An introductory 0% APR is a characteristic provided by some bank cards that provides cardholders a restricted timeframe by which they’ll keep away from curiosity fees on their steadiness. Usually, a credit card APR sits round 15% to 25% — so that you’d pay anyplace from $150 to $250 in curiosity fees yearly on a $1,000 bank card steadiness.
Introductory APRs can apply both to your new purchases or to a steadiness transferred from a high-interest bank card. With a view to keep away from getting charged curiosity after the introductory 0% APR ends, we advocate paying your steadiness in full earlier than the promotion is up. And keep in mind to make all of your credit card minimum payments on time in order that you do not breach the phrases of the promotion.
Finest introductory steadiness switch APR
Intro SupplyN/A
APR14.99% – 24.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Intro Buy APR0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any BTs made within the first 60 days. A 3% payment (min. $10) applies.
Stability Switch APR14.99% – 24.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Stability Switch Payment Both $10 or 3% of the quantity of every transaction, whichever is bigger.
Late Cost Payment See Phrases
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR none
Our Take
This on-line solely supply might not be accessible for those who go away this web page or for those who go to a Financial institution of America monetary heart. You may reap the benefits of this supply whenever you apply now.
The BankAmericard® bank card not solely has one of many longest steadiness switch provides, nevertheless it additionally provides a decrease steadiness switch payment than different steadiness switch bank cards.
Cardholders can have an introductory 0% APR supply for purchases and steadiness transfers for 21 billing cycles (then 14.99% to 24.99% variable) with a steadiness switch payment of three% ($10 minimal).
You will must make any steadiness transfers inside the first 60 days of account opening, however you may have 21 billing cycles to pay it down. A 3% payment could sound painful, however it can sting far much less contemplating how a lot cash you’d seemingly spend on curiosity fees by letting a steadiness accrue curiosity on one other card.
For extra info, see our full evaluate of the BankAmericard credit card.
Intro SupplyEarn a $200 money rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months
APR18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR
Intro Buy APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful, Good
- Earn limitless 2% money rewards on purchases
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying steadiness transfers
Stability Switch APR18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR
Stability Switch Payment as much as 5%; min: $5
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR None
- Earn limitless 2% money rewards on purchases
Our Take
You may reap the benefits of money rewards on prime of the introductory APR in your purchases with the Wells Fargo Lively Money® Card. Whereas the 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying steadiness transfers lasts for 15 months from account opening (then a 18.74%, 23.74% or 28.74% variable APR), the two% money rewards applies to these purchases and past. When you may be capable of earn greater rewards charges in particular person classes with different playing cards, this is without doubt one of the best credit cards for everyday spending. The money rewards and welcome offer make up for this being a barely shorter introductory APR interval than a few of the different picks.
For extra particulars, see our full evaluate of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
Intro SupplyN/A
APR16.74% – 28.74% Variable APR
Intro Buy APR0% intro APR for as much as 21 months from account opening
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful, Good
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% intro APR for as much as 21 months from account opening on qualifying steadiness transfers
Stability Switch APR16.74% – 28.74% Variable APR
Stability Switch Payment as much as 5%; min: $5
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR None
Our Take
The Wells Fargo Mirror® Card provides a novel proposition amongst 0% introductory APR playing cards. Not solely are you able to reap the benefits of the 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying steadiness transfers for a whole 18 months from account opening, however you’ll be able to earn a 3 month extension on that timeframe for those who pay all your minimal funds on time throughout the introductory interval. This implies you should use as much as 21 months from account opening of 0% introductory APR on purchases and qualifying steadiness transfers (16.74% to twenty-eight.74% variable APR thereafter), which is unmatched by every other supply we might discover. The trick is — as with all 0% intro APR playing cards — to be disciplined.
Take a look at our full evaluate of the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card.
Intro SupplyN/A
APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Buy APR0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases
Beneficial Credit score Good/Wonderful
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on steadiness transfers
Stability Switch APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Stability Switch Payment Both 3% of the quantity of every switch or $5 minimal, whichever is bigger
Overseas Transaction Charges 2% of every international buy transaction or international ATM advance transaction in U.S. {Dollars}. 3% of every international buy transaction or international ATM advance transaction in a Overseas Foreign money
Our Take
The U.S. Financial institution Visa Platinum Card is a good card for a steadiness switch, with 18 billing cycles of 0% intro APR on purchases and steadiness transfers. (Bear in mind you continue to must make minimal month-to-month funds, although: 18.24% to twenty-eight.24% variable APR thereafter.) The trade-off is a scarcity of welcome bonus and rewards, however there is no annual payment both.
