0% APR Credit Card Offers

For most consumers, especially those intending to use their new credit card for purchases, a 0% APR credit card for balance transfers and purchases can provide the best value.  Unfortunately, the number of credit cards offering a 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers has become somewhat limited in recent years. However, a few credit cards still offer these deals.

Recently, companies that offer 0% APR credit cards have been increasing the length of introductory rates for both purchases and balance transfers. At the start of 2011, the longest 0% APR credit card deals on purchases only lasted 1 year. In 2012, a number of cards are offering 0% rates for purchases and balance transfers that last 12 months while a few companies are offering 0% interest rates lasting 15 and even 18 months.

Below you can compare 0% APR credit cards and apply online once you’ve found the right card.

0% APR Credit Card Offers

Chase Slate®

Editor’s Pick*: Offers a 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers with no transfer fees and a regular APR of 12.99%, 17.99%, 22.99% (V)*.

BankAmericard® Visa® Card

Editor’s Note*: 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 10.99% – 20.99% variable APR*

Discover it®

Editor’s Note: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months—then a variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% – 22.99% Variable*.

Additional 0% APR Credit Card Offers

BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ Credit Card

  • $100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
  • 1% cash back on every purchase, 2% at grocery stores and 3% on gas for the first $1,500 in combined grocery/gas purchases each quarter
  • No annual fee
  • No changing categories and no expiration on rewards
  • 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 12.99% – 22.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
  • Get a 10% customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America® checking or savings account
  • If you’re a Preferred Rewards client, you can increase that bonus to 25%-75%. Click “Apply Now” to learn more about Preferred Rewards.
  • Now with chip technology for enhanced security and protection at chip-enabled terminals

Purchases Intro: 0% for 12 billing cycles*

Balance Transfers Intro: 0% for 12 billing cycles for qualifying balance transfers*

Regular APR: 12.99% – 22.99% Variable on purchases & balance transfers*

Annual Fee: $0

Credit Needed: Excellent Credit

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

  • Get 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 21 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.*
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer.
  • Citi® Easy DealsSM Get what you want for less. Earn Citi Easy Deals Points for the purchases you make with your card.
  • Redeem your points for great online deals on name-brand merchandise, gift cards and even local deals.
  • Let our 24/7 concierge service help book your hotel rooms, flights and more.
  • $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions.
  • No annual fee*

Purchases Intro: 0%* for 21 months*

Balance Transfers Intro: 0%* for 21 months*

Regular APR: 11.99%-21.99% (Variable)*

Annual Fee: $0*

Credit Needed: Excellent Credit

About 0% APR Credit Cards

Before the credit crunch, the standard 0% APR credit card offered a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Some credit cards offered a 0% APR on purchases for 15 months; others offered 0% APR balance transfers for 15 months. But in general, a 0% APR for 12 months was the standard deal.

When the CARD Act was passed in 2009, credit card companies began slashing the length of all 0% APR credit card offers, often to as little as 6 months. However, in late 2010, credit card companies began increasing the length of 0% APR offers, with some companies increasing the length of balance transfer credit card offers to as much as 24 months. Throughout most of 2011 and into 2012, 0% interest lengths have held steady. Average lengths continue to hoover around 12 months, but outliers like the Citi Simplicity card offer industry leading 18 month 0% APR promotions.

Because of the difference in the length of rates offered, the key thing to consider when you choose a 0% APR credit card is whether you will be spending a lot on the new card or primarily using it for zero percent balance transfers. If you will make occasional purchases, then seek out the card with the longest balance transfer. However, if you will be doing a small balance transfer but making many purchases, select a card with a longer 0% rate on purchases.

More Info On 0% APR Credit Cards

The Benefits of 0% APR Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Do you know how much money you waste on interest every year? For the average consumer, this figure is somewhere around $140 for every $1000 of credit card debt. This means that someone with $3,000 in debt spends over $400 a year on interest.

The Best 0% Balance Transfer Credit Card Offers: The past year has been a good one for consumers seeking low rates. Presently, the best 0% APR credit cards offer 0% interest rates ranging from 12 to 18 months on purchases and balance transfers. While only a few companies offer these generous deals, consumers who can benefit from them stand to save a substantial amount of money on interest.

Balance Transfers 101: This article for balance transfer newbies covers the basics of balance transfers and includes tips to help you find the best available deals.

*Important Disclaimer: See credit card applications for complete terms and conditions. While Smart Balance Transfers makes reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information, all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click an “Apply” button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuing company’s web site.

Menu