Article
Best 0% APR Credit Cards in 2026 - Longest Interest-Free Periods
Find the best 0% APR credit cards with the longest introductory periods. Compare interest-free offers on purchases and balance transfers to save money in 2026.
A 0% APR credit card can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest charges. Whether you’re planning a large purchase, consolidating high-interest debt, or simply want breathing room to pay off your balance, these cards offer valuable interest-free financing periods.
Our team analyzed over 100 credit cards to find the best 0% intro APR offers available in 2026. We compared intro period lengths, balance transfer terms, fees, and additional benefits to identify the top options for different financial situations.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | 0% APR Period | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card | Longest 0% APR Period | 0% for 24 months | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Extended Intro Period with Flexibility | 0% for 21 months | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Citi Simplicity® Card | Best for Balance Transfers | 0% for 21 months on BT | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Best 0% APR with Rewards | 0% for 15 months | ★4.8/5 |
| 5. Discover it® Cash Back | Best for Rewards During Intro Period | 0% for 15 months | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. BankAmericard® Credit Card | Best Low Balance Transfer Fee | 0% for 18 months | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Capital One QuicksilverOne® | Best for Fair Credit | 0% for 15 months | ★4.5/5 |
| 8. Citi Diamond Preferred® Card | Best Long-Term Low APR | 0% for 21 months | ★4.6/5 |
| 9. Blue Cash Everyday® Card | Best for Grocery Rewards | 0% for 15 months | ★4.5/5 |
| 10. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Best Simple Flat-Rate Card | 0% for 15 months | ★4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
The U.S. Bank Shield offers the longest 0% intro APR period available at 24 months, giving you a full two years to pay off purchases or transferred balances completely interest-free. Perfect for large purchases or debt consolidation.
Pros
- ✓24 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓60 days to complete balance transfers
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Extended warranty protection included
Cons
- ✗5% balance transfer fee
- ✗No rewards program
- ✗Requires good credit for approval
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Wells Fargo Reflect provides nearly two years of interest-free financing with an exceptionally generous 120-day window to complete balance transfers. The extended intro period makes it ideal for larger debt payoffs.
Pros
- ✓21 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓120-day window for balance transfers
- ✓My Wells Fargo Deals for shopping offers
- ✓Cell phone protection included
Cons
- ✗5% balance transfer fee after intro period
- ✗3% intro balance transfer fee
- ✗No rewards earning
Citi Simplicity® Card
Citi Simplicity stands out with its unique no-late-fee policy and strong balance transfer terms. The 21-month intro APR on transfers combined with the lower 3% fee in the first four months makes it excellent for debt consolidation.
Pros
- ✓21 months 0% APR on balance transfers
- ✓12 months 0% APR on purchases
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓No late fees ever
- ✓3% intro balance transfer fee for first 4 months
Cons
- ✗Shorter 0% period on purchases
- ✗5% balance transfer fee after 4 months
- ✗No rewards program
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited uniquely combines a solid 15-month 0% intro APR with ongoing cash back rewards. Unlike most 0% APR cards, you continue earning 1.5% back after the intro period ends.
Pros
- ✓15 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- ✓5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores
- ✓Pairs well with Sapphire cards
- ✓Easy $200 welcome bonus
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Shorter intro period than top competitors
- ✗5% balance transfer fee
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it offers a compelling combination of 15 months at 0% APR plus exceptional rewards. The first-year Cashback Match means you'll earn up to 10% in rotating categories while paying no interest.
Pros
- ✓15 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓5% rotating quarterly categories
- ✓First-year Cashback Match doubles all rewards
- ✓No annual or foreign transaction fees
- ✓Free FICO score monitoring
Cons
- ✗Requires quarterly activation
- ✗3% balance transfer fee
- ✗Discover less accepted internationally
BankAmericard® Credit Card
BankAmericard offers a solid 18-month intro period with one of the lowest balance transfer fees at just 3%. The no-penalty APR policy means you won't face rate increases for late payments.
