By: Aaron Crowe Aaron Crowe , Contributing Expert Aaron Crowe is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist who specializes in personal finance writing and editing. Aaron has written for a variety of websites, including AOL, Learnvest, U.S. News & World Report, Wells Fargo, WiseBread, AARP, and many insurance and investing sites. He is a self-proclaimed storyteller who enjoys explaining — in layman's terms — personal finance and how it affects consumers’ lives. Aaron has over a decade of experience working as both a reporter and editor in newspapers where he won several awards. Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro Lillian Guevara-Castro , Senior Editor Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging. Reviewer: Ashley Fricker Ashley Fricker , Senior Editor Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University. Below are our staff picks for 2026's best low-interest credit cards. These cards feature the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases and transfers for qualified applicants. CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers. Discover it® Cash Back Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at Capital One's secure website INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee. 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 17.49% - 26.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies. Terms and conditions apply. USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at Usaa Savings's secure website Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on Balance Transfers and Convenience Checks that post to your account within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the Variable Regular APR will apply to your balance. Our lowest-rate card: Pay less in interest if you carry a balance from month to month Travel benefits include Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Insurance, Baggage Delay and Reimbursement, and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage No annual fee or foreign transaction fees This offer is only open to members of military-affiliated groups and their families DCU Visa® Platinum Credit Card Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at the issuer's secure website Extended Warranty With Warranty Manager Service No annual fee, foreign transaction fee, balance transfer fee, or cash advance fees Must meet eligibility criteria to join Digital Federal Credit Union Fraud notifications and the ability to freeze/unfreeze your credit card When you add your DCU credit or debit card to your Mobile Wallet and make a purchase, your personal information is encrypted – so even if retailer is hacked, your cards won’t be compromised Discover it® Chrome Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at Capital One's secure website Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness. INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300 Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Redeem cash back for any amount Terms and conditions apply. Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at the issuer's secure website Earn 35,000 Bonus Points when you spend $3,500 within 90 days of account opening Free year of Amazon Prime® Receive 3X points on travel purchases and 2X points on everything else Receive statement credits (up to $120) for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® No balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees Worldwide Automatic Travel Accident Insurance, plus travel and emergency assistance PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at the issuer's secure website Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no caps or limits. PenFed Honors Advantage Members earn 2% cash back on all purchases. $100 bonus offer statement credit when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening. Introductory Balance Transfer APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. Your PenFed signature card provides a complimentary concierge service that can help you enjoy the things you love. Simply pick up the phone to call Visa Signature Concierge. Credit union membership is open to everyone. Savings Secured Platinum Rewards Credit Card Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers. at the issuer's secure website Earn Flexpoints Rewards - 1 point for every $1 spent Competitive low rate Use the card responsibly and you can be automatically graduated to a Platinum Rewards Credit Card Visa card benefits like Roadside Dispatch, a pay-per-use roadside assistance program 25-day grace period on purchases Ability to join SDFCU and apply at the same time $0 Annual Fee, No Foreign Transaction Fee, and No Balance Transfer Fee Review Breakdown: Best Low APR Credit Cards Finding the lowest interest rate on a credit card can be tricky, especially when low-interest offers mix an ongoing APR rate with a special introductory rate. Below is a simply summary table to help you better determine the best low interest credit card for your financial needs. Here are 2026's best low APR credit cards: Our experts rate low APR credit cards based on the ongoing interest rate, fees, rewards, approval rates, and any available bonuses. We also consider rate stability, grace periods, and how APRs compare across similar cards. Issuers have no influence on our ratings. Our experts rate low APR credit cards based on the ongoing interest rate, fees, rewards, approval rates, and any available bonuses. We also consider rate stability, grace periods, and how APRs compare across similar cards. Issuers have no influence on our ratings. 13 FAQs About Low APR Credit Cards Holding a low-APR credit card can significantly reduce the cost of carrying a balance, as you’ll incur less interest throughout the year. To avoid the burden of carrying a balance, aim to pay your credit card bill in full each month. But if you’re having trouble settling your balance on time, a low-interest card could be a real money-saver. Curious about how low-interest cards work and how you can snag one? And just how much can you save on credit card interest? Let’s dive into those questions and more:

1. What is a Low-APR Credit Card? Low APR credit cards have low interest rates , which is what credit card issuers charge for allowing you to borrow money on credit and carry it over from month to month, which is called revolving credit. Banks make money from customers who maintain a balance on their credit cards. With a low APR, or annual percentage rate, you might feel more at ease carrying balances from month to month, thinking you’re not overpaying for that convenience. However, keep in mind these costs can accumulate significantly over a year, and we’ll delve into that further. Credit cards with low interest rates are offered to lenders’ best customers, meaning people with good or excellent credit, typically regarded as having a credit score above 700. A high credit score means it’s less likely, in the eyes of creditors, that you won’t pay your bills on time or at all. Nonpayment is the last thing they want . They want the money you owe on your credit cards, including interest due. Credit card interest rates change all the time , but basically, the lower your rate, the better. The lowest rate on a credit card is 0%, which is only offered for a limited time as a way to entice new customers. Buying a big-ticket item such as a new bedroom set can make switching to a 0% APR introductory credit card worthwhile if you pay the balance off during the intro period. 2. How Does a Low-APR Credit Card Work? A low APR card functions just like any other card, but it provides a low ongoing interest rate for those with excellent or good credit scores. They can also be as low as zero for a while, making them the lowest rate you’ll ever find. A 0% APR credit card charges no interest for a certain amount of time, usually six to 18 months . Some go as long as 21 months. No interest is charged during this introductory period, including on new purchases, balance transfers , or both, depending on which card you get. This can give you more time to pay off credit card debt and consolidate your debt by moving it from a high-interest card to one with 0% interest. It’s crucial to know how often your credit card interest rate can change. While a low fixed rate would be perfect, it’s quite rare. A fixed rate remains steady and won’t increase even if you’re late on a payment. You might find fixed rates with some credit union cards, but they’re not typical. A variable rate can change monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the card’s terms. It can also change if you miss a payment, known as the penalty APR . 3. How Do I Get a Card With a Low APR? Having an excellent credit score is the easiest way to qualify for a low APR credit card, especially if it’s a 0% APR card. A good credit score of 670 to 739 can also get you approved for a 0% or other low APR card. Generally, the higher your credit score, the longer you can enjoy the 0% introductory period. Fortunately, low-APR credit cards are available for all credit types, even if you have poor credit. Some secured credit cards offer low ongoing APRs for those with less-than-perfect credit. Even students with limited credit histories can qualify for these low APR cards. You can also find business credit cards with competitive rates. The best part? You can easily apply for all these cards online. It’s a good idea to check with your local credit union for a credit card offering a low APR. These credit unions typically provide lower rates and fees compared to many large banks. 4. What is an Introductory APR? An introductory APR is a low interest rate, usually 0%, that runs for a certain amount of time, usually six to 18 months. It is a promotion offered by card issuers to entice new applicants, typically those who need to finance a large purchase or transfer high-interest debt to a new card with 0% interest. The key to making the most of this promotion is to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends. If you don’t, you’ll pay interest at the regular APR . That counteracts any savings from the interest-free period . Being charged 0% interest doesn’t mean no payments are required during the intro period. You’ll still have to make the minimum payment on time or risk having the 0% APR canceled. A penalty APR may be charged if you don’t pay at least the minimum payment due . 5. How Does Your Credit Score Affect Your Credit Card’s Interest Rate? Banks determine interest rates based on the risk you present as a borrower. If you have a higher credit score, lenders feel confident you’ll make timely payments, reducing their risk. Consequently, they tend to offer you a more favorable interest rate compared to someone with a lower score. Credit card issuers offer a range of potential interest rates with their offers, but they don’t specify which credit score qualifies for a particular rate. People with the highest credit scores pay the least to use a credit card. A 2019 report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, found the average total interest paid by consumers increases with lower credit scores. The effective interest rate is calculated by dividing the total annual interest charged by the total balance at the year’s end. Interestingly, higher credit scores result in lower effective interest rates , and the reverse is true as well. 6. What are the Different Credit Card APRs? APRs can be all over the map for credit card offers. The lowest rates are offered to people with good credit. There are five general APRs that all cards charge: Regular Purchase APR: This is the APR you’ll be charged for everyday purchases made with the card. You can avoid this interest charge altogether by paying your balance in full each billing cycle. Balance Transfer APR: The balance transfer APR is a promotional rate you’ll be charged on any balance that is transferred from another credit card account. The rate is usually 0% for up to 18 months, sometimes longer. Introductory APR: This is another promotional rate used by credit card issuers to entice new customers, but it applies to new purchases, not balance transfers. These are great for financing large eligible purchases with no interest for six months or more, after which the rate will change to the regular purchase APR. Cash Advance APR: This is the APR you’ll be charged if you withdraw cash from your credit line. It is almost always higher than your regular purchase APR, there is also a cash advance fee you may be charged, and your transaction will begin to accrue interest immediately because cash advances do not qualify for the grace period. Penalty APR: This is the rate you’ll be charged for making late payments. The average penalty APR is around 25%. Carefully read the terms and conditions of each card offer you’re considering before applying. 7. What is a Good APR for a Credit Card? A good APR for a credit card is anything lower than the average credit card APR, which is 22.83% as of January 2026 . Find a card with a rate lower than that and you’re doing good. Such cards may not have the benefits you’d expect from a rewards card, though if you have excellent credit, you should still be able to qualify for such cards. Low APR cards are meant to save you money when carrying a balance, and paying out high rewards is less likely with such cards. A good APR for a credit card is anything lower than the average credit card APR, which is 20.97% as of November 2025 . 8. What is the Cheapest Credit Card Interest Rate? The cheapest credit card interest rate is 0%. It will be an introductory rate for a set number of months, usually six to 15, and then the rate will revert to the regular APR, which will depend on your creditworthiness . Unless your credit is good, ideally excellent, snagging a 0% interest rate might be out of reach. However, if you’re part of a credit union, you could have a better shot at getting a low-rate card because credit unions focus on supporting their members. 