Best Low APR Credit Cards for September 2025

Credit card interest rates are eye-wateringly high. As of February 2025, the average rate is 21.91%, according to the Federal Reserve. If you’re carrying a balance on a credit card, you could be spending a hefty sum on interest alone.

In this case, a low-APR credit card can help you manage your payments by paying considerably less on interest. Some cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 21 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a lengthy period to chip away at your balances without losing money to interest.

Detailed Overview: Best Low APR Credit Cards

** Information for the following card was not reviewed by Citi or provided by Citi.

Pros and Cons of Low APR Cards

Pros

The primary draw of a low-APR credit card is obvious: It helps you to avoid paying interest. Whether you’re currently carrying a credit card balance or you foresee a situation that would require it, a low APR credit card can save you a lot of money (we’ll discuss how best to use these cards in a minute).

Cons

Beyond their low interest rates, low-APR credit cards typically don’t offer much value. In fact, credit cards with the lowest rates often don’t even have a rewards program, meaning you won’t earn cash back or points for your everyday spending. Those that do offer rewards typically offer shorter periods on their intro APRs.

Finally, if you’re shopping for a low APR credit card for debt transfer, keep in mind that you can only transfer as much as your low-interest card’s credit limit will allow. If you’re approved for a credit card with a $2,000 credit line, you can only transfer $2,000 of debt onto that card.

What Are the Different Types of Low APR Cards

Not many popular credit cards come with a low ongoing interest rate. But all sorts of credit cards offer 0% intro APR windows. Cash back credit cards are the most common — but you’ll also find:

• Travel credit cards
• Small business cards
• Student credit cards for those with limited or poor credit history

No matter your credit situation, there’s almost certainly a 0% intro APR credit card that suits your goals.

How To Choose a Low-APR Card

There a few features to keep in mind when shopping for a low-APR card:

Examine the Interest-Free Window

Several credit cards offer 0% intro APR temporarily after account opening — usually between 12 and 21 months. If you’re in need of an interest-free period, the longer the better.

Rate Shop for Low Purchase APR

You typically won’t know the exact interest rate you qualify for until you formally submit an application. However, some credit cards give you the opportunity to be “preapproved.” While this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved for the card, the issuer will often reveal your unique interest rate if you decide to apply.

You can use this tactic to sift through proposed APRs and find the lowest one offered to you.

Consider Value After the Intro APR Offer

Again, credit cards with the longest 0% intro APR window tend to have very few notable ongoing benefits. Oftentimes, they don’t even earn rewards for your purchases.

If you can tolerate a slightly shorter intro APR period, you’ll have excellent cash back and travel credit cards to choose from. Some even come with helpful annual statement credits and travel or cell phone protections.

How To Save Money With a Low Interest Credit Card

One of the worst financial mistakes you can make is to carry a balance on your credit cards. Not only will you incur enormous interest fees, but your credit utilization (which accounts for 30% of your credit score) can be adversely affected.

There are two primary ways to save money with a low-interest credit card. Whether you’re looking for a card that offers an introductory interest-free period or one that offers a relatively low regular APR, the below activities can save you a bundle.

Transfer High-Interest Debt From Other Credit Cards

While the average credit card interest rate is above 21%, your APR is likely higher unless you’ve got excellent credit.

Transferring your high-APR balances to a credit card offering 0% intro APR will give you a respite from the merciless interest payments which can amount to several hundred dollars each month, depending on how high your balances are.

Fund a Large Upcoming Purchase

As a general rule, you should treat your credit card like a debit card — that is, never swipe your card for something you can’t immediately pay off. Credit cards make the devastating habit of spending beyond your means an effortless activity.

That said, you may find that an emergency forces you to float money on your credit card. This can be costly when you’re subject to high interest rates. If you’ve got a considerable expense on the horizon that you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off within a few months, a low-interest credit card could be an inexpensive way to finance it.

How To Get the Lowest Credit Card Rate?

To get the lowest regular purchase APR, you’ll need to have an excellent credit score.

Each issuer stipulates a unique interest rate range. The specific rate you’re offered will depend on your creditworthiness. Those with stellar credit profiles (800 or above, according to Experian) tend to get the lowest credit card rate.

It’s also worth mentioning that you may be able to lower your current credit card APR by contacting your bank and asking for a rate reduction. Still, you should have a lengthy history of on-time payments and a good credit score to leverage with your request.