Writer: Eric Bank
Editor: Jon McDonald
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
Key Takeaways
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The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is our top choice because it pairs a generous 0% introductory APR period (on purchases and balance transfers) with the flexibility to choose your 3% cash back category.
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The Discover it® Cash Back is another solid option with a lengthy 0% APR window on purchases and balance transfers and up to 5% cash back in categories that rotate each quarter. See rates & fees
If you’re old enough, you may remember the commercial for Certs breath mints and its catchphrase: “Two, two, two mints in one!” Today, many people enjoy other products that combine features, like credit cards that offer cash back rewards and 0% intro APR promotions.
These two-in-one cards save you money by offering cash back on eligible purchases and waiving interest charges on unpaid balances.
This article reviews the best of these double-duty cards and explains how the cards work. So pop a Certs into your mouth and keep reading!
Best Cash Back Cards With 0% APRs
These cash back cards offer 0% APRs for purchases and/or balance transfers to individuals when they sign up. If you’re looking for your next credit card, one of these is a solid option.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy – from gifts to groceries – BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card will interest consumers who want to choose where they earn rewards. You can select from top-tier cash back categories, including travel, drug stores, online shopping, gas, dining, and home furnishings.
We judge this as the best credit card for new cardmembers seeking a signup bonus and 0% APR promotions for purchases and balance transfers.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.74% – 26.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
The Discover it® Cash Back card delivers generous perks. It provides bonus cash back on quarterly rotating categories such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other merchants. You must activate the new category each quarter to earn the bonus rate.
New cardmembers also get a 0% intro APR on balance transfers and eligible purchases, as well as a Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year. The regular 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR will apply after the promotional period ends.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.74% – 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you earn cash back on every purchase, every day. There is no limit on the amount of cash back you can collect.
You can redeem cash back in many ways, including a statement credit, gift card, or check. The 0% intro APR extends to eligible purchases and balance transfers.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.74% – 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card structures its cash back rewards to favor cardmembers who enjoy travel, dining, and entertainment. If you frequently entertain clients or enjoy nights out on the town, this card’s cash rewards can really add up.
New cardholders qualify for a signup bonus and an intro 0% APR for balance transfers and eligible purchases.
- Limited Time Offer! $250 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy – from gifts to groceries – BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card provides straightforward cash back while charging no annual fee. New cardmembers can earn a signup bonus and a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
As with all Bank of America cards, you want to avoid overdue payments, or the bank will terminate your 0% APR and impose penalty interest and fees.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year on purchases (then 1%). Also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- Earn 3% cash back on transit, including U.S. gas stations, taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
- Card Members have access to purchase tickets® through Amex Presale Tickets® and Amex Reserved Tickets® to select can’t-miss events and moments across sports, music, and more (while supplies last).
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR applies
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
If you don’t mind paying a deferred annual fee, you may favor the Blue Cash Preferred® Card. It is the undisputed leader for cash back at US grocery stores, offering the highest rate on purchases.
It provides a signup bonus, but its 0% intro APR applies only to eligible purchases, not balance transfers.
- Earn $200 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership
- 3% cash back on groceries from U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 1% back on other purchases
- Introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate applies
- Find out if you Pre-Qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card or other offers in as little as 30 seconds
- $0 Annual Fee
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers its best cash back bonuses for gas, grocery, and online purchases. The card doesn’t charge an annual fee, but provides a signup bonus and a 0% APR promotion for purchases and balance transfers.
Beware of the card’s hefty penalty APR, late fee, and promotion cancellation if you miss a payment.
What Is a Cash Back Credit Card?
A cash back credit card is a traditional credit card that pays cash rewards to cardholders by returning a percentage of each purchase. Most cash back cards deliver rewards of up to 5% on purchases, although some offer even more on selected purchases.
