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14 Best 0% intro APR credit cards of October 2025
Written by
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Reviewed by
- • Credit cards
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Edited by
- • Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI)
- • Rewards credit cards
- • Travel credit cards
Reviewed by
- • Credit cards
- • Credit scores
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Compare Bankrate's top 0% intro APR credit cards
What is a 0% intro APR credit card?
A zero-interest credit card is a credit card that offers a 0 percent intro APR offer on purchases, balance transfers or both when you open the card. Offer lengths can vary, depending on the card, but they typically last anywhere from 12 to 21 months — sometimes longer. The introductory period on these cards can let you save on interest, whether it's by transferring a balance from an existing credit card to your new card, or by delaying interest accrual on new purchases during the intro period. Although many of these cards can be good for transferring a balance, you should look at our best cards for balance transfers to get a more detailed look at the options to reduce your current card debt.
What to look for in a 0% intro APR card
The best 0 percent intro APR cards have well-rounded features to serve you during the intro period and beyond. While you're browsing introductory zero-interest cards, look for cards that have intro APR periods long enough to meet your needs, reasonable rates and fees and easily obtainable rewards.
Long intro APR periods
The longest intro APR periods are 18 to 21 months. If you need extra time to pay off your balance, consider getting a card with the longest period possible. A long intro APR period will give you a lot of breathing room to go with the spending power you’ll get with your new card.
Great examples: The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card, BankAmericard® credit card* and Wells Fargo Reflect Card
Reasonable fees
Avoid cards with annual fees, foreign transaction fees or other high fees that can increase your balance. If you want to transfer a balance, look for cards with low balance transfer fees.
Great example: The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Rewards potential
While you're using the intro period (or after with a balance transfer card), you could also earn rewards and a welcome offer with the right card. You'll sacrifice a few months of the intro offer, but the card will have long-term value from cash back, points or miles.
Great examples: The Blue Cash Everyday Card and Discover it® Cash Back
Ask Bankrate staff: How did you use your intro APR offer?
Bankrate staff insights
"My son's tuition is one of my largest expenses of the year. Since I get a discount for paying it all at once, I like to use an intro offer zero-interest credit card to pay the expense and take advantage of the time I have to pay it off incrementally. I can often stack these intro offers with rewards and a welcome bonus to make the deal even better for myself."
Ryan Flanigan, Former Writer, Credit Cards
"This may only make sense to me, but I use intro APR offers to lessen the mental ‘blow’ of large purchases. Though I don’t make any purchases I can’t immediately pay off, it never feels good to see a big chunk of money go out of your account. With an intro APR, I can pay off a large purchase in chunks and feel a little less anxiety about it — even if the total amount is no different. It’s just a mental trick that makes life easier for me. A $1,000 car repair is easier to stomach if I think of it as $100 for 10 months than a one-time lump sum of $1,000."
Nouri Zarrugh, Former Senior Editor, Credit Cards
"Shortly after I bought a car, I applied for the Citi Custom Cash card because it had an introductory APR offer I wanted to take advantage of alongside my new car loan. I used the card to buy groceries and, occasionally, gas. I never had a loan before, so making car payments was new to me. I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, or at least get far enough ahead on the loan that I could trim the overall interest I would pay on it. The intro APR gave me a safety net while I managed a new monthly car payment. I also recently opened a new card with a welcome offer and introductory APR on new purchases to buy a new office chair. I've been whittling away at the balance and enjoying the comfort that comes with an ergonomic chair!"
Brendan Dyer, Former Writer, Credit Cards
When to get a card with a no-interest intro period
Zero-interest intro period cards are great for splitting large purchase payments over time, which can make paying your bills easier. They can also be great for consolidating current card debt, but you might find better options for that among our best cards for balance transfers.
Here are some situations you might find yourself in that could make a 0 percent intro APR card a great choice:
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Home projects and emergency repairs
Cards with 0 percent intro offers can be the greatest tool in your shed during a home renovation project. Home improvement and project site Angi reports that homeowners spent an average of $12,050 on projects, maintenance and emergencies in 2024. The cost of your home project will vary, but if you can pay back $12,000 over 15 months or longer — instead of upfront — you’ll retain some liquidity for other expenses in your life.
