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Low interest credit cards carry purchase, balance transfer or other annual percentage rates that fall below the current industry standard. They are a good option for revolvers — that is, cardholders who are known to carry a balance from month to month. A low interest card — or one with an introductory zero interest offer — can make all the difference when it comes to keeping credit card balances manageable. If you already have credit card debt and a high interest rate, you should try to pay more than the minimum amount due, or consider a balance transfer card with a favorable rate.
Here, you’ll find our top 12 picks from our partners for the best low interest cards out there. The lowest on our list? The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card wins with its extremely low 5.99% to 18% variable APR. It also stands out from other cards thanks to its lack of fees. The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card charges no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees and no balance transfer fees. That said, this card is not without its downsides, eligibility requirements among them. More on that in our card highlights below.
Why trust our selection of low interest credit cards? We crunched the numbers on more than 800 credit cards to determine the best credit cards with low interest rates, and also included information on how to best utilize these cards. When assessing the long term value of each card, we consider its fees and measure these against its benefits, rewards, and sign-up bonuses, where applicable. All of our cards are assessed independently by our editors based on their research, opinion and other factors.
Whether you want to understand the mechanics of our best low interest cards or the difference between interest and APR, we can help.
Low interest credit cards carry purchase, balance transfer or other annual percentage rates that fall below the current industry standard. They are a good option for revolvers — that is, cardholders who are known to carry a balance from month to month. A low interest card — or one with an introductory zero interest offer — can make all the difference when it comes to keeping credit card balances manageable. If you already have credit card debt and a high interest rate, you should try to pay more than the minimum amount due, or consider a balance transfer card with a favorable rate.
Here, you’ll find our top 12 picks from our partners for the best low interest cards out there. The lowest on our list? The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card wins with its extremely low 5.99% to 18% variable APR. It also stands out from other cards thanks to its lack of fees. The Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card charges no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees and no balance transfer fees. That said, this card is not without its downsides, eligibility requirements among them. More on that in our card highlights below.
Why trust our selection of low interest credit cards? We crunched the numbers on more than 800 credit cards to determine the best credit cards with low interest rates, and also included information on how to best utilize these cards. When assessing the long term value of each card, we consider its fees and measure these against its benefits, rewards, and sign-up bonuses, where applicable. All of our cards are assessed independently by our editors based on their research, opinion and other factors.
Whether you want to understand the mechanics of our best low interest cards or the difference between interest and APR, we can help.
Our rating:4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Our rating:3.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Good to Excellent
Credit Recommended (670-850)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Good to Excellent
Credit Recommended (670-850)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Good to Excellent
Credit Recommended (670-850)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by CreditCards.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the bank's website for the most current information.
All information about the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, the State Department Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Credit Card and the Air Force Federal Credit Union Visa Platinum Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com.
Why we picked it: The Discover it Cash Back, like several other Discover cards, offers a low regular interest rate of 11.99% to 22.99% variable APR, ideal for the occasional balance.
Pros: The ongoing rewards and the first-year bonus feature are unsurpassed: 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined quarterly purchases in various categories upon activation, then 1%) and Discover will match all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. Add to that, there is no annual fee.
Cons: Unfortunately, purchase and travel benefits are nonexistent. There’s no traditional sign-up bonus on this card, and instead it matches the cash back you earn in the first year. That means you’ll be waiting a year for that bonus rather than receiving it within the first one to three months as is typical.
Who should apply? With an incredible cash back rate, this low interest card offers a lot of potential value to those who can make the most of its rotating quarterly bonus categories. You’ll need to have good to excellent credit (670 or higher) in order to be approved.
Why we picked it: The Citi Double Cash Card possesses one of the longest balance transfer intro APR offers, with 0% for 18 months, then 13.99% to 23.99% variable after that. This means balance transfers at 0% can be carried into 2022.
Pros: The Double Cash’s ongoing rewards of 1% cash back when you spend, then another 1% as you pay for the purchase make it top-of-line among flat-rate cash back cards.
