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 Simplicity® Card

0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness. Peace of mind through direct access to a service representative, no late fees and no penalty rate No annual fee

Blue Sky from American Express®

7,500 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within 3 months - redeemable for a $100 statement credit. No annual fee. Travel rewards with no blackout dates or travel restrictions. Redeem with any airline, any car rental, any hotel - anytime. Pay your bill all at once, or over time. It's up to you. Blue Savings Program®: big deals on big brands, all the time. Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

Barclaycard® Rewards MasterCard®

Earn 5,000 Bonus points after your first purchase Enjoy 2 points per $1 on gas, grocery and utility purchases Earn 1 point per $1 everywhere else 0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months No annual fee Use the points you earn like cash to pay for almost any purchases you've made. No blackout dates, no redemption fees, no limit on the points you can earn and no complicated set up. Online and mobile account management tools

Sony Card from Capital One®

5 points per $1 on Sony purchases at authorized retailers 3 points per $1 on dining out and movie purchases 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Redeem for Sony products, movies, music, and more Choose from 2 unique card designs 0% intro APR on purchases until April 2013 No annual fee

Citi ThankYou® Preferred Rewards Card - $150 in Gift Cards

$150 in gift cards - When you redeem the 15,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $1,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening 5 ThankYou Points for every $1 you spend on purchases at gas stations, supermarkets and drugstores for 12 months and 1 point for every $1 you spend thereafter** No expiration and no limit on the number of points you can earn Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more No annual fee*

Visa® Black Card

Limited membership 24-hour concierge service at your disposal Unlimited VIP airport lounge visits Exclusive rewards program; 1% cash back or airfare on any airline - no blackouts or restrictions Luxury gifts Accepted globally; zero liability protection against unauthorized purchases Made with carbon, not just another piece of plastic