The best cards for home projects are: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card or Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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Medical expenses
According to health policy organization, KFF, 53 percent of people with $10,000 or more in medical debt don’t think they will ever pay it off. While the credit profile of these users might vary, if you face medical expenses, an introductory 0 percent interest card can help you carry your regular expenses as a balance so you can allocate more of your cash to medical bills. And if you have to travel for a family emergency or to receive medical care, an intro APR card can help cover those costs that you can pay over time.
Although there isn’t a great way to earn cash back or rewards for medical purchases, consolidating your everyday purchases on an intro 0 percent interest card can open up your budget to repay medical bills.
The best 0% intro APR cards for medical purchases: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or Wells Fargo Reflect® Credit Card
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School expenses and childcare
Whether it's private school, daycare or college tuition, education options for your children can be expensive. Introductory no-interest credit card offers can be valuable tools when paying these costs on your own terms, especially if payment plans aren't available. Once you're square with the school or service provider, repayment is up to you, and you should use all the tools at your disposal to make these expenses manageable.
The best card for school expenses: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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Large purchases
Maybe you’re expecting to make a new, large purchase and want to retain some cash in your savings.
An introductory 0 percent interest card is a means to safeguard your liquidity by letting you chip away at a balance over the duration of your card’s introductory period. Plus, if it’s one of the best 0 percent intro APR cards, you’ll earn a decent chunk of cash back which you can use to help repay what you owe.
The best cards for large purchases: Citi Custom Cash® Card* or Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
How much can you save with a 0% intro APR card?
Credit card interest is the cost of borrowing money if you don't pay your balance in full each month. At the end of each billing cycle, the credit card issuer calculates your interest charges using your average daily balance, current balance, annual percentage rate (APR) and the number of days in the billing cycle.
Let's say you open an 18-month 0 percent intro APR card for a $3,000 purchase. Bankrate’s credit card payoff calculator shows that an 18-month 0 percent intro APR offer on new purchases could save you nearly $500 in interest on a $3,000 purchase, compared to a card with no intro APR offer and 20 percent interest.
| APR | Balance after new purchases | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total amount paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% for 18 months | $3,000 | $194 | $497 | $3,497 |
| 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 months | $3,000 | $167 | $0 | $3,000 |
Common mistakes to avoid with a no-interest intro period
Zero-interest intro period cards have several benefits, but there are pitfalls to keep in mind as you navigate your debt repayment:
Not paying on time: Always pay the minimum balance due on your statement every month. You need to avoid late payments, otherwise your issuer may revoke your offer.
Not understanding the terms: Your card will offer an intro APR on purchases, balance transfers or both. Don’t make new purchases on a card that only has an intro APR for balance transfers or vice versa, unless you plan to pay that balance off right away.
Spending beyond your credit limit: Keep your balance as close to 30 percent or lower of your total available credit to avoid damaging your credit score.
Carrying a balance at the end of the offer: If you want to avoid interest charges, you’ll need to pay off your balance by the time your introductory APR period ends.
Not redeeming cash back: Rewards and cash back present an opportunity to reduce your balance. Redeem cash back as a statement credit whenever possible.
Missing the balance transfer window: If you're using a zero-interest intro APR card to pay down debt, make sure you transfer your balance to it within the specified time, or you'll miss out on your offer.
Forgetting about balance transfer fees: Remain wary of any fees you’ll owe when you transfer a balance. This fee might still be lower than what you would pay in interest, but calculate what you’ll owe beforehand to avoid sticker shock.
Do you think a 0 percent APR offer could be more valuable than a generous cash back rewards rate?
The answer to this question is “it depends.” If the card has a sufficient limit that would allow you to consolidate high interest debt, it could save you more money than a cash back reward. Typically, the amount of the cash back reward is connected to the amount of spending on the card. This may cause you to spend more money, since you are incentivized to do so. Another consideration is how long the 0 percent offer is in effect. If it is short term, then the benefit will also be short term whereas a cash back reward may not have an expiration date.
The answer to this question is “it depends.” If the card has a sufficient limit that would allow you to consolidate high interest debt, it could save you more money than a cash back reward. Typically, the amount of the cash back reward is connected to the amount of spending on the card. This may cause you to spend more money, since you are incentivized to do so. Another consideration is how long the 0 percent offer is in effect. If it is short term, then the benefit will also be short term whereas a cash back reward may not have an expiration date.
It really depends on how you typically manage your credit card spending and what you are using your credit cards for. If you are someone who knows they will pay their credit card off in full every month, you may prefer to get cash back. You won’t be paying any interest and you’ll receive perks for paying your bill each month.
