What is a Good Credit Card APR? 5 Best Low APR Cards (June 2026)
Writer: Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
While credit cards are popular among consumers for their perks and convenience, it’s easy to forget that credit cards aren’t only popular with consumers; the card issuers and banks love them too — but for different reasons. For instance, credit cards are a consistent (and abundant) source of income.
In fact, according to the Federal Reserve, credit card interest fees account for nearly 10% of the income of credit card banks, and almost 3% of the income for the average commercial bank.
With so much money on the line, consumers, quite rightly, often look to get the lowest APR they can. But what is a good credit card APR — or a really bad one? As with many things in life, the answer to that question is: It’s relative.
Your Card’s Interest Rate Depends on Your Credit Score
For the most part, the quality of a particular APR will depend more on your credit history than any hard-and-fast numbers. That said, a few generalizations can be made, starting with the fact that a lower APR is always better — and a zero APR is the best. On the other end of the range, double-digit APRs are common for credit cards, but an APR over 30% is always bad.
Outside those broad lines, whether a specific APR is a good APR will depend on both the card and your personal creditworthiness. Nearly all open-loop credit cards will have a range of possible APRs (e.g., 14.99% – 19.99%), typically spanning five to 10 percentage points. This range is determined by issuers based on their risk tolerance and the potential risk of the card’s intended audience.
The APR you are offered when you apply for a particular credit card will come from the predetermined range, but the exact number will depend on your individual creditworthiness. Lower-risk applicants — those with well-established credit profiles and high credit scores — will be offered an APR from the lower end of the range. Higher-risk applicants with lower credit scores will receive an APR from the higher end of the range.
Along these lines, a specific interest rate can be good for one card and applicant, but poor for another. For example, consider two credit cards, Card A and Card B, with APR ranges of 11% to 16% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Suppose Hypothetical Henry applies for both cards and is offered a 15% interest rate by both issuers. Relative to the possible rates for Card A, Henry’s 15% APR isn’t very good. For Card B, however, the 15% APR is the best possible rate.
The Best Low-Interest Credit Card Deals
In general, the only effective way to influence the APR you receive when you are approved for a particular credit card — other than improving your credit — is to be discerning during the card selection process. If you choose to apply for a credit card with a low APR range, then you are essentially guaranteed to get a low APR if you are approved.
Of course, it’s important to apply for a card for which you are actually likely to be approved, no matter how tempting the APR range of out-of-reach cards. If you have poor credit, for instance, you are likely to be rejected for a prime credit card with a low APR range and may need to settle for a card with a higher APR. Since each application will result in a hard credit inquiry, don’t apply for cards well outside your credit score’s reach.
Although most of us know it’s best to avoid carrying a credit card balance because of the fees, sometimes — life happens. With a credit card that always has a low APR, you can avoid paying an arm and a leg — or any other body part — to your credit card issuer and ensure that life’s little problems don’t turn into big expenses. Our top-rated picks for low ongoing APRs offer rates as low as 11.99% to qualified applicants.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on Balance Transfers and Convenience Checks that post to your account within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the Variable Regular APR will apply to your balance.
Our lowest-rate card: Pay less in interest if you carry a balance from month to month
Travel benefits include Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Insurance, Baggage Delay and Reimbursement, and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
This offer is only open to members of military-affiliated groups and their families
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
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. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
4.5/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
If you have made significant credit score improvements since you obtained your current card, you may be able to request an APR reduction from your issuer. Few issuers will grant decreases outside the advertised APR range, so check your card’s range to get an idea of what rate to ask for based on your credit profile.
Best Cards for “New Purchase” Intro 0% APR
Credit cards are an amazingly convenient way to make all kinds of purchases, especially large purchases that would be a hassle to make with cash. At the same time, the typical double-digit APR can make that purchase a whole lot less convenient.
Cards offering an introductory 0% APR deal are great for financing large purchases you may need a little time to pay off. The best cards, including our favorites, provide introductory periods of 12 months or more. Look for a card with bonus rewards for your purchase category to maximize your potential savings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New! 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
$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.
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 5%)
Regular APR17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
No Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)0% 15 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% 15 months on Balance Transfers
When taking advantage of introductory APR deals, remember that introductory basically means temporary in this case. After your intro period ends, you’ll be charged the default purchase APR on your remaining balance and new purchases. To avoid sudden interest fees, be sure to pay off your balance before your terms expire.
Best Cards for “Balance Transfer” Intro 0% APR
It’s all well and good to get a new credit card with a low (or 0%) APR for new purchases, but what about the balance you’re already being charged double-digit interest on? That’s where the balance transfer card offer comes in. These introductory credit card offers provide 0% APR on transferred balances and more than 12 months to pay them off. The balance transfer options on our list won’t even charge an annual fee.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New! 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
Intro (Purchases)0% 12 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% 21 months on Balance Transfers
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New! 0% Intro APR for 21 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 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
No annual fee.
No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers)0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Before transferring your balance, check to see if your new card charges a balance transfer fee (hint: most cards do). Typically 3% to 5% of the transferred balance, these fees are often worth the cost to those currently being charged a 20%-plus APR.
Best Low-APR Cards for “Fair” Credit
Although the exact credit score range will vary by model, those with scores in the mid-600s tend to be described as having “fair” credit. These consumers are often building (or rebuilding) their credit, which equates to a fairly substantial credit risk to an issuer — and, thus, relatively high APRs.
Overall, fair-credit consumers will generally be offered an APR at the high end of the range for prime cards, but may qualify for the low end of the range with a subprime card. On the plus side, those with fair credit can still find quality cards, even some that offer purchase rewards, such as some of our expert-rated options below.
10. Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card with Cash Back Rewards
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. 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 $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
No credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. 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 $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
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 credit score required to apply.
No annual fee and build credit with responsible use.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 16.49% - 25.49% applies.
A good way to ensure your new card helps build your credit profile in a positive way is to pay your balance on time every month, perhaps by setting up automatic payments. Since your payment history is 35% of your FICO score calculation, late or missed payments can sabotage any progress you’ve made on your rebuilding journey.
Best Low-APR Cards for “Bad” Credit
If there’s anything that scares a prime credit card issuer, it’s a bad credit score (typically defined as a FICO score below 580). As a result, these high-risk consumers instead need to focus on secured credit cards — which require a deposit — or unsecured subprime credit cards. Our list of bad-credit card options includes both secured and unsecured cards to get your search started off right.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Many consumers avoid secured credit cards because of the initial deposit, but they may be more affordable than most people think. Not only can you add to your deposit over time if you can’t afford a large deposit upfront, but that deposit is completely refundable. Many unsecured credit cards require several hundred dollars worth of fees just to open the account, making unsecured cards more costly for some consumers.
Earn Better APRs As Your Credit Improves
Every year, large credit card companies and commercial banks rake in hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of interest fees from cardholders around the world. Consumers can do their part to fight back against interest fees by keeping their credit card balances paid off every month and using low-interest credit card deals. Paying off your balance each month is also an important factor in maintaining a healthy credit score because this is one of the main areas credit bureaus look at when determining your score.
If you’re not happy with the high APRs you’re currently being charged, the best solution is to improve your credit. Overall, the higher your credit score rises, the lower the APRs you’ll be charged for credit cards — or any other credit product. With a little research and some diligent credit building, nearly anyone can reduce or eliminate interest fees, keeping their hard-earned money out of the banks’ voracious vaults and in their own pockets.
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