This 0% Intro APR Card Takes the Pressure Off Going Into 2026

Whether you're catching up on expenses, holiday spending, or just trying to break the credit card cycle, it helps to have a little breathing room.

That's where the Discover it® Cash Back card comes in. It offers something most cards don't: a strong intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, plus unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your first year (only available to new cardmembers).

For anyone trying to ease into 2026 without the usual credit card weight, this is a card worth checking out.

Skip interest for all of 2026

The Discover it® Cash Back card made our radar not just because of the long interest-free window, but because it rewards you as you go.

Here's a breakdown of the key benefits:

• Intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers (after the intro period ends, a 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR applies).
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
• Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
• Unlimited Cashback Match -- Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. (No cap or minimums and available only to new cardmembers.)
• $0 annual fee

Skipping interest and getting cash back rewards is truly a double-win. And the Cashback Match in year one is icing on the already-sweet cake!

Potential savings of intro APR offer + rewards

To give you an idea of how powerful this card can be, here's how much you could save in interest and earn back in rewards after one year.

Let's say you transfer or spend $5,000 on the card and pay it down steadily over the 0% intro APR period lasting 15 months on balance transfers. If your current card charges 25% interest, you'd be saving over $1000 in interest alone -- just by moving that balance to Discover. (An ongoing 17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR applies at the end of the intro period.)

Now layer on the rewards.

If you earn $250 in cash back during your first year between the 5% rotating bonus quarterly categories (quarterly max applies; activation required) and 1% on everything else, Discover will match that amount at the end of the first year for new cardmembers. That's $500 back in your pocket, just for using the card on things you were going to buy anyway.

So between the interest savings and bonus rewards, you could realistically be looking at more than $1,500 in total value after your first year.

Not bad for a no-annual-fee card designed to make life easier going into 2026.

What to keep in mind before applying

• There's a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*. Be sure to make your balance transfers early to take advantage of the best rate and longest 0% intro APR window.
• 5% quarterly rotating bonus categories require activation and a quarterly max applies. It's simple, but you'll want to mark your calendar or set reminders each quarter and note your spending during the quarter.
• Your credit score still matters. While Discover is known for being beginner-friendly, good credit (670+ FICO) improves your chances of getting the best terms.

That said, there's no annual fee and no hard-to-navigate terms. Just a straightforward path to earning and saving at the same time.

Make 2026 the year you stress less

Life's expensive right now. If you're tired of interest charges and looking for a little more flexibility, this card can give you room to catch up.

If you're absolutely drowning in debt, you might want a longer balance transfer window. Compare all the top 0% intro APR cards, some offering interest-free periods of up to 21 months.