Pros
- ✓18 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓3% intro balance transfer fee (first 60 days)
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓No penalty APR
- ✓Preferred Rewards program benefits
Cons
- ✗No rewards program
- ✗Balance transfers must be done within 60 days
- ✗4% fee after intro period
Capital One QuicksilverOne®
Capital One QuicksilverOne is one of the few cards offering 0% intro APR to applicants with fair credit. While it charges an annual fee, the rewards and intro period provide good value for credit builders.
Pros
- ✓15 months 0% APR on purchases
- ✓Available to those with fair credit
- ✓Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓$200 welcome bonus
Cons
- ✗$39 annual fee
- ✗No 0% APR on balance transfers
- ✗Higher APR after intro period
Citi Diamond Preferred® Card
Citi Diamond Preferred focuses exclusively on balance transfers with one of the longest 0% periods available at 21 months. If you're only transferring debt and don't need purchase financing, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- ✓21 months 0% APR on balance transfers
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Citi Entertainment access
- ✓Account alerts and fraud monitoring
- ✓Balance transfer checks available
Cons
- ✗No 0% APR on purchases
- ✗5% balance transfer fee
- ✗No rewards program
Blue Cash Everyday® Card
Blue Cash Everyday combines a useful 15-month 0% intro APR with strong ongoing grocery rewards. If you're financing a large purchase and also want to earn cash back on everyday spending, this card delivers both.
Pros
- ✓15 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/year)
- ✓2% back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Amex purchase protections
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Grocery cap of $6,000/year
- ✗Amex acceptance limitations
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an excellent balance of a competitive 15-month 0% intro APR and a simple 2% flat-rate cash back structure. The included cell phone protection adds extra value for everyday cardholders.
Pros
- ✓15 months 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers
- ✓Flat 2% cash back on all purchases
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Cell phone protection up to $600
- ✓Easy $200 welcome bonus
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Shorter intro period than leaders
- ✗Best experience requires Wells Fargo relationship
How We Evaluate 0% APR Credit Cards
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to test and compare 0% APR credit cards. Here’s what we evaluate:
Introductory Period Length
We analyze how long you’ll benefit from 0% financing:
- Duration: Intro periods ranging from 12 to 24 months
- Coverage: Whether 0% applies to purchases, balance transfers, or both
- Timing: When the intro period begins and how it’s calculated
- Extensions: Any opportunities to extend the intro period
Balance Transfer Terms
We calculate the true cost of transferring balances:
- Transfer fees (typically 3% to 5%)
- Time window to complete transfers (30 to 120 days)
- Transfer limits and restrictions
- Combined value of fee and intro period length
Regular APR
We look at what happens after the intro period:
- Post-intro APR range
- How APR is determined (creditworthiness factors)
- Penalty APR policies
- Variable vs. fixed rate structures
Additional Features
We evaluate benefits beyond the 0% rate:
- Rewards programs (cash back, points)
- Sign-up bonuses
- Purchase protections and insurance
- Annual fees vs. value received
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 0% APR credit card work?
A 0% APR card charges no interest during the introductory period, which typically lasts 12-24 months. You’ll still need to make minimum monthly payments, but all your payment goes toward reducing the principal balance rather than interest charges.
What happens after the 0% intro period ends?
Once the intro period expires, the card’s regular variable APR applies to any remaining balance. This rate typically ranges from 15% to 29% depending on your creditworthiness. It’s important to pay off your balance before the intro period ends to avoid interest charges.
Can I transfer a balance from another card?
Yes, most 0% APR cards allow balance transfers, though some charge a fee of 3-5% of the transferred amount. You typically have 60-120 days from account opening to complete transfers and qualify for the 0% intro rate.
Will I hurt my credit score by applying?
A new credit card application typically causes a small, temporary drop of 5-10 points due to the hard inquiry. However, getting approved increases your available credit, which can improve your credit utilization ratio and potentially boost your score over time.
What credit score do I need for a 0% APR card?
Most 0% APR cards require good to excellent credit, typically a FICO score of 670 or higher. Some cards like the Capital One QuicksilverOne are available to those with fair credit (580-669).
Should I use a 0% APR card for everyday purchases?
It depends. If you can pay off purchases before the intro period ends, a 0% APR card is ideal for large expenses. However, if you want ongoing rewards, consider a card that combines 0% intro APR with a strong cash back or points program like the Chase Freedom Unlimited.