Pay Zero Interest Up to 21 Months

Credit cards can be a helpful financial tool, but carrying a balance often means paying high interest. Fortunately, some of the best credit cards for balance transfers and low-interest credit cards offer 0% APR or 0 balance transfer promotions for a limited time.

These 0% interest balance transfer credit cards or best 0 APR credit cards charge no interest during an introductory period — typically between 12 and 21 months. After that, the standard APR applies to any remaining balance.

Some cards offer 0% APR on purchases, while others feature 0% APR on balance transfers which help you pay off existing debt faster. Whether you want to make a large purchase or consolidate existing debt with a balance transfer credit card, this guide will help you find the best balance transfer cards 2025 and top zero-interest APR cards for your needs.

Zero Interest and Balance Transfer Credit Cards at a Glance

• 0% APR cards let you make purchases or complete balance transfers without paying interest for a set time, usually for 12 to 15 months, but top cards extend this period to 21 months.

• Some cards offer free balance transfer promotions, while others charge a small balance transfer fee (usually 3%–5%).

• The best 0 balance transfer credit card options can help you manage debt efficiently and save money on interest.

• Always pay off your balance before the promotional period ends to avoid regular APR charges.

A balance transfer credit card or 0% APR credit card gives you an introductory period of zero interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both.

If you already have debt on a high-interest credit card, a credit card with balance transfer capability can help. Simply transfer your existing balance to a new balance transfer credit card and pay it off without accruing additional interest.

Some of the best balance transfer credit cards even feature no-fee balance transfer offers, meaning you can move your debt for free and save even more.

Pros

You Can Save Money on Interest

Credit card interest rates are high. Recent data shows that the average interest rate across all credit cards that charge interest is 22.80%. Carrying a balance on a credit card can quickly become expensive. However, you can avoid interest fees by using a 0% APR credit card or a balance transfer credit card. Just make sure you pay off your balance before the zero-interest promotional period ends.

You Can Get More Time to Pay for a Costly Purchase

Getting a credit card with a lengthy 0% APR promotional offer can be a great strategy if you need to make a large purchase and don't have enough savings to pay in full. You can charge the purchase to a 0% APR credit card and make regular payments to pay off the balance before interest kicks in. Need a new laptop or appliance, or have an expensive car repair bill to pay? A 0% APR credit card gives you more time to pay off your purchase.

You Can Pay Down Credit Card Debt Faster

If you have a high balance on another credit card, continued interest fees can make it impossible to pay off your debt quickly. But if you get a credit card with an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, you can transfer your outstanding credit card balance to your new card and avoid further interest fees. A balance transfer card can lower your monthly payments and allow you to eliminate your debt faster.

You Can Earn Rewards

Some of the best balance transfer cards and 0% APR cards also earn rewards, letting you get cashback or points while paying down debt. Getting a 0% APR credit card tor balance transfer credit card that earns rewards can be beneficial, especially if you plan to make new purchases with your card throughout the zero-interest promotional period or after. Just make sure you only spend on purchases that you can afford to pay off.

You Can Earn a Welcome Bonus

If you're planning to get a 0% APR credit card or balance transfer credit card to finance a larger purchase, consider a card with a welcome bonus offer. You can earn bonus rewards if you qualify for a welcome bonus offer and meet the minimum spending requirements within the offer timeline. But make sure you only spend what you can afford to pay off during the 0% APR promotional period. Don't attempt to earn a welcome bonus if you're already struggling financially.

Cons

There are some disadvantages to be aware of when using zero-interest credit cards:

Balance Transfer Fees May Apply

Most credit card issuers charge balance transfer fees, generally percentage-based (usually 3% or 5%) and applied to the total transferred amount. Research the costs you'll pay to transfer an existing credit card balance so you know what to expect.

You May Need to Transfer the Balance Within a Certain Time

If you use a 0% APR balance transfer credit card, there may be restrictions on when balance transfers must be completed to qualify for the zero-interest offer. Some credit cards have introductory 0% APR offers that only apply to balance transfers completed within a specific timeframe — such as within 60 to 120 days of account opening. If you transfer a balance too late, the card's standard balance transfer APR applies.

The Credit Card Issuer Can Cancel the Promotional Rate

The 0% APR can be canceled before the promotional period ends. This may happen if you make a late payment. Many 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards have terms and conditions stating that a penalty APR will apply if you make a late payment. Review the 0% APR offer terms to understand what to expect. The best strategy is to pay the minimum amount due and always pay your bills on time to avoid losing a zero-interest promotional rate.

