Best 0% APR Credit Cards of 2023

A credit card with a 0% APR offer can be a smart way to pay off a big purchase over time or help you shed existing debt more quickly. Some of the best cards in this category feature interest-free financing periods of 15 months or longer, while keeping annual fees and balance transfer fees at a minimum. 

Don’t let a balance transfer fee dissuade you from taking advantage of a 0% APR balance transfer offer on a particular card. You’re still likely to save money and pay off your high-interest debt faster with one of these offers. Just make sure you do the math first before signing up for a new card.

We analyzed a broad swath of 0% APR credit cards from a variety of issuers to curate a list of the very best. Here are our selections.

• Best overall: Wells Fargo Reflect

• Best for simplicity: BankAmericard

• Best introductory window for balance transfers: Citi Diamond Preferred

• Best for fair credit: Discover it Cash Back

• Best for earning travel rewards: Bank of America Travel Rewards

• Best for earning bonus cash back: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

• Best for students: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

• Best for no balance transfer fee: Union Bank Platinum Visa Card

• Best for earning cash back rewards on all purchases: Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa Signature

• Best for earning flexible travel rewards points: Amex Everyday

Why it’s the best

The Wells Fargo Reflect is a unique card that offers up to 21 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers. The card offers 18 months of promotional financing, with a three-month extension when you make at least your minimum monthly payment on time during the introductory period. It’s always great to see a card that incentivizes responsible use. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers. 

• Get 3 additional months for a total of 21 months at 0% APR when you make your monthly payments on time. 

• Benefits include cell phone protection, access to roadside dispatch and My Wells Fargo Deals. 

Cons:

• You miss out on the full 21 months of 0% APR financing if you make a late payment. 

• Qualifying balance transfers must be made within four months of account opening. 

• No cash back or other rewards offered.

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards: None

• Introductory interest rate: 18 months introductory 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers, plus an additional 3 months when all minimum payments are made on time. 

• Standard interest rate: 16.74% to 28.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: Introductory fee of 3% ($5 minimum) of each transfer for 120 days from account opening. After, 5% ($5 minimum) of each transfer.

• Perks and benefits: Cell phone protection, roadside dispatch and My Wells Fargo Deals. 

Why it’s the best

When your main focus is finding the longest 0% APR offer available, the BankAmericard from Bank of America delivers. It offers 21 months of introductory 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balances transfers, with no annual fee and no penalty APR if you miss a payment or pay late.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 21 months of 0% intro APR financing on both purchases and balances transfers.

• No annual fee

• No penalty APR

Cons:

• No rewards offered

• Few benefits available

• There’s a balance transfer fee

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: None

• Intro APR:  21 months 0% APR financing on new purchases and on balances transfers made within 60 days of opening the account

• Standard APR: 15.74% to 25.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers

• Perks and benefits: Free FICO Score when you opt in

Why it’s the best

Most balance transfer credit cards with 0% APR offers require qualifying transactions to be completed within 60 days of account opening. However, the Citi Diamond Preferred lets you complete balance transfers within a full four months of account opening. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• New applicants receive four months to complete qualifying balance transfers and get 0% APR financing

• 21 months of 0% APR financing from the date of the first transfers

• No annual fee

Cons:

• Only 12 months of 0% APR financing on new purchases

• No rewards

• No meaningful card benefits outside of the intro 0% APR

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: None

• Intro APR: 21 months of 0% APR for balance transfers, 12 months for new purchases

• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each credit card balance transfer, whichever is greater

• Standard APR: 16.74% - 27.49% variable

• Perks and benefits: Citi Entertainment access

Why it’s the best

This no-annual-fee card offers 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, plus it features a unique first-year welcome bonus: New applicants get a 100% cash-back match of all the rewards they’ve earned in their first year of card membership. The card is useful after the intro offer expires too, since it earns rewards on spending.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter within select categories when you activate, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Earn an automatic cash-back match of all the rewards earned over the year at the end of your first cardmember year

Cons:

• No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits 

• Highest rewards are capped at $1,500 per quarter

• There’s a balance transfer fee 

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter within select categories when you activate, and 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Welcome bonus: Earn a 100% cash-back match at the end of your account’s first year

• Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Standard APR: 15.74% to 26.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer for transfers that post to your account by Mar. 10, 2023 with the 0% intro APR balance transfer offer described above. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer

• Perks and benefits: Free FICO Score, free Social Security number alerts, turn your account on/off with Discover’s Freeze it feature

Why it’s the best

If you need a 0% APR financing offer, and you want to earn travel rewards, then the Bank of America Travel Rewards merits consideration. It offers new applicants 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, plus rewards for spending and a 25,000 point welcome bonus for meeting the minimum spending requirement.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases

• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad

Cons:

• No travel insurance protections

• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value

• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases

• Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR financing on new purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening

• Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction (minimum $10)

• Standard APR: 17.74% - 27.74% variable

• Perks and benefits: Free FICO Score when you opt in, optional overdraft protection

Why it’s the best

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card has staying power long past the 18-month 0% APR offer. The no-annual-fee card’s unique rewards structure lets you choose each month which spending category you want to earn 3% on from a list of six. And it offers 2% back on groceries and wholesale clubs—up to a combined $2,500 in spending in the 3% and 2% categories each quarter. All other spending earns 1% cash back. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs—for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter—and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

• Earn $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

Cons:

• Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap

• Few benefits

• There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs—for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter—and 1% cash back on all other purchases

• Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Standard APR: 17.74% - 27.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: A 3% fee (min $10) applies

• Perks and benefits: Free FICO Score after opting in, optional overdraft protection

Why it’s the best

There are very few cards with 0% APR financing that are available to students, and even fewer that also offer rewards. This card features competitive terms for both. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back

• Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening

Cons:

• No travel insurance protections

• No shopping protections

• A 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for students to use abroad

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back

• Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Standard APR: 17.74% - 27.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: 3% of each transaction (minimum $10)

• Perks and benefits: Free FICO Score after opting in, optional overdraft protection

Why it’s the best

Finding a credit card with 0% APR financing on balance transfers without a balance transfer fee is rare, but this card has it. Without paying a balance transfer fee, you can potentially knock out your debt even faster.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Receive 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• No balance transfer fee for transfers completed within 60 days of account opening

• No annual fee

Cons:

• No travel insurance protections

• You must apply in-branch, and they are only located in California, Oregon and Washington State

• No rewards

More details

• Annual fee:  $0

• Rewards rate: None

• Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Standard APR: 12.24% to 23.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: None

• Perks and benefits: 90 days of theft and damage coverage through the purchase security benefit, overdraft protection

Why it’s the best

While many reward cards only offer 1% cash back on most purchases, and limited bonus rewards on purchases from select categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa Signature offers an unlimited flat-rate 2% cash back on all purchases. New applicants also earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when they spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, as well as 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers

• Earn 2% cash back on all purchases

• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months

Cons:

• No purchase protection policies, other than cell phone protection

• No travel redemption options

• Other cash-back cards earn more in specific categories

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases

• Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers 

• Standard APR: 18.74%, 23.74% or 28.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5

• Perks and benefits: Cell phone protection, free FICO Score

Why it’s the best

The American Express EveryDay card is a great choice for award travel enthusiasts who want to earn Membership Rewards points and take advantage of an introductory 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers. 

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Get 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers 

• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets, earn 1 point per dollar on all other spending

• Earn 20% extra points each billing period you use your card to make 20 or more purchases. Terms apply

Cons:

• No purchase protection policies

• Relatively small welcome bonus of just 10,000 points

• A 2.7% foreign transaction fee

More details

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards rate: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on up to $6,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 point per dollar on all other spending. Plus, earn 20% extra points when you use your card to make 20 or more purchases each billing period

• Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers 

• Standard APR: 16.74% to 27.74% variable

• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

• Perks and benefits: Car rental insurance, bonus rewards on eligible travel booked through Amex Travel, rewards can be transferred to airlines and hotels

Wells Fargo Reflect

Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, with an extension of 3 months after making on-time payments. After, a 16.74% - 28.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: None

Welcome bonus: None

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: You receive up to 21 months of 0% APR financing on new purchases and balance transfers when you make your payments on time, but this card doesn’t offer rewards. 