On the other hand, a 0 percent APR credit card can be a helpful tool if you're planning a large purchase or need to pay down existing debt. These offers typically apply for a limited time, during which you won’t accrue interest on purchases or balance transfers. This can give you breathing room to pay off your balance without the added cost of interest.
Keep in mind, 0 percent APR cards often come with specific terms and conditions. It’s important to read the fine print so you understand any fees, deadlines, or requirements that could affect you.
It really depends on how you typically manage your credit card spending and what you are using your credit cards for. If you are someone who knows they will pay their credit card off in full every month, you may prefer to get cash back. You won’t be paying any interest and you’ll receive perks for paying your bill each month.
On the other hand, a 0 percent APR credit card can be a helpful tool if you're planning a large purchase or need to pay down existing debt. These offers typically apply for a limited time, during which you won’t accrue interest on purchases or balance transfers. This can give you breathing room to pay off your balance without the added cost of interest.
Keep in mind, 0 percent APR cards often come with specific terms and conditions. It’s important to read the fine print so you understand any fees, deadlines, or requirements that could affect you.
Yes — especially for someone who needs breathing room to pay off a large purchase or consolidate existing debt. The value of a 0 percent APR offer lies in what it gives you: time. That window can be used to make real financial progress without compounding interest working against you. But it only works if you have a plan to pay it off before the rate resets. A high rewards rate may feel more exciting, but a 0 percent APR offer can create meaningful relief and progress — if used thoughtfully.
Yes — especially for someone who needs breathing room to pay off a large purchase or consolidate existing debt. The value of a 0 percent APR offer lies in what it gives you: time. That window can be used to make real financial progress without compounding interest working against you. But it only works if you have a plan to pay it off before the rate resets. A high rewards rate may feel more exciting, but a 0 percent APR offer can create meaningful relief and progress — if used thoughtfully.
Frequently asked questions about 0% intro APR credit cards
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A good credit score (FICO score between 670 and 739) would give you a solid chance to qualify for a 0 percent intro APR credit card, and an excellent credit score would give you the best approval odds and rates. You may have the best chance at some zero-interest cards with lengthy 21-month offers if your score is closer to excellent (a FICO score of 740 or higher).
You can estimate your approval odds — and potentially find prequalified card offers — through Bankrate’s CardMatch tool if you want an extra vote of confidence.
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When your 0 percent intro APR offer ends, the card’s regular, ongoing interest rate will apply to any future balance you carry. For example, if your intro APR period is over, and you still have a balance of $200 on your card, your next credit card statement will show that you owe $200 plus any interest you accrue at your card’s regular APR.
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All the longest intro APR offers on the market currently hover around 21 months. However, these lengthy offers have become harder to find.
- The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card offers 0 percent intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time. After the intro period, the APR is 17.49% - 28.49% Variable.
- The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a 0 percent intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate (with a balance transfer fee of 5 percent or a minimum of $5; 17.99%, 24.49%, or 28.74% Variable APR ongoing)
- The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a 0 percent intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers made within four months of account opening, but its 0 percent intro APR on purchases only lasts 12 months. (16.99% - 27.74% (Variable) ongoing)
- The Citi Simplicity® Card also has a lengthy 0 percent intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers. However, its 0 percent intro APR on purchases is also limited to 12 months, with the same ongoing rate thereafter. (17.99% - 28.74% (Variable) ongoing)
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Opening a new credit card will depend on several factors. If you have current card debt you pay interest on, it might be a good idea to open a new card with a zero interest period for balance transfers. If you have several new or large purchases coming up, a zero-interest period can help you avoid extra charges.
How we choose the best 0% intro APR credit cards
Bankrate’s credit card expertise
250
cards compared
50
rewards programs evaluated
189
cards in our wallets
118
years of industry experience
We select cards for “Best” credit cards pages based primarily on how cards score in our proprietary card rating system, our editors’ subjective assessment of card quality, card approval odds and credit requirements and unique card features.
Cards typically must score a minimum of 3.0 stars to be included on a “Best” list. However, we may include cards with scores below 3.0 if they have low credit requirements or unique features — despite their scores, these cards may still be among the “best” in certain categories. Card ratings are not influenced by advertisers or issuer relationships in any way.