Your Credit Limit May... Limit You

If you plan to make a big purchase or transfer a sizable credit card balance to a 0% APR or balance transfer credit card, your credit limit could deter your plans. Issuers consider factors such as credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio when deciding to approve you for a credit card and what credit limit to extend. Getting approved for a 0% APR credit with a meager credit limit can hinder your ability to make a large purchase immediately or transfer existing debt if the balance is too high.

Zero-Interest on Purchases

Some of the best zero interest credit cards have limited-time 0% APR offers that apply to new purchases. If approved for this type of zero-interest card, you won't be charged interest on card purchases through the promotional period. These cards can make financing a large purchase, like a laptop or new refrigerator, more affordable.

Zero-Interest on Balance Transfers

Some credit cards, such as balance transfer credit cards, have zero-interest offers for balance transfers. Interest charges won't apply to transferred balances during the promotional period. This makes it easy to consolidate existing credit card debt and save on interest charges. You may find it more manageable to tackle your debt faster while interest is paused. Once the promotional period ends, interest charges apply to the remaining balance.

Zero-Interest on Purchases and Balance Transfers

Some of the best balance transfer and low interest credit cards offer an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, making them versatile for multiple financial goals.

You Want to Finance a Purchase Without Going Into Debt

If you plan to make a large purchase soon and need time to pay it off, consider a 0% APR credit card. This can give you more time to pay your balance without worrying about costly interest charges.

You Want to Consolidate Existing Credit Card Debt and Pay It Off Faster

Consider a balance transfer credit card if you're overwhelmed by existing credit card debt. While you'll pay a fee to transfer the balance, you can avoid further interest charges if you pay it off before the introductory period ends. However, only consider this as a way to pay off existing credit card debt if you can afford to pay off the entire balance before the zero-interest promotional period ends. Otherwise, you may end up with more debt.

Expert tip: "Having 0% interest allows you to pay off more of your debt balance each month, save money, and potentially reduce your monthly credit card payments. Just know that the card can become a problem if you don't pay off your debt before the promotional period ends." — Financial expert Sarah Brady

If You're Making a New Purchase:

1. Calculate the total purchase cost.

2. Verify the 0% APR offer terms and promotional timeline.

3. Divide the total purchase price by the number of months the zero-interest promotional rate is valid to calculate your monthly payment amount.

If you can afford to pay the purchase off before the promotional period ends, a 0% APR credit card is worthwhile.

Example: Let's imagine you need a $2,400 laptop. If you get a 0% APR credit card with a 15-month zero-interest offer on purchases, you'd need to pay $200 each month to pay the purchase off before the promotional rate ends. If you can afford to do this, you'll benefit from getting a 0% APR card.

If You're Transferring Debt:

1. Write down the total balance amount you plan to transfer.

2. Verify the balance transfer fee for your desired 0% card.

3. Multiply the balance by the balance transfer fee to determine what you’ll be charged.

4. Add the fee to the existing balance to calculate your new balance.

If you can afford to pay the new card balance before the promotional period ends, a 0% APR credit card is worthwhile.

Example: Let's imagine you have a $6,750 credit card balance you hope to transfer and expect to pay a 4% balance transfer fee. $6,750 x 4% = $270. After applying this fee, your new card balance will be $7,020. In this example, $260 can be a small price for a long time to eliminate your debt without incurring additional interest charges.

No Annual Fee

Avoiding yearly card fees can help you save more money. Many of the best zero-interest credit cards have no annual fees.

Related: Check out our top picks for the best credit cards with no annual fee.

Lengthy Introductory 0% APR Offer

Zero-interest APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards offer 0% interest during an introductory period, often from 12 to 21 months. You can benefit from choosing a zero-interest card with a lengthy promotional period, so you have more time to pay your card balance without being charged interest. Review the terms of a zero-interest offer. With this information, you can devise a plan to pay off your balance before interest kicks in. You'll be charged interest if you have an unpaid balance after the promotional period ends.

Welcome Offer

Some 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards have a welcome offer for eligible new cardholders. You could earn bonus points or cash back if you meet the minimum spending requirements within the required timeframe. This can be an excellent opportunity to boost your rewards if you want the card to make a big purchase. But if you're applying for a 0% APR credit card and plan to initiate a balance transfer to have more time to pay off existing credit card debt, don't let a welcome offer tempt you to spend beyond your means. Be careful with how you use your card to avoid further debt.

Rewards

Some 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards earn rewards. If you’re considering applying for a zero-interest card to benefit from 0% APR on purchases, consider a card that earns rewards. This way, you can earn cash back, points, or miles from any new purchases you charge. But make sure you don’t spend beyond your means.

Related: Check out our top picks for the best rewards credit cards.

