The best 0% APR credit cards for September 2024 #CashNews.co

Today’s staggering credit card interest rates — over 21% on average and over 22% for those who carry a balance — can cost cardholders a lot of extra payments and high balances.

Of course, you don’t have to pay interest on your credit card when you pay your full balance by the due date. But there may be times when that’s not possible, or you could use some extra flexibility to make your payments.

That’s when 0% annual percentage rate (APR) credit cards offer a more affordable solution. Credit card companies offer an introductory rate of 0% for a given amount of time — you won’t be charged interest on your new purchases until the promotional period is over.

Best 0% APR credit cards for September 2024

Here are the best options today and more about how to best use a 0% APR card.

• Annual fee: $0

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days for 21 billing cycles (18.74% to 29.74% variable APR after that)

• More details: For this card’s balance transfer offer, you’ll need to transfer your balance within 60 days and pay a balance transfer fee that costs the greater of 5% or $5. You’ll also have access to cell phone protection worth up to $600 against theft or damage when you use your card to pay your monthly phone bill.

Why we like it: If your priority is scoring the longest possible intro period, the U.S. Bank Visa Platinum should be on your list. You’ll get up to 21 billing cycles before interest kicks in on your new purchases — giving you nearly two years to pay down any charges after opening. Because the introductory rate also extends to eligible balance transfers, this card is a good option for paying down existing debt.

As a downside, you won’t get many added perks from your U.S. Bank Visa Platinum after the intro period ends. There are no ongoing rewards, and the card’s benefits are limited to the introductory rate and cell phone protection.

• Annual fee: $0

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers made within 120 days for 21 months (18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR after that)

• More card details: There’s a balance transfer fee of 5% of your amount transferred, or $5 (whichever is greater). Additionally, get access to discounts through Wells Fargo Deals, roadside dispatch protections, and cell phone protection worth $600 against damage or theft (subject to $25 deductible).

Why we like it: Wells Fargo Reflect is another great option for cardholders seeking the longest intro period possible. On both purchases and transferred balances, you’ll have 21 months before any interest charges start to accrue on your balance — ample time to pay down a large expense or make a big dent in any existing debt.

Like other credit cards with top 0% APR intro periods today, there are few benefits from this card after using the intro offer.

• Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees; terms apply)

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (19.24% to 29.99% variable APR after that)

• Rewards:

  • 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%)

  • 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%)

  • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%)

  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout

• Recommended credit score: Good credit to excellent credit

• More card details: In addition to the intro APR, cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus worth $200 after spending $2,000 within the first six months. You’ll receive your cash back in the form of Reward Dollars that you can redeem for statement credits. Other benefits include a statement credit of up to $7 per month when you spend at least $9.99 on an eligible Disney+ subscription (auto-renewing; with enrollment), and up to $15 per month in statement credits for an eligible auto-renewing Home Chef subscription.

Why we like it: Blue Cash Everyday is already one of our favorite cash-back credit cards for earning reward on everyday purchases. Along with the annual spending credits and no annual fee (see rates and fees), those rewards can help extend its value after the intro period ends.

Among cash-back cards with 0% APRs today, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday also has one of the longest periods before interest kicks in. And if you’re using the period for a large upcoming purchase, you may even be able to maximize the spending with cash back — especially given this card’s unique online retail bonus category.

• Annual fee: $0

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that)

• Rewards:

• Recommended credit score: Good credit to excellent credit

• More details: The VentureOne has a welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 within the first three months. Beyond that, get access to Capital One Travel (including transfer partners), Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.

Why we like it: If you want a card with an intro 0% APR that you can also use to save on future travel, the Capital One VentureOne is our pick. It has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and a generous intro period. And earning rewards is simple, with 1.25x miles on every purchase — that makes it easy to earn maximum miles with the purchase you plan to use your intro APR for.

There’s a lot of value in redeeming your VentureOne Rewards Card miles too. You can use your miles toward the cost of a travel purchase charged to your card or redeem for travel through Capital One Travel. You’ll also get access to hotel and airline transfer partners, if you’re already a member of a loyalty program and want to redeem your miles with a partner directly.

• Annual fee: $0

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (18.74% – 28.74% variable APR after that)

• Rewards:

  • 5x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel through Dec. 31, 2025

  • 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1x)

  • 1x points on all other purchases

• More card details: For every purchase you make, points are automatically rounded up to the next interval of 10. For example, if you spend $53 on a takeout meal, you’ll earn 60 points on the purchase. You’ll also get 10% back on your points redemptions (up to the first 100,000 points you redeem each year) — so if you use 50,000 points on a trip booked with Citi Travel or to cover a recent purchase, you’ll get 5,000 points back.

