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What are 0% APR Credit Cards?
A 0% intro APR credit card is a credit card with an initial period of a certain duration during which the cardholder does not pay interest on the amounts they withdraw from the credit limit. After the completion of the 0% intro APR period, the cardholder must pay interest for the amounts they use.
At the same time, if the borrower still repays their balance monthly, the APR is applied only to the balance unpaid after the grace period of the billing cycle. Most of these credit cards have a changing ongoing APR. This variable APR depends on changes in the market and can both rise and fall. A zero percent rate in such cards applies to purchases and balance transfers.
Interest Rates vs. APRs
The annual percentage rate (APR) differs from the interest rate in that APR includes both interest rates and additional fees. In other words, APR is a complex indicator that includes all the borrower's costs in addition to paying the principal amount.
Based on this, it is possible to say that APR is a more suitable indicator for comparing lenders and credit cards. If borrowers compare loan offers based on the interest rate, they may run into high origination fees, late fees, transaction fees, and prepayment penalties.
Interest rates are often set not by the lenders themselves but by the market. Changes in the market force lenders to raise and lower interest rates for their credit products. APR largely depends on the lender itself since the lender at will sets all additional fees.
The APR value is always higher than the interest rate value, but the borrower should not assume that the lower the interest rate, the lower the loan cost. A lower interest rate may imply smaller repayments, while the cost of the loan may still be high.
A 0% APR credit card has 0% APR in a certain period and a 0% interest rate.
How Credit Score Affects Interest Rates?
Interest rate and hence APR strongly depends on the borrower's credit history. A borrower with a low credit score is riskier for the lender. Moreover, the lower the credit score, the higher the risk that the borrower will have problems with payments. To mitigate the risk, lenders set a high APR for such borrowers.
At the same time, a borrower with a high credit score poses less risk to the lender since a high credit score reflects that the borrower always makes payments on time and has successfully closed one or more loans in the past. For lenders who issue credit cards, a good loan means that the borrower does not spend the entire credit limit and correctly manages the borrowed money.
The interest rate is usually calculated as the prime rate, which is the minimum and is set by the market plus percentage points, the number of which is determined depending on the borrower's credit score.
A borrower with good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score above 690, can count on an interest rate of prime plus less than 12 percentage points.
A borrower with average credit or FICO credit score from 630 to 690 can count on a prime rate plus 15 to 20 points.
A borrower with a bad credit or credit score of less than 630 will have, in addition to the prime rate, also more than 20 percentage points and, accordingly, a higher interest rate compared to borrowers from previous ranges.
How to Compare 0% and Low-interest Credit Cards?
One of the most important aspects that a borrower should pay attention to when choosing a 0% APR credit card or a low-interest card is the duration of the introductory APR period.
Usually, reward cards offer a 0% intro APR period of 15 months. Such cards are great for those borrowers who want to make a big purchase and pay for it later. The longer the 0% interest period, the better, but the borrower should consider several important factors. If the borrower is late with payments, the lender can cancel the grace period and require the borrower to pay interest in full.
For some balance transfer fees cards, the APR may be longer than the APR for purchases or vice versa. Cards with a grace period of more than 18 months mostly do not offer bonus rewards.
The оngoing APR is also important to consider since it is this APR that will be credited to the borrower after the 0% intro APR period ends. When choosing a suitable credit card, the borrower needs to consider offers with the lowest ongoing APR.
Some borrowers make a balance transfer. Such borrowers should pay attention to the size of the balance transfer fee. Usually, lenders require from 3% to 5% of the amount that the borrower transfers. Some financial institutions offer cards without a balance transfer fee.
Late fees and penalty APR are also recommended to find out when choosing a suitable low-interest credit card. Lenders usually have a late fee of about $40. However, with systematic delays in payments, the borrower may lose 0% of the interest period and receive a penalty APR, which can increase the initial interest rate up to 30%.
The borrower should look for a credit card that does not require payment of an annual fee.
Many credit cards, such as low-interest cards and flat-rate cash-back cards, offer various bonus rewards and cash back for purchases in different categories. These rewards and cash back can make using a credit card much more profitable.
Best 0% APR Credit Cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cash back credit card offered by JPMorgan Chase. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You get 1.5% cash back on drugstore purchases, dining at restaurants, takeout, and eligible delivery service.
- Chase Credit Journey. Chase Credit Journey helps you track your credit score with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and other.
- Flexible redemption options. Cardholders can redeem rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or gift cards.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 16.49% to 25.24%.
Discover it Cash Back
Discover it Cash Back is a rewards credit card offered by Discover Financial Services. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months from account opening, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.
- Cash rewards. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Matching cash back at the end of the first year. Discover will match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, effectively doubling the rewards earned.
- Free FICO credit score. Cardholders receive a free FICO credit score on their monthly statement.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer.
- The card has no foreign transaction fee, making it good for those who travel internationally.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 11.99% to 22.99%.
Citi Custom Cash Card
Citi Custom Cash Card is a cash back credit card offered by Citigroup. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to transfer a balance from another card.
- Customizable cash back. Cardholders can choose the categories in which they want to earn the highest cash back rewards, including dining, groceries, gas, and more.
- Easy redemption. Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or gift cards.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is $5 or 3% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 14.74% to 24.74%.
