2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST 0 APR CREDIT CARDS
Why Look for a Zero APR Credit Card?
When it comes to lines of credit, the best possible benefits are those that allow for less interest and more spending power. Credit cards with 0 APR allow for purchases to be made and bills to be paid without tacking on additional costs from high APR rates.
With average APR rates fluctuating between 15% and 21%, there is certainly no harm in finding the best 0 APR credit cards.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Zero APR Credit Cards
These 0 intro APR credit cards offer a brief respite from high interest rates, allowing card holders an opportunity to spend without worrying about high APR percentages. As such, using 0 APR credit cards is a great way to utilize a line of credit without getting overwhelmed by the hidden cost of holding a balance.
While 0 APR credit cards for 24 months aren’t available yet, there are plenty of other long-term options. Thankfully, 0 APR cards are becoming much more flexible with terms and conditions, with a wide variety of 0 intro APR lengths to choose from.
See Also: The Best Prepaid Credit Cards | Guide to Finding Top, Free, Online Prepaid Credit Cards
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best 0 APR Credit Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Chase Slate® Credit Card
- Citi Simplicity® Card
- Discover it® Card
- Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card
Top 6 Best Credit Cards with 0 APR | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Credit Card Name | % or Low Intro APR Offer? | Intro Duration | % (Min) | % (Max) |
BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card | 0% | 12 months | 13.24% | 23.24% |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 0% | 12 months | 13.24% | 23.24% |
Chase Slate® Credit Card | 0% | 15 months | 13.24% | 23.24% |
Citi Simplicity® Card | 0% | 21 months | 13.24% | 23.24% |
Discover it® Card | 0% | 12 months | 11.24% | 23.24% |
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card | 0% | 15 months | 13.24% | 25.24% |
What to Expect from Credit Cards with 0 APR
Banks and financial institutions have started to recognize that new card holders often make decisions based upon low introductory rates. When looking for a new credit card, it is much more likely that people are looking for a 0 APR credit card.
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Although no credit card is created equal, there are a few common characteristics that 0 APR cards share. When considering credits cards with 0 APR rates, keep in mind the following characteristics:
- 0 APR credit cards have end dates
Of course, the credit card itself will last as long as minimum payments are received — but the 0 intro APR will not. All 0 APR cards have different promotional period lengths. Make sure you know the end date for each 0 APR credit card to avoid being charged extra interest.
- Purchase APR is separate from other APR rates
For our purposes, the best 0 APR credit cards refers to the best credit cards with 0 intro APR rates on purchases. Of course, there are other rates that may not be included, like balance transfers, cash advances, and penalty APRs.
- Credit cards with 0 APR should be used wisely
Even the best 0 APR credit cards can negatively affect overall credit score. It can be tempting to tack on additional charges to a zero APR credit card, but this can lower your credit score and increase credit card utilization.
Keep in mind that the recommendation is to use less than 30% of your credit limit, even on 0 intro APR credit cards.
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best 0 APR Credit Cards
Below, please find the detailed review of each credit card on our list of the best APR credit cards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these 0 percent APR credit cards to score so highly in our selection ranking.
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BankAmericard Cash Rewards™
Credit Card Review
For those who are looking for 0 intro APR credit cards that also offer high rewards, the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ credit card is an excellent option. In fact, a multi-faceted rewards program is a large factor in making this one of the best 0 APR credit cards to consider.
BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ APR Rates & Terms
As a 0 APR credit card, the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ card comes with a few select terms and conditions. These terms and conditions include:
Cardholders can enjoy no APR on purchases for a full year, including balance transfers.
- $100 online cash rewards bonus
If $500 in purchases is put on the card within the first 90 days, cardholders are rewarded with an online cash rewards bonus.
- Enhanced rewards program
Using 0 APR credit cards is often benefit enough, but the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ program enhances this benefit. The rewards program offers 1% cash back on every purchase, 2% on groceries, and 3% on gas purchases. As one of the best 0 APR credit cards, this particular card also has one of the best rewards programs.