Why we like it: Citi Rewards+ can help you rack up points in common spending categories to put toward future travel or other flexible redemptions. And for points-focused cardholders, we like the extra benefits that can help you gain more rewards, like the round-ups on each purchase and 10% points back offer. Over time, you can use each of these to maximize your spending and get savings back.

On top of that, the Citi Rewards+ has one of the top 0% APR offers among rewards cards today. If you want a combination of long-term value and short-term interest savings, this is one to consider.

• Annual fee: $0

• Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (17.24% – 28.24% variable APR after that)

• Rewards:

  • 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%)

  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

• More card details: To earn 5% in the rotating rewards categories, you’ll need to activate categories each quarter. Earnings count only after activation, so it’s better to activate when each quarter begins. Discover also offers a Cashback Match bonus with this card. At the end of your first year, you’ll get an unlimited match of every dollar you’ve earned throughout the year.

Why we like it: As a rotating category card, Discover it Cash Back may take some strategizing to fully maximize, but you can get a ton of savings each year. The 5% bonus categories are typically focused on daily spending, with options like grocery stores, restaurants, public transit, gas stations, and more.

When it comes to the welcome bonus, you’ll get a full match on all the cash back you earn over your first year. This is great to pair with a 0% APR offer, if you plan to use the intro period for a large upcoming purchase. You can make your large purchase, earn the initial and matched cash-back rewards, and still have the entire intro period to pay it off before you’ll begin to accrue interest.

Read more: See our picks for the best credit card sign-up bonuses

More options to consider

Here are three more great 0% APR cards to consider today. Each of the cards below carry no annual fee and offer competitive introductory 0% APR periods alongside ongoing rewards.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Another rewards card with a solid 0% intro APR we like is Chase Freedom Unlimited. The intro period lasts for 15 months on both new purchases and balance transfers (20.49% – 29.24% variable APR after that).

Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back at restaurants, 3% cash back at drugstores, and 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases. As a first-year welcome offer, you’ll get a 1.5% boost on all your rewards — increasing your 1.5% non-category minimum rewards to 3%, the 5% Chase Travel rewards to 6.5%, and so on. The boost applies to the first $20,000 you spend for a potential maximum $300 bonus rewards.

Recommended credit score: Good to excellent

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards

The Bank of America Customized Cash card offers a solid cash-back rate for purchases in a broad range of potential rewards categories. This card’s intro period offers 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on both new purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days (a 3% fee applies, which goes up to 4% after 60 days; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that).

You’ll earn 3% cash back in your choice category. Options include dining, travel, drugstores, online shopping (including cable, internet, phone plans, and streaming), home improvement and furnishings, and gas and EV charging stations. You’ll also earn 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% on all other purchases. The 3% and 2% earnings apply to your first $2,500 spent in combined purchases each quarter. There’s also a cash welcome offer of $200 after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

The SavorOne Cash Rewards Card from Capital One is among our top-earning cash-back credit card picks. With a 0% APR intro period lasting 15 months for both new purchases and balance transfers (19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that), it could be a great 0% APR option for you.

After opening, earn a cash welcome bonus of $200 when you spend $500 within the first three months of opening your Capital One SavorOne Card. The primary rewards include 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Recommended credit score: Good to excellent

How does a 0% APR card work?

A 0% APR card allows new cardholders to forgo interest for a limited time. When you open a 0% APR card, the purchases you make with your card will not earn interest until the end of the introductory period.

After you’re approved for and open your 0% APR card, the intro period countdown begins. Whether your card offers 0% APR for 12, 15, or 21 months, the clock begins ticking right after account opening. If you use your interest-free period for a large purchase, you can benefit from waiting to apply for the card until you’re ready to buy — so you’ll have the longest possible buffer before interest accrues.

Unlike balance transfers, you won’t have to pay a fee to take advantage of a 0% purchase APR. But it is still important to track the intro period and budget to pay off your balance in full before it ends. Otherwise, you’ll start accruing interest on the remaining balance at your card’s regular APR. For the cards on the list above — and most credit cards available today — that could reach well above 20% APR.

Read more: What is APR on a credit card?

No-interest credit card alternatives

When you open a 0% APR card, it generally works as described above. But retail cards can have different rules. It’s always important to read your card’s terms and conditions before you apply.

First, your credit card offer may be a deferred interest plan instead of a true 0% APR offer. These are common among retail cards with special financing offers. With deferred interest, if you don’t pay off your financed purchase in full by the end of the period, you’ll often take on interest on the entire balance going back to your purchase date.

