Low interest credit card guide

Credit cards designated as low interest feature a low fixed APR (the rate doesn't fluctuate) and often include an even lower introductory APR (the rate is temporary). Low introductory APRs can be as low as 0% and are usually restricted to new purchases only. On many cards, the rate can last up to a year, but after expiration the rate jumps up to the fixed APR. Even so, the rate after the intro period still tends to be the lowest available when compared to other types of cards.

The advantage to using a low interest credit card is the ability to make large purchases and pay it off gradually. Since the card has a low APR, the interest paid on the balance is minimal compared to other types of credit cards. This is useful for large one-time expenses such as major household appliances, extravegant vacations, or expensive emergencies, to name a few. Low interest credit cards best benefit the consumer who carries a balance from month-to-month.

Outside of the low APR, low interest credit cards offer few benefits. Typically one's spending or purchases aren't rewarded by cash back or other incentives, and the rewards programs that do exist aren't as beneficial as rewards-specific credit card programs. There are a few higher-tier credit cards that offer low rates and competitive rewards, but they're reserved for consumers with excellent credit; the better one's credit rating is, the better the card program. For more help and advice, see our library of low interest credit card articles.

Below is our list of the best low interest credit cards available online. Compare the features of each offer and apply for the credit card that best fits your needs.

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for up to 15 months* No annual fee Citi® Identity Theft Solutions $0 Liability on unauthorized purchases Secure, free online account management Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy significant discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more

Discover® More® Card

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a FULL 12 months 0% APR on Purchases for a FULL 6 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card

0% APR for up to 12 months on balance transfers* 0% APR for 7 months on purchases* 5 ThankYou® Points for every $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations for 12 months, 1 ThankYou Point thereafter* 1 ThankYou Point for every $1 spent on all other purchases* Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more No annual fee

Discover® More Card - $50 Cashback Bonus®

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 0% APR on Purchases for a full 6 months Get $50 Cashback Bonus after your first $599 in purchases Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Discover® More Card – Shamrock

0% APR on Purchases for a full 9 months 0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 5% Cashback Bonus in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Discover® More® Card – Black Monogram

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Miles by Discover® Card

12,000 Bonus Miles - 1,000 Bonus Miles each month you make a purchase for your first year Double Miles on travel and restaurant purchases. One Mile for every dollar on all other purchases Flexible redemption options for travel, gift cards, or cash Double Miles through our exclusive online shopping site

Discover® Open Road Card

Double Cashback Bonus at any gas station and any restaurant 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at top retailers through our online shopping mall Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus at top retailers through our online shopping mall Redeem for Partner gift cards, merchandise, Discover® gift cards, credit to your Discover card account or an electronic deposit to your bank account Turn your Cashback Bonus into bigger rewards by redeeming for gift cards or eCertificates from over 100 brand-name Partners

Discover® More Card - American Flag

0% APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for a full 6 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Blue Sky from American Express

0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend Points good on any airline, hotel, car rental and more No blackout dates or travel restrictions Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds