During the coldest part of winter, many Americans are still trying to get a grip on credit card debt accumulated during the holidays. At the same time, others are looking towards spring vacations and seeking ways to limit the long term cost of making a large purchase on a high interest credit card. The financial burden of these and an infinite number of unforeseen circumstances can often be significantly lessened with the savvy use of 0% APR Credit Cards.
These credit card promotions allow consumers to pay a 0% interest rate on new purchases for up to 18 months as well as transfer credit card balances from high rate cards to ones that do not charge interest for 18 months. These transactions, called balance transfers, can significantly reduce the time it takes to get out of credit card debt and save consumers significant amounts of money that would otherwise be spend on interest.
The credit cards listed below offer exceptional value relative to industry average 0% APR credit card offers which on average only offer 0% rates for 12 months.
Citi Diamond Preferred The Citi Simplicity Card
Both Citi Simplicity and Citi Diamond offer the credit card market’s longest 0% interest rate on both purchases and balance transfers. Lasting 18 months, it is a full 3 months longer than any competing offer and approximately 6 months longer than typical offers.
These two cards are pure “value credit cards”. While they offer some distinct benefits, neither offer rewards. However, they are geared towards consumers seeking long 0% introductory rates as well as low long term rates once the 18 month promotional rate expires.
You can learn more, compare, and apply for these offers below.
- 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
- 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
Chase Slate
Chase Slate is the only 0% APR credit card currently offered by a major bank that charges no fees on balance transfers. The 0% interest rate extends for 15 months on purchases as well and the savings from the lack of a balance transfer fee reduce costs by $3 for every $100 transferred compared to other major bank offers.
- 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
Discover it
The new Discover it card features 14 months of interest free financing on both new purchases and balance transfers. And while this is slightly less than its rivals, this card also offers a competitive rewards program. Discover it cardholders receive up to 1% cash back on all purchases, and 5% on categories of merchants that change each quarter, on the first $1,500 spent per quarter. This card is good fit for consumers who need to pay down a little debt but can do so in less than 15 months who then want to earn rewards instead of switching credit cards again.
- 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.
- Safe…Because you’ll never pay for unauthorized purchases with our $0 Fraud Liability Guarantee.
- 0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months. Then the variable purchase APR applies, currently 10.99% - 22.99%. *Click apply for Terms & Conditions.
0% for 14 months*
0% for 14 months*
10.99% - 22.99% (V)*
$0
Excellent Credit
Citi Dividend Platinum Select
Like the Discover it card, this Citi card has both a promotional financing offer and a similar rewards program. The 0% APR financing on new purchases and balance transfers is valid for 12 months. Cardholders can also receive a $100 sign up bonus after spending $500 on their card within the first three months.
Like the Discover it card, the rewards program features 1% cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on categories that change each quarter. The cardholder’s first $6,000 spent each year is eligible for the 5% bonus rather than $1,500 per quarter.
This is another offer that offers a blend of value and rewards that consumers who don’t need over a year of 0% APR coverage can benefit handsomely from.
- $100 cash back after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 12.99%-22.99% variable based on your creditworthiness*
- Earn 5% cash back from Citi at Home Depot, Home furnishing stores and home and garden stores between 4/1/13 and 6/30/13, with enrollment
- Enroll at no additional cost each quarter for new categories that earn additional cash back
- Full 1% cash back on all other purchases and eligible cash advances.
- No Annual Fee*
0%* for 12 months*
0%* for 12 months*
12.99%-22.99% (Variable)*
$0*
Excellent Credit
You can view and compare additional 0% APR Credit Cards 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.
