The 3 Best 0% Intro APR Cards for Paying Off Holiday Debt

Holiday debt is pretty common. A few extra gifts, a couple of flights, one too many "we deserve this" splurges -- and suddenly January shows up with a balance you didn't plan for.

Here's the good news: the faster you knock it out, the more momentum you build all year long. And when interest isn't dragging you down, every payment actually moves the needle. That's where a smart 0% intro APR balance transfer card comes in.

My team tracks rates and card offers daily, and these three are our top recommendations for 2026.

1. Citi Simplicity® Card: Our top balance transfer pick for 2026

The Citi Simplicity® Card earned the 2026 award for Best Balance Transfer Credit Card in the annual Motley Fool Money Awards. It has one of the longest 0% intro APR windows available, and some of the lowest fees.

This Citi card has a 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers; a 17.49% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies after. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

If your goal is to be done with holiday debt and move on, the Citi Simplicity® Card keeps your plan simple.

After you've transferred a balance, the key move is setting a realistic monthly payment that clears the debt before the intro period ends.

2. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card: Breathing room and flexibility

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (rates and fees) is one of our favorite options for people who want the longest possible runway on both balance transfers and new purchases.

It offers 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After that, a 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% Variable APR applies. There's a balance transfer fee of 5%, min: $5, which is higher than some other balance transfer cards, but it's easily justifiable if you're tackling a large balance and saving a ton on interest.

The main benefit of a super-long intro APR period is that it lowers the monthly payment needed to fully clear your debt before the promo period ends. And for a lot of people, that's exactly what's needed after a spend-heavy season.

3. Discover it® Chrome: Shorter window, long-term upside

The Discover it® Chrome card has a slightly shorter 0% intro APR window than the two cards above, at 18 months. After the intro period, a 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR applies.

But this card adds something the previous two don't: ongoing rewards.

You'll earn:

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

That makes this card appealing if you're confident you can wipe out your balance in 18 months or less and want a keeper card after the debt is gone.

On top of that, with Discover's first-year Cashback Match for new cardholders, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This effectively doubles your rewards for the first year without changing how you spend.

This card is a good fit for people who want a clean exit from holiday debt and a simple rewards card waiting on the other side. It's less about maximum time and more about long-term value.

Start 2026 with a smarter debt payoff plan

Don't let holiday debt define your year. The sooner you can press "pause" on interest payments, the easier it is to knock down your debt balance and get back ahead.

The right 0% intro APR offer can turn a lingering balance into a clear plan and finish line. You stop feeding interest, focus your payments, and build momentum that carries into every other money goal.

If you're ready to take that first step, check out our guide to the best balance transfer cards to compare options and find the right fit for your payoff timeline.