Best Low Interest and 0% Intro APR Credit Cards of 2018

The lengthy interest-free introductory period is super for purchases, but it comes at a cost for balance transfers: 4% (minimum $10), which adds up for big balances. The late-fee waiver could encourage bad behavior that might eventually affect your credit scores. No rewards or sign-up bonus.

This card's long 0% intro APR period and late fee waiver mean you’ll have more time to get rid of debt without adding to it.

Nowadays, a flat cash-back rate of 1.5% is pretty routine. Depending on how you spend, you might be able to accumulate more cash back with a bonus category cash back card.

Cash-back rewards make this a solid everyday card that will earn its keep long after the 0% intro APR period has run out.

The 5% balance-transfer fee is high and could be a burden if you're trying to get out of debt. A $3,000 balance transfer would consume the sign-up bonus. And it can be a hassle to track bonus rewards categories and opt in to them every quarter.

Free money from a sign-up bonus is always nice, and the lengthy 0% intro APR period makes the Chase Freedom® a solid choice for financing a major purchase. It’s a poor option for balance transfers, though, because of its high fee.

The 3% balance-transfer fee will eat into interest savings during the introductory period, and the no-interest offer on new purchases is shorter than for other top cards. It can be a hassle to track bonus rewards categories and opt in to them every quarter.

The Discover it® Balance Transfer allows you to earn rewards while creating breathing room to get out of debt.

Although the card offers a long 0% intro APR period to encourage balance transfers, it also comes with a 3% fee on transfers. There's no sign-up bonus, and there's a $25 minimum rewards redemption. Some cards have no minimum.

If you like to keep it simple while paying down transferred debt, the Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer gives you generous rewards and a lengthy no-interest period. Unlike some transfer cards, this one is a keeper long after the 0% period ends.

This card offers no rewards, so there's not a very compelling incentive to keep using it after the 0% intro period runs out. It also requires excellent credit, whereas many low-interest cards require only good credit.
According to the issuer, this card is currently available only in U.S. Bank's marketing area, which it defines as these states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The issuer says it is "addressing" the geographic restriction.

If you live in one of the states where this card is available, have excellent credit and need to spread out payments on a purchase as long as possible without interest, here's your card.

Unlike many rewards cards, it doesn't have a sign-up bonus. Citi's ThankYou points aren't as valuable or flexible as other reward currencies, in NerdWallet's estimation.

Social butterflies who like saving money on interest while earning rewards for spending will want to give this card a look.

This card used to offer both a 0% intro APR and no transfer fees. Now it's either-or. If you have to pay a fee anyway, you can find longer 0% periods for transfers on other cards.

People with good credit looking for a long-term lower-interest, low-fees option should take a look at the Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard®.

No 0% period and no rewards. To get this card, you must be a member of the Lake Michigan Credit Union, although anyone can join with a $5 donation to the ALS Foundation.

With one of the lowest ongoing interest rates anywhere, the Lake Michigan Credit Union Prime Platinum Card is worth a look for those who regularly carry a balance.

Although this card is available to applicants with average credit, the best rate goes only to those with good or excellent credit. There are no rewards, nor is there a 0% period.

Military members and their families can get an outstanding interest rate if they qualify.

Your account must be backed by a savings account at the credit union. When you use the card to make purchases, you're using your savings account as collateral. You must be a member of Digital Federal Credit Union to get this card, although you can join by becoming a member of a partner organization for as little as $10.

Having bad credit doesn't have to mean paying high interest and onerous fees. Used responsibly, the Digital Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Secured Credit Card can help you build your credit so you can qualify for better cards in the future.