Best Travel Credit Cards with 0% APR
At a Glance
It would be nice to not have to think about ways to save on costs when you are planning your dream vacation, but alas reality always sets in. That is why having a credit card with a 0% introductory APR can be a game-changer. These cards offer new card members the opportunity to enjoy interest-free purchases or balance transfers for a significant period, making it easier to finance your travel plans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best 0% APR travel credit cards on the market and their key features to help you decide which suits your needs the most.
In this article, you’ll learn:
The average interest rate on new credit card accounts. 20.92%
Comparing the best travel cards with 0 intro APR
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card | Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases | 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases | $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel | 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months |
| Discover it® Miles | Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar spent. All miles earned in your first year are matched by Discover | N/A |
| Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Earn 3 points per dollar on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit, and streaming purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases | 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to $500 spent and 1% cash back thereafter on all other purchases | $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 in the first 6 months |
*Updated as of August 2023
Expert take from Ebony Howard: “The idea of travel doesn’t have to put a dent in your pocket. Many credit card companies often offer customers opportunities to maximize the benefits of owning a travel credit card through perks. These perks help to reward you and save money on travel spending, in the form of 0% introductory interest and accumulated reward points. A huge plus is the opportunity to pay for your travel expenses over time and not having to pay it all at once. Finding the best credit card that suits your needs and offers the maximum benefits is the first step.”
A closer look at the best 0% APR travel credit cards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases.
Intro APR: 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days of account opening.
Regular APR: 17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Signup bonus: 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who want to earn travel rewards on all their purchases without being tied to a specific airline or hotel chain. However, individuals who prioritize luxury travel perks or want to transfer points to travel partners may find other cards more suitable.
Pros: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a generous rewards rate with no annual or foreign transaction fees. The points earned can be redeemed for statement credits towards various travel and dining purchases, providing flexibility and freedom in booking your trips. The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles is an excellent feature for those looking to finance their travel expenses interest-free.
Cons: There is a 3% fee on balance transfers, and the variable APR after the introductory period can be high depending on your creditworthiness.
Apply now: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rewards rate: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR: 20.24% – 28.99% Variable APR
Signup bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who want a flexible cash back card with bonus-earning potential on travel, dining, and everyday purchases. However, individuals who prefer to maximize travel rewards through specific loyalty programs or transfer partners may find other cards more beneficial.
Pros: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a competitive rewards rate, with the opportunity to earn bonus cash back in the first year. It also provides a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, making it a suitable choice for those looking to finance their travel expenses. The lack of an annual fee is another attractive feature.
Cons: The variable APR after the introductory period can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.
Apply now: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Learn more: Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Rewards rate: Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% Variable.
Signup bonus: 20,000 miles after spending $500 in the first three months
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who want a straightforward travel rewards card with no annual fee. However, frequent travelers or those seeking luxury travel perks may find other cards with more extensive travel benefits more suitable.
Pros: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers flexibility in redeeming miles for any airline or travel purchase. The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months is a valuable feature. The lack of an annual fee and the ability to earn miles on all purchases make it an attractive option for travelers.
Cons: The variable APR after the introductory period can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.
Apply now: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Discover it® Miles
Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every dollar spent. Discover matches all miles earned in your first year.
Intro APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and 15 months from the date of your first balance transfer for transfers that post by October 10, 2023.
Regular APR: 16.99% – 27.99% Variable.
Signup bonus: N/A
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who prefer a straightforward rewards program with a flat earning rate and no annual fee. However, those who prioritize luxury travel benefits or prefer to earn bonus rewards in specific categories may find other cards more tailored to their needs.
Pros: The Discover it® Miles credit card offers a flat-rate rewards structure with no annual fee. The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months is a valuable feature for financing travel expenses. The ability to redeem miles for various travel purchases or cash back adds flexibility.
Cons: The variable APR after the introductory period can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.
Apply now: Discover it® Miles
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Rewards rate: Earn 3 points per dollar on restaurant, travel, gas station, transit, and streaming purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases.
Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases.
Regular APR: 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable.
Signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who want a straightforward travel rewards card with a focus on everyday spending categories. However, those seeking extensive travel benefits or premium perks may find other cards more suitable.
Pros: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers a simple travel rewards program with a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases. The card provides a competitive rewards rate, especially in popular spending categories such as restaurants and travel. With no annual fee, it’s a cost-effective option for earning rewards on everyday purchases.
Cons: The variable APR after the introductory period can be high, depending on your creditworthiness. The intro period does not cover balance transfers.
Apply now: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Rewards rate: Earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to $500 spent and 1% cash back after that on all other purchases.
Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers completed within four months of account opening.