9. How Do I Choose the Best Low APR Credit Card? Your perfect low APR credit card might start with a 0% introductory rate, but be sure to check what rate it will switch to once the introductory offer ends. Regardless of the type of credit card you’re looking for, things to look for include: Rewards such as cash back , points , or miles Whether a security deposit is required Fees charged by the card, such as a cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee, late payment fee, or penalty APR Some benefits you would expect from a credit card may not be as strong on a card with a low, regular APR. Rewards or 0% intro rates may not be offered on a card with a low ongoing APR. If you don’t carry a balance often, then a 0% balance transfer card or one that doesn’t charge interest on purchases for a year may not appeal to you. 10. Can a Low Interest Credit Card Help Me Save Money? Paying less interest on your credit card balance is a fantastic way to save money. The smartest move is to pay off the entire balance each month, which helps you avoid carrying a balance and incurring interest charges. This habit also contributes to maintaining healthy credit scores. But if that doesn’t work for you, then switching to a credit card with a lower rate will save you money. Here’s an example: Suppose you owe $3,000 on a credit card that you’re paying 15% interest on. If your goal is to pay off the balance in a year, and you don’t add any more debt to it, your monthly payment will be $271. The interest you’ll pay over that year totals $249. Now drop the interest rate to 10%. Two great things happen: Your monthly payment drops to $264, and the overall interest you pay in a year falls to $165. That’s $84 saved in interest. But remember that your monthly payment also dropped by $7 per month or $84 per year. That adds up to $168 saved when added to the interest saved. Use a debt repayment calculator to crunch the numbers on your revolving debt. This will help you see how much you could save with a low-interest credit card. 11. What is a Variable APR? A fixed interest rate normally doesn’t change, though it can with enough warning. Fixed-rate cards, however, aren’t offered as much by credit issuers because the CARD Act of 2009 required them to notify customers before changing rates. In most circumstances, the higher rate can only be applied to purchases and other transactions after you get the notice, according to the CFPB. A variable APR changes with the index interest rate, such as the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal . The cardholder agreement on your card issuer’s website will detail how a card’s APR can change over time. Or you can request a copy from your credit card company. A variable rate can change whenever the prime rate fluctuates, but other factors might affect it too. For instance, if you’re 60 days late on a credit card payment, your rate could automatically increase, and your credit score may take a hit. 12. Do Secured Cards Offer Low APRs? Yes, secured cards generally offer low APRs. But not all secured cards have low APRs. Some, like the First Progress Prestige Secured Mastercard®, have low APRs. Others, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card and Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, charge higher APRs. When you pay a refundable deposit on a secured card, it’s like lending to yourself. That’s why it’s so important to hunt for the lowest APR you can find. 13. How Do I Maintain a Low APR? If you carry a balance, a low APR credit card can be a valuable asset that you’ll want to keep. To manage your balance effectively, try implementing a few essential strategies. Pay your credit card bill on time. This will ensure you avoid a penalty APR. It’s usually much higher than your normal purchase APR. The CARD Act of 2009 makes it difficult for penalty rates to be charged, though they can still occur if you miss at least two payments. The law allows a penalty rate to be charged if you’ve missed payments for 60 days or more. Avoid variable rates. Staying away from variable-rate cards can also help you keep your APR low. Interest rates are low for now, but a card with a variable rate will go up whenever the prime rate moves up. A card with a fixed rate can make it easier to budget. Negotiate your rate. You can call your credit card company and ask for a lower APR. It will help to have been a customer for years and one who pays their bill on time, but it’s worth asking. Let them know of competing credit card offers from other banks with much lower APRs. Mention how you’d like to stay loyal to them and ask for a lower APR. If they say no or do not offer a low enough rate, ask to speak to a supervisor or someone in the retention department. Transfer your balance. Sometimes the best way to save on interest fees is to skip the middleman and simply transfer your balance to a new card that charges a lower interest rate. Be sure to read the fine print so you know what interest rate to expect once the introductory period ends. If it’s higher than your current rate, it may not be a great deal unless you make major progress on your balance during the 0% introductory period. Additionally, be aware of any applicable balance transfer fees. Most credit cards will charge a fee — typically 3% to 5% of the total transferred amount — to transfer a balance to the card. While this fee can be well worth it for a good 0% APR offer, crunch the numbers to see if it’s worth paying for lesser APR decreases. Maintaining a low credit card APR is easy if you follow some basic steps and always use your card responsibly . Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer. The information on this page was reviewed for accuracy on August 7, 2026 . About the Author Aaron Crowe is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist who specializes in personal finance writing and editing. Aaron has written for a variety of websites, including AOL, Learnvest, U.S. News & World Report, Wells Fargo, WiseBread, AARP, and many insurance and investing sites. He is a self-proclaimed storyteller who enjoys explaining — in layman's terms — personal finance and how it affects consumers’ lives. Aaron has over a decade of experience working as both a reporter and editor in newspapers where he won several awards. Share the Knowledge! Our finance experts work hard to show you the best credit cards. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page! Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which CardRates.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. See the credit card issuer's website for specific terms and conditions of each card.