Float the purchase. Pay zero interest.
A 0% intro APR card is the cheapest way to spread a $1,000 to $20,000 purchase over 12 to 21 months. The five cards below give you the longest interest-free runways, with several still earning rewards on the same purchases. The math only works if you pay off the balance before the intro ends, so treat the window like a deadline.
0% APR snapshot
Reviewed weeklyFive 0% APR cards we recommend right now
Ranked on intro length, ongoing rewards, post-promo APR, and quality of approval odds for typical applicants.
Double Cash Card
Bonus: $200 cash back after $1,500 in spend
- +Flat 2% back on every purchase, no categories to track
- +0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
- +No annual fee
Freedom Flex
Bonus: $200 bonus cash back after $500 in spend
- +5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%) - groceries, gas, Amazon, streaming and more
- +5% on Chase Travel portal bookings
- +3% on dining and drugstore purchases
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Bonus: $750 bonus cash back after $6,000 in spend
- +5% cash back on first $25K/year at office supply stores and internet/cable/phone services
- +2% cash back on first $25K/year at gas stations and restaurants
- +0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
Active Cash Card
Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after $500 in spend
- +Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, no categories to track
- +$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
- +0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months
Freedom Unlimited
Bonus: $200 bonus cash back after $500 in spend
- +1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee
- +5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% dining and drugstores
- +$200 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
Discover it Cash Back
Bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match for first year
- +5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%) - gas, groceries, Amazon, restaurants, and more
- +Cashback Match: Discover doubles all cash back earned at the end of the first year
- +No annual fee
Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in spend
- +3% cash back in your choice category: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement
- +2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- +No annual fee
Cash+ Visa Signature Card
Bonus: $200 cash back after $1,000 in spend
- +5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
- +5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
- +2% cash back on one everyday category such as gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants
Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
Bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after $1,000 in spend
- +1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases with no limit
- +No annual fee
- +No foreign transaction fees
Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bonus: $200 cash bonus after $500 in spend
- +Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- +$200 cash bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
- +No foreign transaction fees
Active Cash Student Credit Card
Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in spend
- +Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- +No annual fee
- +$200 cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in purchases in first 3 months
A 0% APR card is a free loan. Here is the small print.
Three things that determine whether you actually save money or just delay paying interest.
Calculate the required payment first
Divide your purchase by the number of intro months. A $5,000 home appliance on a 15-month card requires $334 per month to clear interest-free. A 21-month card drops that to $239. Pick the card whose required payment fits comfortably in your budget. The Federal Reserve consumer credit data shows that most 0% promo defaulters made only the minimum payment, which is usually 1 to 2% of the balance.
0% APR is true 0%, not deferred
Every card on this list charges 0% interest during the intro period and only standard interest after. None use deferred interest, which would charge all back-interest if you are not fully paid off. Most store-branded cards (Best Buy, Home Depot, Synchrony-issued retail cards) do use deferred interest. Read the disclosures before assuming any retail card matches the cards above.
Avoid late payments at all costs
A single late payment can void your 0% intro APR on most cards, dropping you immediately to the standard rate of 17% to 30%. Set up autopay for at least the minimum on the day the statement closes. Schedule a higher recurring payment on the same day to actually pay down the balance.
Three perfect-fit scenarios for a 0% APR card.
Major appliance or repair
A $4,000 HVAC replacement on a 21-month 0% card costs $191 per month, the same as a 0% manufacturer financing offer with no risk of deferred interest.
Wedding or one-time event
Spreading a $10,000 expense over 21 months turns a daunting bill into a $476 monthly payment. Just confirm income stability for the full 21 months before committing.
Tax bill smoothing
The IRS charges convenience fees of 1.85% to 1.99% on credit card tax payments. A 0% APR card can be cheaper than IRS installment plans (which charge interest plus fees) if paid off quickly.
Common questions about 0% APR cards.
Is 0% APR really 0% interest?
Yes, on these cards. The 0% intro APR means no interest accrues during the promotional window, period. You only pay interest on any balance remaining after the intro period ends, calculated going forward at the standard variable APR. This is different from deferred interest store cards, which charge all back-interest if you are not paid in full by the deadline.
Can I still earn rewards on a 0% APR card?
Yes, on cards that offer rewards. The Wells Fargo Active Cash earns 2% cash back during the 0% intro period. The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns its full tiered rewards. The Citi Diamond Preferred has no rewards program, which is its only weakness. Earning rewards while paying 0% interest is one of the strongest scenarios in credit cards.
What credit score do I need for a 0% APR card?
Most top 0% APR cards require a FICO score of 700 or higher. Wells Fargo and Citi tend to be more forgiving in the upper 600s if your income and credit history are strong. Discover it is sometimes approved for scores around 670. Use prequalification (a soft pull) before applying to avoid wasted hard inquiries.
How do I make sure I pay off the balance before the 0% expires?
Calculate the required monthly payment: divide the total purchase by the number of intro months. A $4,200 purchase on a 21-month card needs $200 per month to clear it interest-free. Set up an autopay for that amount or higher, and do not add new charges that you cannot also pay off in the same window.
What happens to my remaining balance after the intro period?
Whatever balance you carry past the intro window starts accruing interest at the standard variable APR (typically 17% to 30% depending on the card and your credit). Critically, this is regular interest, not retroactive deferred interest. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns consumers to confirm this distinction before signing up, since it makes a major difference if you are not fully paid off.
Should I open a 0% APR card if I do not have a big purchase planned?
Probably not. Opening a card adds a hard inquiry and lowers your average account age. The benefit is the 0% window, which only matters if you actually use it. Consider it when you have a planned expense between $1,000 and $20,000 you cannot pay in cash but can pay off in 12 to 21 months.
See the exact monthly payment to clear the 0% by the deadline.
Plug in the purchase amount and intro period. Get your number.