Balance transfer credit cards can help you pay off high-interest debt faster, and potentially save hundreds, even thousands, in interest in the process. FinanceBuzz's credit card experts reviewed dozens of cards with 0% intro APR offers for balance transfers and the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card(Rates and fees) is one of our favorites for its extra-long no interest period and no annual fee.
What You Need To Know:
Where this card really shines is its generous 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable). It's one of the longest introductory interest-free periods available.
If you don't have credit card debt but know you have a big upcoming expense, the Citi Diamond Preferred card could also help you save money on interest. That's because purchases also have a 0% intro APR period for 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable).
More benefits and Perks
- Choose your payment due date: Nobody likes cash flow problems or making late payments. With Diamond Preferred, you can opt for a due date in the beginning, middle, or end of the month. You can also choose to receive automatic account alerts to remind you when a payment is due.
- 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.
- Access to FICO score: When you're trying to pay down debt and build credit, it's important to know where you stand. The Diamond Preferred card gives cardholders access to their FICO credit score for free online or through the Citi mobile app.
- Additional account protections: With Citi Diamond Preferred, you're protected against unauthorized credit card charges with $0 liability. As a cardholder, you also get access to Citi Identity Theft Solutions. If you fall victim to identity theft, Citi can help you resolve the issue.
- No annual fee: Keep even more money in your wallet - with the Citi Diamond Preferred, the annual fee is $0.
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Bottom Line: Who Is This Card Best For?
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is a great choice for anyone who:
- Has good credit or better: Citi Diamond Preferred applicants should typically have good to excellent credit for the best chance of approval.
- Wants to save money on high-interest debt: Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months from date of account opening and a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After the intro period, the APR is 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable).
- Needs to pay off a large purchase over time: You can breathe a little easier and give yourself time to pay off your balance before interest kicks in with the Diamond Preferred's 0% intro APR for 12 months from date of account opening on purchases, then 17.24% - 27.99% (Variable).
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about no interest credit cards? We've answered the most common ones below to help you choose the right card for you.
If you can pay off your credit card before the promotional period ends, a 0% intro APR credit card can be worth it. Some of these cards might also be able to earn you bonus cash back on certain new purchases. However, a plan to pay off the credit card is important if you want to save money on interest and get rid of your debt faster.
Anyone who qualifies can take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer, so the list of the type of people who can benefit from one is long. However, here are two specific examples in which a 0% intro APR offer can make a significant difference:
- People with crippling credit card debt: If you’re struggling to get ahead on paying down your credit card debt, high interest rates could be part of the problem. If you can qualify for a balance transfer credit card, you can remove interest costs from the equation, at least for a time, while you focus on eliminating your debt.
- People with emergency expenses: If you’ve lost a job, experienced a short-term disability, or dealt with expensive car or home repairs, a 0% intro APR credit card can help you cover the cost of your emergency expenses and give you time to pay for them interest-free.
When your 0% intro APR promotional period ends, your account APR will change to its regular APR, which was set when your account was opened. This may be a variable APR that takes into account your creditworthiness, or it may be a fixed APR. If you pay off your balance in full every month, you’ll continue to be able to use the card interest-free. But if you carry a balance from month to month, you’ll pay interest on that balance.
APR, or annual percentage rate, is a number that expresses how much you’ll pay for borrowing money, including interest, fees, and other charges. An interest rate is how much interest you’re charged for borrowing money. The APR and interest rate for credit cards are basically the same thing, but these rates are typically different for loans.