Although many credit card companies advertise a 0% APR for a full year, most credit card companies offer tiered rates, with 0% rates that can only last as little as 6 months.  When you are completing a credit card application, the key thing to look at is the disclaimer/terms and conditions.  Discover, for example, discloses these terms on the application page.  Most other credit card companies provide a link that is often difficult to find. The reason for this is simple:  they don't want you to see them. 

Here is an example of the terms and conditions of a credit card that offers tiered rates.  Click here to view in another window. As you can see, this offer provides different rates, based on a review of your credit. Some applicants will get a 0% APR for a full year.  Others will get no introductory rate at all.  This practice, called tiered pricing, can lead to a lot of confusion, not to mention disappointment. Thus, if you apply for a credit card with tiered pricing, particularly for the purpose of a balance transfer, be sure to wait until your credit card arrives in the mail before using it.  You may find that the rate you recieved is much different than the one boldly advertised on the credit card application.

Below, you can compare credit card applications.  Before applying, be sure to analyze the terms and conditions to insure you get the best deal.  Because Discover offers straightforward pricing with no tiered rates, we listed their offers first.

Credit Card Applications with Straightforward Pricing

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

MILES BY DISCOVER® CARD

Earn up to $120 in travel rewards--1,000 Bonus miles every month you make a purchase for the first year 1 Mile on every $1 you spend - Plus flexible redemption options like travel credits, merchandise, gift cards or cash 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 16.99%* No restrictions on travel--fly on any airline, book any hotel or car, with no blackout dates Travel benefits include secondary collision damage insurance when you rent a car with your Miles by Discover card Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 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 6 Months* 0% for 6 Months* 10.99%-16.99% (Variable)* None Good

Credit Card Applications with Tiered Pricing 

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

View More 0 APR Credit Card Applications