Over the past year, credit card companies have been reacting to the credit crunch by making it increasingly more difficult for consumers to gain access to 0% APR credit cards.  Early in the year, a number of companies began raising fees on balance transfers.  More recently, credit card companies have reduced the duration of many 0% credit card offers from a full year on purchases and balance transfers to as little as 6 months.

In the coming months, the availability of 0% APR offers could continue to decline, making the 0% APR credit card one of many credit crunch victims.  At present, however, it is still possible to lock in a 0% APR on purchases and/or balance transfers for a full year or more. 

Below, you can compare current 0% credit card offers and apply online for approval.  By locking in a 0% APR today, you can gain peace of mind for the next year. 

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* 11.99% - 20.99% (Variable)* None Good

CITI® DIVIDEND PLATINUM SELECT® VISA® CARD - $100 CASH BACK

$100 cash back after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 12.99%-22.99% based on your creditworthiness*. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. 5% cash back on fitness club, health care, and utilities purchases from 1/1/2012 to 3/31/2012 upon enrollment. Each quarter, you can enroll to earn additional cash back in popular categories. To learn more, visit dividend.quarterlyoffer.citi.com. Full 1% cash back on all other purchases and eligible cash advances No Annual Fee*

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0%* for 12 months** 0%* for 12 months** 12.99% - 22.99%* (Variable) * None * Good

How Much Can You Save with a 0% APR on Balance Transfers

If you're carrying a balance on your credit cards, one of the easiest way to save money is with a 0% APR balance transfer.  For example, a person with a $5000 balance on a credit card that charges 14% interest can save close to $700 on interest in one year.  That's a lot of money for most of us, and saving this money can be accomplished online in less than 20 minutes.