Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Why this is your pick
Up to 21 months of 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers — the longest available on any no-annual-fee card. On a $5,000 balance transfer, you save ~$1,050 in interest versus staying on a standard card. No annual fee, and there's a cell phone protection benefit included.
Pros
- 21 months 0% APR — longest available anywhere
- No annual fee
- Applies to both new purchases AND balance transfers
- Cell phone protection included
- No penalty APR if you miss a payment
Cons
- 3% balance transfer fee in first 120 days (then 5%)
- No rewards program
- High regular APR after intro period
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save with a 0% balance transfer card?
Substantial amounts. On a $5,000 balance at 24% APR, you'd pay $1,200 in interest over 12 months if you made minimum payments. With a 21-month 0% card and a 3% balance transfer fee ($150), you save $1,050 in net interest — and that assumes you're not paying it off faster than the minimum.
What happens after the 21-month 0% period ends?
Any remaining balance begins accruing interest at the card's regular APR (currently 19.24–29.99% depending on your creditworthiness). It's critical to either pay off the full balance before month 21 or have a plan to pay it down significantly. Set a calendar reminder for month 18 to assess your balance.
Is there a fee to transfer a balance?
Yes — most cards charge 3–5% of the transferred balance as a fee. On $5,000, that's $150–250. This is still typically far cheaper than continuing to pay interest on your existing card. The Wells Fargo Reflect charges 3% for transfers in the first 120 days (then 5%), making early transfer important.
Does applying for a 0% APR card hurt my credit score?
The initial hard inquiry typically drops your score by 5–10 points temporarily. However, if you use the card to reduce your overall credit utilization (by transferring to a new card), this can increase your score within 1–3 months. The net effect is often positive within 6 months.
Can I use a 0% APR card for a new purchase instead of a balance transfer?
Yes — the Wells Fargo Reflect also offers 21 months of 0% on new purchases, not just balance transfers. This makes it ideal for financing large planned purchases (appliances, medical bills, home improvement) interest-free over nearly two years.