0% Introductory APR Credit Cards for Purchases & Balance Transfers
Looking for credit cards that offer 0% introductory APR? These cards give you a period of interest-free borrowing, either for purchases or balance transfers, allowing you to save money and manage your credit efficiently. Whether you want to pay down existing debt or make a large purchase without interest, the right card can make a big difference.
Below, we break down the types of 0% APR offers, how they work, and which cards might be the best fit for your financial needs.
Featured Card for 0% Introductory APR on Purchases & Balance Transfers
Check Out the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card is a strong option for those looking for a low introductory APR and no annual fee. It offers a 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers, making it a smart choice for financing larger expenses or managing short-term balances.
In addition to its low interest benefits, this card also provides cash back rewards, giving you extra value while keeping borrowing costs low.
How 0% Introductory APR Works
Balance Transfers: Some cards offer 0% APR on balances transferred from other cards for a limited time, typically 12–21 months. This can save you hundreds of dollars in interest if used strategically.
Purchases: Other cards offer 0% APR on new purchases for a set period, giving you a chance to finance big expenses without paying interest immediately.
Many cards offer both balance transfer and purchase 0% APR periods, so you get flexibility depending on your needs.
Important Considerations
While 0% introductory APR cards can save money, it’s important to:
- Pay attention to the duration of the introductory period.
- Understand balance transfer fees, which may apply.
- Pay off your balance before the APR increases to avoid interest charges.
How to Choose the Right 0% APR Card
- Determine Your Goal: Are you looking to transfer a balance or finance a purchase? Some cards specialize in one or the other, while others cover both.
- Check the Introductory Period: Longer 0% APR periods provide more time to pay off debt without interest.
- Consider Fees: Look for balance transfer fees, annual fees, and late payment penalties.
- Evaluate Rewards: Some 0% APR cards also offer cash back or points, adding extra value.
Frequently Asked Questions: 0% Introductory APR Credit Cards
Q: Can I transfer a balance and make purchases at 0% APR at the same time?
A: Some cards allow both, but not all. Check the terms carefully to see if the 0% APR applies to both balance transfers and new purchases.
Q: Are there any fees for balance transfers?
A: Yes, many cards charge a fee, usually 3–5% of the amount transferred. Compare fees when selecting a card.
Q: How long does the 0% APR period last?
A: It varies by card. Introductory periods range from 12 to 21 months for purchases, balance transfers, or both.
Q: What happens after the introductory APR ends?
A: The card’s standard APR applies to any remaining balance. Plan to pay off debt before the period ends to avoid interest charges.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
- Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
Citi Strata℠ Card
- Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE
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FICO® Credit Scores
A FICO® Score is a proprietary credit score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). About 90% of top U.S. lenders use it to make lending decisions.
FICO® Score Ranges:
- Exceptional: 800–850
- Very Good: 740–799
- Good: 670–739
- Fair: 580–669
- Poor: 300–579
FICO categorizes scores as Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Exceptional.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300–850) predicting your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to evaluate risk and determine rates and terms for credit.
Why it matters: A higher score can help you qualify for loans and lower interest rates. A lower score can lead to higher borrowing costs or application denials.
FICO® Credit Score Facts
- Three-Digit Number: Summarizes your credit risk.
- Range: 300–850; higher scores = lower risk.
- Data Source: Uses your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Industry Standard: Lenders rely on FICO for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Note: Credit scores reflect your creditworthiness but do not guarantee approval for any credit product.
Security Notice: All participating issuers use secure application systems protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to help protect your information.
*See the online credit card applications for details about terms and conditions of credit card offers. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the " Apply Now " button you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card issuer's web site.
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