Yes, 0% APR credit cards are still very much a “thing” in 2026, though the landscape has shifted slightly due to the “higher-for-longer” interest rate environment of the past few years.
While the average credit card interest rate is currently hovering around 19.6% (and often climbs as high as 28% for some borrowers), banks are still aggressively using 0% introductory offers to compete for customers with good-to-excellent credit.
Here is what the 0% APR market looks like right now in February 2026:
1. The “Longest” Offers: Up to 21–24 Months
In 2026, the gold standard for a 0% intro period is 21 months. A few “ultra-long” cards, such as the Wells Fargo Reflect® or the U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa®, occasionally push this to 24 months for highly qualified applicants.
- Best For: Significant debt consolidation or financing a major life event (like a wedding or home renovation) where you need nearly two years to pay it off.
2. The “Balance Transfer” vs. “Purchase” Split
It is crucial to check if the 0% offer applies to both new purchases and balance transfers.
- Purchase APR: 0% for 12–15 months is common on rewards cards (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®).
- Balance Transfer APR: Specialized “no-frills” cards often offer longer windows (18–21 months) specifically for moving debt from high-interest cards.
3. The Rising “Cost of Zero” (Fees)
While the interest rate is 0%, the “entry fee” has gone up. In previous years, 3% was the standard balance transfer fee. In 2026, most major issuers (Citi, Wells Fargo, etc.) have moved to a 5% balance transfer fee.
- Example: Transferring a $5,000 balance will now likely cost you $250 upfront, though this is still significantly cheaper than paying 20%+ interest over 21 months.
4. 2026 Market Leaders
| Card Category | Leading 2026 Offers | Typical Intro Length |
| Max Length | Wells Fargo Reflect®, Citi Simplicity® | 21 Months |
| Cash Back + 0% | Chase Freedom Flex®, Amex Blue Cash Everyday® | 15 Months |
| Travel + 0% | Capital One VentureOne | 15 Months |
The “Catch” in 2026
Banks are much stricter with credit score requirements than they were a few years ago. To snag a 21-month 0% offer today, you generally need a FICO score of 720 or higher. If your score is in the “Fair” range (580–669), you may only be offered a 6-month window or be declined for the 0% promotion entirely.
