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Card basics
| Card type | 0% APR |
| Credit card issuer | Citi |
| Credit card network | Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Recommended credit score | Excellent, Good |
| Intro APR |
0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable) 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3% |
Who should get the Citi Diamond Preferred card?
Having a card such as the Citi Diamond Preferred may offer you a strategic financial advantage.
You have high interest credit card debt
Substantial interest charges can make it difficult to get out of mounting credit card debt. The Citi Diamond Preferred is a great option if you have existing credit card debt and need a solution for paying it off over time without incurring interest charges since it offers a 0% introductory APR offer on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening.
Transfers must be completed within the first four months of account opening to be eligible. Transfers are also still subject to a balance transfer fee based on the amount of each transfer. The current fee is 5% of each balance transfer ($5 minimum). Once the intro period has ended, your balance will be subject to the regular variable APR of 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable).
You have a looming large purchase
Citi Diamond Preferred also offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable). While this isn't one of the longest introductory offers you can find on purchases, it's long enough to make a substantial difference in spreading out payments.
If you've been putting off a major purchase, such as new furniture, necessary dental work, or sports equipment, this option can make it easier on your monthly budget.
You prefer simplicity with a credit card
Earning rewards such as cash back or miles may not interest you due to their complexity or your focus on other financial goals, like debt payoff. However, this card's main feature is its introductory APR for qualifying balance transfers and purchases, which may offer the simplicity you prefer.
Who should skip the Citi Diamond Preferred?
Not everyone will benefit from the Citi Diamond Preferred, and there are various reasons why this may happen.
You like rewards and bonuses
If you want to earn rewards, Citi Diamond Preferred isn't the card for you. It's not a rewards credit card, and you won't earn any points or miles from purchases made on this card. If you're loyal to Citibank, they offer other credit cards that do earn points.
For example, the Citi Double Cash® Card features a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR, and no annual fee. You can also earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
You need a credit card for travel outside the U.S.
Citi Diamond Preferred is not a good choice if you plan on traveling, especially outside the U.S. It has a 3% foreign transaction fee on international purchases. In fact, Citi discontinued many of its other travel perks in 2019, so even fringe travel benefits, such as trip protection or additional rental car protections, aren't available with this Citi credit card.
Warning
It won't matter most of the time, but there may be instances where this card being a Mastercard is a drawback. For example, Costco only accepts Visa cards in their stores.Here's a closer look at the card's other benefits:
- Entertainment access: Your Citi Diamond Preferred card gives you access to Citi Entertainment. This perk gives you special access to purchase tickets for thousands of events, ticket presales, and exclusive concerts, sporting events, and dining experiences.
- Unauthorized charge protection: With Citi Diamond Preferred, you're protected against unauthorized credit card charges with $0 liability.
- Identity theft protection: This card also comes with identity theft protection. If you are a victim of identity theft, Citi's security solutions can help you resolve the issue.
- No annual fee: There is no annual fee with the Citi Diamond Preferred Card.
- Choose your due date: You can pay your bill on any available date during the month.
- Free FICO® Score access: You also receive free access to your monthly FICO score, which can help you stay alert to any credit profile changes.
FAQs
Is the Citi Diamond Preferred a good card?
The Citi Diamond Preferred can be a great credit card to have. If you're interested specifically in transferring existing credit card debt and paying it off over time without incurring interest charges, the Citi Diamond Preferred is a solid choice.
What credit score do I need to get a Citi Diamond Preferred card?
The Citi Diamond Preferred Card requires good to excellent credit, which would be a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If you apply for a new credit card, Citibank will perform a hard pull or hard credit inquiry to determine your creditworthiness.
Does Citi Diamond Preferred cover rental car insurance?
No, the Citi Diamond Preferred Card does not offer rental car insurance perks. Citi discontinued this and many other perks in 2019.
Does the Citi Diamond Preferred charge a late fee?
Yes, the Citi Diamond Preferred charges a late fee (see terms). Late payments may also result in a higher penalty APR.
If you are worried about late payments, you may want to consider the Citi Simplicity® Card instead. The Citi Simplicity card charges no late fees nor penalty APR. By comparing the Citi Simplicity vs. Citi Diamond Preferred cards side-by-side, you can see which is the better fit for your needs.
Can I get a Citi Flex Loan with the Citi Diamond Preferred?
Citi Flex Plan offers are available with the Citi Diamond Preferred. Whether or not they will be available to you as an individual will be at Citi's discretion, though. The amount of money you can borrow will also depend on your creditworthiness and your credit limit.
Other cards to consider
If you're looking for a good intro APR offer, then the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card could be a good fit for you. The intro purchase APR could give you the time to pay down a large purchase interest-free, or the balance transfer APR may help you pay down existing credit card debt. However, you may need a card offering a longer introductory offer or a few more perks.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
A balance transfer card with a lengthy introductory period worth consideration is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. This card has an introductory offer of 0% APR on purchases for 21 months from account opening (then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR). It also has a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers (then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR).
The lengthy intro period for both qualifying balance transfers and purchases makes the card a good fit if you have a larger purchase in mind or want to keep your options open.
Learn more in our Wells Fargo Reflect® Card review.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Another card within the Wells Fargo lineup with a competitive introductory APR is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. This card also has an introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, but unlike the Citi Diamond Preferred or Wells Fargo Reflect Card, you can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, it includes a welcome bonus, which is a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Learn more in our Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review.
Bottom line
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card(Rates and fees) can help you manage existing credit card debt. The intro APR period is one of the main benefits of having this credit card since it can save you money on interest charges, especially if your current credit card debt APR is in the double-digit range. However, this card has no rewards program and charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If your primary goal is to use an intro APR period to consolidate debt and make more than minimum payments to reduce it quickly, the Citi Diamond Preferred could be a good fit. However, for other perks and rewards, explore our list of the best cash back credit cards or the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Extended 0% Intro APR for Balance Transfers
See how these cards compare:
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Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, then 17.24%, 23.74%, or 28.99% Variable APR
- Up to $600 Cell phone protection when you pay for the cell phone with your card (subject to a $25 deductible)
- $0 annual fee
- The ongoing APR may still be competitive compared to other cards
- Rates and fees
Extended 0% Intro APR for Balance Transfers
Current Offer
Long introductory APR period for balance transfers
Annual Fee
$0
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