For extra particulars, see our full evaluate of the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card.
One of many longest intro APR intervals
Intro SupplyN/A
APR17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Intro Buy APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 18 months
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good Credit score
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Intro APR on Stability Transfers for 18 months
Stability Switch APR17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Stability Switch Payment Both $5 or 5% of the quantity of every switch, whichever is bigger.
Overseas Transaction Charges 3% of every transaction in U.S. {dollars}
Penalty APR As much as 29.99%
Our Take
The Chase Slate Edge℠ provides a full 18 months of 0% introductory APR on each purchases and steadiness transfers (17.99% to 26.74% variable APR thereafter), beating out most different playing cards with intro APR provides. Past these 18 months, you may have the choice to make the most of My Chase Plan® on qualifying purchases of at the least $100. With this program, you’ll be able to unfold out your funds in month-to-month installments for no curiosity — the catch is a flat month-to-month payment of 1.72%. However you will need to observe that this payment can find yourself being very expensive, on par with the next APR in case your steadiness stays unpaid.
See our full evaluate of the Chase Slate Edge for extra particulars.
Larger management over rewards with an intro APR supply
Intro Supply$200 on-line money rewards bonus after you make at the least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Intro Buy APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good
- Earn 3% money again within the class of your selection (as much as $2,500 in mixed selection class/grocery retailer/wholesale membership quarterly purchases).
- Earn computerized 2% at grocery shops and wholesale golf equipment (as much as $2,500 in mixed selection class/grocery retailer/wholesale membership quarterly purchases).
- Earn limitless 1% on all different purchases.
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made within the first 60 days. A 3% payment (min. $10) applies.
Stability Switch APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Stability Switch Payment Both $10 or 3% of the quantity of every transaction, whichever is bigger.
Late Cost Payment See Phrases
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR As much as 29.99% APR
- Earn 3% money again within the class of your selection (as much as $2,500 in mixed selection class/grocery retailer/wholesale membership quarterly purchases).
- Earn computerized 2% at grocery shops and wholesale golf equipment (as much as $2,500 in mixed selection class/grocery retailer/wholesale membership quarterly purchases).
- Earn limitless 1% on all different purchases.
Our Take
This on-line solely supply might not be accessible for those who go away this web page or for those who go to a Financial institution of America monetary heart. You may reap the benefits of this supply whenever you apply now.
The Financial institution of America® Custom-made Money Rewards bank card provides you extra management over the way you earn rewards than most bank cards and supplies a strong introductory APR supply.
Its intro buy APR is probably going going to be of extra use right here over its steadiness switch alternative, contemplating the cardboard’s robust rewards. You are capable of make purchases after which pay them down at a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles earlier than the usual APR of 16.99% to 26.99% (variable) applies.
For no annual payment, you’ll be able to select to earn rewards for fuel, on-line purchasing, eating, journey, drug shops, or dwelling enchancment/furnishings. On-line purchasing and residential enchancment purchases are uncommon bonus classes to seek out. Nonetheless, the cardboard is held again a bit by its spending cap, however for those who’re a smaller spender, it is actually a viable choice.
You may learn extra in our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card review.
Sturdy rewards and a protracted intro steadiness switch APR
Intro SupplyFor a restricted time, earn $200 money again after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months of account opening.
APR17.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
Intro Buy APRN/A
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful, Good
- Earn 2% on each buy with limitless 1% money again whenever you purchase, plus an extra 1% as you pay for these purchases.
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% intro for 18 months on Stability Transfers
Stability Switch APR17.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
Stability Switch Payment There may be an intro steadiness switch payment of three% of every switch (minimal $5) accomplished inside the first 4 months of account opening. A steadiness switch payment of 5% of every switch ($5 minimal) applies if accomplished after 4 months of account opening.
Late Cost Payment As much as $41
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR As much as 29.99% (Variable)
- Earn 2% on each buy with limitless 1% money again whenever you purchase, plus an extra 1% as you pay for these purchases.
