Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Best Overall Balance Transfer Card for Long Intro APR Period
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
On Wells Fargo's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Wells Fargo's Website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
15.99% - 27.99% variable APR
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Those seeking a balance transfer card will likely appreciate that the Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a generous introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. However, the card doesn’t offer rewards or other notable benefits, so give it a pass if you don’t need a long introductory APR period.
Pros & Cons
- Generous introductory APR period for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- $0 Annual Fee
- No rewards program or welcome bonus
- Balance transfer fee
- Foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- 0% intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Intro APR extension for 3 months with on-time minimum payments during the intro period. 15.99% to 27.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min $5.
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It’s an easy way to earn cash back as an account creditwhenyou shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by usingan eligibleWells Fargo credit card.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card for Choosing Your Own Rewards
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
On Bank of America's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
Choose your 3% category
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500Read More
Welcome Bonus
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.99% - 26.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Good, Excellent(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
While offering solid rewards for moderate spenders, the card really shines for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients, who get a 25%-75% boost in cashback earnings.
Pros & Cons
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25% to 75% more cash back
- Decent rewards earning potential
- Option to change 3% bonus category monthly
- Bonus rewards have quarterly caps
- High balance transfer fee
- Foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.99% – 26.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citibank's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
First, you earn 1% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. Then, as you pay for those purchases, youRead More
Welcome Bonus
$200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.99% - 26.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Citi Double Cash card's simple cash back structure and long-lasting balance transfer APR offer make the Citi Double Cash a favorite among those who want to set it and forget it. It offers a solid cashback rate on all purchases and 0% intro APR on balance transfers, all without an annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- Earn up to 2% cash back—1% when the purchase is made and 1% when payment is made on the account
- No cash back cap—no limit on the amount of cash back that can be earned
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period for balance transfers
- Foreign transaction fee
- Balance transfer fee
- Lack of benefits seen in other no annual fee cards
- No introductory 0% APR on purchases
Card Details
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 16.99% – 26.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- 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).
For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card with Overdraft Protection
BankAmericard® credit card
On Bank of America's Website
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Bank of America's Website
No Rewards
The BankAmericard® credit card does not offer rewards on purchases.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.99% - 24.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit Score
Good, Excellent(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Great for those who need a lengthy introductory APR offer to pay off other card balances or finance a major purchase.
Pros & Cons
- No penalty APR
- No annual fee
- No rewards program
- Foreign transaction fee
- Fee on balance transfers
Card Details
- New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.99% – 24.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won’t automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card for Long Transfer Window
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
On Citibank's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citibank's Website
Welcome Bonus
$150
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
15.99% - 26.74% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Those looking to consolidate debt and pay it off over time will appreciate the long introductory offer on balance transfers. A $0 annual fee further enhances its frugal appeal. On the downside, this card is light on perks and comes with a heavy balance transfer fee.
Pros & Cons
- $0 annual fee
- Lengthy introductory APR offer on balance transfers
- Special event access through Citi Entertainment®
- $0 liability on unauthorized purchases
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- No rewards program
- High variable APR when introductory period ends
Card Details
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 15.99% – 26.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- For a limited time earn a $150 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
- With Citi Entertainment®, get special access to purchase tickets to thousands of events, including concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more.
For a limited time earn a $150 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card for Late Fee Forgiveness
Citi Simplicity® Card
On Citibank's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citibank's Website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.99% - 27.74% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Citi Simplicity Card offers a very long intro APR offer for balance transfers, with the catch that each transfer incurs a fee. You'll also get a long intro APR offer on purchases. However, there is no rewards program nor any welcome bonus, making this truly a "simple" card for those looking to hold a balance for a long period of time.
Pros & Cons
- No late fees
- No penalty APR
- No annual fee
- Intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 liability on unauthorized charges
- High regular APR
- No rewards program
Card Details
- No Late Fees, No Penalty Rate, and No Annual Fee… Ever
- 0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.99% – 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an introductory balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount of the transfer, whichever is greater for balances transfers completed within 4 months of account opening.
- Stay protected with Citi®Quick Lock and $0 liability on unauthorized charges
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Citibank's Website
Welcome Bonus
20,000 points
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Citi Rewards+® Card is an intriguing option as an everyday card for small purchases. In terms of rewards earnings, Citi rounds up all purchases to the next 10 points. Meaning, that a $3 purchase will earn 10 points. Earn additional rewards with a 10% redemption bonus each year (on up to 100,000 redeemed points) plus an increased earning rate on supermarkets and gas spending up to the annual $6,000 cap— with no annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- All purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 rewards points.
- 10% points bonus added to the first 100,000 points redeemed annually.
- No rotating categories to manage.
- Foreign transaction fee.
- Potentially high APR depending on your creditworthiness.
- High balance transfer fee
- Annual $6,000 spending cap on 2x points category.
Card Details
- Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
- For a limited time, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent at restaurants up to $6,000 in the first 12 months and 1 ThankYou® Point per $1 spent thereafter.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 16.49% – 26.49%, 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).
