7 Best Low-APR Credit Cards [December 2025]: Intro Offers + More Perks

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

Card name	Excellent for	Regular purchase APR	Regular balance transfer APR
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card(Rates and fees) 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Long intro APR offers	17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% Variable	17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% Variable
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card(Rates and fees) 4.4 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Balance transfers	16.74% - 27.49% (Variable)	16.74% - 27.49% (Variable)
BankAmericard® Credit Card 4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Longest intro APR offers	14.74% - 24.74% Variable	14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees) 5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Flat-rate cash back	17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)	17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Unlimited cash back	18.99% - 28.99% (Variable)	18.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
Chase Freedom Flex®(Rates and fees) 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Everyday earning	18.49% - 27.99% Variable	18.49% - 27.99% Variable
Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) 4.7 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	Travel rewards	18.49% - 27.99% Variable	18.49% - 27.99% Variable

Wells Fargo Reflect^® 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.

Apply now | Read our full Wells Fargo Reflect Card review.

Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

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.

Apply now | Read our full Citi Diamond Preferred review.

BankAmericard^® Credit Card

The BankAmericard has one of the longest intro APR offers available for purchases and qualifying balance transfers. This card also has a $0 annual fee and no penalty APR if you make a late payment.

You can't typically earn any rewards with this card, and you have to pay 3% foreign transaction fees on applicable purchases.

Read our full BankAmericard credit card review.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

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.

Apply now | Read our full Citi Double Cash card review.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

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 enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening (limited time offer).

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.

Read our full Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

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.

Apply now | Read our full Chase Freedom Flex review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 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.

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

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. 

2025 award winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Benefits

Card Details

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
• Apply Now

• Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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Rates and fees

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

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Why we like it

• If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card could be a good option for you. Card members can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

• This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.

• Apply Now