Our Take
The Citi Double Money Card is without doubt one of the greatest flat-rate cash-back playing cards you might add to your pockets. It is each profitable and versatile because it earns rewards it doesn’t matter what you are shopping for. It additionally includes a lengthy promotional interval to pay down a transferred steadiness.
It is a double risk, it will probably enable you to keep away from curiosity fees accruing on one other bank card and supply loads of rewards after you pay it off. It has lasting worth when in comparison with different steadiness switch bank cards. It additionally has no annual payment which suggests you’ll be able to pair it with different rewards playing cards to maximise the return in your spending.
Discover all the small print in our Citi Double Cash Card review.
Intro APR with an intro $0 steadiness switch payment
Intro SupplyN/A
APR9.99% to 21.49% (Variable)
Intro Buy APR0% Introductory APR for the primary 15 months that your account is open.
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good Credit score
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Introductory APR for the primary 15 months that your account is open.
Stability Switch APR9.99% to 21.49% (Variable)
Stability Switch Payment Both $10 or 3% of the quantity of every steadiness switch, whichever is bigger.
Late Cost Payment As much as $37
Overseas Transaction Charges 3% of every transaction in U.S. {dollars}.
Penalty APR None
Our Take
The Union Financial institution Platinum Visa Credit score Card* combines a aggressive introductory APR size with the uncommon characteristic of a reasonable steadiness switch. Most bank cards will cost a payment whenever you switch your steadiness — normally 3% or 5% of the transaction — which may add to the debt it’s good to repay. However for those who switch a steadiness to the Union Financial institution Platinum card inside the first 60 days of getting authorized, you may pay no balance transfer fees (3% steadiness switch payment with a $10 minimal thereafter). For each purchases and steadiness transfers, you may get 15 months from account opening to reap the benefits of the introductory APR (after that, you may be topic to a variable 9.99% – 21.49% APR).
The next-than-average steadiness switch payment
Intro SupplyFor a restricted time earn a $150 Assertion Credit score after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
APR16.74% – 27.49% (Variable)
Intro Buy APR0% for 12 months on Purchases
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful, Good
Reward ChargesN/A
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% for 21 months on Stability Transfers
Stability Switch APR16.74% – 27.49% (Variable)
Stability Switch Payment Stability switch payment applies with this supply 5% of every steadiness switch; $5 minimal.
Late Cost Payment As much as $41
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR As much as 29.99% (Variable)
Our Take
The Citi Diamond Most well-liked provides cardholders a big period of time to pay down a transferred steadiness, nevertheless it’s held again by its excessive steadiness switch payment.
Cardholders have a strong 21 months to pay down any steadiness they switch at 0% introductory APR (then 16.74% to 27.49% (variable)) however they’re going to first must pay a steadiness switch payment of 5% ($5 minimal). The usual steadiness switch payment is 3%, so you may find yourself paying a bit extra with the Diamond Most well-liked Card than most different steadiness switch bank cards.
Regardless of the shortage of rewards, there’s additionally an intro buy APR you might reap the benefits of to finance a big, deliberate buy. Nonetheless, the introductory APR on purchases is considerably shorter.
You may study extra concerning the card in our Citi Diamond Preferred review.
Journey rewards with an introductory APR
Intro Supply25,000 on-line bonus factors after you make at the least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening – that may be a $250 assertion credit score towards journey purchases.
APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Intro Buy APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good
- Earn limitless 1.5 factors per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual payment and no international transaction charges and your factors do not expire.
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made within the first 60 days. A 3% payment (min. $10) applies.
Stability Switch APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Stability Switch Payment Both $10 or 3% of the quantity of every transaction, whichever is bigger.
Late Cost Payment See phrases
Overseas Transaction Charges None
Penalty APR as much as 29.99% APR
- Earn limitless 1.5 factors per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual payment and no international transaction charges and your factors do not expire.
Our Take
This on-line solely supply might not be accessible for those who go away this web page or for those who go to a Financial institution of America monetary heart. You may reap the benefits of this supply whenever you apply now.
With no annual payment, the Financial institution of America® Journey Rewards bank card is a good starter travel credit card.
There are no international transaction charges, which can primarily prevent 3% of every transaction you make overseas. And for those who use it for a deliberate journey, you’ll be able to pay the journey off at 0% introductory curiosity for 18 billing cycles earlier than the usual APR of 16.99% to 26.99% (variable) kicks in.