Additional Benefits of the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card
Cardholders who are already Bank of America customers may find that this zero APR credit card is uniquely suited for them. Cardholders can get a 10% bonus each time their rewards balance is transferred to a Bank of America checking or savings account.
Those who happen to be Preferred Rewards clients can see this increase to 25%-75%. For current Bank of America customers who are looking for 0 intro APR credit cards, the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ credit card is a great fit.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
from American Express Review
With high rewards and a competitive APR, this is one of the best APR credit cards to consider. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from America Express earns consistently high ratings from finance specialists, earning a total of 4.4/5 stars on NerdWallet.
Consumers and experts alike agree that those looking for credit cards with 0 APR should consider this card as one of the best 0 intro APR credit cards.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card APR Rates & Terms
As one of the best credit cards with 0 APR, there are a few innate qualities that set this card apart from the competition. These benefits include:
This introductory rate also applies to balance transfers, making this one of the best 0 APR credit cards for versatile savings on interest.
- Promotional cash back offers
There are many ways to get cash back, making this one of the most versatile 0 intro APR credit cards. Cardholders who apply by 1/11/17 can enjoy 10% back on purchases made through Amazon.
Additionally, $1,000 spent within the first 3 months is an automatic $250 cash back reward.
- Competitive rewards
Many of the best 0 APR credit cards also have the best rewards programs, and the Blue Cash Preferred® card from American Express certainly falls into that category. Cardholders can enjoy a whopping 6% cash back on grocery purchases.
Gas stations and select department stores earn 3% cash back, increasing the overall value of the card.
Additional Benefits of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
After the introductory period ends, 0 percent APR credit cards from American Express default back to a range of 13.24%-23.24%. While this may not be the lowest possible APR rate, it does fall underneath the national average of 15%.
This makes the card one of the most affordable 0 intro APR credit cards to have, even after the promotional period ends.
Chase Slate® Credit Card Review
For consumers looking to find simple, rewarding, no-APR credit cards, the Chase Slate® credit card is the perfect option. In fact, this card is consistently highlighted among other 0 intro APR credit cards for its longer introductory rates and benefits over time.
Chase Slate® Credit Card Rates & Terms
Part of why the Chase Slate® credit card is ranked among the best credit cards with 0 APR offers stems from competitive rates and terms. These include:
- 0% APR for 15 months
With over a year of zero APR, this is one of the best APR credit cards to have. Compared to other credit cards with 0 APR offers, the Chase Slate® offers 3-6 additional months of interest-free spending.
This low rate also applies to balance transfers, making this a dynamic choice among 0 percent APR credit cards.
- No penalty APR
The Chase Slate® credit card is one of a handful of no-APR credit cards that utilizes low fees across the board. Not only are purchases and balance transfers covered under 0% protection, but so are penalty APRs.
- No annual fee
As one of many options for 0 intro APR credit cards, the Chase Slate® credit card is particularly beneficial for long-term use. It is one of few no-APR credit cards without an annual fee.
Additional Benefits of the Chase Slate® Credit Card
Cardholders have access to additional financial tools, like free access to their monthly FICO score. This can not only help monitor fluctuations in credit score, but it can also help cardholders better understand overall credit rating.
For those looking for 0 intro APR credit cards to help manage their finances and improve credit rating, the Chase Slate® credit card is a great option.
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Citi Simplicity® Card Review
Those looking for 0 APR credit cards for 24 months will be relieved to find the Citi Simplicity® card. It has one of the longest introductory terms out of all other credit cards with 0 APR offers.
This longer APR term has certainly not gone unnoticed. In fact, when compared to other 0 intro APR credit cards, the Citi Simplicity® card has been called “the best in the business.”
Image Source: Pixabay
Citi Simplicity® Card Rates & Terms
When taking a closer look at the unique rates and terms for the Citi Simplicity® card, it isn’t difficult to see why it is considered one of the best 0 APR credit cards. A quick glance at these rates and terms includes:
Simply put, this is the longest term available for credit cards with 0 APR rates. As an additional benefit, this introductory rate applies to balance transfers, too.
- Enhanced customer service
Getting a hold of customer service can certainly be frustrating. Credit cards with 0 APR rates are more likely to be used often, increasing the likelihood of needing to contact customer service.
