Credit Cards that Offer 0% APR Balance Transfers for 21 Months

In early 2008, a handful of credit cards offered a 0% APR for 15 Months on purchases and/or balance transfers. In 2009, credit card companies drastically reduced 0% introductory periods, with many offers being slashed to as little as 6 months and no major credit card company offering 0% for 15 month deals, let alone a 0% APR for 21 months.

In early 2011, credit card companies started offering 0% interest rates for longer durations and the availability of credit cards offering a 0% APR for at least 12 months on purchases and/or balance transfers increased significantly. However, Citibank balance transfer credit cards now offer the longest 0% rates. One of their cards, the Citi Platinum select, offers a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months. The Citi Dividend card offers a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers 15 months, plus provides consumers with a $100 cash back bonus. The Discover More Card, which I consider to be among the best balance transfer credit cards, also provides a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months.

Below you can review details of current balance transfer offers that provide a 0% APR for 21 months on balance transfers and purchases.

Compare more 0% APR Balance Transfer Offers

Is a 21 Month Balance Transfer Necessary?

While it may be tempting to choose the longest balance transfer offers available, consumers may find greater benefits in shorter duration offers that provide sign-up bonuses. One card in particular worth noting is the Citi Dividend $100 offer. While this card offers a 15 month introductory rate – a full six months shorter than the longest 21 month 0% APR offers – it does provide a $100 cash back reward when consumers spend $500 within three months of becoming a card-member. The Chase Freedom Visa offers a similar $100 cash back bonus, but only offers a 12 month 0% interest rate on balance transfers. Consumers who don’t need the longest balance transfer offers and want a credit card with reward earning opportunities may find that either the Citi Dividend or Chase Freedom card offer better overall value than the longest offers currently on the market.

Ultimately, when choosing between the longest 21 month balance transfer offers and shorter promotions that offer credit card rewards, it is important to consider if credit card debt can realistically be repaid during the shorter introductory period. If it cannot, then it is wise to avoid cash back promotions and stick to credit cards that offer the longest 05 rates – and thus the most protection against credit card interest.

*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.