BankAmericard credit card
BankAmericard is a cash back credit card offered by Bank of America. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase.
- Cash rewards. Cardholders can earn 3% cash back in the category of their choice (from a list of 6 options) and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Mobile app. Cardholders can manage their account and view transactions on the Bank of America mobile app.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 17.24% to 25.24%.
Wells Fargo Reflect Card
Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a cash back credit card offered by Wells Fargo. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.
- Customizable cash back. Cardholders can choose the categories in which they want to earn the highest cash back rewards, including dining, gas, groceries, and more.
- Easy redemption. Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or gift cards.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is $5 or 3% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 14.49% to 25.49%.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a cash back credit card offered by Wells Fargo. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.
- Cash back rewards. Cardholders can earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Easy redemption. Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or gift cards.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 14.49% to 25.49%.
Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card is a travel rewards credit card offered by Bank of America. The benefits include:
- Travel rewards. Cardholders can earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, which can be redeemed for a variety of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
- No foreign transaction fees. Cardholders can use their card abroad without incurring any foreign transaction fees.
- Mobile app. Cardholders can manage their account and view transactions on the Bank of America mobile app.
- Preferred rewards. Cardholders can increase their rewards earning potential by enrolling in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 17.24% to 25.24%.
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card is a credit card offered by U.S. Bank. The benefits include:
- Low interest rate. The card offers a low, fixed APR for purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to manage their credit card debt.
- Fraud protection. The card includes fraud protection features, such as zero liability for fraudulent purchases and real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
- Access to U.S. Bank ATMs. Cardholders can access a network of U.S. Bank ATMs for cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and other transactions.
- Customizable alerts. Cardholders can set up customizable alerts to help manage their account, such as alerts for large purchases or when their balance falls below a certain amount.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is a fixed rate, which will depend on the creditworthiness of the cardholder and the current market conditions. The exact APR will be disclosed to the cardholder at the time of account opening.
Chase Freedom Flex
Chase Freedom Flex is a cash back rewards credit card offered by Chase. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to make a large purchase or transfer a balance from another card.
- Cash back rewards. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories that change every quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Easy redemption. Cardholders can redeem their cash back rewards for a statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, or gift cards.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The balance transfer fee is $5 or 5% of each transfer amount, whichever is greater.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 14.99% to 23.74%.
Chase Slate Edge
Chase Slate Edge is a credit card offered by Chase. The benefits include:
- 0% intro APR. The card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months on balance transfers, making it a good option for those looking to transfer a balance from another card and pay it off over time.
- No balance transfer fee. The card does not charge a balance transfer fee for transfers made during the first 60 days of account opening, which can help cardholders save money when transferring a balance from another card.
- Fraud protection. The card includes fraud protection features, such as zero liability for fraudulent purchases and real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
Regarding fees, the card has:
- No annual fee.
- The card has a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction amount in U.S. dollars.
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the card is variable and based on the Prime Rate. It ranges from 14.99% to 23.74% after the introductory period ends.
How to Choose a 0% APR Credit Card?
Choosing the right credit card is as important to make it worth using. To compare offers from various lenders, the borrower can find special comparative articles with tables that highlight all the important key facts. By going to such an article, and the borrower will be able to quickly compare such important aspects as the duration of the introductory interest rate period, ongoing APR, balance transfer fee, and the availability of rewards and cash back.
Another way to compare different loan offers is to get pre-qualification from as many companies as possible. If you have all the necessary information and documentation, filling out an online application takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Having received several pre-qualifications, the borrower will be able to study loan agreements and compare credit conditions. This method is more effective because, in the case of obtaining pre-qualification, the borrower can find out the individual conditions offered by the lender based on their credit history.
When choosing a company, it is important to study user and customer reviews. For example, a borrower can use such an authoritative source as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and get acquainted with the reviews.
Eligibility Requirements
The first criterion for consideration is age. The applicants must be at least 18 years old and have US citizenship or permanent residence in the USA. To confirm the identity of the borrower, the lender may ask them to upload a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID.
Different lenders have their own credit inquiries for potential borrowers. The borrower must have good or excellent credit to receive a 0% APR credit card.
On average, a borrower needs to have a 670 FICO credit score or higher. Such high requirements are because such credit cards are very profitable because, during the 15 to 18 months of the intro APR period, the cardholder can make purchases completely free of charge without using their own money.
Also, the borrower must not have been bankrupt in the last 7 years. The lender also considers the availability of other active loans and the borrower's credit utilization ratio.
The debt-to-income ratio should not be over 40%. The borrower must have a stable source of income that can be documented. To confirm the borrower's income level, the lender may ask them to upload additional documents such as bank statements, W-2s, tax returns, or pay stubs.
How Not to Pay Credit Card Interest?
In addition to the fact that the 0% APR credit card offers the borrower a grace period during which they must pay interest on purchases by their credit limit, there are several ways not to pay interest at all.
A borrower who pays their credit balance on time every month does not have accrued interest on interest for purchases made. However, if the borrower misses minimum payments systematically, they are constantly charged interest and late payment penalties. For successful non-payment of interest, the cardholder should use a small part of the credit limit so that by the end of the grace period, they can pay the balance in full.
The borrower can also request a different date for the start of another billing cycle and thereby extend the grace period and not pay any interest.