While many zero-interest and balance transfer credit cards exist, not every card will be a good fit. Here are some tips for choosing your ideal 0% ARR credit card or balance transfer credit card:

Choose a Card With a Promotional Offer that Matches Your Needs

Ensure the promotional offer meets your needs before applying. Some 0% APR offers apply to new purchases, while others only apply to balance transfers. Choose a credit card with an introductory 0% APR offer that fits your situation.

Compare Promotional Periods

Comparing zero-interest promotional periods can help you choose the right card. Verify the length of the 0% APR offer period so you know how long you have to pay your balance without worrying about interest. If you need more time to pay off a new purchase or transferred credit card debt, choose a card with a lengthy promotional offer. The longer the zero-interest promotional offer, the more time you’ll have to pay off your balance.

Pay Attention to Fees

If you want to add a balance transfer card to your wallet, research balance transfer fees. These fees vary by card. Choosing a 0% APR credit card with a lower balance transfer fee can save you money.

Expert tip: “Balance transfer fees can run as high as 5% of the amount you’re transferring, but there are a lot of good cards out there that only charge 3%.” — Certified Financial Planner and personal finance writer Hartill

Compare Rewards

Some 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards earn rewards. If you want to earn credit card rewards, compare the rewards programs for each card you're considering. Doing this lets you find a card that aligns with your rewards goals.

Choose the Right Card for Your Situation

Some 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards have introductory offers that apply to purchases and balance transfers. But some 0% APR credit cards have offers that only apply to purchases or balance transfers — not both. Verify what transactions qualify for zero interest to choose the right card. Choosing the wrong card can be an expensive mistake due to unintended interest charges.

Carefully Read the Promotional Zero-Interest Offer Terms

Review the terms of a 0% introductory offer so you can make an informed choice about whether a card will help you reach your goals. The terms and conditions of the promotional offer will serve as a guide. It'll be easier to plan to eliminate your balance before the promotional period ends to avoid interest charges.

Expert tip: “By reading the fine print of these offers, you will uncover useful information about when the promotional period ends and other important information, including the APR after the promotional period ends, the balance transfer fees, and any types of penalties if you make a late payment.” — Tanya Taylor, certified public accountant (CPA) and Founder of Grow Your Wealth

Pay Off Your Balance Before the Promotional Period Ends

Remember, you won't benefit from zero interest forever. After your card’s 0% APR promotional period ends, your issuer will charge interest on the remaining balance. It's essential to pay off your account balance before interest kicks in. For best success, financial expert Brady suggests coming up with a strategy for how you will pay off your debt within the zero-interest promotional period. Brady stresses the importance of having a plan.

Expert intel: “Don't just leave it to chance, actually look at your budget and make sure you have the means to pay off the debt during the allotted time frame.” — Financial expert Brady

Make Regular, On-Time Payments

If you pay your credit card bill late, a late fee will be charged. Plus, you’ll likely no longer qualify for the zero-interest promotional rate. Many 0% APR cards have terms that state if you make a late payment, the penalty APR will apply. The penalty APR will likely apply going forward, which could get expensive and result in your credit card debt accumulating. To avoid interest charges and late fees, schedule your payments to be paid on or by the due date every month. Always pay at least the minimum amount due. However, paying more than the minimum payment amount due is preferable if you want to eliminate your account balance sooner.

Don’t Use a 0% APR Credit Card for Everyday Purchases

Avoid using a 0% APR credit card or balance transfer credit card for everyday purchases. If you do this, you may rack up a balance you can't afford to pay off before the zero-interest period ends and could find yourself with costly credit card debt. Only charge what you can realistically pay off before interest kicks in. If you struggle with spending, avoid making additional purchases with your card.

We evaluated numerous favors while comparing 0% APR credit cards. These factors include promotional 0% APR time lengths and whether the promotional offers apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both. We also compared added expenses like annual fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees.

We also analyzed card features like benefits, sign-up bonuses, rewards opportunities, and welcome bonuses. Finally, we considered security, user experience, and customer service for each bank’s credit cards. We used these findings to compile our list of the best zero interest credit cards.

Is It Possible to Have a Credit Card with No Interest?

Some credit cards offer zero interest for a limited time. Look for credit cards with intro 0% APR promotional offers. But remember that you won’t benefit from zero interest forever — once the promotional period ends, the card’s regular APR kicks in.

What Are the Best 0% APR Credit Cards and Balance Transfer Credit Cards?

Many 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards exist, but the best card for you will meet your needs. Always review 0% APR promotional offer terms to decide whether you can benefit from a particular card.

What Credit Card Has the Longest 0% Interest Rate?

Many 0% APR credit cards offer zero interest on purchases or balance transfers for 12 to 15 months. But some have lengthier promotional periods, such as an intro 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 21 months.

Wells Fargo

Disclosure: This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of BestMoney alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.

Bank of America

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.