Cons: As superior as the Citi Double Cash’s rewards are, its lack of a 0% intro APR on purchases may give you pause. Also, there’s no sign-up bonus.
Who should apply? This card is a great choice for a low interest flat rate rewards card with the potential to maximize earnings on everyday purchases, especially if you’re already a Citi customer. You’ll need to have good to excellent credit (670 or higher) in order to be approved, and Citi applicants can check if they pre-qualify before risking a hard pull on their credit.
Why we picked it: Cardholders get a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After that, the card’s APR is 13.49% to 23.49% variable. There’s no annual fee.
Pros: The Citi Rewards+® offers something unique: Not only will you earn 2X ThankYou points at supermarkets and gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar) as well as 1X points on all other purchases, but every purchase you make will be rounded up to the nearest 10 points. This feature helps you get more rewards out of every purchase, no matter how small.
Cons: One potential downfall lies in its redemption options: If you want to get the most value out of your rewards, you’ll have to redeem your points for travel purchases, which can only be booked through the ThankYou Travel Portal, or gift cards.
Who should apply? If you’re searching for a straight-forward low interest balance transfer card with the potential to maximize rewards on small everyday purchases, the Citi Rewards+ is a strong contender, especially for existing Citi users.This card is an excellent option for balance transfers with the potential to maximize rewards on small purchases, particularly if you’re an existing Citi customer.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for families financing a big purchase
Why we picked it: The Blue Cash Everyday offers a 0% intro APR for a lengthy 15 months on purchases. It’s 13.99% to 23.99% variable after that. The ongoing rewards rate is great, especially for a no annual fee card.
Pros: With the Everyday, you can earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on general purchases.
Who should apply? In addition to its long intro period and low interest rates, cost-conscious families will appreciate the high cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and other retailers. This card requires good to excellent credit (670 or higher) for approval.
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Best for balance transfers
Why we picked it: It offers one of the longest introductory APR periods on balance transfers currently available: You’ll get a whopping 18 months to tackle your transferred balance without paying interest on transfers completed within the first four months (the card’s APR is 13.74% to 23.74% variable after that).
Cons: The card does charge a balance transfer fee of 3% (or $5, whichever is higher). You can save a significant amount if you opt instead for a balance transfer card that charges no balance transfer fee at all.
Who should apply? The extra long introductory offer makes this a fine card for anyone primarily concerned with tackling a debt via balance transfer or paying off a big purchase over the 18-month intro period without racking up interest. However, if rewards and other frills are high on your must-haves, the Citi Diamond Preferred may leave you underwhelmed.
Why we picked it: You can temporarily avoid interest on new purchases, thanks to this card’s 14-month 0% introductory APR offer on purchases (11.99% to 22.99% variable APR after). If you’re planning overseas travel, you’ll appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees, too.
Pros: This Discover travel card earns 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases, and Discover will match the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year – all without an annual fee.
Cons: There are two potential drawbacks: Miles can’t be transferred to frequent flyer loyalty programs, and there are no annual bonuses beyond the first year miles Match.
Who should apply? Globetrotters and even infrequent budget travelers will love the flexibility and overall value of this consumer-friendly low interest travel rewards card.
Upgrade Visa® Card with Cash Rewards: Best for managing payments
Why we picked it: This card has a special feature designed to help with making regular, on-time payments. Your balance is automatically put into an installment plan with a fixed monthly payment so that you know exactly how much you’re paying. With a regular APR of 8.99% to 29.99%, cardholders who qualify for the low end may see some benefit.
Pros: Additionally, there are no fees of any kind, and you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on your purchases when you make a payment.
Cons: This card does not offer an introductory 0% interest window and does not allow for balance transfers, making it a less-than-stellar option for those looking to manage debt from an existing credit account.
