In 2025, smart use of credit cards isn’t just about earning rewards—it’s about saving on interest. That’s why 0% APR credit cards are such powerful tools. These cards offer interest-free financing on new purchases and/or balance transfers for a limited time—usually between 12 to 18 months. Whether you’re consolidating high-interest debt or planning a major expense, using a 0% APR card wisely can save you hundreds of dollars.
But remember: once the introductory period ends, the regular variable APR kicks in—so it’s crucial to pay off your balance on time. Below are our top picks for the best 0% APR credit cards in 2025, ranked by features like rewards, fees, and intro offers.
1. Discover it® Cash Back – Best for Rotating Category Rewards
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Ongoing APR: 18.24%–27.24% (variable)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Structure:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, with activation)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Rewards redemption options: statement credit, bank deposit, gift cards, or Amazon checkout
Key Benefits:
- Free FICO score access
- Fraud protection and the ability to freeze your card via mobile app
- Free replacement card shipping
- No intro bonus, but generous cashback potential
Best For: Savvy users who are willing to activate and track quarterly categories for higher rewards.
2. Discover it® Miles – Best for Travel & First-Year Bonus Match
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Ongoing APR: 18.24%–27.24% (variable)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Structure:
- 1.5x miles per dollar on all purchases
- Miles can be redeemed for travel, PayPal, Amazon, or statement credit
Welcome Bonus:
- Discover Miles Match: At the end of your first year, Discover will match all miles earned—no limit, no spending minimum
Key Benefits:
- Online privacy protection
- Free FICO score access
- Flexible redemption options
Best For: Travelers who want a simple flat-rate rewards system without an annual fee—and a huge bonus at the end of year one.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best for Everyday Spending + Bonus Offer
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Ongoing APR: 18.99%–28.49% (variable)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Structure:
- 5% on travel booked via Chase Travel
- 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
- $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Key Benefits:
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Points never expire while the account is open
Best For: Everyday spenders who want an easy-to-use card with a flat rate and bonus categories—plus a solid welcome bonus.
4. Citi Custom Cash® Card – Best for Auto-Adjusting Bonus Categories
Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (within 4 months of account opening)
Ongoing APR: 18.49%–28.49% (variable)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Structure:
- 5% cash back on your top eligible category (up to $500/month)
- 1% back on other purchases
- Bonus categories include: restaurants, gas stations, groceries, select travel, fitness, streaming, home improvement, and more
Welcome Bonus:
- Earn $200 back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months (fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points)
Key Benefits:
- No need to manually select bonus categories
- Free FICO score, fraud protection, and $0 liability
- Add authorized users at no cost
Best For: Cardholders who want a low-maintenance rewards card that auto-adjusts to their spending patterns each month.
What Is 0% APR and Why It Matters in the U.S.
A 0% APR offer means you won’t pay interest on purchases or balance transfers for a set promotional period—typically between 12 and 18 months. This feature is especially useful for:
- Paying off large purchases over time without interest
- Consolidating high-interest debt from other cards
- Financing an emergency expense or planned project
But caution is key: after the intro period, standard variable interest rates will apply—often above 18%. Always aim to pay off the balance within the interest-free period.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 0% APR card depends on your goals. If you want to maximize rewards, the Citi Custom Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited stand out. For travel perks without the annual fee, Discover it Miles delivers exceptional first-year value. And if rotating bonus categories work for you, the Discover it Cash Back card can earn impressive rewards.
Whichever card you choose, be strategic. Use the intro period wisely and avoid carrying a balance beyond it.