Credit cards that feature 0% APR promotional rates on purchases and balance transfers are one of the best ways to avoid interest payments and pay down credit card debt. And while there are many cards that have these offers, four of them stand out from the crowd.
These cards offer the longest 0% rates as well as unique money saving features that can help you prevent interest costs from piling up on old purchases or prevent new interest charges on upcoming purchases for up to 18 months.
Chase Slate
The Chase Slate card is the undisputed leader when it comes to 0% APR balance transfer deals as it is the only card that charges no balance transfer fees. This works out to a savings of $30 for every $1,000 transferred compared to other 0% balance transfer offers on the market.
Slate offers 15 months of interest free financing on both new purchase and balance transfers and has no annual fee. While the 15 month 0% APR period is shorter than the 18 month period offered on two Citi cards, the balance transfer fee savings make this the best card for consumers with high rate balances.
- Introductory Offer - No Balance Transfer Fee!*
- Transfer a balance during the first 60 days your account is open, and as an introductory offer you will pay no balance transfer fee!*
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers!*
- Avoid interest and pay down balances faster with free Blueprint® features*
- Patented Fraud Protection and zero liability on unauthorized purchases*
- Add an additional card user to your Slate account at no extra cost*
- No Annual Fee*
0% for 15 months*
0% for 15 months*
11.99% - 21.99% Variable*
$0
Excellent Credit
Citi Simplicity
The Simplicity card from Citi has the longest lasting 0% financing offer and a few other interesting features. New cardholders receive a 0% APR for 18 months on both new purchases and balance transfers. Additionally, Simplicity has no annual fee, no late fees, and no penalty interest rate.
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- No late fees - EVER
- No penalty rate - EVER
- No annual fee - EVER
- Save time when you call with fast, personal help, 24 hours a day.
0%* for 18 months*
0%* for 18 months*
12.99% - 21.99% (Variable)*
$0*
Excellent Credit
Citi Diamond Preferred
Like the Simplicity card, the Citi Diamond Preferred card also offers 18 months of interest free financing on both new purchases and balance transfers, with the same 3% balance transfer fee. But in contrast, the Diamond Preferred card is a full featured product with benefits that include travel insurance, purchase protection, and a concierge service. There is no annual fee for this card.
- Get 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 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® Price Rewind searches for a lower price. Learn how you can get lower price after you purchase an item.
- Let our 24/7 concierge service help book your hotel rooms, flights and more.
- Enjoy special access to presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and unique entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass®.
- $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
- No annual fee*
0%* for 18 months*
0%* for 18 months*
11.99%-21.99% (Variable)*
$0*
Excellent Credit
Discover it
The Discover it card is the new face of the venerable card issuer’s line of products. This new card comes with a promotional financing offer that feature 18 months of interest free financing on balance transfers, but only six months of 0% APR financing on new purchases. And although there is no annual fee, there is the standard 3% balance transfer fee.
Keep in mind that after six months, the minimum balance paid will count towards the 0% APR balance transfer, not new purchases. Only the amount paid in excess of the minimum balance will be applied to the new purchases which are incurring the standard interest rate.
The short 0% rate on purchases really only impacts consumers who transfer large balances and would thus have a high minimum payment every month who also make purchases, as they’d be paying the standard purchase rate on a portion of their balances after 6 months.
However, for those who are simply using the card for balance transfers, the complications described above are a complete non-issue.
- The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards.
- Fair...No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And we won't increase your APR for paying late.*
- Generous…5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in purchases at Home Improvement Stores now through June with free and easy sign-up. And 1% cash back on all other purchases.*
- Plus a Cashback ConciergeSM who guides a free, personalized online tour to help you get the most rewards for how you use your card.
- Flexible…Choose your own due date and pay up to midnight ET online or by phone.
- Human…talk to a real person any time with 100% U.S.-based service.
- 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 18 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% - 22.99%.
- 0% Intro APR* on purchases for 6 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% - 22.99%. *Click apply for Terms & Conditions.
0% for 6 months*
0% for 18 months*
10.99% - 22.99% (V)*
$0
Excellent Credit
To learn more about additional 0% APR credit cards, please visit the main offer comparison section on our website here.
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About the author
Jason Steele is a freelance journalist specializing in personal finance and travel and is recognized as an expert in credit cards. He is a regular contributor to many of the top personal finance sites such as Wise Bread and Money Talks News. His work has been frequently carried on mainstream news outlets such as MSN Money, Yahoo, Finance, and Business insider.
Jason lives in Denver Colorado with his wife and two daughters.
Jason Steele – has written 117 posts.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for evaluating and identifying these great cards for those of who need 0% balance transfers and some time to get going on reducing our debt. It can seem so overwhelming when comparing cards and finding the right one. You have saved us all some time by doing it for us!
You’re welcome.