Luckily, the Citi Simplicity® card connects to fast and reliable customer service, routing cardholders to customer service representatives rather than an automated teller.
- No late fees or penalties
Citi prides itself on providing the only credit card with no late fees, no penalty APR, and no annual fees. As one of the best 0 APR credit cards, the Citi Simplicity® card strives to save cardholders money, even after the introductory period ends.
Additional Benefits of the Citi Simplicity® Card
While this 0 APR credit card does not come with a rewards program, the rates and terms certainly make up for it. The best 0 APR credit cards will offer long-term value after the introductory period ends, and the Citi Simplicity® card certainly accomplishes that.
Searching for 0 APR credit cards for 24 months may not yield any results, but with the Citi Simplicity® card, 21 months of interest-free spending are well within reach.
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Discover it® Card Review
With an average cardholder rating of 4.8/5.0, the Discover it® card is an integral addition to the best 0 APR credit cards. Consumers and experts alike praise this credit card for offering high value and rewards, particularly for new cardholders.
Discover it® Card Rates & Terms
When looking at the Discover it® card as one of the best 0 intro APR credit cards, there are a few crucial rates and terms to consider. These rates and terms include:
Those who are planning on using credit cards with 0 APR for debt consolidation will be pleased to know that this introductory APR applies to balance transfers as well.
- Cash back rewards are matched
Unique to the Discover it® card is a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash earned at the end of the first year. This is a feature that is exclusively for new cardholders, adding to the value of the 0 intro APR offer.
- Multiple ways to earn rewards
The Discover it® card offers 5% cash back in bonus categories, like groceries, gas, restaurants, Amazon.com, and more. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
Additional Benefits of the Discover it® Card
As one of the best 0 APR credit cards, the Discover it® card also comes with multiple means of saving money. There is no annual fee attached to the card, meaning that more credit can be set aside for purchases.
Additionally, FICO scores can be checked for free each month. The ability to easily and thoroughly manage your credit score increases the value of the card, setting it apart from similar credit cards with 0 APR rates.
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Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa®
Card Review
Wells Fargo is well-known for providing 0 intro APR credit cards with cash back rewards. One of their most popular products is the Cash Wise Visa® card, which allows for lowered APR rates and heightened benefits all in one package.
In fact, compared to other Wells Fargo credit cards with 0 APR, the Cash Wise Visa® card has the best overall rewards package.
Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card Rates & Terms
When looking at the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa®, there are a few significant rates and terms that make it stand out as one of the best 0 APR credit cards. These rates and terms include:
It is also possible to use this card to reorganize debt, too, as the 0 intro APR applies to balance transfers as well.
- Unlimited 1.5% back on purchases
While most Wells Fargo 0 intro APR credit cards offer 1% cash back, the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® increases cash back rewards. This competitive rewards rate is a great benefit for consumers looking for dynamic credit cards with 0 APR.
- No annual fee
With a $0 annual fee, this is a great credit card to use over the long-term, even when the introductory period has passed.
Additional Benefits of the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa®
If you happen to have a Wells Fargo debit card, adding the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® may be particularly beneficial.
Wells Fargo is the only major issuer of 0 intro APR credit cards that also allows for rewards to be redeemed at the ATM. Rather than convert rewards points back into credit, cardholders can choose to withdraw rewards earned as cash.
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Conclusion – Top 6 Credit Cards with 0 APR
Having credit cards with 0 APR is a great way to keep debt under control. Whether using 0 intro APR credit cards for consolidation or to start a new line of credit, 0 APR cards can be important tools in managing credit.
Of course, introductory periods without interest will always have an end date. The best 0 APR credit cards strive to make credit accessible and affordable for as long as possible.
0 intro APR credit cards with enhanced features — like low fees and easy balance transfers — come with increased value. Part of finding the best 0 APR credit cards also means finding lines of credit that will continue to be beneficial and efficient, even after the introductory period ends.
Our list of the 6 best 0 APR credit cards can provide expert guidance for those looking for the most beneficial and effective credit cards with 0 APR offers.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