Who should apply? If you have a tendency to make only the minimum payment, the Upgrade Card’s automatic installment feature can help keep balances in check, deter overspending and reward you with an unlimited 1.5% cash back everytime you complete a payment.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card: Best for no fees
Why we picked it: The Petal 2’s lack of fees makes it a fine option for the cardholder looking for a low interest card: There’s no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and no late fee.
Pros: You’ll earn 1% cash back during your first year with this card, then up to 1.5% cash back after 12 on-time monthly payments, which makes it competitive with the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Cons: Keep in mind that, although the low end of the regular APR range is good, it can also be quite high at 12.99% to 26.99% variable.
Who should apply? When making approval decisions, this low interest card takes into account income and other factors beyond credit score alone. That makes it an attractive option for those with limited or less-than-stellar credit profiles who want to avoid paying a deposit on a secured card.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for flexible cash back categories
Why we picked it: Along with top-tier rewards, this card offers an introductory 15 billing cycle 0% interest period for both balance transfers made within the first 60 days and purchases (13.99% to 23.99% variable APR after).
Pros: This card offers cash back rewards that are almost guaranteed to fit your spending: Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, dining, travel, drug stores, online shopping or home improvements and furnishings), 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs – with a $2,500 combined spending limit on 2% and 3% categories each quarter – and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cons: A 3% fee (minimum $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Who should apply? If you want a no-annual fee card with a flexible rewards rate, decent sign-up bonus and lengthy balance transfer offer, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card checks off all the boxes. Plus, existing Bank of America customers can maximize their potential rewards through card-linked offer programs such as BankAmeriDeals.
Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card: Best low interest credit union card
Why we picked it: With an APR of 5.99% to 18% variable, the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card boasts one of the lowest interest rates available. Also worth noting: it charges no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees and – a rarity – no balance transfer fees. Cardmembers enjoy a 12-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers requested within 30 days of account opening (offer expires June 30, 2021). After that, the 5.99% to 18% APR variable applies.
Pros: Aside from its incredibly low fees, this card includes a range of benefits including collision damage waiver, travel and emergency assistance, cellphone protection and other frills.
Cons: In order to apply, you must first join the Navy Federal Credit Union. That requires that you have military ties through family, are currently in the armed forces or employed by the Department of Defense, or have veteran status. Another potential sticking point: this card is without a rewards program.
Who should apply? Anyone who is eligible to open an account and apply for this card stands to save a ton in fees, particularly if they plan to carry a balance or take advantage of the introductory balance transfer offer.
State Department Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Credit Card: Best low interest credit union card with rewards
Why we picked it: Aside from having one of the lowest interest rates at 6.99% to 14.99% variable APR, the SDFCU Platinum Rewards Credit Card offers 1X Flexpoint Rewards on every purchase. Flexpoints are indeed flexible and can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise as well as charitable donations. This card requires a State Department Federal Credit Union membership which is limited to employees and on-site contractors of the State Department, those with familial or household ties to a State Department employee, plus an extensive list of State Department organizational affiliations. Members of the American Consumer Council are also eligible to join, which, for most would-be applicants, is probably the easiest route. This requires you to be an American consumer who currently uses or has purchased a major consumer product or service within three years of submitting an application for membership, plus $8 annually or $15 for a lifetime membership.
Pros: There’s no annual fee, no fee for balance transfers or foreign transactions.
Cons: While its low rates and lack of fees are enticing, the barriers to gaining membership could be a major deterrent for some. Another potential turn-off: the rewards program and ancillary perks can feel a little bare-bones when compared to other cards.
Who should apply? Anyone willing to jump through the hoops of eligibility can save a lot of money in fees, particularly frequent travelers or someone considering a balance transfer.
Air Force Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum credit card: Best low interest credit union card
Why we picked it: The Air Force Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum credit card offers a very low interest rate of 7.75% to 14.75% variable and charges no annual fee.
Pros: The balance transfer fees aren’t quite as good as, say, the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum card, but 2% (or $2, whichever is greater) is better than what’s offered by most cards on the market.