There’s additionally a steadiness switch supply for a similar time interval for any transfers made inside 60 days of account opening (with a payment of three% and $10 minimal). It does not supply many journey facilities like journey playing cards at the next price-point, nevertheless it’s a very good card to make use of earlier than shifting on to extra superior bank cards.
Be taught extra in our Bank of America Travel Rewards card review.
A flat-rate and an intro APR supply
Intro Supply$200 on-line money rewards bonus after you make at the least $1,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Intro Buy APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases
Beneficial Credit score Wonderful/Good Credit score
- Earn limitless 1.5% money again on all purchases.
Annual Payment$0
Intro Stability Switch APR0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for any BTs made within the first 60 days. A 3% payment (min. $10) applies.
Stability Switch APR16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and steadiness transfers
Stability Switch Payment Both $10 or 3% of the quantity of every transaction, whichever is bigger.
Late Cost Payment See Phrases
Overseas Transaction Charges 3%
Penalty APR as much as 29.99% APR
- Earn limitless 1.5% money again on all purchases.
Our Take
This on-line solely supply might not be accessible for those who go away this web page or for those who go to a Financial institution of America monetary heart. You may reap the benefits of this supply whenever you apply now.
The Financial institution of America® Limitless Money Rewards bank card retains it easy. Make your purchases with the cardboard to earn 1.5% money again. If in case you have any deliberate journeys or giant purchases arising, you’ll be able to cost it to the cardboard and pay it down at 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles, then 16.99% to 26.99% (variable).
The identical supply applies to any steadiness transfers made inside 60 days of account opening, with a 3% payment ($10 min). It is a reasonable choice for normal spenders seeking to both mitigate bank card debt or keep away from curiosity fees on a deliberate buy.
One other steadiness switch alternative
Uncover it® Stability Switch
- Intro supply: All money again earned on the finish of your first 12 months might be matched
- APR: 14.99 p.c to 25.99 p.c variable
- Intro buy APR: 0% for the primary six months
- Intro steadiness switch APR: 0% for the primary 18 months
- Beneficial credit score: Good to wonderful
- Rewards charges: 5% money again after activation on rotating classes every quarter (as much as $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%), 1% for all different purchases
- Annual payment: $0
For no annual payment, the Uncover it® Stability Switch* card additionally supplies cardholders with a aggressive alternative to mitigate a few of their current bank card debt.
Cardholders can have an intro 0% APR for 18 months to pay down a transferred steadiness (then 14.99% to 25.99% variable) with an intro steadiness switch payment of three% — although this may increasingly attain as much as 5% payment on future steadiness transfers (see phrases).
Learn how to Select a 0% APR Credit score Card
A very powerful characteristic to concentrate to when selecting a bank card with an introductory APR is the size of its APR supply. You will need to make sure you could have sufficient time to repay the transferred steadiness or giant, deliberate purchases earlier than it begins to accrue curiosity once more.
A great way to seek out out for those who’ll have sufficient time is to take the steadiness or buy quantity and divide it by the variety of months you may should pay it down.
To illustrate you propose to switch a steadiness of $3,000 and have 18 months to pay it down. 3,000 divided by 18 is about 167. Meaning you may want to have the ability to pay at the least $167 every month to pay down the steadiness in time.
You must also take into account the charges that include the cardboard. Initiating a steadiness switch sometimes requires you to pay a one-time steadiness switch payment. There are credit cards without a balance transfer fee, however they sometimes do not have as beneficiant phrases as steadiness switch playing cards that do.
The trade customary steadiness switch payment is about 3%, so something greater than that and it’s possible you’ll need to rethink the selection. That mentioned, paying a one-time payment will sometimes price far lower than paying steady curiosity fees at a excessive APR.
Stability switch bank cards, for probably the most half, do not have many different perks, so it is likely to be good to pair one with a rewards credit card, travel credit card or cash-back credit card.
Kinds of bank card APRs
Bank cards have 5 several types of annual percentage rates, or APRs. There’s the usual buy APR, steadiness switch APR, a penalty APR, a money advance APR and an introductory APR.
The one you may seemingly cope with probably the most is the acquisition APR, as that determines the speed at which the purchases you make accrue curiosity. The second most essential is the steadiness switch APR. That applies to any steadiness you switch from one other card. Each of those classes are impacted by an introductory APR supply which usually drops one or each to 0% for a variety of months.
