This Week’s Longest 0% Intro APR Credit Cards: Up to 21 Months With No Interest

Credit card interest can be especially punishing, with APRs often topping 20%. When that happens, much of each payment goes toward interest instead of reducing the balance.

A 0% intro APR credit card offers a different path. The longest offers available this week include up to 21 months with no interest on purchases, balance transfers, or both. That gives cardholders nearly two years to put payments directly toward debt instead of finance charges.

For borrowers trying to make progress, that can create valuable room to move ahead without interest piling up.

How to choose the best 0% intro APR credit card

When comparing 0% intro APR cards, it helps to start by deciding whether the offer is for purchases, balance transfers, or both. Some cards are better for new spending, while others are designed to help move existing debt.

It is also important to look at how long the introductory period lasts and whether you can realistically pay off the balance before it ends. Once the regular APR begins, interest can add up quickly.

Annual fees and other hidden costs should also be checked carefully, since they can reduce the value of the promotion. Credit requirements matter too, as these cards are generally available to people with good to excellent credit.

Who should get a 0% intro APR credit card?

A 0% intro APR card can be useful for anyone planning a large purchase and wanting time to pay it off, such as travel, moving costs, or a wedding.

It can also help people carrying high-interest debt by giving them a chance to transfer balances and get some breathing room. For those who want flexibility without interest building every month, one of the best balance transfer cards may be a strong fit.

Tips to make the most of your 0% intro APR period

A 0% intro APR period can save money, but only if it is managed carefully. A payoff plan based on the length of the promotion can help avoid surprises when the standard rate starts.

If the card is being used for a balance transfer, it is often best to avoid adding new purchases, since that can make repayment more complicated. Missing a payment should also be avoided, because doing so could jeopardize the intro rate and trigger unnecessary interest.

Bottom line: Lock in 0% interest for almost 2 full years

If you want relief from high-interest charges, the longest 0% intro APR cards available now are worth considering.

A top pick right now is the Chase Slate® (see rates and fees), which offers one of the longest introductory APR periods available and can be a good choice for paying down debt or financing a large purchase interest-free.

These offers can change at any time, so acting sooner could make a meaningful difference later. If you are ready to take advantage of 0% interest, explore the full list of top 0% intro APR cards for more options.