Cons: Eligibility is awfully narrow. Membership to the credit union is open to those affiliated with the armed forces, be it through family or past service. Another potential path: you live in, conduct business in, or worship in Bexar County, Texas or Clay, Lowndes, or Oktibbeha counties in Mississippi. Employment at certain companies, volunteer work, and membership at certain churches could also get you in. There are additional exceptions.
Who should apply? If you happen to meet the membership requirements, this card could save the right person a fair amount in interest and fees.
State Department Federal Credit Union Platinum Rewards Credit Card
Low interest credit union cards with rewards
N/A
6.99% – 14.99% (Variable)
N/A
Air Force Federal Credit Union Visa® Platinum credit card
Low interest credit union card
N/A
7.75% – 14.75% (Variable)
N/A
What is a low interest credit card?
Low interest credit cards can be cards with introductory offers for purchases and balance transfers, usually 0% interest for a certain amount of time, or they can be simply a card with a low ongoing interest rate.
If you pay your credit card balance in full, your interest rate doesn’t matter much because you won’t be charged any interest. But if you sometimes carry a balance from month to month or if you want to do a balance transfer from another credit card, a low interest rate can save you thousands in the long run. To better understand which low interest credit cards make sense for you, our CardMatch tool can help narrow down your search.
What is credit card interest?
Credit card interest is the amount that you are charged when you don’t pay your credit card balance in full at the end of each month. Your interest rate will be stated as an APR, or “annual percentage rate.” This is the yearly cost of borrowing money and consists of your interest, fees, and other charges represented as a percentage amount. The amount that you pay in interest each month can vary based on things like creditworthiness and the type of credit account that you have. In general, a better credit score means a better interest rate.
To help alleviate the problems interest can create, low interest credit cards can come with intro offers for purchases, balance transfers, or both, usually at 0%, or they can be simply a card with a low regular interest rate, as in the case of some of the Discover cards.
What is the average interest rate on a credit card?
Typically, a low interest rate is considered a figure that is below the national average. Currently, the national average interest rate for credit cards is 16.12%, well below the average for the last three years. When the Federal Reserve dropped interest rates in March 2020, many lenders cut interest rates on new credit cards. This sudden rate change could be beneficial to those who have an outstanding credit card balance (but you may need to ask for a lower rate) or are interested in a card with a lower interest rate.
Here are the typical APRs charged by card issuers:
APR for purchases. The most common APR, this rate is applied when you carry a balance. For example, if you charged $500 to your card in one month and only made the $25 minimum payment. Some cards, such as The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express, offer a 0% intro purchase offer for a set time, allowing you to carry a balance without accruing interest. In the case of the EveryDay, the balance is charged the regular variable rate of 12.99%-23.99% after 15 months.
APR for balance transfers. Similar to the purchase APR, balance transfer cards will usually offer a 0% intro APR for a set amount of time, then revert to the regular variable rate. These often include a balance transfer fee.
Cash advance APR. Being able to withdraw cash using your credit line is convenient in a pinch, but it triggers an interest rate that’s usually higher than the ongoing APR.
Penalty APR. This is typically a considerably higher interest rate that’s triggered when you violate issuer terms – usually for late monthly payments. After 6 consecutive on-time payments, the issuer may lower your rate again. Some cards, like Discover products, don’t carry this type of APR.
All information about the Amex EveryDay Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.
A high interest rate is one of the biggest culprits in attaining card debt. If you owe $3,000 and you are paying a rate of 16.5% APR, then it would take you 45 months to pay the minimum amount, and you would end up paying $1,041 in interest alone. Low interest cards can help lessen the extremes and avoid fighting an uphill battle.
How can I avoid paying interest on a credit card?
To avoid that debt, the best thing you can do is to pay in full each month. Also, avoid putting charges on your card that you can’t pay in full by the due date. Want that big-screen TV but don’t have the cash? Start setting aside the money rather than paying with your card without a plan.
