Writer: Bob Haegele
Editor: Jon McDonald
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
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As the credit card competition heats up, we’ve seen more cards offering 0% APR deals. These cards allow you to transfer balances to your new card with a 0% APR for up to almost two years in some cases.
Many of these cards also come with signup bonuses that can be worth hundreds of dollars, depending on the card’s annual fee. If your credit score qualifies, you might snag one of these cards, save money, and earn bonus rewards too.
Best Overall Cards With Signup Bonuses and 0% APRs
The best 0% APR signup bonus credit cards offer rewards and 0% introductory APRs on balance transfers and purchases. Benefits and perks vary by card, but these cards have plenty to offer — and no annual fee in many cases. Consider these cards to help consolidate credit card debt, earn cash rewards, and get a competitive APR.
- $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.
- Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% – 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- 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 is all about choices — you select the categories in which you earn the highest rewards. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll also earn a higher cash back rate at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
In addition to these perks, the card doesn’t charge an annual fee. It also provides a basic signup bonus and an introductory 0% APR offer. Keep in mind, bonus cash back rewards have a quarterly limit, and you can only change your category monthly. Having the option to choose from various common spending categories really makes this card appealing.
- 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; 18.49% – 28.49% 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 while also providing a 0% intro APR offer. Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem them for any amount. This card also includes a signup bonus.
This card also features a competitive regular APR even without an annual fee. It can be affordable to use. The card usually includes a new cardmember offer, providing you the chance to earn an extra cash bonus.
- For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 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; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice if you like to go to dinner and then catch a show — or if you prefer to order in and have a Netflix marathon. Those purchases fall into the card’s highest cash rewards rate categories — which include travel, dining, and entertainment. You’ll earn a high cash back rate on grocery purchases, too.
Qualifying balance transfers and purchases benefit from the card’s intro APR period. Plus, you’ll earn a signup bonus if you spend enough from account opening. The bonus is easy enough to earn, and there’s no annual fee.
- 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
As its name suggests, The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is an excellent choice for daily purchases. That’s because it earns a high cash back rate on common spending categories, including gas, groceries, and online purchases.
Balance transfers and purchases both have a 0% intro APR on the Blue Cash Everyday® Card, and its regular APR is competitive. It offers a basic signup bonus and several credits that help you save money — all with no annual fee.
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Unlimited mile-for-mile match for all new cardmembers. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a mile-for-mile match. You could turn 35,000 miles into 70,000 miles.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar of every purchase
- No annual fee.
- Turn miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Terms and conditions apply.
The Discover it® Miles card is a great choice if you want a card that allows you to earn a high number of miles on every purchase. It also benefits from Discover Match®, which doubles all of the miles you earn in your first year. Another benefit of this approach is that the card has no minimum spending requirement to receive the match.
Like many cards on this list, it has no annual fee. You can redeem rewards in many ways, including travel purchases, shopping on Amazon.com, and PayPal redemptions. The card also allows you to convert miles into cash in any amount at any time.
- 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.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
The Discover it® Cash Back card has no annual fee and allows you to earn cash back on purchases up to a spend cap in bonus categories. You must activate your bonus categories each quarter, as is often the case with rotating category cards. But you can redeem your cash back at any time for any amount, and rewards never expire.
Discover offers additional card features, including $0 fraud liability. It also includes free FICO® Score checks.
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Travel credit cards often have premium perks, but they typically come with a price. That’s not true of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, which has no annual fee and a reasonable APR. You also get an attractive intro APR on balance transfers and purchases. Plus, you can earn bonus miles after spending enough in the first three months from account opening.
Perhaps the card’s biggest benefit is that you earn a bonus rewards rate on every purchase. And if you book through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn an even higher rate. The card has no foreign transaction fee, so it’s safe to take it wherever you go.
8. Citi Custom Cash® Card
This card is currently not available.
Additional Disclosure: The information related to the Custom Cash® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers an exceptional cash back rate on your top spending category — and it doesn’t require manual activation every quarter. Bonus cash rewards are capped at a low amount, but they reset every billing cycle. All non-bonus purchases earn a flat cash back rate, and the card includes a signup bonus.
There is also no annual fee and $0 liability for unauthorized charges. However, there is a foreign transaction fee, so keep that in mind while traveling. Another benefit is that both balance transfers and purchases are included in the 0% APR intro period.
What is a Signup Bonus and How Does it Work?
One of the perks of opening a new credit card is the opportunity to score a signup bonus. Depending on your choice, you could accumulate points, miles, or cash back. These bonuses are the credit card companies’ way of enticing new customers, and some are impressively generous.
Here’s how signup bonuses work:
- Qualify: The first step to receiving a signup bonus is qualifying for a card that includes one. Many credit cards have great signup bonuses.
- Meet the spending requirements: Most signup bonuses require you to spend an amount within a certain time period. For example, you may need to spend $1,000 with your card in the first three months of account opening.