The introductory APR is a promotional supply that normally runs from 9 to 21 months, relying on the cardboard. Throughout this time, your new purchases, a transferred steadiness, or each will not accrue any curiosity. After the 0% introductory APR interval expires, your balances might be topic to a variable APR.
The penalty APR solely applies for those who miss a credit card payment. It is sometimes capped at 29.99%, which is way greater than the usual APR. Your new purchases following the missed cost will accrue curiosity on the penalty fee. In the event you miss two funds, the upper APR may also be utilized to your present assertion steadiness. You will even be accountable for late charges.
A cash advance APR applies to a money advance you are taking out in opposition to your line of credit score. It normally is not value it due to the excessive APR and the big payment it requires to take action. It is normally greater than the usual APR your card will carry.
Most APRs are variable, which suggests the speed could change with out discover. Modifications to a variable APR happen as a result of it’s tied to the prime fee — the rate of interest banks cost their most creditworthy clients.
In any other case, your APR relies in your creditworthiness and a premium charged by the bank card issuer.
Is a 0% APR best for you?
In the event you’re struggling beneath the burden of bank card debt, an introductory 0% steadiness switch APR might alleviate a few of that strain. Even when there’s a steadiness switch payment, it will be value the fee when in comparison with how a lot you’d spend on curiosity fees.
If in case you have a deliberate, giant buy arising, utilizing an intro 0% buy APR to finance it can enable you to to keep away from curiosity fees and due to this fact go away your funds in a greater spot than had you charged it to a bank card with a normal APR.
Learn how to profit from your 0% APR bank card
Use it to mitigate bank card debt or to finance a big, deliberate buy, however do not let an introductory buy APR encourage you to make any pointless purchases you in any other case would not have.
Selecting a steadiness switch bank card that gives rewards is usually a great way to make sure lasting worth as soon as its promotional interval ends. Closing credit cards can harm your credit score rating, and typically an issuer could reinstate an introductory APR rate of interest for those who’ve proven accountable conduct.
Learn how to apply for a 0% APR bank card
Observe these steps to use for a 0% APR bank card:
- Discover the cardboard the suits your wants.
- Apply securely on the bank card issuer’s web site.
- Provoke a steadiness switch as quickly as doable to qualify for the introductory APR.
- Repay the steadiness inside the given time restrict.
By doing so, you may be nicely in your option to avoiding curiosity fees.
FAQs
How do 0% intro APR playing cards have an effect on your credit score rating?
Like with every other bank card, lacking a bank card cost will injury your credit score rating. Nonetheless, a steadiness switch bank card might assist enhance your credit score rating by eliminating your bank card debt. Eliminating bank card debt will lower your credit score utilization. A decrease credit score utilization contributes to a more healthy credit score rating.
Can you could have multiple 0% APR Card?
Sure, you’ll be able to have a number of bank cards with a 0% APR supply.
What’s the longest 0% APR interval you will get?
The longest 0% APR supply interval is 21 months.
What is an efficient bank card APR?
Bank card APRs are decided by the federal benchmark rate of interest set by the Federal Reserve, financial components, and your creditworthiness. So an APR your buddy will get won’t be the identical as your individual, relying in your earnings, credit score rating and different components. Take a look at our article about good current credit card APRs for extra particulars.
Who qualifies for a 0% APR bank card?
Usually talking, it is simpler to qualify for a 0% APR bank card if in case you have good/wonderful credit score. Bank card issuers are shedding out on cash from curiosity fees by providing a 0% APR, so issuers sometimes need to make sure you are accountable sufficient to repay the debt.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively evaluating them throughout set standards developed for every main class, together with cash-back, welcome bonus, journey rewards and steadiness switch. We take into accounts the standard spending conduct of a variety of shopper profiles — with the understanding that everybody’s monetary state of affairs is totally different — and the designated perform of a card.
Extra bank card suggestions
*All details about the Union Financial institution Platinum Visa Credit score Card and the Uncover it Stability Switch has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content material on this web page relies solely on goal, impartial assessments by our writers and isn’t influenced by promoting or partnerships. It has not been offered or commissioned by any third get together. Nonetheless, we could obtain compensation whenever you click on on hyperlinks to services or products provided by our companions.