If you’re already stuck in debt, you can avoid paying some interest by paying more than the minimum amount. Remember that $3,000 at a 16.5% rate, in which you end up with more than $2,000 in interest charges because you paid the minimum? Well, if you paid $200 a month, those interest charges would drop to $383.
If you pay more than the minimum…
Rate
Monthly payment
Months to pay off
Amount owed
Interest to pay off
16.5%
3% or $25, whichever is greater
124
$3,000
$2,122
16.5%
$200
17
$3,000
$383
Another way to save money on interest is to transfer an existing balance to a balance transfer card or a low interest card.
With a lower interest rate, and even better, 0% intro APR, you can pay off that card debt at a faster rate. Also, you save hundreds of dollars in interest charges.
How to lower your credit card APR
If your current cards tout high APRs, there are some ways to score more favorable terms and conditions. You could potentially lower your credit card interest rates via the following strategies:
Negotiate with your current issuer. Call your issuer directly to see if they’ll consider lowering your credit card APRs. If your account is in good standing and your credit is in good shape, they just might oblige.
Apply for a new credit card. Credit card offers change frequently and there is a chance you can qualify for a new card advertising lower interest rates. You may be able to apply this rate to an existing balance by applying for and conducting a balance transfer. Learn how balance transfers work.
Improve your credit. Better credit can net you better credit card offers, so check your credit reports to see where you stand before calling your issuer or applying for a new card. You can currently check your credit reports for free each week via AnnualCreditReport.com. If your credit is less than stellar, you could improve your standing by making all your loan and credit card payments on-time, keeping your debt levels low and limiting new credit inquiries. Learn more about how to improve your credit score.
Which is best: Low interest, balance transfer or 0% intro APR purchase credit card?
As we mentioned earlier, there are several different types of credit card APRs — and, as such, there are a few different types of low interest credit cards. Each one serves a slightly different purpose. Depending on the type of cardholder you are, there may be a clear-cut best choice.
Low interest credit cards generally focus on providing a lower ongoing APR, so if you’re known to carry a balance on occasion, this type of credit card might be the best option for you.
Zero interest credit cards don’t tack on interest charges for a set period. They’re a good option for you’re looking to make a large purchase that you’ll need more than one billing cycle to cover in full.
Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help move credit card debt. Used correctly, they could help you pay down existing balances more quickly and save you hundreds of dollars in interest. Learn more about the best balance transfer credit cards.
The best credit card for you will vary, depending on your financial goals. Be sure to evaluate all card offers holistically before applying. Other important factors to consider include fees, penalty APRs, rewards and ancillary services.
Who should get a low interest credit card?
The credit-builder: If you’re starting from a healthy financial situation, but still are looking to improve your credit score, a low interest card or 0% intro APR purchase card may be the choice for you. The Petal 2 and other credit-building cards often come with features designed to boost your score, plus any early mistakes made will be softened thanks to the lower APR.
The traveler: Credit score permitting, those looking to take advantage of their card’s reward system to earn free flights, hotels and similar benefits should look toward travel credit cards. The Discover it Miles card is an excellent place to start. Another savvy saving option: Strategizing with a card offering a 0% intro APR on purchases is the perfect opportunity to pay for a trip upfront and cut away at the balance over time.
The debt-holder: For those with credit card debt or any other outstanding movable balance, a balance transfer card like the Citi Diamond Preferred Card can be a no-brainer. By moving debt to an interest-free account, you can declutter your financial situation and make right of past mishaps. This can provide huge savings by avoiding ongoing charges on your debt, likely more useful than earning rewards or a low ongoing APR.
The renovator: Anyone with plans to upgrade their home or yard may want to explore their credit card options and take note of any welcome offers ahead of time. A low interest card giving freedom on purchases will allow you to buy expensive items , so you can plan to pay off their cost over the time of the offer. Plus, cards like the Citi Double Cash Card or the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express will reward you with cash back or points for your early spending.