- Wait for the bonus to post: Bonuses typically aren’t available right away. This may vary by card issuer, but, generally, it should be available the next billing cycle after your statement closes. It may take longer in some cases.
- Redemption: Once you earn the bonus, you may have many ways to redeem it, depending on the card. For example, redemption options may include a statement credit, travel, cash back, or transfer to travel partners.
Keep in mind that some credit cards can have significant spending requirements to earn the signup bonus — especially premium credit cards with high annual fees. Be mindful of those annual fees and whether you’ll use the card to justify the fee after earning your signup bonus.
What is a 0% APR and How Does it Work?
0% APR offers include a promotional period during which the cardholder is not charged interest on their balances. For example, a credit card may have a 0% intro APR for 15 or 21 months. This 0% APR may apply to balance transfers, purchases, or both.
If the promotional APR applies to purchases, you won’t owe any interest on purchases during the intro period. If it applies to balance transfers, you can make balance transfers from other credit cards without interest during the intro period.
Typically, you can only transfer balances from different card issuers. You often may be required to complete balance transfers in the first three or four months to qualify for 0% APR.
After the promotional period ends, any remaining balances begin accruing interest at the regular APR. This is likely significantly higher than the intro APR, so it’s important to pay off balances before the intro period ends.
Also, keep in mind that even if a card has 0% APR on transferred balances, it typically still includes a balance transfer fee. Watch out for 0% intro APR cards with deferred interest, which can lead to a larger bill than expected at the end of the intro period.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a 0% APR?
The credit score you need can vary by card issuer, but generally, a good to excellent credit score is necessary for a 0% intro APR credit card. To boost your approval chances, aim for a FICO® Score of at least 670. For the highest likelihood of approval, a FICO score of 740 or above, which is considered very good to excellent, is recommended.
Reaching a FICO Score of 740 won’t guarantee approval, but it can increase your approval odds compared to applicants with lower credit scores. This is partly because credit card issuers may consider factors other than just credit score. Issuers may also consider income, debt-to-income ratio, and how many recent credit applications you have.
If your credit score isn’t high enough for approval, you can work on building credit with the right habits. These include paying bills on time, regularly monitoring your credit, and maintaining low balances on your credit cards. Also, research different credit card options before applying, as different types of credit cards (including secured cards) may be better suited to those with lower credit scores.
Which Cards Give You Free Money for Signing Up?
Most credit cards won’t give you free money just for signing up, but several offer incentives in the form of signup bonuses which, in some cases, can be worth hundreds of dollars. All the credit cards on our list offer a signup bonus, and many of them have low spending requirements. Typically, you must meet the spending requirement within the first three to six months from account opening.
Signup bonuses often come in the form of cash back, points, or miles. You can typically redeem your rewards in many forms, including cash. Most credit cards allow you to earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases, often with bonus rates for certain categories.
Another way some credit cards help is with 0% intro APR offers on balance transfers and purchases. Avoiding interest charges during the intro period can save you a significant amount of money. However, remember that balance transfer fees usually apply, even during the intro period.
Does Not Paying a 0% APR Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?
A 0% APR credit card works the same as any other credit card, meaning not making payments on it can and will hurt your credit score. Even if a credit card has a 0% intro APR, you are still expected to make at least the minimum payment by the due date every month. Failure to pay can result in not only a drop in your credit score but also several other consequences:
- Credit score impact: The most apparent impact of not paying your 0% APR card will likely be a drop in your credit score. This is because payment history makes up 35% of your score, the single largest factor. Missing even a single payment can cause a large drop in your credit score.
- Late fees: Missing a payment usually results in a late fee, adding to your credit card debt. Additional fees can accrue if you continue to miss payments.
- Loss of promotional APR: Some cards have terms that eliminate the promotional APR if you miss a payment. At this point, the regular APR goes into effect, which is likely much higher than the promotional rate.
- Increased debt: Missing payments means your credit card balance will grow, and late fees will only add to it. The effect will only get worse if you lose your intro rate.
- Contact from debt collectors: You could eventually receive phone calls and other actions from debt collectors if you go too long without paying your card. This may lead to derogatory marks on your credit report and even result in legal action against you.
In short, failure to pay your credit card can hurt your credit score, even during the 0% intro APR period. To minimize negative impacts on your credit report, ensure you at least make the minimum payments each month.
Should You Pay Off a Zero-Interest Credit Card Early?
Deciding whether to pay off a zero-interest credit card early depends on several factors, particularly your financial situation. The length of the zero-interest period is also vital. These periods usually last from 12 to 21 months, and after they end, any remaining balance will start accruing a much higher interest rate.
When evaluating your finances, it’s important to consider any other debts you may have. If you have larger debt commitments, it might be wise to prioritize those over a card with 0% interest, especially if the other debts come with higher interest rates. Don’t forget to make at least the minimum payment on your 9% APR credit card to dodge late fees and penalties.
