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If you're carrying balances on your credit cards, try to focus on getting your debt under control. The best way to do that is with a low-APR credit card. A lower rate reduces the amount of interest you pay, leaving you with more money to pay down your balance. If your credit is in a good place and you feel confident you can use a new credit card responsibly, consider applying for one.
Choosing a card with one of the lowest APRs doesn't mean you have to miss out on valuable perks. Many of the best low-interest credit cards offer rewards and valuable benefits, often without a high annual fee.
Compare some of the best low-interest credit cards
| Credit Card | Intro APR | Regular APR | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 award winner
Best 0% Intro APR Credit Card
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Apply Now
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card 4.9
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Purchases:
0%, 21 months from account opening
|
17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% Variable
|
N/A
|
$0
|
/images/2024/12/16/citi-diamond-preferred.png)
Apply Now
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card 4.4
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
Purchases:
0%, 12 months from date of account opening
|
16.74% - 27.49% (Variable)
|
N/A
|
$0
|
/images/2024/12/16/citi-double-cash.jpg)
Apply Now
Citi Double Cash® Card 5.0
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 18 months
Purchases:
N/A, N/A
|
17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
|
$200
|
$0
|
/images/2025/12/09/capital_one_quicksilver_card_art_-_dec_2025.png)
Apply Now
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.5
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 15 months
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
|
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
|
$200
Cash Bonus
|
$0
|
/images/2024/12/16/chase-freedom-flex-12162024.png)
Apply Now
Chase Freedom Flex® 4.7
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 15 months
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
|
18.49% - 27.99% Variable
|
$200
Bonus
|
$0
|
|
2025 award winner
Best for Dining Out
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Apply Now
Chase Freedom Unlimited® 4.7
|
Balance Transfer:
0%, 15 months
Purchases:
0%, 15 months
|
18.49% - 27.99% Variable
|
$300
Bonus
|
$0
|
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
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0%, 21 months from account opening
0%, 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. 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 credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card typically has one of the longest intro APR offers available for purchases and qualifying balance transfers. This card also has a $0 annual fee and provides the uncommon, but useful benefit of cell phone protection.
You can't earn a welcome bonus or any rewards on purchases. You also have to pay 3% foreign transaction fees for any applicable purchases.
- $0 annual fee
- Long intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Cell phone protection (Subject to a $25 deductible)
- No welcome bonus
- No rewards rate
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Apply now | Read our full Wells Fargo Reflect Card review.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
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0%, 12 months from date of account opening
0%, 21 months from date of account opening
- 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 16.74% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 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.
- No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don’t come with a yearly charge.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card(Rates and fees) has a $0 annual fee and one of the longest intro APR offers for balance transfers. In addition to a generous balance transfer offer, this card also comes with fun perks like access to Citi Entertainment. Cardholders get special access to sporting events, dining experiences, and more with this no-annual-fee card.
You typically can't earn any rewards with the Diamond Preferred, whether through a welcome bonus or on purchases. Also, this card charges 3% foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases and the intro APR offer on purchases is only average.
- $0 annual fee
- Long intro APR offer on balance transfers
- No welcome bonus
- No rewards rate
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- Average intro APR on purchases
Apply now | Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred review.
Citi Double Cash® Card
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N/A, N/A
0%, 18 months
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, 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).
The Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is ideal for someone who wants to maximize their cash back on every purchase. This low-interest cash rewards credit card earns an unlimited 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. There are no categories to track and you have a $0 annual fee.
There's no intro APR offer on purchases, and you have to pay 3% foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.
- $0 annual fee
- Has a long intro APR offer on balance transfers
- Simple cash back rewards rate
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- No intro APR offer on purchases
Apply now | Read our full Citi Double Cash card review.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
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0%, 15 months
0%, 15 months;
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
If you want a card for earning rewards on everyday expenses, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One Quicksilver Rewards has a $0 annual fee and provides excellent intro APR offers. You can also earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
You're limited with the card's bonus categories since there aren't many opportunities to earn above the base earning rate on eligible purchases.
- Has a welcome offer
- Simple rewards rate
- $0 annual fee
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Average bonus categories
Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review.
Chase Freedom Flex®
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0%, 15 months
0%, 15 months
- 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 Travel℠, 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 18.49%-27.99%.
- 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.
- Member FDIC
The Chase Freedom Flex provides 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
You can also earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
In addition, you can take advantage of the cell phone protection benefit. You're covered up to $800 per claim and up to $1,000 total per year if you pay your cell phone bill with your card. The deductible is $50 and you're limited to two claims per year.
Rotating categories typically need to align with your everyday expenses to be useful. You also have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.
- Elevated rewards rates on everyday categories
- Has a welcome offer
- $0 annual fee
- Rotating bonus categories can get complicated to track
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Apply now | Read our full Chase Freedom Flex review.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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0%, 15 months
0%, 15 months
- Limited Time Offer: Earn a $300 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 1.5% 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!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can earn a $300 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening (limited-time offer). You can earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
You have to pay foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases, so this isn't the best card to take on international trips.