Regular APR: 18.99% – 28.99% variable.
Signup bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Our verdict: This card is best for individuals who want a versatile cash back card with the opportunity to earn bonus rewards on travel-related purchases. However, individuals who prioritize luxury travel perks or prefer to earn travel points may find other cards more aligned with their travel goals.
Pros: The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers automatic 5% cash back on select categories, including airlines, hotels, and cruise purchases. The 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months is an added benefit for financing travel expenses. With no annual fee, it’s a compelling option for maximizing cash back rewards.
Cons: The variable APR after the introductory period can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.
Apply now: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Learn more: Citi Custom CashSM Card Review
What credit score is needed for a card with 0% APR?
When obtaining a credit card with a 0% APR (Annual Percentage Rate), your credit score plays a significant role. The specific credit score requirement may vary depending on the credit card issuer and their criteria. Generally, a good to excellent credit score is essential to qualify for a 0% APR credit card.
Lenders typically consider a FICO credit score above 700 to be in the good range. However, to increase your chances of being approved for a 0% APR credit card, it is advisable to aim for a credit score of 750 or higher. A higher credit score demonstrates responsible credit management and a lower risk of default, making you a more attractive candidate to credit card issuers.
It’s worth noting that while credit scores are a significant factor, lenders also consider other aspects of your financial profile, such as your income, employment history, and existing debts. These factors help them assess your ability to repay the debt during the 0% APR promotional period.
Quote
The idea of travel doesn’t have to put a dent in your pocket. Many credit card companies often offer customers opportunities to maximize the benefits of owning a travel credit card through perks. These perks help to reward you and save money on travel spending, in the form of 0% introductory interest and accumulated reward points. A huge plus is the opportunity to pay for your travel expenses over time and not having to pay it all at once. Finding the best credit card that suits your needs and offers the maximum benefits is the first step.
How to pick the best 0% APR travel credit card?
With numerous credit cards offering 0% APR and travel rewards, choosing the best one that aligns with your needs and preferences can be overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a 0% APR travel credit card:
- Introductory period: Look for credit cards that offer an extended 0% APR period, allowing you to make interest-free purchases or balance transfers for a longer duration. The longer the promotional period, the more you’ll have to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges.
- Rewards and benefits: Consider the travel-related rewards and benefits the credit card offers. Look for features like airline miles, hotel points, travel insurance, airport lounge access, and concierge services. Assess which rewards are most valuable to you based on your travel preferences.
- Annual fee: Consider the annual fee associated with the credit card. Determine whether the benefits and rewards outweigh the cost of the fee. Some credit cards waive the annual fee for the first year, providing an opportunity to test out the card’s benefits before committing to a long-term fee.
- Foreign transaction tees: If you frequently travel internationally, choose a 0% APR credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can add up quickly and eat into your travel budget.
- Additional perks: Explore any additional perks the credit card offers, such as travel credits, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursements, free checked bags, or complimentary travel upgrades. These perks can enhance your overall travel experience and save you money in the long run.
How to make the most of the 0% APR period?
Securing a 0% APR credit card is an excellent opportunity to save on interest charges and manage your finances more efficiently. Here are some tips to make the most of the 0% APR period:
- Debt consolidation: If you have existing high-interest debt, consider transferring the balances to your new 0% APR credit card. This allows you to consolidate your debts into a single payment and save on interest charges during the promotional period. Be mindful of any balance transfer fees that may apply.
- Create a repayment plan: Outline a repayment plan to pay off your balance before the 0% APR period ends. Divide your outstanding balance by the number of months in the promotional period to determine the monthly payment required. Make consistent, on-time payments to avoid penalties and maximize interest savings.
- Avoid new purchases: To fully benefit from the 0% APR period, refrain from making new purchases on the credit card. Focus on paying off existing balances instead of accumulating more debt.
- Track the promotional period end date: When the 0% APR period expires to avoid surprises. Set reminders or utilize mobile apps to ensure you stay informed and can make necessary arrangements before the regular APR kicks in.
- Explore other features: While the 0% APR promotion is enticing, familiarize yourself with the credit card’s other features and benefits. Utilize the rewards program, take advantage of travel perks, and ensure you understand the card’s terms and conditions to maximize your overall experience.
Methodology
The methodology used to calculate the best 0% intro APR credit cards relied on several factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- The length of the introductory 0% APR period and whether it applied to purchases, balance transfers, or both.
- The required credit score to apply successfully for the card.
- The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards.
- The rewards rate of the card.
- The history of the card issuer itself.
- Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card, like foreign transaction fees, annual fees, and ongoing APR.
- Travel perks.
The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.
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