- The Citi Rewards+® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
- Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on All Other Purchases.
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Balance Transfer Card for Overall Rewards
Chase Freedom Flex℠
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
3.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More
Welcome Bonus
$200 bonus
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.24% - 25.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
This card has the brawn to handle just about all of your credit card spending needs without an over-inflated price tag. The card has an annual fee of $0, yet comes with a pumped-up earnings structure that covers a wide swath of expenses including travel, drugstores and dining plus rotating quarterly bonus categories in areas many households are likely to find appealing.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
- Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
- Generous rewards rate in several other categories
- Travel bookings must be made through Chase Ultimate Rewards® to earn 5% cash back
Card Details
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.24% – 25.99%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
- Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Potential APR Reduction on Existing Balances
Chase Slate Edge℠
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
3.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
No Rewards
The Slate Edge does not offer rewards on purchases.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
17.24% - 25.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Chase Slate Edge is a reasonable option for those looking to consolidate debt.
Pros & Cons
- Introductory APR
- Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
- No annual fee
- Doesn’t earn rewards
- High balance transfer fee
- High foreign transaction fee
Card Details
- Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 17.24% – 25.99% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
- Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
- Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
- All for no annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Edge℠ card
- Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best 0% APR Credit Cards for Those Who Qualify
Best for No Balance Transfer Fee
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Credit Card *
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
8.24% - 18.00% variable
Credit Score
Average to Excellent(650 - 699)
Why We Picked It
Many people skip credit union cards because they assume they won't qualify. Navy Federal might be easier to join than you realize, and the card doesn't charge a fee for balance transfers, making for a low cost balance transfer option.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No balance transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- Low ongoing interest rates
- No promotional interest rate on purchases
- No rewards program
- There are longer promotional APR periods available
Card Details
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months. After that, a standard variable APR between 8.24% and 18% applies
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction, cash advance or balance transfer fee
- Zero Liability policy for unauthorized transactions
- 24/7 access to stateside member reps
- Enjoy the ability to freeze and unfreeze your cards
- Gain free access to your FICO® Score
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
FAQs
Why is 0% APR may not good for credit? ›
A 0% APR is not good for your credit when you abuse the interest-free period by overspending, because it will eventually lead to expensive finance charges, high credit utilization and missed payments. Plus, every time you apply for a new 0% APR credit card, it will hurt your credit score temporarily.
Do balance transfers hurt credit score? ›A balance transfer can affect your credit score, depending on 1) if you open a new card to transfer a balance and 2) what you do once your balances have been transferred. If you simply move your balances around on your existing cards, your credit score likely won't be impacted.
Does 0 APR apply to balance transfer? ›A 0% APR on a credit card means that you won't be responsible for paying your card's ongoing interest rate for a certain period of time, typically 15 to 18 months. Depending on the card, the promotional APR will apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both.
What does 0% balance transfer for 12 months mean? ›A 0% interest balance transfer is when you move what you owe from one credit card to a dedicated balance transfer credit card without having to pay any interest for a fixed period.
Should you pay off zero interest credit card early? ›Yes, if possible, you should pay off a 0% interest loan early. Doing so will not only lower your financial risk, but also increase your monthly financial margin, which will, in turn, improve your ability to save, invest, and prepare for the future.
Should I pay off a 0% credit card? ›Transferring the balance to a card with a 0 percent APR can allow you to pay some of your balance off each month without incurring more interest. In this case, carrying a balance on your 0 percent APR card as you pay it down gradually is a great way to save money on interest.
Is it smart to pay off a credit card with another credit card? ›Pros of paying a credit card bill with another credit card
And there are some immediate benefits to paying off a credit card using another card, including: Lower APR and interest savings: If you're transferring a balance from a card with a high APR to one with a lower APR, you'll save money in interest.
If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.
Why do balance transfers get declined? ›The issuer will hold your balance transfer request until they are able to confirm the amount to transfer in relation to your credit limit. If your credit limit is lower than the amount of money you requested to transfer from another card, the issuer will likely reject the request.
What is a good balance transfer rate? ›A balance transfer fee is a charge imposed by a lender to transfer existing debt over from another institution. Credit card companies commonly offer balance transfers. Fees generally range between 2% and 5% of the amount transferred or a fixed amount like $10, whichever is greater.
Is balance transferring a good idea? ›
A balance transfer credit card is an excellent way to refinance existing credit card debt, especially since credit card interest rates can go as high as 30%. By transferring your balance to a card with a 0% intro APR, you can quickly dodge mounting interest costs and give yourself repayment flexibility.
Is it hard to get a balance transfer card? ›It's hard to get approved for a traditional balance transfer credit card with bad credit. Issuers of balance transfer cards typically require a good or excellent credit score to qualify, which is 670 or higher on the 850-point FICO credit scoring scale.
Can you still use your credit card after a balance transfer? ›For example, say you have an outstanding balance of $10,000 on your old card and get a new card with a credit limit of $7,000. Even after transferring $7,000, you'll still have an outstanding balance of $3,000. You may continue using the card as before even if you've paid the entire balance.