Consider your income and cash flow, too. If your income isn’t particularly high, you might need to keep cash on hand for other expenses. For instance, if bills are piling up or your emergency fund is lacking, you might decide it’s smarter to keep more cash available.
Finally, consider the potential impact on your credit score. Depending on your balance and total credit line, carrying a balance on your credit card can increase your credit utilization ratio, which may negatively impact on your credit score. If you plan to apply for a car loan or mortgage soon, it may be best to reduce your credit utilization ratio to secure better financing rates.
Tips to Maximize Signup Bonuses
As mentioned, some credit issuers offer lucrative signup bonuses. Following these tips can help you get the most out of them:
- Stagger your applications: If you are applying for credit cards for their enticing signup bonuses, it’s usually best to spread them out. This can help you avoid large drops in your credit score due to hard credit inquiries and allow you to meet the spending requirements for each card.
- Take advantage of bonus categories: Each credit card has bonus categories that align with different spending categories. Choose cards that make the most sense based on how you typically spend your money.
- Get organized: Credit cards may not show your progress toward meeting your minimum spending requirement. Therefore, you should track your spending and possibly use a spreadsheet to keep track of your progress toward the minimum spend. This can help ensure you meet the requirements in the specified time frame. It can also help you monitor the expiration of points or miles.
- Pay your balances in full: You may not pay your balance in full right away, especially if you have applied for a 0% intro APR credit card. However, you should work to pay off your credit card before the end of the promotional period to avoid interest charges and fees.
Signup bonuses can be incredibly rewarding for cardholders, so make sure you fully capitalize on them. Additionally, think about the card’s overall value, its terms and conditions, and whether it fits your financial goals.
How to Choose a 0% Signup Bonus Credit Card
With so many great options for 0% signup bonus credit cards, you should consider several factors to find the best credit card for your situation. One consideration is the length of the intro period. Some credit cards offer intro periods as long as 21 months.
A longer intro period means you have more time to pay off the card, which can save you money on interest charges. The longer this period, the greater the potential savings.
You should also consider the type and value of the signup bonus. Some credit cards may offer points, miles, or cash back. If you rarely travel, a mile bonus probably wouldn’t be very useful to you. Also, see how the bonus compares to similar credit cards offering bonuses of the same type.
The spending requirement is also a key factor. A credit card might have an enticing signup bonus, but if you have to spend $20,000 in six months to earn it, you may realize it won’t work with your spending habits.
An important consideration is the regular APR after the intro period. A card offering a 0% intro APR for 21 months sounds fantastic, but make sure to check the APR once the first 21 months are over. If it’s significantly higher than the standard APR on similar cards, it might not be the best option for you.
Also, identify other fees and costs. Some credit cards have high annual fees and other fees, including foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees. Some of these fees are common, but they can be higher on some cards than others.
There are many aspects to consider when applying for a 0% signup bonus card. By focusing on factors like the length of the intro period, regular APR, and spending requirements, you can make the best choice for your needs.
Benefits of 0% Signup Bonus Credit Cards
A 0% signup bonus credit card can include many benefits. Here are a few to consider:
- Saving money with interest-free periods: A 0% APR credit card offers a promotional period during which you pay no interest on balance transfers, purchases, or both. This is useful for making large purchases or consolidating other credit card debt and potentially saving money on interest charges.
- Bonuses and rewards: These cards often come with signup bonuses in the form of cash back, points, or miles. You receive these after spending a certain amount in a specified period. In addition, these cards often provide rewards on everyday purchases, which you can redeem in a variety of ways.
- Building your credit: If you use your card responsibly, make your payments on time, and maintain a low credit utilization ratio, you can build your credit score with a 0% intro APR card. This can lead to several benefits, including lower interest rates on loans and better approval odds for financing.
- Managing cash flow: A 0% intro APR can help you manage your cash flow better, especially if you have irregular income or unexpected expenses. It may also provide a financial cushion, allowing your income time to catch up with your expenses.
- Additional perks: Credit cards are often loaded with additional hidden perks, such as cell phone insurance, extended warranties, and travel insurance. These perks can provide additional value, convenience, and peace of mind. They can help protect you against unforeseen circumstances, and they might even be included on a no-annual-fee card.
A 0% intro APR card provides many benefits, such as saving money on interest, bonuses and rewards, and cash flow management tools. However, the most important benefits will vary based on your financial habits, preferences, and goals.
Bottom Line
0% APR signup bonus credit cards are loaded with attractive features like high rewards rates on everyday spending categories, plus extra bonuses and perks. Generally, you’ll need a good to excellent credit score to qualify for these cards.
If you don’t yet qualify, try applying for a different card or work on building your credit. Once you work on your credit score, you can qualify for one of these cards and take advantage of their numerous perks.
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