Best Credit Card Rates

While there are various types of rates associated with credit card offers, this page focuses on the best credit card rates for purchases, which is a completely different set of cards than the best balance transfer credit cards. It has become common for credit card companies to offer 0% introductory APR periods, which can be very helpful in lowering your interest costs. However, these offers differ based on intro period length as well as the regular interest rate. Compare the options listed below in order to find the best credit card rate for you. Read more about our Editor's Picks for the Best Credit Card Rates.

best credit card rates

More Options? Compare All 0% APR Credit Cards

Up-to-date as of: Feb 8, 2012

Best Credit Card Rates for Excellent Credit Excellent Credit
Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard

Citi Bank Credit Card Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% for 18 months
  • Regular Rate: 11.99% - 21.99% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: None
  • Learn More
 
Capital One® Platinum Prestige Credit Card

Low Interest Credit Card Offer from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until May 2013
  • Regular Rate: 10.9% - 18.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: None
  • Learn More
 
Discover® More Card - 0% for 15 months

0 APR Credit Card Application from Discover Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% for 15 months
  • Regular Rate: 10.99% - 20.99% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: Cash Back
    • Initial Bonus: None
    • Base Earn: up to 1%
    • Max Earn: 5%
  • Learn More
Best Credit Card Rates for Good Credit Good Credit
Capital One® Platinum Prestige Credit Card

Low Interest Credit Card Offer from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until May 2013
  • Regular Rate: 10.9% - 18.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: None
  • Learn More
 
Capital One® VentureOneSM Rewards Credit Card

Credit Card Application from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until February 2013
  • Regular Rate: 11.9% - 19.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: Miles - Any Airline
    • Initial Bonus: 10,000 miles
    • Base Earn: 1.25 miles / $1
    • Max Earn: 1.25 miles / $1
  • Learn More
Best Credit Card Rates for Fair Credit Fair Credit
Capital One® No Hassle CashSM Rewards Credit Card

Cash Back Credit Card from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until November 2012
  • Regular Rate: 17.9% - 22.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
    • Initial Bonus: None
    • Base Earn: 1%
    • Max Earn: 2%
  • Learn More
 
Capital One® Classic Platinum Credit Card

Credit Card for Fair Credit from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until November 2012
  • Regular Rate: 17.9% - 22.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Rewards: None
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Best Credit Card Rates for Limited History Limited History
College Students
Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Card for College Students

Student Credit Card Offer from Citibank Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% for 7 months
  • Regular Rate: 13.99% - 21.99% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
    • Initial Bonus: None
    • Base Earn: 1%
    • Max Earn: 5%
  • Learn More
 
Discover® Student More Card

discover student credit card Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% for 9 months
  • Regular Rate: 13.99% - 20.99% (V)
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Rewards: Cash Back
    • Initial Bonus: None
    • Base Earn: up to 1%
    • Max Earn: 5%
  • Learn More
Non-College Students
Capital One® No Hassle CashSM Rewards Credit Card

Cash Back Credit Card from Capital One Apply Now

  • Purchase Intro Rate: 0% until November 2012
  • Regular Rate: 17.9% - 22.9% (V)
  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
    • Initial Bonus: None
    • Base Earn: 1%
    • Max Earn: 2%
  • Learn More
Best Credit Card Rates for Bad Credit Bad Credit
Secured Card
Platinum Zero® Secured Visa® Credit Card

Low Interest Secured Credit Card Apply Now

  • Min Deposit: $500
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Monthly Fee: $9.95
  • One-time Setup Fees: None
  • Regular Rate: 0% Fixed
  • Learn More
Learn more about the Best Credit Card Rates

Should I get the longest 0% APR period possible?
Assuming you will pay off your balance in full by the end of the introductory period, most definitely yes. If you will not be able to do so, an offer's regular rate must also be part of your consideration. So keep practical payment time frames in mind when comparing credit card rates, and use a payment calculator to find out how long it will take you to pay down your debt.

What if I pay my bill in full every month?
If you pay your bill in full every month, interest rates are of no concern to you and you should get the best rewards credit card possible. However, if you will be making some significant purchases which will result in an end-of-month balance, finding the lowest credit card rates is advisable.

About the Editors' Picks — Best Credit Card Rates
Our editors' recommendations for the Best Credit Card Rates are a reflection of their own subjective opinions, and they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for choosing your credit card. Certain offers originate from paying advertisers, and this will be noted on a card’s details page, when applicable. We work hard to present you with the most accurate credit card information, however, the credit card terms and conditions do not originate from us and thus we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. Before applying for a credit card we recommend that you verify the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card company's web site. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.