- $0 annual fee
- Earns cash back in the form of valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points
- Has a welcome offer
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Apply now | Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review.
How do low-interest credit cards work?
Low-interest credit cards feature below-average interest rates to attract customers who carry balances. These credit cards typically earn fewer rewards and have reduced benefits compared to a standard rewards credit card. These adjustments help keep costs low.
These credit cards are best suited for people who carry a balance from month to month. The lower interest rate reduces the amount of interest the cardholder pays and helps them pay down their balance faster.
Here are two examples of people who could benefit from a low-interest-rate credit card:
- Person A carries a $10,000 balance on a credit card with a 19.9% interest rate. By transferring this balance to one of the best balance transfer cards with a 0% intro APR, they'll eliminate the interest portion of their payment. This means that 100% of their payment will go toward reducing their credit card debt. Even if they pay a 3% balance transfer fee, they'll still come out ahead in the long run.
- Person B needs to replace their air conditioning unit and the estimated cost is $9,000. They don't have the money to cover the full cost right now but are expecting a big tax refund later this year. By using a credit card with a 0% intro APR purchase promotion, they can replace the air conditioner now, then pay off the balance once the tax refund arrives and before the intro APR period ends.
What is a good credit card APR?
When choosing a low-interest credit card, look for one that is below the average credit card interest rate of 21.39% (as of 10/7/25). This will help you pay less interest if you ever need to carry a balance.
Interest rates vary from card to card and may be lower or higher based on your credit history. If you have good credit or excellent credit, credit card issuers may be more likely to offer you a lower interest rate than if you have poor credit or no credit. That said, most credit cards have a variable interest rate that changes based on the bank's prime rate.
Types of credit card APRs
When reviewing your credit card options, you may encounter some unfamiliar financial terms. Here's a quick review of these terms and what they mean:
- Intro balance transfer APR: This is a limited-time interest rate offered for balance transfers made on a new account. Cardholders typically have a limited window to request the balance transfer to be eligible for this introductory offer. Once the promotional period ends, any unpaid balance will revert to the standard balance transfer APR.
- Intro purchase APR: Cardholders receive a lower interest rate on all purchases made during the promotional period. Any unpaid purchases, once the promotion is over, will revert to the standard purchase APR. These offers are great if you need to make a big purchase and pay it off over time.
- Purchase APR: This is the standard interest rate charged on purchases if the statement balance is not paid in full. The purchase APR is typically determined based on the cardholder's creditworthiness and payment history.
- Balance transfer APR: Some credit cards allow cardholders to request balance transfers at any time. The balance transfer APR is what the bank charges the cardholder for balances that have been transferred into the customer's account.
- Cash advance APR: This is the interest rate charged when you withdraw cash from an ATM or retailer using your credit card.
Most of these APRs are based on the prime rate and will vary based on market conditions. Some banks have a minimum interest charge and fees for balance transfers and cash advances.
How to choose the best low-APR credit card
There are many choices when it comes to low-interest credit cards, so it can be hard to choose just one. Think about your immediate goals and how this card helps you achieve those goals. For example, if you have a large purchase coming up and need extra time to pay off the balance, one of these cards could help.
Beyond the interest rate, the fees it charges, the rewards it earns, and the benefits it offers are also important. Is a credit card rewards program important to you? If so, do you want a flat-rate rewards card that earns the same rewards everywhere or one that offers bonus rewards at certain retailers where you spend the most, like a gas station or grocery store?
It pays to know your credit score before applying to increase your chances of getting approved. You can view your credit reports and score for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Typically, you can view your reports for free once a year.
Pros and cons of low-APR credit cards
Pros
- Pay down debt: A balance transfer credit card could give you time to consolidate and help pay down existing debt without having to worry about interest charges for a certain period of time.
- Save on interest: Your annual percentage rate (APR) and interest rate are virtually the same on credit cards. A lower APR could help you save on interest charges if you carry a balance. However, it's recommended to pay off your balance each billing cycle and avoid interest altogether.
- Make a large purchase: A 0% intro APR offer on purchases could help you avoid interest for a while on an upcoming large purchase. This might be helpful for wedding expenses, new furniture, replacing an appliance, or other types of common expenses.
Cons
- Lack of rewards: Many low-interest credit cards have no rewards program. This means no cashback rates or bonus points on purchases. Note that this doesn't apply to all low-interest cards. Some of these cards are also cashback cards or other types of rewards cards.
- Lack of benefits: Some low-interest credit cards have fewer benefits than other types of cards. For example, travel credit cards don't typically have foreign transaction fees, but these are common on low-interest cards.
- Credit score requirement: It's common for the best low-interest credit cards to require at least a 670 credit score. But remember that having a certain credit score is only a guideline and doesn't guarantee approval. And different card issuers, including American Express, Chase, and Bank of America, might consider different creditworthiness factors.
Tips to pay less credit card interest
If you're looking to reduce your credit card interest payments, applying for a low-interest credit card is a good option to consider. However, there are other alternatives to explore, such as the following:
1. Pay off your cards according to their interest rates
If you have credit card debt on multiple cards, some financial experts recommend paying them off according to the size of the balance, starting with the smallest. The idea is that quick wins will help motivate you to keep paying off your debt.
However, it is often more cost-effective to pay your cards off in order of their interest rates, starting with the highest-rate card and moving to the lowest.
2. Make multiple monthly payments
Making multiple payments each month can also help reduce interest charges. Interest charged by credit card issuers is calculated based on the average daily balance of your account rather than the balance at the end of the month.
Paying more than once per month can reduce that average balance and, with it, your interest charges.
3. Consider a personal loan
If transferring your balance to a credit card with lower interest rates is not an option, you can consider taking out a personal loan. This type of loan allows you to consolidate all your debts and pay them off at a lower interest rate. You can make equal monthly payments for a set period of time, making it easier to budget for your debt payments.
However, there are other situations that a personal loan may not be a good fit for. For example, if you want to pay off loans quickly (in less than 2 years), if your credit score is low, or if you cannot manage your personal spending habits, a personal loan probably isn't the way to go.
4. Apply for a 0% balance transfer credit card
If you owe more than you can pay off in the next few months, signing up for a balance transfer credit card may be a wise move. When you transfer a balance, you move your debt from one card to another, usually one with a 0% intro APR offer for balance transfers.
This option can help you pay off any high-interest debt during the introductory period before the card's regular APR kicks in. Many credit cards charge a fee of around 3% for balance transfers, although there are some cards that either do not have this fee or temporarily waive it.
5. Avoid using your credit card for medical expenses
While medical bills, expected or not, may not fit into your budget, using a credit card to pay them is not usually the best solution. Depending on the amount you owe, it can cost you hundreds of dollars in interest.
Doctors and hospitals may be able to help you set up an interest-free monthly payment plan, so call your hospital's billing department and ask about your options.
FAQs
What is considered a low interest rate on a credit card?
Any interest rate below the average credit card interest rate in the U.S. could be considered a low interest rate. According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate in the U.S. is 20.68% (as of Jun. 2023).
Many low-interest credit cards may also offer introductory rates that last for a specified amount of time. These rates can help you save money on purchases or a transferred balance by reducing the typical interest rate.
What is the best way to avoid a high interest rate on a credit card?
The best way to avoid a high interest rate on a credit card is to make sure you always make your monthly payments on time and in full. If you keep track of your billing cycle on each credit card, you'll know the due date for your credit card bill each month.
Making your payments on time can help you avoid late fees. You may also have the option to set up automatic payments so you don't forget to make a payment. And while it may be tempting to make minimum payments instead of paying your full balance, doing so can result in costly interest charges.
Keep in mind certain credit card companies offer a grace period between the end of a billing cycle and when your payment is due. This allows you to avoid interest charges as long as you pay off your balance by the due date. Check with your credit card company to see whether it offers a grace period on your credit card.
Why is my APR so high with good credit?
Good or excellent credit can often equate to a lower APR on a credit card, but that's not always the case. The decision to decrease or raise your credit card's variable APR is up to your financial institution, and your credit score may only be one factor in determining a change.
For example, the best travel credit cards may have above-average interest rates because of the premium benefits they offer. It costs a financial institution money to offer these benefits, so high interest rates can help balance the costs.
Can I request that my credit card company lower my APR?
Yes, you can request that your credit card company decrease your APR. This is best done when you have a good relationship with your credit card company, including a long history of on-time payments and consistent credit card use.
However, it's likely still worth calling your card issuer even if you don't think you have the best relationship. Any support you receive toward lowering your interest rate can help you pay off bills and stay out of debt.
We chose these low APR credit cards based on their standard APRs and intro APR offers for balance transfers and/or purchases, if they offer them. In this case, a low interest rate is defined as an APR lower than the average credit card interest rate of 21.39% (as of 10/7/25), or a lengthy intro APR offer that helps cardholders keep interest costs down for a while after opening. When compiling our list, we also considered other factors like balance transfer fees, annual fees, and cardholder benefits such as cash back and travel rewards. The best low-interest rate credit cards, according to our research, offer comparatively low potential APRs, low fees otherwise, and perks to provide continued value to cardholders.
How we rate products
Bottom line
Low APR credit cards serve a valuable purpose if you typically carry a credit card balance. A lower interest rate helps you pay off your balance faster while enjoying the additional perks your credit card offers. There are many options available for credit cards with low-interest rates and no annual fees, so you can find one that offers rewards and other benefits that match your personal finance needs.
One last piece of advice if you're interested in a low-interest card. Whichever option you choose, be sure to avoid late payments, as even one late payment can trigger a penalty APR. The goal is to avoid a higher interest rate and keep your costs low.
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Current Offer
Benefit from a long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0