Best Credit Cards with No APR: Maximize Your Credit Card Points and Save on Interest!
Are you looking for the best card with no APR or zero interest? Whether you’re trying to pay off an existing balance, fund a big purchase, or simply maximize your credit card points, choosing a credit card with no APR for an introductory period can save you significant money on interest charges. In this article, we’ll dive into the best options for the best card with no APR offers, how to leverage zero interest and earn valuable credit card points along the way.
Why Choose a Credit Card with No APR?
A credit card with no APR can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of reasons:
- No Interest Payments:
A credit card offering 0% APR for a set period (often between 12 to 18 months) allows you to carry a balance without accruing interest, making it ideal for paying off large purchases or existing debt. - Maximizing Rewards:
Some of the best card zero interest options also offer excellent rewards programs. This means you can earn credit card points on everyday purchases without worrying about paying interest, as long as you pay off the balance during the interest-free period. - Debt Consolidation:
If you have high-interest debt on other cards, a 0% APR credit card can help you consolidate that debt, giving you time to pay it off without being hit by high-interest charges.
Top Credit Cards with No APR
Here’s a look at some of the best cards with no APR that combine low or zero-interest offers with generous credit card points or cashback programs:
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why It’s Great:
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Earn credit card points with unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus a 3% bonus cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
Best For: People looking to earn consistent rewards while enjoying a long zero-interest period. It’s an excellent choice if you want to make big purchases or pay off balances without paying interest while racking up credit card points for future rewards.
2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Why It’s Great:
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Earn unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase, which can be converted into credit card points through Wells Fargo's reward system.
Best For: If you’re looking for a simple, flat-rate rewards structure and a no-fuss approach, this card provides value by offering consistent cashback with no APR during the introductory period.
3. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Why It’s Great:
- One of the longest 0% APR offers available: 21 months on balance transfers and 12 months on purchases.
- While this card does not offer credit card points, its long 0% APR period makes it an ideal choice for debt consolidation or managing big expenses.
Best For: This is one of the best zero-interest card options if your primary goal is to pay down high-interest debt or manage large upcoming purchases without being burdened by interest.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
Why It’s Great:
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
- Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories (such as gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores) each quarter up to $1,500 in purchases, plus 1% on all other purchases.
Best For: If you're looking to maximize rewards while taking advantage of a no-interest offer, the Discover it Cash Back card is perfect for earning credit card points in the form of cashback. Plus, Discover matches all cash back earned in your first year, making this one of the best cards with no APR and generous rewards.
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why It’s Great:
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Earn 3% cashback in the category of your choice (e.g., gas, dining, online shopping), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Rewards can be redeemed as credit card points for travel, gift cards, or cashback.
Best For: If you like to choose your reward categories and want flexibility in earning credit card points, this card gives you control over how you earn rewards while enjoying a solid 0% APR offer.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Zero-Interest Card
When using a no APR offer, follow these tips to make the most of your credit card:
- Pay Off the Balance Before the Intro Period Ends:
Once the 0% APR period ends, the interest rate will revert to the standard APR, which can be quite high. To avoid paying any interest at all, aim to pay off your balance in full before the end of the intro period. - Leverage the Rewards Programs:
Many of these best card zero-interest offers come with excellent rewards programs. Make sure to use your card for eligible purchases to rack up credit card points or cashback, but avoid overspending. Remember, earning rewards only makes sense if you’re not accruing interest on your purchases. - Monitor Balance Transfers:
If you're using the card to transfer a balance, be mindful of any balance transfer fees (usually 3% to 5% of the transferred amount). Even with these fees, a 0% APR card may still save you money if you're transferring high-interest debt. - Stay Disciplined with Your Spending:
Just because you're not paying interest doesn't mean it's a good idea to overspend. Stick to your budget, and avoid carrying a balance after the 0% APR period ends to prevent getting hit with high-interest charges.
Conclusion
Finding a 0% APR card is a smart financial move, whether you're looking to pay down existing debt, finance a major purchase, or simply avoid interest charges. The added bonus of earning credit card points or cashback makes these offers even more appealing. By using a credit card with no APR wisely, you can keep your financial health in check and earn rewards along the way.
Explore your options today, and choose the zero-interest card that fits your spending habits and financial goals!