This type of card rebates a specified percentage of each eligible purchase. The cash back structure may be flat, tiered, or rotating:
- Flat rate: These cards offer a flat cash back rate (typically 1% or 2%) on all purchases. Some cards place an annual cap on the spending eligible for a high rate and then pay a lower, unlimited rate on the remainder.
- Tiered rates: These cards offer different bonus rates for spending on various merchant categories (e.g., restaurants, gas stations, office stores, etc.) The card may limit the purchase amounts entitled to the bonus rates. All other eligible spending receives the default rate, typically 1%.
- Rotating categories: The card specifies a new merchant category for each quarter’s top bonus rate. You must activate your enrollment every quarter to receive these rewards. Issuers often cap the quarterly spending eligible for the high bonus rate. These cards may also include tiered bonuses for secondary spending categories.
Other features of cash back credit cards include the following:
- Introductory promotions: Many cash back cards let you earn a cash bonus when you spend a set amount on eligible purchases during the initial period (typically two to six months after account opening). We discuss 0% APR promotions below.
- Costs: Issuers specify each card’s APR and fees. Different interest rates may apply to purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. The issuer may impose a penalty APR (typically 29.9%) and a fee if your payment is late. You should also know the card’s annual and foreign transaction fees.
- Benefits: The best cash back cards may offer additional consumer benefits, including price protection, travel insurance, purchase protection, and free FICO scores, among others.
- Credit limits: Issuers assign credit limits on unsecured cash back cards. Your card’s spending limit depends on your credit score, income, debt, and housing costs. Your cash deposit sets the initial credit limit for secured cash back cards.
Consumers frequently choose cash back cards with the highest rewards for their favorite categories, such as groceries or dining. CardRates.com publishes dozens of informative articles to help you select your next credit card.
What Is a 0% APR Credit Card?
New cardmembers may receive an intro 0% APR promotion on purchases and balance transfers for a set period (typically six to 21 months) after account opening.
Plenty of cards for consumers with good credit offer these promotions, regardless of whether they also pay rewards in cash back, points, or miles.
A 0% intro APR on purchases allows cardholders to stretch their payments for purchases over multiple billing cycles without accruing interest.
A 0% APR on balance transfers offer lets you move outstanding credit card balances to a new card and avoid interest charges until the promotional period expires. You can use this feature to consolidate your credit card debts and repay the combined balance without the drag of interest.
Many consumers seek out 0% APR cards in anticipation of one or more big-ticket purchases. Doing so can save money on interest and may help you qualify for a spending-based signup bonus.
How Do I Qualify For a Card With No Interest and Cash Back?
You will need a good FICO score to get a card with 0% interest. Cash back cards are available to consumers with at least fair credit, but you need good credit to get a card with high cash back rates and zero-percent APRs.
The issuer typically provides a quick answer when you apply online. As a note, formally applying for a credit card may impact your credit score, regardless of whether you are approved. Card issuers do a hard pull of your credit file when you apply for a credit card or loan.
| FICO Score Categories | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Exceptional | 800-850 |
| Very Good | 740-799 |
| Good | 670-739 |
| Fair | 580-669 |
| Poor | Below 580 |
The major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) track the hard inquiries you receive. Only you can approve hard inquiries, which occur when you attempt to increase your access to credit (i.e., by applying for a credit card, a higher credit limit, or a loan).
Hard inquiries typically have a negligible impact on your FICO score, but several of them in a short period may harm your credit. Creditors view multiple hard inquiries within a brief period as an indication of financial distress. Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for two years, but impact scores only for the first year.
Soft inquiries result from credit checks that do not involve new accounts. Employers, landlords, utilities, and even dating partners may be interested in your credit history and lodge soft inquiries. And remember, self-inquiries are always soft.