Another thing to look for from retail cards is a low or 0% APR offer on purchases that you make for a limited time only at that store — rather than on any purchase. Some store cards limit spending altogether to purchases you make in-store. Even if your store card can be used elsewhere, its introductory interest offer may apply only to purchases with the retailer.

With any type of financing offer, always read and understand the terms of your card and the offer so you don’t get surprised by an unexpected payment later on.

0% APR best practices

You can use a 0% intro APR credit card to forgo interest payments for a given amount of time. Use these tips to pay down your purchase in full without taking on any interest.

• Track your spending. Always know exactly how much you’re charging to your card so you know how much you’ll need to pay off. Like with any credit card, overspending more than you can afford could lead to costly interest in the future.

• Pay down your balance in full before the intro period ends. While you’re tracking how much you spend, start making payments toward your balance. As long as you pay the balance in full by the time your intro period ends, you won’t take on any interest charges.

• Avoid late or missed payments. You’re still responsible for paying at least the minimum payment by the due date each month — even throughout the introductory period. If you miss a monthly payment or pay late you could take on penalty fees. The longer you wait to pay, or the more late payments you have reported, you could see more effects, including a hit to your credit score or even a penalty APR.

Pros and cons of 0% APR credit cards

These are the benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind before opening a 0% APR credit card:

0% APR credit cards pros

• Avoid interest charges for several months: 0% APR cards can make a powerful borrowing tool. With no interest for anywhere between six and 21 months, you’ll have ample time to pay down the purchases you make throughout the period. Thanks to the sky-high interest rates many credit cards have today, this can offer big savings — as long as you have a plan to pay down what you owe before the period ends.

• Balance transfer offers: Many 0% APR credit cards also make solid balance transfer credit cards. If you have existing debt, you may want to consider a card with a 0% APR on balance transfers to help reduce your principal balance without taking on more interest. Make sure you understand the terms of the offer and any balance transfer fees you might pay.

0% APR credit cards cons

• Interest after intro period: Be prepared for any remaining balance to take on interest at your card’s ongoing interest rate once the introductory period ends. Many top 0% APR cards also carry steep ongoing variable APRs — which means your credit card debt could quickly grow once this regular interest rate kicks in.

• May not have ongoing rewards and benefits: If you’re looking for the absolute longest intro periods, you’ll likely have to sacrifice long-term rewards. Most 0% APR cards with today’s top intro periods of 18 to 21 months have few ongoing benefits after the intro period ends. If you want both a 0% APR and lasting benefits, look for a cash-back or rewards credit card with an intro APR — these intro periods tend to last around 12 to 15 months.

Should you get a 0% APR credit card?

There are certain times throughout your financial life when it makes a lot of sense to open a 0% APR card.

The cards we’ve focused on for this list offer 0% APR specifically for new purchases over the introductory period. Often, these are useful when you have a large purchase to make and want some extra time to pay it off without interest. Maybe you’re starting a home DIY project, for example, or want to buy some new furniture.

But before you open a card for its 0% APR offer, make sure you do some research to ensure it’s right for your goals. Have a plan in place to pay down your purchase before the intro period ends, for one. And if you think your purchase may put your balance close to the card’s credit limit, consider what effect that may have on your credit utilization and credit score — and how you can get the balance down as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, a 0% APR offer could be an added bonus on a rewards credit card or cash-back credit card with great features that you like already. Combined with the welcome bonus offer, a card’s introductory APR offer can boost your first-year value. And even when it’s over, you can still maximize your spending with the card’s ongoing rewards and benefits over time.

If you have existing debt that you want to pay off, you’ll want to look for a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR on transfers. While many cards offer the intro APR on both new purchases and balance transfers, that’s not true for them all. To make sure your card is suited for debt payoff, look for the balance transfer terms it offers.

Our methodology

To find the best 0% APR cards today, we started with a list of all cards from major credit card issuers that offer an introductory 0% APR. While many of the cards on this list have intro offers for balance transfers too, we focused specifically on 0% intro APR offers for new purchases. In total, this gave us a starting point of nearly 30 eligible credit cards.

If you’re looking for the best 0% APR for balance transfers, review our list of best balance transfer credit cards.

From there, we assigned ratings using a similar rubric to our other best credit cards lists. This rubric includes general card details like annual fee, ongoing APR, access to credit score, card issuer security, and customer experience. For this list specifically, we awarded additional points for the 0% APR intro period length as well as any potential rewards.

Our final list includes the top-ranking cards using our rubric, but also includes the cards with the longest overall introductory periods. We understand that different cardholders may value different card features. So whether you want the longest possible intro period to pay off an upcoming purchase or you don’t mind sacrificing a few months in exchange for added rewards on the purchase, there’s a card on our list to fit your goals.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.