Citi Diamond Preferred® Card

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 17.49%-28.24% variable
• Rewards: No rewards program
• Bonus: No welcome bonus
• Best For: Anyone seeking a long 0% intro APR on balance transfers who does not need the no-late-fee policy of the Simplicity
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The Citi Diamond Preferred Card is one of the longest-running balance transfer cards in the industry, offering 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. It shares the same elite 21-month balance transfer window as the Citi Simplicity, making it one of the best options available for consolidating and paying off high-interest debt.

The key difference from the Simplicity is that the Diamond Preferred does have a penalty APR of 29.99% and charges standard late fees, whereas the Simplicity has neither. However, the Diamond Preferred offers a slightly shorter but still valuable 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases, which the Simplicity matches at 21 months. For most balance transfer users, the cards are functionally similar.

Like the Simplicity, the Diamond Preferred does not earn rewards or offer a sign-up bonus. It is a purpose-built tool for debt management. Transfer your high-interest balances, make consistent payments over 21 months, and save potentially thousands in interest charges. The no-annual-fee structure ensures there is no ongoing cost to hold the card, and it can serve as a useful credit history anchor once the balance is paid off.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 17.49%-28.24% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 17.49%-28.24% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: 29.99% variable

Note: 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases. After intro periods, 17.49%-28.24% variable.

Benefits Overview

0% Intro APR Offers

• 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers
• 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases
• 21-month balance transfer window matches the longest in the industry
• Starts from the date of the first transfer

Core Features

• No annual fee
• Free access to your FICO Score
• Citi Entertainment presale access for concerts and events
• Zero liability on unauthorized transactions
• Citi Identity Theft Solutions assistance

Rewards & Points

The Citi Diamond Preferred does not earn rewards on any purchases. It is designed as a balance transfer and low-APR card.

Welcome Bonus

The Citi Diamond Preferred does not offer a welcome bonus. The primary value is the 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers and the 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% of each transfer (min $5) for transfers completed within 4 months of account opening; 5% after
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $41
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $41

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Balance transfer users who want the longest possible 0% intro APR to pay off existing debt
• Large purchase planners who want 12 months of 0% APR on new purchases
• Debt consolidators who are transferring balances from multiple high-interest cards
• Credit-building users who want a no-annual-fee card to keep open for credit history

Not Good For

• Rewards seekers since this card earns no cash back, points, or miles
• Frequent late payers who would benefit from the Simplicity's no-late-fee and no-penalty-APR policy
• International travelers due to the 3% foreign transaction fee and lack of travel benefits

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• 21-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers is among the longest available
• 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases provides additional flexibility
• No annual fee
• 3% balance transfer fee during the first 4 months is competitive
• Free FICO Score on monthly statements
• Citi Entertainment presale access
• Zero liability on unauthorized purchases
• Good option for maintaining a long credit history at no cost
• Simple application and straightforward terms

Cons

• No rewards program of any kind
• No sign-up bonus
• Penalty APR of 29.99% can apply if you miss payments (unlike Simplicity)
• Late fees of up to $41 apply (unlike Simplicity)
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• Purchase intro APR of 12 months is shorter than the Simplicity's 21 months
• No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits
• Not useful as a long-term everyday card after intro periods end

Alternatives to Consider

Card	Best For	Annual Fee	Rewards	Credit Needed
Citi Simplicity® Card	Same 21-month 0% BT with no late fees and no penalty APR	$0	None	Good+
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card	Up to 21 months of 0% APR with possible extension	$0	None	Good+
BankAmericard® Credit Card	21-month 0% intro APR on purchases and BT	$0	None	Good+

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Category	Annual Spend	Reward Rate	Earned	Value
Balance Transfer Savings	$10,000 transferred at 24% APR	0% for 21 months	N/A	$3,600 in interest savings
Balance Transfer Fee	$10,000	3%	N/A	-$300 fee

Transferring $10,000 from a 24% APR card saves approximately $3,600 in interest over 21 months, minus the $300 balance transfer fee, for a net savings of $3,300.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You have high-interest credit card debt and want 21 months to pay it off at 0%
• You are disciplined about payments and do not need the Simplicity's no-late-fee protection
• You want a no-annual-fee card for long-term credit history
• You plan a large purchase and want 12 months of 0% APR on it
• You need to consolidate multiple credit card balances
• You want a straightforward balance transfer card from a major issuer

You Should Skip It If...

• You occasionally miss payments and want the Simplicity's no-late-fee protection
• You want to earn rewards on your everyday spending
• You want a sign-up bonus
• You travel internationally and need no foreign transaction fees
• You already pay your balance in full monthly and have no use for 0% APR

Apply Now

Apply for Citi Diamond Preferred® Card

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Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.