If you want to improve your odds of qualifying for a cash back card with a 0% intro APR, it helps to boost your credit score. The most effective way to raise your score is to pay your bills on time every month. Your payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score, which is the most significant factor determining your overall score.
| FICO Score Factor | Percentage of Your Score |
|---|---|
| Payment History | 35% |
| Amounts Owed | 30% |
| Credit History | 15% |
| Credit Mix | 10% |
| New Credit | 10% |
Your debt levels account for another 30% of your FICO score. One important metric is your credit utilization ratio (CUR), which is the amount of credit you currently use divided by the amount of credit available. Your CUR should always be below 30% for good credit scores.
Your debt-to-income ratio is another measure of your creditworthiness. Typically, creditors get nervous when they see DTI ratios above 35%, although the critical threshold may be higher for certain types of secured debts.
Having a credit score goal to work toward can help, too. That’s why we created this tool to help you understand where you are and how to get to your ideal credit score:
You can also improve your credit by removing inaccurate, obsolete, and unverifiable data from your credit reports. Start by getting a free copy of each report from AnnualCreditReport.com. You can dispute incorrect data by contacting the credit bureaus online, by mail, or over the phone.
If you win your dispute, the credit bureau must delete or correct the offending item, recalculate your credit score, and inform recent report recipients of the change. If you aren’t the DIY type, you can hire a legitimate credit repair company to help clean up your reports.
Your credit should improve whenever a credit bureau removes derogatory information from your report. Know that credit repair companies cannot guarantee a higher score.
Expect to pay between $50 and $150 monthly to subscribe to a credit repair company, but you can terminate or extend your subscription if needed.
Some credit cards allow cosigners. By recruiting a cosigner with good credit, you may qualify for a cash back, 0% APR credit card, even if you have poor credit.
Is it Better to Have a 0% APR or Pay No Annual Fee?
A 0% APR card can save you hundreds in interest, especially if you are contemplating big-ticket purchases. A card with a 0% APR on balance transfers can save significant interest costs when you use it to consolidate and repay your credit card debt.
But a 0% APR promotion is a temporary benefit. When it expires, you’ll face a much higher rate on carried balances. Remember that you’ll pay a 3% to 5% fee on each balance transfer.
Here is a look at the potential balance transfer savings for a 0% APR offer vs. a credit card with a 20% APR over 12 months:
| Amount Transferred | 3% Balance Transfer Fee | Interest Savings (12 Months) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $30 | $200 |
| $2,500 | $75 | $500 |
| $5,000 | $150 | $1,000 |
| $7,500 | $225 | $1,500 |
| $10,000 | $300 | $2,000 |
Paying no annual fee is a permanent benefit. Cards with annual fees ranging from $29 to more than $600 may pack more perks, but a no-annual-fee card can be adequate for any lifestyle.
Cardmembers who always pay their entire monthly balance will be indifferent to the 0% APR and may prefer a card with no annual fee. But if you frequently carry a balance across multiple billing cycles, a 0% APR will save you money (at least temporarily).
You may also prefer a 0% APR on balance transfers to reduce your credit card debt.
The most straightforward answer is: Try to get a credit card that offers a 0% promotion without charging an annual fee. You’ll have your cake, eat it too, and won’t put on any weight.
How Do 0% APRs Affect My Credit Score?
A 0% APR offer doesn’t directly affect your credit score, but how you use the card does. You increase your available credit when you receive a new credit card, which reduces your credit utilization ratio and potentially raises your credit score.
You can reduce your CUR further by using a 0% APR to consolidate and pay off your outstanding credit card balances. Here is an example of how a balance transfer credit card can impact credit utilization with some before and after calculations:
| Before the Balance Transfer | Card A | Card B | New Balance Transfer Card | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | $900 | $1,500 | N/A | $2,400 |
| Credit Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 | N/A | $5,000 |
| Utilization Rate | 45% | 50% | N/A | 48% |
| After the Balance Transfer | Card A | Card B | New Balance Transfer Card | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | $0 | $0 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| Credit Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| Utilization Rate | 0% | 0% | 96% | 32% |
But if you use your new card to finance a shopping spree, you may raise your CUR and harm your credit score. Your behavior will dictate the ultimate impact on your CUR.