Does a balance transfer count as a payment? ›Yes! Once your balance transfer is complete, your old credit card company will process it as a normal payment. This will satisfy your minimum monthly payment requirements so you can avoid late fees and potentially negative information on your credit report.
What happens if you don't pay off a balance transfer? ›A balance transfer credit card can offer you many months to pay off high-interest debt in the form of a 0% introductory APR. But when that balance transfer period ends, interest charges are added to the balance if it isn't paid off.
Is 6 credit cards too much? ›How many credit accounts is too many or too few? Credit scoring formulas don't punish you for having too many credit accounts, but you can have too few. Credit bureaus suggest that five or more accounts — which can be a mix of cards and loans — is a reasonable number to build toward over time.
How do I keep my credit card interest 0? ›- Your 0% offer is usually on specific transactions like card purchases or balance transfers.
- To keep your 0% rate, you'll still need to make your monthly minimum payment on time and stay within your card's credit limit.
The snowball method suggests that when you're paying off multiple credit cards, it's best to pay off the card with the smallest balance first before moving on to the next smallest and so on. The idea is to pay as much as you can towards the smallest debt while sticking to the minimum payment for the remaining cards.
When paying off credit cards which one goes first? ›Paying off your credit card with the highest APR first, and then moving on to the one with the next highest APR, allows you to reduce the amount of interest you will pay throughout the life of your credit cards.
Is it better to pay off one credit card or pay down several? ›When you have multiple credit cards, it's more effective to focus on paying off one credit card at a time rather than spreading your payments over all your credit cards. You'll make more progress when you pay a lump sum to one credit card each month.
What are the disadvantages of an interest-free period? ›
Interest-free deals let you take goods home or go on a holiday and pay off the cost over time. But interest-free doesn't mean cost-free. Fees can add up quickly and if you don't repay the balance in the interest-free period, you'll be charged a lot in interest.
What are the pros and cons of 0% introductory APR? ›| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These credit cards rarely have annual fees. | They make it easier to spend more than you can afford to repay. |
| 0% APR on purchases allows you to finance important things you'd otherwise have to wait to buy. | If it's a store credit card, the offer could involve deferred interest. |
A 0% APR credit card offers no interest for a period of time, typically six to 21 months. During the introductory no interest period, you won't incur interest on new purchases, balance transfers or both (it all depends on the card).
What is APR and how does it affect your credit? ›Your credit card APR is the amount of interest you'll be required to pay if you don't pay off your balance in full each month. This percentage typically ranges from around 12% to 26% depending on a variety of factors, including your credit score and the type of credit card you have.
How many credit cards can you have at once? ›Technically, there's no limit to how many credit cards you can have. If you want to break the Guinness world record for the biggest assortment of valid cards, you'll need to collect a whopping 1,498. But the perfect number of cards for you will depend on your personal financial needs.
How much does the average household have in credit card debt? ›The average cardholder had $5,769 in credit card debt in Q1 2022, up from $5,611 in Q1 2021. Individuals 75 or older had the most debt ($8,100), and those under 35 had the least ($3,700).
How can I maximize my interest free credit card? ›- Paying your account balance in full to get interest-free on all purchases from that day. ...
- Paying your closing balance in full by the due date shown on your statement to get interest-free on new purchases in your next statement period.
If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.
What is a good APR? ›What Is a Good Credit Card APR? A good credit card APR is one that's below the national average credit card rate, which is 16.65% as of the second quarter of 2022, according to Federal Reserve data.
Why am I being charged interest on an interest free credit card? ›If you are being charged interest during an interest-free period, this could be from previous purchases that you have not fully paid for or new purchases if you have undertaken a balance transfer. You should contact the credit card company and ask for an explanation as to the charges.
Is 6 credit cards too much? ›
How many credit accounts is too many or too few? Credit scoring formulas don't punish you for having too many credit accounts, but you can have too few. Credit bureaus suggest that five or more accounts — which can be a mix of cards and loans — is a reasonable number to build toward over time.
What is the APR on Capital One? ›Our eligibility checker QuickCheck will also tell you the APR you'll get once you've applied, no surprises, just 100% clarity. Capital One Classic credit card 34.9% APR representative variable.
Why is my APR so high with good credit? ›“The increased rate may be related to new benefits, since [the issuers] need to balance the cost with revenue,” Lindeen said. “It could also be related to increased risk in their portfolio for cash advances.”
Does APR matter if you pay in full? ›APR doesn't matter if you pay your balance in full every month. If you consistently pay your credit card balance off each month, it does not matter whether your credit card carries an interest rate of 10 percent or 25 percent. You aren't carrying a balance, so your issuer can't charge you interest.
Is it better to have a lower interest rate or APR? ›APR is the cost to borrow money, so a lower APR is better for a borrower compared to a higher APR. APR will also vary based on the purpose of the loan, duration of the loan, and macroeconomic conditions that impact the lending side of the loan.