BankAmericard

Intro APR: 21 months of 0% APR on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 15.74% - 25.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: None

Welcome bonus: None

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers 21 months of 0% APR financing, and it’s a very simple card that has few fees, but few benefits as well. 

Citi Diamond Preferred

Intro APR: 0% APR for 21 months on balances transferred within 4 months of account opening and for 12 months on new purchases. After, a 16.74% - 27.49% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: None

Welcome bonus: None

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: This is also a simple card with few fees and benefits, but it gives you four months from account opening to make qualifying 0% APR balance transfers.

Discover it Cash Back

Intro APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfer for 15 months. After, a 15.74% to 26.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter within select categories when you activate, and 1% cash back on all other purchases 

Welcome bonus: Discover will give you an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically

Foreign transaction fee: None

Other benefits and drawbacks: Turn your account on/off with Freeze it, receive free Social Security number alerts

Bank of America Travel Rewards

Intro APR: 0% APR for 18 months on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 17.74% - 27.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases

Welcome bonus: Earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: Receive 18 months of interest-free financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, while earning 1.5 points per dollar spent. 

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards 

Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 17.74% - 27.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs—for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter—and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: Receive a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers you the ability to choose which category of purchases you want to earn 3% cash back on 

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards for Students

Intro APR: 18 months of 0% APR on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After, a 17.74% - 27.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back

Welcome bonus: Receive a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 within 90 days of account opening

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: This is one of just a few student cards that offer 0% APR financing for 18 months.

Union Bank Platinum Visa Card

Intro APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After, a 12.24% - 23.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: None

Welcome bonus: None

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card offers a purchase security policy that will reimburse you for up to $500 if your purchase is stolen or damaged within 90 days.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa Signature

Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. After, a variable APR of 18.74%, 23.74% or 28.74% will apply.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn 2% cash-back on all purchases, with no limits

Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend

$1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Other benefits and drawbacks: Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill (subject to a $25 deductible).

Amex EveryDay Credit Card

Intro APR: 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. After, a 16.74% - 27.74% variable APR applies.

Annual fee: $0

Rewards: Earn 2x points on up to $6,000 spent annually at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x points elsewhere. Earn 20% extra points when you use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period.

Welcome bonus: Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases in your first 6 months

Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%

Other benefits and drawbacks: Membership Rewards points can be transferred to airline miles or hotel points. You also receive car rental loss and damage insurance when you reserve and pay for your car at the rental car counter and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW).

If you have substantial credit card debt, then opening a new credit card with a 0% APR promotional financing offer on balance transfers can be a good idea. By transferring your existing balance to the new account, you will avoid interest charges during the introductory financing period. This will allow you to pay off your debt sooner, since your payments will be going entirely toward the principal of the debt instead of some toward the accruing interest. 

Ideally, you should use these offers to accelerate the repayment of your debts, not to postpone it. The best strategy is to divide the amount of your balance transferred by the number of months remaining in your introductory financing period, and make that amount of payment each month, ideally using your card’s autopay feature. So long as you don’t incur any new balances, you’ll be debt free before interest begins to accrue. 

Know that many balance transfer cards charge a balance transfer fee ranging from 3% to 5%. However, even after paying that fee, you can likely save money by doing a balance transfer compared to what’d you’d pay by carrying a balance on a card charging you interest.

Cards that offer 0% APR introductory financing on new purchases can be valuable for consumers who anticipate having to make large purchases that they can’t immediately pay off. You should still be strategic—budget for the monthly payment that will allow you to pay the balance off in full before the promotional period comes to an end.

There are many credit cards with 0% APR introductory financing, which is sometimes referred to as promotional financing. These products can offer interest-free financing on new purchases, balance transfers or both. By law, these offers must last for at least six months, but the most competitive cards include at least 15 months of 0% APR financing. 

There are many types of credit cards that can offer 0% APR financing, including no-frills cards, student cards, cash-back cards and travel rewards cards. Thankfully, most 0% APR credit cards have no annual fee. However, nearly all cards will charge a balance transfer fee on the amount you’re transferring. And if you plan on using your card outside of the United States, then you should look for a card that doesn’t impose foreign transaction fees. 

Sound Dollar’s credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.