If you have a large unpaid balance when the 0% promotion expires, your credit will suffer if your debt is so high that you can’t afford the minimum payments. You’ll also feel the impact if your minimum payment is more than 30 days late.
Applying for several cards in a brief period can also drive down your credit score because of the multiple hard inquiries on your credit reports. It’s best to wait about six months before applying for another credit card.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a 0% APR For Purchases?
A 0% APR for purchases on a credit card offers various advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros
- Interest-Free Financing: You can make purchases without interest for a set period. This promotion can be particularly useful for purchasing big-ticket items, including appliances, furniture, or electronics, allowing you to stretch your payments over multiple billing cycles without additional cost.
- Flexibility: The 0% APR makes financial planning more flexible. For example, you can use the card interest-free (during the promotional period) if you suddenly need money for a holiday sale or medical emergency.
- Credit Score Benefits: Making timely payments on your 0% APR card can help raise your credit score.
- Promotional Rewards: Credit cards offering a 0% APR frequently provide signup bonuses and rewards in the form of cash back, points, or miles.
Cons
- High Post-Promotional APR: After the promotional period expires, the regular APR may be higher than average, especially if your credit is only fair.
- Potential for Overspending: The allure of 0% interest can tempt you into overspending, leaving you with a balance that you can’t pay off before the promotional period ends.
- Potential Impact on Your Credit Utilization: You risk increasing your credit utilization ratio if you use your new card to go on a shopping spree. A high CUR can harm your credit score. The damage worsens if you can’t pay off a big balance before the 0% APR period ends.
- Complex Terms and Conditions: Some 0% APR offers come with obscure gotchas. For example, you may forfeit the 0% rate if you miss a payment, which could result in costs higher than anticipated. The impact is worse if the card imposes a high penalty fee.
There are some powerful reasons to consider a 0% APR credit card for making large purchases. But you definitely want to understand the pitfalls, because it is only a good decision if you manage the card responsibly.
What Are 0% APR Pros and Cons for Balance Transfers?
Balance transfers allow you to consolidate debt. Cards with 0% APRs for balance transfers can do good or harm, depending on how you use them.
Pros
- Interest Savings: The primary benefit of a 0% APR for balance transfers is that it can help you pay down debt without incurring interest for a specific period, usually between six and 21 months. That time can result in significant savings if used prudently.
- Simplified Payments: Transferring multiple credit card balances to a single 0% APR card can simplify your financial life because you won’t have to remember different due dates and minimum payments. You’ll have just one credit card payment to track each month.
- Financial Flexibility: The interest-free period gives you some breathing room should you suddenly need money for emergencies.
- Potential Credit Score Improvement: A balance transfer can lower your credit utilization ratio and raise your credit score if you don’t rack up new balances on your old credit cards.
Cons
- Balance Transfer Fees: Most credit cards charge a balance transfer fee, typically between 3% and 5% of the transferred amount. This fee will offset some amount of interest savings, depending on the size of the balance you’re moving,
- High Post-Promotional APR: As with the 0% APR for purchases, the regular APR on the remaining balance can be quite high once the promotional period ends. This high APR may eliminate some of your interest savings if you don’t pay the entire balance before the promotion expires.
- Potential for Increasing Debt: Having a card with a zero balance after the transfer might tempt you into creating more debt, worsening your financial situation.
- Limited Time to Transfer: Many cards require you to complete the balance transfer within a certain period (e.g., within 60 days of account opening) to be eligible for the 0% APR offer. Missing this deadline means losing out on the benefit.
With the right attitude, you can use a balance transfer credit card to your advantage. But consider the possible pitfalls before making the move.
Get a Credit Card With Cash Back and 0% Interest
If you’re looking for a cash back credit card and time to pay off purchases or balance transfers interest-free, you have many options. We’ve given you seven powerful cards to consider.
Each card has a unique mix of benefits and costs, so one or more may perfectly match your requirements.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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