Card selection and ordering may vary based on business considerations, including Bankrate visitor interest, site interactions and card application volume. Affiliate commissions (see how we make money), limited-time offers and a card’s general popularity in the product landscape may also influence which cards we feature on our pages and the order in which they appear. Bankrate’s editorial and business teams also strive to feature a variety of card types from various issuers.
For balance transfer and low-interest cards, our scoring breaks down as follows:
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Rates and fees 80%
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Perks 10%
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Customer experience 10%
For rewards cards, the breakdown looks quite different:
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Value 65%
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Flexibility 15%
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Perks 15%
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Customer experience 5%
We analyzed over 100 of the most popular zero-interest cards and scored each based on its introductory APR, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here are some of the key factors that we considered:
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The primary factor in a balance transfer or low-interest card’s rating and its inclusion in our list is the quality of its introductory APR offer and ongoing APR. This includes both the introductory rate itself and the length of the intro APR promotional on both balance transfers and new purchases.
For cards designed primarily for balance transfers, the intro APR offer on balance transfers has the largest impact on overall score. The quality of these cards’ intro APR on new purchases is also considered, but holds less weight than the intro APR on balance transfers.
For general low-interest cards, the intro APR offer on new purchases has the largest impact on overall score, followed by the ongoing APR and intro APR offer on balance transfers. This weighting assumes cardholders considering a card in this category will prioritize payment flexibility on new purchases or may need to carry a balance long term, whereas cardholders trying to pay off debt will opt for a dedicated balance transfer card.
The cards that score the highest in these categories and are most likely to be included in our list tend to offer long 0 percent intro APRs on both balance transfer and new purchases as well as a lower-than-average low-end APR.
Here’s a closer look at how a card’s rates, fees and intro APR periods are evaluated in our rating methodology:
Balance transfer card rates & fees scoring
5Rating: 5 stars out of 5Overall Score-
Intro APR and offer length for balance transfers 45%
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Intro APR and offer length for new purchases 18%
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Balance transfer, annual and other fees 22%
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Ongoing APR 15%
Low-interest card rates & fees scoring
5Rating: 5 stars out of 5Overall Score-
Intro APR and offer length for new purchases 40%
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Ongoing APR 35%
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Intro APR and offer length for balance transfers 13%
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Balance transfer, annual and other fees 12%
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Along with evaluating each card’s intro APR offers, we score balance transfer and low-interest cards based on their fees.
Of primary importance is a card’s balance transfer fee, since this can play a large role in the total cost of a balance transfer. We rate each card’s balance transfer fee based on how it stacks up against the fee you’ll find on competing cards.
While this fee carries less weight when we assess general low-interest cards than dedicated balance transfer cards, it still factors into our evaluation since cardholders may decide to transfer debt to a low-interest card even if it offers no intro APR or an intro APR higher than 0 percent.
And while a lower balance transfer fee could save you more overall than a few extra months of 0 percent APR, this fee carries less weight in our scoring system than a card’s introductory APR and intro APR period. This is because many users prioritize getting as much time as possible to pay off debt while avoiding interest.
Other fees considered in our assessment include the presence of annual, foreign transaction, cash advance and late payment fees, along with penalty APRs. Annual fees are weighted most heavily since these are the only “unavoidable” fees in the list and tend to be less common on dedicated balance transfer and low-interest credit cards.
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While getting a generous intro APR offer and low ongoing APR are likely to be the biggest priorities for someone looking for a low-interest or balance transfer card, we also consider how much value a card can offer after its intro APR comes to an end.
Balance transfer and low-interest cards receive a higher rating and are more likely to be included in our list of best cards if they also include an ongoing rewards program or unique and valuable perks. Such features make a card more useful long term and make it less likely you’ll need to apply for a new card (and temporarily hurt your credit score) after you pay off debt.
With this in mind, our best cards list often includes a number of rewards and cash back cards alongside dedicated balance transfer cards. These cards tend to offer slightly shorter intro APR periods, but could help you save more overall, either via rewards earned on everyday spending, valuable perks or a lower balance transfer fee.
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*The information about the BankAmericard® credit card, Citi Simplicity® Card and Citi Custom Cash® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Continue reading:
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We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
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“How does my credit card company calculate the amount of interest I owe?” Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Accessed on October 13, 2025.
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“2024 State of Home Spending Report.” Angi. Accessed on October 13, 2025.
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“Health Care Debt In The U.S.: The Broad Consequences Of Medical And Dental Bills.” KFF. Accessed on October 13, 2025.
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