As a direct result of the credit crunch, major credit card issuers stopped offering fixed APR for life balance transfer offers to consumers in September of 2008.  Prior to the credit crunch, it was possible to get a 2.99% fixed APR for life from Advanta or a 3.99% APR for life from American Express.  These offers are no longer available, and Advanta is actually bankrupt.

Today, credit card companies are unwilling to offer fixed rates for life to Americans (although these offers are still available to Canadian and UK residents).  Consequently, consumers looking to save money on interest and lock in lower rates are left with two options:  wait for the economy to improve or get a credit card that offers a 0% APR and a low interest rate, then refinance again when the 0% period expires or fixed APR credit cards return to the market.  Of these two options, the best option available is to take advantage of 0% rates now, as it may be years before fixed rate credit cards return to the market.

Below are the most popular 0% credit cards with consumers who visit Smart Credit Choices.   At the end of the 0% period, you can seek out another card for balance transfers or possibly find a fixed APR for life credit card.

Long 0% APR Credit Card Offers 

CITI® PLATINUM SELECT® MASTERCARD®

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based on your creditworthiness.* Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more Citi® Identity Theft Solutions No annual fee*

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0% for 18 Months* 0% for 18 Months* 11.99%-21.99% Variable* None Good

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

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0% for 15 Months* 0% for 15 Months* 10.99% - 20.99% (Variable)* None Excellent