Best Credit Cards for People Paying Off Debt

When you’re paying off credit card debt, opening another card might sound like the last thing you should do. But in reality, choosing the right credit card—especially one designed for debt repayment—can be one of the smartest financial moves you make. The right balance transfer or low-interest card doesn’t just make your payments easier to manage—it can literally save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest.

If you’re serious about getting out of debt, these cards are tools—not temptations. They give you breathing room, extend your payoff window, and let more of your money go to your balance instead of finance charges. But not all debt-focused cards are created equal. Some offer longer 0% APR periods, while others combine solid rewards with useful balance transfer features.

This guide will walk you through the best credit cards for people focused on paying down debt in 2025, including who each one is best for, their key features, and how to use them to maximize your financial recovery.

🧩 What Makes a Credit Card Ideal for Paying Off Debt?

A credit card geared toward debt payoff typically includes some or all of the following features:

• 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15–21 months

• No annual fee, so every dollar goes to your debt

• Low or fixed APR after the promo period ends

• Flexible payment terms that help with budgeting

• Optional rewards (though this is less important than saving interest)

For many, the goal is simple: move existing high-interest balances to a lower-rate card, pay them down aggressively, and avoid paying new interest during the promotional period.

🔁 Best Balance Transfer Card: Citi Diamond Preferred® Card

If your number one priority is giving yourself the most time to pay down your balance, the Citi Diamond Preferred® is hard to beat.

Key Features:

• 0% APR on balance transfers for 21 months

• 0% APR on purchases for 12 months

• $0 annual fee

• Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 (whichever is greater)

• Requires good to excellent credit (670+)

Why It’s Great:
This card gives you nearly two years of interest-free breathing room to chip away at your debt. It’s ideal if you’re carrying a large balance and need as much time as possible to get ahead.

Watch Out For:
Once the promo ends, the APR kicks in—so have a payoff plan in place.

🧘 Best for Longest Grace Period: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility and forgiveness, the Wells Fargo Reflect® offers one of the longest 0% APR periods available—up to 21 months, including extensions for on-time payments.

Key Features:

• Intro 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for up to 21 months

• No annual fee

• Balance transfer fee: 5% or $5 (whichever is greater)

• On-time payments may extend your intro APR term

Why It’s Great:
Wells Fargo Reflect is generous with its interest-free timeline and rewards timely payments, giving you extra incentive to stay on track.

Watch Out For:
The balance transfer fee is slightly higher than average, so consider whether the longer APR period outweighs that cost.

💰 Best for Rewards + Debt Payoff: Citi Double Cash® Card

What if you want to pay down debt and still earn cash back on new spending? The Citi Double Cash® Card lets you do both.

Key Features:

• 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months

• Earn 2% cash back: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay

• $0 annual fee

• Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5 minimum

• Variable APR after promo ends

Why It’s Great:
This card lets you make progress on old debt while earning on new purchases—without juggling multiple accounts. The flat-rate rewards are simple and generous.

Watch Out For:
There’s no 0% APR on purchases, so avoid adding new debt unless you plan to pay in full each month.

🛡️ Best for Simplicity + Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited® gives you a solid 0% APR window and tiered cash back on purchases—perfect if you need to carry some new purchases during payoff.

Key Features:

• 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

• 1.5%–5% cash back on different spending categories

• $0 annual fee

• Balance transfer fee: 3%

• Offers flexible redemption options for rewards

Why It’s Great:
You can chip away at debt while earning cash back—even on small purchases. If you’re good at managing new charges while focusing on repayment, it’s a strong pick.

Watch Out For:
The 0% period is shorter than some other cards, so it’s better for moderate balances or if you have a shorter payoff horizon.

🧮 How to Choose the Right Card for Your Debt Strategy

Here’s how to pick the right card for your goals:

If you need the most time to pay: Go for Citi Diamond Preferred or Wells Fargo Reflect
If you want cash back while paying off: Consider Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited
If you can pay off the balance in under 18 months: Choose a card with lower fees and shorter APR windows
If you’re transferring from a card with the same issuer: You may need to pick a different bank, as most issuers don’t allow transfers between their own cards

💡 Tips to Maximize Your Payoff Power

1. Transfer balances immediately after approval
Start the clock early to take full advantage of your 0% APR window.

2. Make payments weekly
This helps reduce your average daily balance and keeps you ahead of schedule.

3. Never miss a payment
Missing even one payment may cancel your 0% rate and trigger penalty APR.

4. Avoid new charges on the card
Keep your payoff card clean. If possible, don’t use it for new spending.

5. Track your progress monthly
Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to stay motivated and on course.

📘 Final Thought: The Right Card Is a Debt Payoff Weapon

If you’re serious about getting out of debt, a well-chosen credit card can be your ally—not your enemy. From generous 0% APR offers to cards that reward responsible use, there’s never been a better time to shift your high-interest debt into a lower-cost solution.

Don’t let shame, fear, or analysis paralysis hold you back. Use the card as a tool, stick to your repayment plan, and give yourself a clear runway to debt freedom.

You’ve got the strategy. Now you’ve got the card. Let’s go.