variable APR).

This zero-interest duration is one of the best in the industry, even amongst consumer credit cards for balance transfers . You'll pay a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, depending on which one is greater.

This isn't a card for rewards or welcome bonuses. It's purely a tool designed to help small business owners float interest-free debt.

Best for Bank of America Preferred Rewards Customers: Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Those who bank with Bank of America will want to take a look at the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card . 

The card comes with 0% intro APR duration of just nine months, which is on the shorter side of the spectrum amongst 0% APR business credit cards. But Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn industry-leading multipliers of cash back on this card, thanks to a 25% to 75% bonus that members can earn on their purchases.

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card has a welcome offer of Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card.

Bank of America banking customers whose with top-tier Preferred Rewards status will earn rewards at the following rates:

• 5.25% cash back on a category of your choice: Gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services
• 3.5% cash back on dining
• 1.75% cash back on all other purchases

Even those who don't bank with Bank of America can earn up to 3% cash back with the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card. Note that 3% and 2% bonuses only apply to the first $50,000 in combined purchases per year; after that, every dollar earns 1% cash back. 

• 3% cash back on a category of your choice: Gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services
• 2% cash back on dining
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Understanding 0% APR Offers for Businesses

0% APR business credit cards offer business owners an interest-free timeframe to pay off large balances. Many entrepreneurs rely on 0% APR cards to help them float big investments such as equipment, office furnishings, and computers. 

0% APR business credit cards are best used with care, since the zero-interest period won't last forever. Make a plan to pay off your card when your 0% intro APR period is up so that you don't incur additional debt from high rates of interest. 

Features to Look For in 0% APR Business Credit Cards

The best 0% APR business credit cards either offer generous terms for zero interest, or high rewards for spending on the credit card. Each of the products featured in this guide offer one or both of these benefits, which is why they're our top picks for 0% APR business credit cards. 

Strategies to Maximize Your 0% APR Business Credit Card

The best way to maximize your 0% APR business credit card benefits is by getting the card right before you need to make a large purchase that you aren't ready to pay off all at once. This way, you can maximize the amount of time you have to pay back the balance. And if you chose a card that offers a welcome bonus, your large purchase may very well help you earn the bonus in a single transaction. 

0% APR Business Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are many business credit cards that offer zero interest for an initial period. While no credit cards on the market offer permanent 0% APR, there are quite a few that don't charge interest for a limited time. 

A 0% APR business credit card can affect your credit score in several ways. The initial credit inquiry for your card application may temporarily lower your score.  Making payments on time and keeping a low credit utilization ratio can improve your score, while late payments or maxing out your credit limit can harm it. 

Yes, many 0% APR business credit cards offer rewards on purchases made with the card. Earning cash back, points, or miles on your spending is an additional benefit of the top 0% intro APR cards. These rewards help you save money or enjoy perks while making the most of your interest-free period.

When the 0% APR period ends, any remaining balance on the card will start accruing interest at the card's regular APR. It's important to plan for this transition to avoid unexpected interest charges on your business expenses.

Some 0% APR business credit cards may have fees, such as annual fees, balance transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees. Always read the card's terms and conditions to understand any fees that may apply.

Yes, many 0% APR business credit cards allow balance transfers from other credit cards, including business cards. This can be a strategic way to consolidate debt and save on interest charges, but be aware of any balance transfer fees that may apply.

While using more of your available credit can impact your credit and credit score , this doesn't typically apply to business credit cards. This is because business credit cards don't typically show up on your personal credit report. 

Yes, just like personal credit cards, business credit cards will charge you interest on balances that you maintain. The exception to this is business credit cards with 0% APRs, though these are only offered for a limited-time. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best 0% APR Credit Cards

There are plenty of 0% APR business credit cards on the market, including ones that will reward you with cash back or flexible points. The ones we've chosen represent the best of the bunch, with particular emphasis on:

• Length and type of 0% APR promotion
• Fees, including annual fees and foreign transaction fees
• Rewards, whether those are cash back or points
• Additional benefits of the cards

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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