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

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.* 24/7 access to personalized concierge service providing assistance in booking hotel, flights, concert tickets and much more Special access for Citi cardmembers to purchase presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and other unforgettable live entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass® $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions No annual fee*

Citi ThankYou® Card

Enjoy 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 22.99% based upon your creditworthiness* Plus earn 1 ThankYou Point for every $1 you spend on purchases Earn an anniversary bonus on points earned from purchases every year* Enjoy 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*

Discover® More® Card - Balance Transfer Fee*

0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® More® Card

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® More® Card - No Balance Transfer Fee*

Limited Time Offer - $0 Balance Transfer Fee!* 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Blue Sky from American Express^SM

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 Rated "Best Airline Credit Card" by Card Ratings Consumer's Choice Awards in 2010 Get approved in 60-seconds

Miles by Discover® Card

Earn up to $120 in travel rewards--1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first year 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 16.99%* No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Discover® Open Road Card

Receive a $150 Restaurant.com Gift Certificate with first purchase 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 2% automatically at any gas station and any restaurant all year long* Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Blue Cash Everyday^SM from American Express

Earn a $100 cash back bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time