The consistent cardholder: You don’t have any transferable debt, and you’re not planning on making a large purchase anytime soon. As long as you pay your balance on time and in full, a low interest card such as the Discover it Cash Back card is likely the best choice for you. That way, you won’t have to worry about interest charges and you may even get some extra benefit out of your card by foregoing intro APR offers.
Still unsure of where you stand? Let’s look at some key components of finding the right card:
Factors to consider for low interest credit cards
What is your credit score? Our top low interest cards require good or excellent credit, and it’s important to apply for a card that matches your credit. If you don’t have good credit, a low interest card is probably not a good option.
How does the regular APR compare to other cards? If you plan to carry a balance month to month, note the regular APR. Some, such as the Discover it Cash Back (11.99%-22.99% variable), start with a super low APR.
Are you interested in rewards? Most of our top low interest credit cards offer travel or cash back rewards.
What is the annual fee? The bulk of our low interest cards offer no annual fee, but some have an annual fee that may actually be worth your while because of the rewards offered.
What’s next for you? Think about your finances in the upcoming months. If you’re looking to cut down on debt or know you have a large purchase to make, it’s easier to get a sense of direction on the type of card to get.
Comparing two low interest card offers
Here we look at a side-by-side comparison of two low interest cards with the features listed above. As you can see, the cards’ APR rates and annual fees are comparable:
*On up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter after enrollment, then 1%
The risks of keeping a balance on your credit card
It’s perfectly acceptable to make a large purchase on your credit card with the intention of paying it back over time but there are risks to consider. If you know you have a tendency to carry a balance, having a low interest or an introductory zero interest credit card is a wise safeguard in preventing your debt from spiraling out of control. Let’s say you have a current balance of $3,000 and your interest rate is 17% variable. Using our Payoff Calculator, we see that a minimum payment of $130 each month will end up costing $659 in interest as you pay down the entirety of your balance. Always aim to pay at least the minimum amount due if you do carry a balance.
Credit utilization is another important consideration, especially if your credit limit is relatively low. Using too much of your available credit will negatively impact your score. If your credit limit is $300, a weekly trip to the supermarket could easily eat up almost half of your available credit. To avoid snowballing interest charges as well as high credit utilization, it’s best to keep your card balance as low as possible.
How we picked the best low interest credit cards
Research methodology: It’s no surprise that when deciding the best low interest credit cards, we chose cards with low APRs. We also took the length of the introductory period into account, since a longer 0% intro APR period may reduce the total amount of interest accrued on a large purchase.
Low APR: Does the card offer a low regular APR, intro APR and purchase APR? In the case of intro APRs, how long does the offer last? Does the rate remain low once the introductory term expires?
Fees: Is there an annual fee and is it waived the first year? What fees are associated with balance transfers, foreign transactions, and cash advances? Are these fees competitive with similar cards on the market?
Sign-up bonus, rewards and ancillary benefits: Do the rewards and sign up bonus justify the costs of membership? If the card offers rewards, how do they stack up against similar cards in terms of value? Are rewards easy to redeem
Our criteria also included ease of application, customer service and miscellaneous features and benefits.
More information on low interest credit cards
For more information on all things low interest cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:
Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.
About the Editor
Jeanine Skowronski
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine. Her work has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report and more.
About the Reviewer
Poonkulali Thangavelu
Creditcards.com Senior Writer Poonkulali Thangavelu is a highly accredited journalist specializing in using credit cards wisely and other personal finance and business topics. Her work has been syndicated by Fidelity, MSN, Nasdaq, Yahoo and others.
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Know your odds before you apply
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You’ll see your estimated approval odds near cards to help you narrow down your options
Calculating your approval odds
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We’re sorry, but something went wrong and we couldn’t find your approval odds. Instead, you’ll see recommended credit ranges from the issuers listed next to cards on our site to help you determine which cards you’re likely to be approved for.
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